Premier Outdoor Event Spaces Available in the Reimagined Barney Allis Plaza
Whether enjoying the sunshine between meetings, attending an after-hours event or simply commuting on foot between several of the city’s finest venues, visitors and convention attendees will soon be able to enjoy a dazzling new natural space in the heart of Downtown Kansas City.
Opening in 2026
Slated to open in 2026, the reimagined Barney Allis Plaza will be one of the area’s premier public spaces, offering an array of multifunctional outdoor spaces just steps away from the Kansas City Convention Center, Municipal Auditorium and adjacent hotels. Within a few blocks, visitors can also reach the stunning Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the popular Kansas City Power & Light District and the free-to-ride KC Streetcar.
A central gathering place at the heart of Kansas City’s convenient convention district, Barney Allis Plaza will boast a roster of spaces intended to host standalone events and add-ons for groups gathering at the Kansas City Convention Center and other nearby venues. Individual areas designed for events and activations include:
- An event plaza, a paved space on the south end of Barney Allis Plaza (just outside Municipal Auditorium and the Kansas City Convention Center) for large events, pop-up festivals and more. 9,300 sq. ft.
- A sloped lawn, boasting terraces and views onto the event plaza. 11,500 sq. ft.
- A pavilion plaza, intended to host food trucks and other pop-up events, as well as a variety of artwork throughout the space. 8,800 sq. ft.
- An oval lawn, offering a flat and flexible green space for casual events and informal gatherings. 10,100 sq. ft.
Brand New Amenities
Even more spaces that will be available in the new Barney Allis Plaza include a family-friendly play area and a dog park.
Below the multipurpose gathering space at street level, a parking garage will offer approximately 580 parking spaces. The Barney Allis Plaza garage is adjacent to the Kansas City Convention Center and will maintain connections to the Kansas City Marriott Downtown and Municipal Auditorium via pedestrian tunnel.
The development will also feature a variety of multimodal connections including supporting existing Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) stops; a proposed a RideKC Bike sharing hub; on-site bike racks; designated parking spaces for alternative fuel vehicle and EV’s; various pedestrian pathways for access to surrounding venues and convenient proximity to the free-to-ride KC Streetcar with a stop located just two blocks away.
As upgrades are underway, take advantage of the various parking alternatives conveniently located near the Kansas City Convention Center. For a closer look at the amenities and resources that will soon be available at the redeveloped Barney Allis Plaza, explore the Downtown Kansas City convention district in detail.
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