Be Bop and Beyond 18th and Vine Live Jazz and Walking Tour
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Known for jazz, 18th and Vine was the focal point of black life in the Heart of America during era of Jim Crow Segregation and the origin of Kansas City's cultural identity. Tour includes live jazz and has African American perspective of history one generation removed from the Civil Rights Movement. The featured tour guide Historian, Erik Stafford, was born and raised in Kansas City, heart and soul of America
Available options
Be Bop and Beyond 18th and Vine Live Jazz and Walking Tour
What's included
Live Jazz
Professional Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Listed as a national historic landmark, this location is where Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie first played for each other. Together they created a new genre of music known as Be Bop. The music filled the ears of Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Adam Clayton and Amiri Baraka as they were planning boycotts and protest against police brutality. The sound ushered in the Civil Rights Movement.
2
Birthplace of the Negro Leagues
3
Live jazz is featured at the venue located inside the American Jazz Museum
What's not included
food and drink
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.3
3 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
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1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
Underneath the Blue Room sign on 18th and Vine
About Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri, is a vibrant metropolis known for its rich history in jazz, barbecue, and professional sports. The city boasts over 200 fountains, earning it the nickname 'The City of Fountains.' Kansas City is a blend of modern attractions and historic charm, offering a unique experience for every traveler.
Top Attractions
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
One of the top art museums in the United States, featuring an impressive collection of over 42,000 works of art from around the world.
Museum
2-3 hours
Free (special exhibitions may have fees)
Kansas City Zoo
One of the top zoos in the country, featuring over 1,700 animals from around the world.
Nature
3-4 hours
$20 (adults), $15 (children)
Country Club Plaza
A historic shopping district featuring Spanish-inspired architecture, upscale boutiques, and popular restaurants.
Shopping
2-3 hours
Varies by store
Must-Try Local Dishes
Kansas City-Style Barbecue
Slow-smoked meats, often served with a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce. Popular cuts include burnt ends, brisket, and ribs.
Main Course
Not vegetarian or vegan-friendly, but many BBQ joints offer sides like baked beans and coleslaw.
Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat Beer
A locally brewed wheat beer with a citrusy, refreshing taste. It's a popular choice among Kansas City craft beer enthusiasts.
Drink
Contains gluten.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Biking
Spa treatments
Park visits
Museum visits
Art gallery tours
Fishing
Boating
Best Time to Visit
April to October
This is the best time to visit Kansas City for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during these months.
15°C to 32°C
59°F to 90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
GMT-6 (Central Standard Time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Kansas City is generally safe for travelers, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Use reputable taxi services or rideshare apps.
Getting there
By air
- Kansas City International Airport • 15 miles from city center
By train
Union Station
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system covers the entire metropolitan area, with frequent service and easy-to-use routes. The KC Streetcar is a free, modern streetcar system that connects downtown areas.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Westport
18th and Vine Historic District
Crossroads Arts District
Day trips
Kansas City, Kansas
10 miles • Half day
Explore the historic sites and cultural attractions of Kansas City, Kansas, including the Lewis and Clark Memorial and the Kansas Speedway.
Liberty, Missouri
25 miles • Full day
Visit the historic town of Liberty, Missouri, known for its role in the Underground Railroad and its beautiful historic homes.
Leavenworth, Kansas
30 miles • Full day
Explore the historic military fort and charming downtown area of Leavenworth, Kansas.
Festivals
American Royal World Series of Barbecue • October
Kansas City Renaissance Festival • September to October
First Fridays • First Friday of each month
Pro tips
- Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art for free admission to world-class art.
- Explore the historic Westport district for a taste of Kansas City's vibrant nightlife and dining scene.
- Take a barbecue tour to sample the city's famous smoked meats and regional specialties.
- Check out the American Jazz Museum to learn about the city's rich jazz history and cultural heritage.
- Visit the Country Club Plaza for upscale shopping, dining, and stunning Spanish-inspired architecture.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
