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LOCAL CULTURE
Getting to Know Kansas City’s Local Culture
Kansas City has a rich, welcoming culture with deep roots in music, food, and community. Here are a few local gems and traditions that help define life in KC.
A Jazz Legacy That Still Swings
Kansas City was a major hub during the golden age of jazz in the 1920s and ’30s. You can still catch live performances at historic venues like The Blue Room or Green Lady Lounge, where the music flows just like it did in the days of Count Basie and Charlie Parker.
Barbecue Isn’t Just Food—It’s a Way of Life
Kansas City-style BBQ is world-famous. It’s known for its slow-smoked meats and thick, sweet-tangy tomato-based sauce. Local favorites like Joe’s Kansas City, Q39, and Gates Bar-B-Q each have loyal followings. Don’t be surprised if your neighbors have passionate opinions about which joint is best
Sports Bring People Together
Whether you’re cheering for the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, the Royals at Kauffman Stadium, or Sporting KC at Children’s Mercy Park, sports are a major part of life here. Wear KC's team colors on game day and you’ll fit right in!
A City That Loves the Arts
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (yes, the one with the giant shuttlecocks), the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, and the Crossroads Arts District all reflect the city’s creative spirit. First Fridays in the Crossroads offer gallery openings, food trucks, and street performers—a great way to explore the scene.
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