Plaza Art Fair
The Plaza Art Fair is an annual event stretched over nine city blocks that occurs the third weekend after Labor Day. In 2026, it's happening from September 25 to 27. It's ideal for RV travelers who appreciate art, but there's so much more to this event. Currently in its 95th year, the fair also features live music and more than two dozen restaurant booths. There's no entrance fee, and parking is free at the Country Club Plaza parking garages. Renting an RV near Kansas City and staying in a campground is a great alternative to staying in a stuffy hotel room.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
As you walk through Country Club Plaza, you'll find booths lined with paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, jewelry, and other art pieces. You can talk to artists to learn more about their work and take home pieces for your collection. If you have kids, the Plaza Art Fair has a section just for them at the Broadway block between 47th Street and Nichols Road. Local bands and musicians play live music during the festival. When you're done browsing, stop at the restaurant booths to enjoy fantastic food.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
Fair amenities include restrooms, ATMs, a first-aid station, information booths, and food vendors.
LOCATION
When you're heading to Country Club Plaza for the Plaza Art Fair, put 400 Nichols Road into your GPS. However, please note that there will be several street closures. You'll have to get as close to the event as possible and walk.
FAQs About RVing to the Plaza Art Fair
Is overnight RV camping allowed at the Plaza Art Fair?
The Plaza Art Fair doesn't have a designated area for overnight RV camping. Your best option is to find a nearby campground.
Can I find RV parking easily near the Plaza Art Fair?
Parking at the Plaza Art Fair is challenging for oversized vehicles. If you have a personal vehicle, you may be able to find a parking spot in a local garage. However, most RVers take a rideshare to the event.
If I stay at a hotel in Kansas City, can I park my RV in the parking lot?
There are no guarantees that you can park an RV in the hotel parking lot. Before making a reservation, call the hotel and speak with a manager to confirm whether they allow it.
Can I bring my dog to the Plaza Art Fair?
The Plaza Art Fair allows dogs on leashes. Remember to bring poop bags to clean up after your four-legged family members.
Is the Plaza Art Fair a family-friendly event?
Yes, the Plaza Art Fair is family-friendly. It's a great opportunity to experience art, music, and food with the people you love most.
LINEUP
The 2026 lineup for the Plaza Art Fair hasn't been published yet. For the latest updates, visit the official live music page.
RVING AT THE EVENT
There's no overnight RV camping at the Plaza Art Fair. You'll also likely encounter significant hassles parking an RV anywhere near the festival. Instead, it's best to stay at a local hotel or nearby campground and either drive your car or take a rideshare.
Where to Camp Near the Plaza Art Fair
Although you can't camp at the event, several nearby options are ideal for RVers. Located right in Kansas City is the Worlds of Fun Village, which has 82 RV campsites. They offer both back-in and pull-through configurations. Every site includes Wi-Fi and full hookups, including cable. Its location is within walking distance of Worlds of Fun & Oceans of Fun. Campus RV Park in downtown Independence, about 30 minutes away, is another option. It offers full hookup sites with amenities such as a laundry room and free Wi-Fi. If you're willing to drive a little further, Basswood Resort in Platte City is about 40 minutes from the festival. It has 155 pull-through and back-in sites with full hookups. Standard, deluxe, and premium RV sites are available.
RV Rental Tips for the Plaza Art Fair
If you are renting an RV, Class C RVs work well for families and groups of friends and are easier to drive than the big rigs. Pop-up campers and trailers are also a good option because you can use your personal vehicle to commute to the event after setting up camp. Many camper vans fit in a standard parking spot and are a solid choice for couples seeking a more intimate experience. Since overnight RV camping isn't available at the Plaza Art Fair, many RVers attending the event will be looking for a place to stay nearby. Make sure to secure your reservations as early as possible. This ensures you have a place to stay without scrambling to find one at the last minute. Remember to reserve your spot for an extra day if you plan on exploring more of Kansas City after the fair.
WHERE TO STAY
There are many hotels near the Plaza Art Fair. Book a room at Southmoreland on the Plaza, The Raphael Hotel, or The Fontaine, among other options. Most have Wi-Fi, free parking, and free breakfast. Depending on where you stay, other amenities may include room service, swimming pools, and electric vehicle charging stations.
HOW TO GET THERE
If you're coming from I-35, take the exit to US-169. Drive south and turn left at Shawnee Mission Parkway. Keep going until you reach Ward Parkway. If you're taking I-70, get on US-71 and take the exit to I-56. Drive until you reach Broadway Street, which cuts through the middle of Country Club Plaza.
PARKING
Country Club Plaza has several free parking garages, all of which have ADA parking. Several also have bike racks and electric vehicle charging stations. Street parking is limited because several area roads are closed for the fair. The 2026 parking map has not yet been posted, but will soon be available on the map page.
TICKETS & PRICING
No tickets are required to attend the Plaza Art Fair. Entry is free for everyone.
WRAP UP
Every year, the Plaza Art Fair serves as an opportunity to spend time outdoors, meet new artists, and view and buy incredible artwork. You can also check out new bands and support some of Kansas City's most beloved restaurants. Entrance is free for this family-friendly event. Keep checking the event website for information about artists and live performers. While the venue doesn't offer RV camping, you can stay in a nearby campground and bond with family or friends around a campfire in the evenings.
3-Day RV Itinerary for the Plaza Art Fair
• Day 1: Check in at your campground and set up your RV site. The event starts at 5 p.m., but consider heading to the plaza in the morning or early afternoon to explore the local area. Keep an eye out for art pieces to buy at the festival before someone else snatches them up. • Day 2: The festival kicks off at 10 a.m. Make a meal in your RV before heading to the event. It lasts all day until 9 p.m., so you have plenty of time to explore the art and listen to live music. • Day 3: It's a shorter day at the festival, as it runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can snag something to munch on at a local eatery while seeing anything you may have missed. Head back to your campground to relax and start getting ready to leave for your next destination in the morning.
Please note, this is not the official source of the event information. While we try to be as comprehensive as possible, some details may have changed since the time of this article was written. Please confirm final details with the official event page.
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