When to Visit - Arts and Events

Every July, thousands gather in Penn Valley Park for the "Kansas City Blues & Jazz Festival". On the third weekend of the month, contemporary and legendary musicians from across the region, perform on the many stages. Past festivals have featured world-renowned artists including Wilson Pickett and Taj Mahal.

Kansas City Dining

Kansas City holds its own in the "finger lickin" department of world cuisine. With more than ninety "barbecue" restaurants in the city, the diner is invited to sample the traditional dry rub-spiced, slow-roasted, hickory-smoked version of broiled meats. Using Midwest tomatoes and molasses, city chefs boast an accompanying sauce that "doesn't fall off the meat into the fire". Visitors are strongly urged to experience this "taste of Kansas" and can also benefit from a wide variety of international flavors and a large selection of vegetarian restaurants. There are many Italian food outlets that offer the hybrid American/Italian pizza, which is highly recommended.

Kansas City Tipping Advice

Most restaurants do not include a service charge. Gratuities are the norm and range from ten to twenty percent, depending on the quality of food and service provided. The standard tip for doormen, valets and room attendants is one US dollar. Tipping taxi drivers in Kansas City is purely at the discretion of the traveler.