Here’s your guide to attending the 2022 Plaza Art Fair, no matter your budget
The Plaza Art Fair takes over the historic shopping district this weekend. Spread across nine blocks, over 240 artists fill the streets with their unique pieces and displays.
There’s a lot to see and do at the fair this year. Along with the artists, there are three performance stages, where local musicians of all genres will provide the soundtrack for the weekend.
The event is free for everyone to attend, but things can get a bit pricey with food, drinks, merchandise and artwork on sale. Kendra Goodman, the Country Club Plaza marketing and sponsorship manager, said the art fair offers something for everyone and for every budget.
She shared a couple of tips, including:
Do your research in advance – browse the participating artists, make your list of must-visit artist booths and know what you’re shopping for in advance.
Set a budget before you go – determine your budget for artwork and/or food and drinks before the event.
For example, artwork by two-dimensional mixed media artist Rick Abrams — who will attend the fair — currently costs $57, while digital creations by artist Brady Willette cost $450. Find what artists you want to support by looking at their artwork ahead of time.
Food options at the fair include all of your favorite Plaza spots, such as Bo Ling’s, Jack Stack, Kona Grill, Rye and Zocalo. Find their menus online and get an idea of what the prices will look like throughout the weekend.
It’s the 91st edition of the Plaza Art Fair. No matter your budget, you’re in for a good time this weekend.
“We love seeing generations of families and friends come to the Plaza to enjoy this time-honored event,” Goodman said in a statement.
The Plaza Art Fair is open at these times:
Friday: 5 to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The map for the Plaza Art Fair can be found here or at one of the information booths located at Nichols Road and Central Avenue or Broadway Boulevard and Ward Parkway.
WHAT ELSE CAN I SEE AT THE PLAZA ART FAIR?
Three different stages will host live music at all times throughout the festival. Check out the Polsinelli main stage on the Wornall Bridge, the Audacy Local Music stage at Ward Parkway and Pennsylvania Avenue or the Acoustic Stage near the old Starbucks building.
A lot of the artists overlap with each other, so check out the schedule and pick which performances you want to see.
Friday’s headliners include Perputal Change, Kat King and Nicki White
Saturday’s headliners are The Zeros, Nites Owls and The Phantastics
Sunday’s headliners feature Travis Darling, The MGDs and Cowardly Lions
WHERE CAN I PARK?
All the parking garages on the Plaza are free and open on the weekends, and it’s no exception for the Plaza Art Fair. Look at this map to find out which street to enter for each parking garage. Street parking is also free where it’s available around the Plaza.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
The Sherwood Autism Center is offering a sensory booth for all guests and individuals with Autism or those that may need a calm area away from the crowd.
St. Luke’s Hospital is also opening a baby lounge for nursing parents and for families that need access to a larger bathroom. It’ll be located inside KC Style Haus on 4704 Wyandotte St.
Kids can also enjoy Storytime With Casper at 319 Nichols Road on Saturday and Sunday at 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
Select retail shops on the Plaza have deals available for visitors this weekend. True Food Kitchen is taking $3 off their handcrafted cocktails, $1 off their craft beers and seltzers and $2 off glasses of wine during their social hour on Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. Take a look at what other deals are happening here
