Created: May 2026
Special Event
Kids Activities
Family Friendly
Food & Drink
Free Event
Arterie Fest & Kemper Museum Block Party in Kansas City
Spend a creative day exploring art, music, food, family activities, and museum fun in Kansas City’s museum district.
📅 When: Saturday, May 9, 2026 | Arterie Fest events begin at 10:00 AM
🎨 Kemper Museum Block Party: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Where: Kemper Museum, KCAI, and Nelson-Atkins Museum area
🎟 Cost: Many activities are free; some Nelson-Atkins activities require paid tickets
Image: Deposit Photos
Image: Deposit Photos
A Creative Day in Kansas City’s Museum District
Arterie Fest is a daylong celebration connecting three popular Kansas City art destinations: Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, the Kansas City Art Institute, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Visitors can walk The Arterie pathway between locations and enjoy a full day of art exhibits, family activities, food, music, shopping, and community programming.
The Kemper Museum Block Party is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged, but check-in is not required when you arrive.
Arterie Fest Highlights
- 🎨 Kemper Museum Block Party
- 🖼 Kansas City Art Institute End of Semester Exhibition + Sale
- ⛳ Nelson-Atkins Art Course mini-golf
- 👨👩👧 Family art making at the Nelson-Atkins
- 🎶 Live music and performances
- 🚗 KC Estilo Car Club
- 🎭 Face painting and caricature artists
- 🍴 Food trucks and museum dining options
- 🚶 Walkable route along The Arterie
Kemper Museum Block Party
🎶 Music & Performances
Enjoy music and live entertainment, including DJ Surabhi and Sass-A-Brass.
🎨 Art Activities
Families can enjoy hands-on creativity, face painting by the Kansas City Art Institute Animation Club, and community art experiences.
✏️ Caricature Artists
Stop by for caricatures from Gardner Littleton and Jamae Breeze.
🍴 Food & Treats
Food and drink options include Smoke N Seoul BBQ, Sugar Skull Grill, Kona Ice, and Oil on Linen.
🛍 Community Partners
Featured partners include Global FC, Midtown KC Now, The Arterie, Rolling Records Pop-Up with Manor Records, Kemper Museum Teen Arts Council, and more.
Arterie Fest Schedule by Location
Kansas City Art Institute
Address: 4415 Warwick Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111
- 🖼 End of Semester Exhibition + Sale: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- 🎓 2026 BFA Exhibition: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
Address: 4420 Warwick Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111
- 🎉 Block Party: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- 🚶 The Arterie Tours: 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM
- 📚 Book Sale: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- 🎶 Sass-A-Brass Performance: 2:30 PM
- 🖼 The World in Kansas City: On view
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Address: 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111
- ⛳ Art Course: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- 🎨 Family Art Making: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- 🎬 Manet Film Screening: 2:00 PM
- 🖼 Timeless Mucha: On view
Plan Your Visit
Getting Around: Arterie Fest is designed to be explored on foot. The Arterie connects Kemper Museum, KCAI, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Accessibility: The Arterie and all three locations are wheelchair accessible.
Streetcar: Visitors can ride the KC Streetcar to the Art Museums stop for easy access.
Parking: Free street parking is available throughout the neighborhood. General museum parking may be free for members and paid for nonmembers. ADA-accessible parking is available at all three locations.
Food: Food trucks will be at the Kemper Museum Block Party. Other dining options include Oil on Linen, Rozzelle Court, Thou Mayest, and The Nerman coffee shop.
Restrooms: Public restrooms are available inside all three locations.
FAQs About Arterie Fest
Is Arterie Fest free?
Many Arterie Fest activities are free, including the Kemper Museum Block Party and the KCAI End of Semester Exhibition + Sale. Some Nelson-Atkins activities require paid tickets.
Do I need to register for the Kemper Museum Block Party?
Registration is encouraged, but check-in is not required when you arrive.
Is this event good for families?
Yes. The event includes art activities, music, food trucks, face painting, caricatures, and family-friendly museum experiences.
Can I walk between locations?
Yes. The Arterie is a walkable pathway connecting the Kansas City Art Institute, Kemper Museum, and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Event Locations
All Arterie Fest locations are within walking distance. Use the map below to see Kemper Museum, Kansas City Art Institute, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum all in one view.
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Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak Street
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 751-1278
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
4420 Warwick Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 753-5784
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