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Starlight Theatre

4600 Starlight Rd, Kansas City, MO 64132 · Kansas City, MO

Why you should go…

Since 1950, summer nights in Kansas City have meant Broadway under the open sky at Starlight, the country's oldest and largest continuously operated outdoor theatre. Nearly 8,000 seats face a full-scale proscenium stage in leafy Swope Park, where touring musicals share the calendar with major concert acts, recent seasons have drawn everyone from Broadway blockbusters to rock legends. Bring a picnic-friendly attitude, arrive early for pre-show dining, and pack a light layer for after sunset.

  • #broadway
  • #concerts
  • #outdoor theatre
  • #swope park
  • #musicals

Good to know

General theatre & events guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Curtain time is firm

    Latecomers are commonly held at the back until a scene break, so build in a buffer.

  • Study the seating chart

    Price and sightline vary a lot within the same house. A few rows back can be the better seat.

  • Rush and lottery seats exist

    Many venues release same-day tickets at a discount if you are flexible about where you sit.

  • Arrive with time to spare

    Parking, bag check, and finding your row all take longer than you think on a full house.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Starlight Theatre, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

    $25–$50

    202 acres of wild encounters in Swope Park, plus the stunning Sobela Ocean Aquarium.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Family Favorite

    Kansas City, Kansas

    Free

    Kansas's third-largest city, home to Kansas Speedway, the Legends shopping district, and Sporting KC's stadium.

    3.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    Quirky Fun

    National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

    Under $25

    The world's largest collection of fine-scale miniatures and antique toys, pure wonder at any age.

    3.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Museums
    Iconic

    Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

    Free

    A world-class art museum with free admission and the famous giant shuttlecocks on its lawn.

    3.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Local Gem

    Loose Park

    Free

    A 75-acre urban oasis with a rose garden of thousands of blooms and Civil War history underfoot.

    3.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Theatre & Events
    Date Night

    Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

    $25–$50

    A shimmering architectural icon hosting symphony, opera, ballet and touring acts under two soaring shells.

    6.6 mi awayMore like this