Discover Art, Music, and Community Across Kansas City This Summer
Photo: Taylar Sanders, A Modern Belonging, Kauffman Southbound KC Streetcar Stop
By Frances Story & Jack Warner, Interns at Downtown Council of Kansas City
Have you noticed the striking artwork transforming select KC Streetcar shelters throughout downtown Kansas City? As part of the Art in the Loop 2026 program, eight streetcar shelters now feature original works by this year’s selected visual artists. These vibrant installations enliven the streetcar route, inspire curiosity, and celebrate the stories, cultures, and creativity that define our community.
Additional artworks can be found at Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park and on KC Streetcar #805, creating a dynamic, citywide gallery experience for residents and visitors alike. We extend our sincere thanks to our installation partner, Signco, whose expertise, craftsmanship, and hard work helped bring these artistic visions to life.
Wander Kansas City on foot or the KC Streetcar line to check out all of the Visual Artists and Art Installations including:
- Anjola Ayodele, Carried By Sound, River Market Northbound KC Streetcar Stop
- Cheryl Gail, Small Works Art Gallery, Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park
- Christine Cookson, Wandering Dreams, Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park
- Deanna Dikeman, Patio Barbecues, Armour Southbound KC Streetcar Stop
- DINKC, We Are Home, North Loop Southbound KC Streetcar Stop
- Kai Johnson, Home is Imagination, Riverfront KC Streetcar Stop
- Kevin VanEmburgh, Seasons of Home, Southmoreland Northbound KC Streetcar Stop
- Michelle Briggs, Blossoming Origins, Library Northbound KC Streetcar Stop
- Mona Cliff, Evening Flights, KC Streetcar #805
- Taylar Sanders, A Modern Belonging, Kauffman Southbound KC Streetcar Stop
- Vania Soto, Abuelita’s Kitchen is Home, River Market West (Delaware) KC Streetcar Stop
Photo: DINKC, We Are Home, North Loop Southbound KC Streetcar Stop
PLEASE JOIN US JUNE 18 FOR THE NEXT INSTALLATION OF SUMMER IN THE CITY!
Summer in the City
3rd Thursdays | May-September| Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park 12th & Walnut
Enjoy music, dance, poetry, food trucks, games, and other activities!
- Lunchtime performances | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | Featuring local musicians and performers
- Community Activities | 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Free movement and social practice activities led by local artists and wellness teachers
- Art Market | 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Local artists showcasing and selling their art works
- Evening performance | 6:00 – 7:00 PM | Featuring local bands
The first Summer in the City of 2026 kicked off at Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park on May 21 with performances from Dandelion Lakewood and the Kansas City Indian Center. Attendees enjoyed live singing, dances, and various meal options from one of the many food trucks. A free workshops organized by the Kansas City Indian Center, taught the craft of dreamcatcher creation.
Summer in the City is a free public event every third Thursday of the month from May – October in various locations across Kansas City. If you were unable to attend the one in May, the next event will occur on June 18th at the Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park from 1:30-7:30 P.M. with live performances from City in Motion Dance Theater, The Royal Chief, MissConception, and Samantha Ridgway!
LIVE PERFORMANCES
The following performing artists will present an unforgettable summer revue of free performances. For fans of music, dance, spoken word, and comedy, there will be something engaging for everyone June – October.
- Oppenstein Park | June 18, 5:30 p.m. | Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park | RSVP
- Art Walk & Ride | July 21, 6:00 p.m. | Starts at the Riverfront KC Streetcar Stop | RSVP
- All visual artists
- 816 Day Performances | August 16, 6:00 p.m., | City Market | RSVP
- Art Ride | September 23, 6:00 p.m. | Starts at the UMKC KC Streetcar Stop | RSVP
- Closing Reception | October 29, 5:30 p.m. | Kansas City Public Library – Central Library | RSVP
Art in the Loop will also feature special social practice engagements and installations by “A Girl &” throughout the season.
- All performances are free and open to the public; learn more at artintheloop.com
- RSVP on our Eventbrite page; and stay up to date by following us on Instagram or Facebook
2026 Art Walk & Ride
Art Walk and Ride with KC Streetcar| July 21st at 6:00 P.M. | RSVP
This guided art tour starts at the River Market West (Delaware) Stop. Guests are encouraged to meet up or ride the streetcar to various locations along the route to meet the artists in person with the work they produced. Each artist will discuss their artwork at their respective locations. This event is free and open to the public; however, we do ask that you RSVP for planning purposes. We encourage attendees to wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle for this event as well.
Garment District Grooves
3rd Wednesdays | May-October | City Market Park | 6:00-8:00 P.M | RSVP
Every third Wednesday from May-October brings a fresh wave of talent for everyone visiting the Garment District Place. Garment District Grooves kicked off its first event on May 20th this year. Everyone who attended was greeted with the unique musical talent from local trumpet player and composer, Stanton Kessler while the Ravioli’s Pasta 2 Go food truck provided authentic Italian food during the outdoor concert. The next event takes place on June 17th from 11:30 A.M. – 1:30 PM. If you’re able to join us for a couple hours, grab a seat, grab a bite from the 451 Pizza food truck, and become immersed in the vocal performance of Gayle Price.
River Market Melodies
1st Thursdays | June-October | City Market Park | 6:00-8:00 P.M | RSVP
River Market Melodies is back for another year. Craving high-energy sounds in a casual, communal setting? Enjoy the melodies from Kansas City’s finest local artists. The first set of performances was held on June 4th. Missed that one? Join us July 2nd & bring some friends.
We appreciate the generous support of the KC Streetcar Authority, Henderson Engineers, Stinson LLP, Copaken Brooks, UMB Bank, and the Kansas City Art Institute. This project is funded in part by the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts, the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation, the Francis Family Foundation and the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, with public support from the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency, as well as other corporate sponsorships and philanthropic contributions.
We also appreciate the support and participation of all our project partners, including the Downtown Council, Downtown Community Improvement Districts, KC Streetcar, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City Art Institute, and the City Market.
For more information, contact Ann Holliday, ann@downtownkc.org, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the Downtown Council and Executive Director of the Art in the Loop Foundation.
