Kansas City
Near 18th and Vine in the Historic Jazz District, this former union hall for African American musicians has hosted after-hours jam sessions since 1930…
Must-see entertainment in The Great Plains
Missouri
If you're going Branson, go all in with the musical comedy show that started it all in 1959. Three generations of the Mabe family – and a lot of 'friends'…
St Louis
A true cabinet of curiosities. The interior of this two-level club is a master class in mosaics, while the rambling outdoor garden is chock-full of folk…
Oklahoma
Rising rockers grace the boards where Bob Wills played Western swing in the '30s and the Sex Pistols caused confusion in 1978 (check out the hole Sid…
Nebraska
Score plenty of excitement on one of the seven fall Saturdays when the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers football team plays at home. On these days…
Nebraska
This beautifully restored 1927 theater is a fabulous place to see a film. The non-profit running it regularly shows old classics along with modern art…
Missouri
The multitalented Haygood family has been rocking Branson for almost 30 years with shows that see six siblings play 20 different instruments. They also…
Missouri
Operated by the Silver Dollar City theme park, this large, recreated paddlewheel riverboat sails Table Rock Lake on a variety of themed cruises. Most…
Iowa
One of the most famous racetracks in the US, the Iowa Speedway stays true to its gearhead roots. This is a place where fans still have grease on their…
Oklahoma
The top local theater is known for its productions of classic and new American drama. Its regular Saturday night staging of 'The Drunkard,' an ever…
Kansas City
This slick club, known for its jazz, blues and instrumentals, is part of the American Jazz Museum. It hosts local talent for free performances on Monday…
Iowa
Like so much else in Winterset, this old movie theater on Courthouse Sq seems conjured up out of a Hollywood set. The neon sign out front and interior are…
Kansas City
Locals are passionate about major-league baseball's Royals (who won the World Series in 2015) and the NFL's close-but-no-cigar Chiefs. Both play at…
Iowa
Concerts in the newly restored historic Arnold Park concert venue take place all summer and feature everything from Glenn Miller cover bands to classic…
Nebraska
A big, sweaty venue known for booking top indie rock bands. There's a full schedule every week of music in many styles. The Trap Room next door is a divey…
Iowa
The top venue for music in East Village, Wooly's is a modern hall with cutting-edge sound and lighting. Shows – not every night – alternate between edgy…
St Louis
The Cardinals play in this fun, retro stadium, opened in 2006. Second only to the New York Yankees in World Series wins (11), the Cardinals last won the…
St Louis
Located at Powell Hall, a grand red-and-gold-hued theater that dates to 1925. There's a good balance of classical concerts and pop-culture-inspired…
Iowa
One of the most popular AAA minor league baseball teams in the country, the Iowa Cubs have a proudly loyal fan base and play in a modern fan-friendly…
St Louis
Part blues club, part blues museum, this glossy two-level joint has good music most nights. Tasty bar food includes popular sweet-potato fries.
Oklahoma
Guthrie's full-time professional theater company mixes musicals, serious drama and light comedy during a season that runs much of the year.
St Louis
A great, sweaty club that draws big regional acts. Look for rock (new and old), blues, country, punk, metal and more.
Oklahoma
Open-air Guthrie Green, near the namesake cultural center in the Brady Arts District, often hosts events and concerts.
Oklahoma
The NBA's Thunder play downtown at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The team has made the playoffs every season since 2009.
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Kansas City
Twin venues headline this striking complex. There's a varied schedule of theater, opera, ballet, music and more.
Kansas City
Part dive, part cutting-edge live-music venue, Westport's Riot Room always rocks – and has many good beers.
Nebraska
If you build it, will they come? Omaha's baseball stadium is used for college games but local boosters make no secret of the fact they'd like to lure a…
St Louis
The Muny, an outdoor theater, hosts nightly summer Broadway musicals in Forest Park; 1450 of the 12,000 seats are free (lines start forming as early as…
Missouri
The place where the Eagles, Journey, the Platters and many more live forever (or at least as long as their fans do). Enthusiastic performers cover hits…
Oklahoma
A classic Route 66 drive-in movie theater, with two screens playing the latest Hollywood blockbusters. Arrive well before showtime to get a good spot.
Oklahoma
The Triple A Dodgers (affiliated with LA) play at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, a stadium with a lot of fan-friendly features and an outfield lawn.
St Louis
A big concert venue with great sight lines and exceptional acoustics. It attracts some of the hottest acts to pass through St Louis.
Black Hills
Hosts summer theater at a historic indoor venue. Expect a mix of big-name musicals and popular plays.
Missouri
A drive-in icon from decades past; it shows double features of current releases.
