Starlight Theatre Tours

Starlight Theatre featuring theater scenes, a fountain and a park
Starlight Theatre which includes theater scenes
Starlight Theatre which includes theater scenes
Starlight Theatre which includes theater scenes, a fountain and signage
Starlight Theatre featuring heritage architecture and theater scenes


As one of only three remaining self-producing outdoor theaters in America, not only is this venue a Kansas City treasure, it’s a national icon too.

The Starlight Theatre has a rather curious and rich history dating back to a visit by Romania’s Queen Marie in 1925. The need for an appropriate venue for showcasing local talent developed into a vision that was realized in 1949 when construction finally began at Swope Park. The theater stands as one of the last remaining self-producing outdoor theaters in America, and is renowned for the quality of its homegrown shows. The Starlight Theatre is more compact than many similar venues however, what it lacks in size it makes up for in atmosphere. The smaller venue creates a more intimate setting, with the front row sitting incredibly close to the stage. Clear, starry nights finish off the perfect setting for a family night out. The Starlight Theatre is a major venue for large-scale performances in Kansas City. Performances are held almost nightly and include world-class, locally produced Broadway productions. Past performances have included Chicago, Mamma Mia, The Wizard of Oz and Grease. On other nights you might find comedy shows, music concerts or dance performances.If weather looks unfavorable on the night of your performance, bring a raincoat or poncho. You can bring an umbrella into the theater, but you are not permitted to open it in the seating area. The show goes on regardless of weather and even if you get a bit damp, you don’t want to miss out on a performance here.The Starlight Theatre is located inside Swope Park, about a 15-minute drive south of the center of Kansas City. Performance times vary depending on the time of year and type of show, so be sure to check before booking. Tickets can be purchased at the theater before the performance however, it is highly recommended to book before hand. Parking is available for a small fee.

Plan a trip to see Starlight Theatre

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Leavenworth Local Hotel
Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City
Seville Plaza Streetcar Hotel Museum District, Trademark

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Reviews of Starlight Theatre

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
45
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
19
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

You don’t need to go so early to the concert because there is a lot of parking spaces. You are able to enjoy food inside or eat nearby. I highly suggest paying for the grass parking. You are right next to the gate entrence. You are not able to bring a professional camera inside so bring your nice phone camera or pocket camera.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Get an uber if you can and walk in. Parking and leaving looked like a nightmare.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

An absolute must for theatre afficionados.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Starlight Theatre

Cozy midtown home 10 minutes to downtown Kansas City.

Cozy midtown home 10 minutes to downtown Kansas City.

Kansas City
Cozy midtown home 10 minutes to downtown Kansas City.
14 mins Stadiums and Plaza

14 mins Stadiums and Plaza

Kansas City
14 mins Stadiums and Plaza
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kansas City South

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kansas City South

3.5 out of 5
8601 Hillcrest Rd, Kansas City, MO
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kansas City South
The Three C's...Calm, Classy & Comfortable

The Three C's...Calm, Classy & Comfortable

Kansas City
The Three C's...Calm, Classy & Comfortable
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Stes Kansas City Sports Complex by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Stes Kansas City Sports Complex by IHG

2.5 out of 5
8551 E Blue Pkwy, Kansas City, MO
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Stes Kansas City Sports Complex by IHG
InterContinental Kansas City at The Plaza by IHG

InterContinental Kansas City at The Plaza by IHG

4 out of 5
401 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City, MO
InterContinental Kansas City at The Plaza by IHG
Seville Plaza Streetcar Hotel Museum District, Trademark

Seville Plaza Streetcar Hotel Museum District, Trademark

2.5 out of 5
4309 Main Street, Kansas City, MO
Seville Plaza Streetcar Hotel Museum District, Trademark
The Fontaine

The Fontaine

4.5 out of 5
901 W. 48th Place, Kansas City, MO
The Fontaine
Hotel Lotus Kansas City Stadium

Hotel Lotus Kansas City Stadium

3 out of 5
3830 Blue Ridge Cut Off, Kansas City, MO
Hotel Lotus Kansas City Stadium
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Starlight Theatre

Near Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, you can enjoy a variety of entertainment options, including live performances at indoor theaters and exciting live concerts. The area also offers various entertainment venues and sports activities, making it a perfect destination for fun. Don't miss out on nearby water rides for a refreshing adventure, ensuring a memorable visit filled with diverse activities.

Shopping

For shopping near Starlight Theatre, visit the City Market of Kansas City, just 7 miles away, offering a vibrant public market experience. Towne Center Plaza, located 9 miles away, provides a mix of entertainment and family-friendly shopping. If you're up for a drive, Seville Home is 11 miles away, featuring unique home goods.

Recreation

At GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, immerse yourself in the excitement of live sports just 4 miles from Starlight Theatre. For a more tranquil experience, Swope Park, located 0.9 miles away, offers serene walking trails and relaxation spots. Enjoy live music at Riot Room, also 4 miles away, for a vibrant night out.

Adventure

Bay Water Park, located 6 miles from Starlight Theatre, offers thrilling water slides and family-friendly attractions for a fun-filled day. For tennis enthusiasts, both Plaza Tennis Center and Harmon Park Tennis Center, each 4 and 6 miles away, provide excellent facilities to enjoy some competitive play in an adventurous atmosphere.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Starlight Theatre is vibrant and diverse. LEGOLAND® Discovery Center offers fun arcade adventures, while the Uptown Theater and Kansas City Repertory Theatre provide a mix of culture, romance, and family-friendly entertainment, making for an exciting evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Starlight Theatre

During your visit to Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, explore various attractions including local art museums and family-friendly entertainment venues. Engage in cultural experiences at the theatre, discover the best local attractions, and immerse yourself in the vibrant city atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to visit the iconic Starlight Theatre, where unforgettable performances await, making it a must-see destination for travelers seeking a memorable experience.

  • Crown Center: Located 6 miles from Starlight Theatre, Crown Center is a vibrant tourist precinct that offers family-friendly outdoor spaces, shopping, and dining. Enjoy beautiful gardens and seasonal events that create a lively atmosphere perfect for all ages.
  • Kansas City Convention Center: Situated 7 miles away, this event venue is the hub for business activities and conferences. Its modern facilities and spacious meeting rooms make it an ideal location for networking and professional gatherings.
  • Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: Just 4 miles from Starlight Theatre, this renowned art museum boasts a stunning collection of art from various cultures and eras, providing a rich cultural experience in an architecturally impressive setting.

Best time to go to Starlight Theatre

The best time to visit Starlight Theatre can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Starlight Theatre falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Starlight Theatre falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January29.8°F (-1.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
May64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
July79.0°F (26.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
August77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September70.7°F (21.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly High
November45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
December35.4°F (1.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Starlight Theatre

To save money on your visit to Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, plan your trip between December and February for lower accommodation rates, especially on Mondays. Utilize Expedia’s search tools to filter for budget-friendly options, including Eco-certified hotels. Consider booking a package that combines flights, hotels, and activities for extra savings. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Also, explore free activities in the area to make the most of your trip without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Starlight Theatre are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Starlight Theatre is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Starlight Theatre is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel category. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Starlight Theatre with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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