FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kansas City, Kan - As the Kansas City metro prepares to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Visit Kansas City Kansas invites travelers to discover a destination rich in culture, flavor and unforgettable experiences. Located in the heart of America, Kansas City, Kansas, offers an inviting mix of iconic attractions, globally inspired cuisine, legendary sports and warm Midwestern hospitality — creating an ideal home base for an international audience exploring the region.
Kansas City, Kansas, is a place where stories come alive and visitors are encouraged to explore beyond expectations. From immersive art and cultural trails to high-energy sports and one-of-a-kind adventures, KCK delivers experiences that feel both surprising and deeply authentic.
Leading the destination’s newest attractions is Atlas 9, a 30,000-square-foot immersive art experience representing a $26.7 million investment in creativity and innovation. Featuring interactive, larger-than-life installations, live performances, and food and beverage offerings, Atlas 9 invites guests to step into a world of imagination. In 2026, Atlas 9 was named the No. 2 attraction in the nation by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, placing Kansas City, Kansas, firmly on the national arts and culture map.
Visitors will find a wide range of accommodations throughout the destination, anchored by Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City, a laid-back, tropical-inspired escape featuring more than 200 coastal-style guest rooms, a resort-style pool, family-friendly entertainment, meeting space and classic Margaritaville dining. Additional hotels across Kansas City, Kansas, provide options for every travel style and budget, making it easy for visitors to feel at home during their stay.
Food is central to the Kansas City, Kansas, experience. The city is internationally recognized for its barbecue, and the KCK BBQ Trail highlights 13 iconic stops that showcase why the region is considered home to some of the world’s best smoked meats. Visitors can also explore the bold, authentic flavors of the KCK Taco Trail, a self-guided culinary journey featuring more than 60 locally owned restaurants serving tacos and dishes inspired by Mexico and beyond. The free digital pass rewards diners as they explore the city through food.
Kansas City, Kansas, is also home to Spicin Foods, creator of the iconic hot sauce Da Bomb, known worldwide for its appearance on the popular series Hot Ones. The company also produces some of the hottest sauces on the planet, including “The Source,” which measures up to 7.1 million Scoville units and requires challengers to sign a waiver before tasting.
The city’s cultural identity is shaped by generations of diverse communities and powerful stories. The KCK Legacy Trail invites visitors to explore five distinct journeys highlighting Indigenous Peoples, Black, Latino, Eastern European and Modern Immigrant communities. Through audio storytelling and interactive stops, travelers gain a deeper understanding of the people who built the city and continue to shape its future. Along the way, travelers encounter historic landmarks such as the Rosedale Memorial Arch, inspired by Paris’ Arc de Triomphe and dedicated in 1923 to honor World War I service members, with additional monuments recognizing veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
Each fall, Central Avenue comes alive during Día de los Muertos, a signature celebration spanning nearly 10 blocks with live music, traditional altars, a parade, authentic cuisine and elaborately dressed Catrinas. More than a festival, it is a living expression of memory, identity and community. The tradition reflects the city’s long-standing Latino history. During the Mexican Revolution from 1910 to 1920, Mexican families arrived in Kansas City, Kansas, drawn by railroad and meat-packing jobs that were shaping the region. Their presence helped define the character of Central Avenue. Today, visitors experience that heritage through the corridor’s taquerias, bakeries, murals and markets, which offer an authentic cultural connection to one of the most distinctive neighborhoods in the Midwest.
Sports are woven into the fabric of Kansas City, Kansas. The city is home to Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City, where passionate fans fill the stands for nearly every home match. Kansas Speedway, a 1.5-mile tri-oval track, hosts two NASCAR race weekends annually, drawing racing fans from across the country.
Beyond the expected, Kansas City, Kansas, delivers unforgettable moments. Visitors can shop more than 400 acres of retail and entertainment at Village West, race a real dirt track car at Lakeside Speedway, or enjoy a meal delivered by overhead train at Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant, a beloved local institution since 1954.
In nearby Bonner Springs, visitors can watch live marble-making demonstrations at Moon Marble Company or zip line through the trees after dark at Zip KC, adding even more adventure to the region.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, Kansas City, Kansas, continues to evolve with the arrival of two landmark experiences. The Rock Island Bridge is set to make history as the first entertainment district built over a river in the United States. Suspended 40 feet above the Kansas River, the reimagined rail bridge will serve as a community gathering space, trailhead and entertainment destination, blending historic character with modern amenities. The new American Royal campus will further shape the destination’s future. Spanning 100 acres, the state-of-the-art complex will celebrate Kansas City’s deep agricultural roots through world-class barbecue events, livestock shows and agricultural education, positioning the region as a leader in food and farming innovation.
Kansas City, Kansas, is a study in contrasts, where small-town charm meets big-time experiences and cultural diversity fuels creativity and connection. As the world arrives for FIFA World Cup 2026, Visit Kansas City Kansas invites travelers to explore the side of Kansas City they may not know — and discover why this dynamic destination continues to captivate visitors year after year.
For inspiration and trip-planning resources, visit VisitKCK.com.
About Visit Kansas City Kansas
Visit Kansas City Kansas is a non-profit organization whose mission is to generate economic impact through tourism by promoting Kansas City, Kansas as a destination for visitors, conventions, and sporting events.
Media Contact
Ritz Dasgupta, Senior Manager, Integrated Marketing Communications, Visit Kansas City Kansas
ritz@visitkansascityks.com
Lee Page, President, Page Communications
lee@pagecomms.com