The 86th annual edition of The Plaza Art Fair, one of the most enduring and popular Kansas City art festivals, takes place Friday, September 22 through Sunday, September 24, 2017. More than 200 of the nation’s best artists will showcase their works along nine Plaza blocks oozing with charm of classic Spanish architecture. An estimated 250,000 art and culture enthusiasts are expected to attend this three-day festival consistently ranked as one of America’s top-ranked art fairs. Amidst it all, patrons can mingle and engage with individual artists – ultimately able to discover an art treasure or two that speaks to their personal passions. Visual arts categories include paintings, sculptures, textiles, photography, metal, jewelry, glass, clay, wood and basketry. Plaza restaurateurs, artisans in their own right, showcase their culinary works of art to the delight of foodies and passersby. Hungry visitors will find along their path over 25 restaurant booths satisfying diverse appetites with specialties ranging from American favorites like burgers and barbeque to seafood, sushi, Italian, Irish and Mexican fare. Of course, Chaz on the Plaza is just footsteps from the center of Plaza Art Fair action with a relaxing, upscale atmosphere for modern American cuisine that rates high with TripAdvisor reviewers. Live music adds to the festive atmosphere of the event, providing a rare opportunity to enjoy the KC sound, including jazz – the idiom that grew up in Kansas City – along with rhythm & Blues, rock, country, pop and other genres performed by local composers and musicians on three separate stages throughout the exhibition hours (Friday from 5-10pm, Saturday from 10am-10pm and Sunday from 11am - 5pm). Musically inclined art fair visitors may choose the more intimate environs of Chaz on the Plaza evenings or Friday and Saturday during Weekend Jazz Brunch. Parking is available at all Country Club Plaza parking garages, but patience is a good companion on your journey. Some streets are closed for the Art Fair and traffic can be congested at times. To avoid the potential hassle, farsighted out of town visitors and local Art Fair goers reserve a room or suite at The Raphael to be close to all the action and to enjoy the free valet and self parking that comes with their accommodations.
