Things to Do Outside UNLEASHED26

Make the Most of KC: Things to Do Outside UNLEASHED26

Published On: June 15th, 2026Categories: Events

Coming to UNLEASHED26 means being part of the three most important days of the year for VINCUE dealers, October 7–9 at the Loews Kansas City Hotel. But Kansas City has a lot more to offer than what's happening inside the conference walls.

KC is home to world-famous BBQ, a thriving cocktail scene, and a downtown that's genuinely fun to explore. Your days will be packed, breakout sessions, networking, the Partner Expo, Reverse Happy Hours, but once the sessions wrap, the city is yours. We've pulled together the best spots to eat, drink, and explore so you can make the most of every hour in Kansas City.

1. Must-Try KC BBQ Joints

You can't come to Kansas City and skip the BBQ. It's not optional. Here are the spots worth the trip.

101 W 22nd St | 0.6 miles | ~3 min drive / 12 min walk 

A KC institution. Hickory-smoked meats, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and the legendary cheesy corn bake. This is the closest location to the Loews and the one to hit.

4050 Pennsylvania Ave, Westport | 2.1 miles | ~7 min drive

Backyard-style BBQ with the largest beer garden in KC. Great smoked meats, lawn games, fire pit, and a laid-back vibe that's perfect for unwinding after a long day. Bring a group.

3002 W 47th Ave | 4.8 miles | ~12 min drive

Regularly ranked among the best BBQ joints in the country. Simple menu, no-frills setting, and brisket that earns every bit of the hype. Worth the short drive.

1000 W 39th St | 3.1 miles | ~9 min drive

A chef-driven take on competition-style BBQ. More refined atmosphere, same commitment to smoke and flavor. Great pick if you want BBQ with a true sit-down dinner feel.

2. Eats Beyond BBQ

Not everyone wants BBQ every meal — and these spots are all within easy reach of the hotel.

1500 Baltimore Ave, inside the Loews | On-site

Co-founded by Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, this upscale steakhouse is steps from your hotel room. Prime beef, American Wagyu, craft cocktails, and live music.

101 E 14th St, Power & Light District | 0.5 miles | ~10 min walk

Creative, colorful sushi with a great atmosphere and one of the best happy hours downtown. A solid choice after a long conference day.

1300 Main St, Power & Light District | 0.6 miles | ~12 min walk

130+ draft beers, a globally inspired menu, and a lively atmosphere. Great for larger groups with mixed tastes. One of the latest kitchens in the area.

1617 Main St, Crossroads | 0.7 miles | ~14 min walk / 4 min drive

Southern comfort food done right, gumbo, shrimp & grits, chicken & waffles. Just steps from the Kauffman Center streetcar stop. This place fills up fast, so make a reservation.

3. Cocktails & Nightlife

Kansas City's nightlife punches well above its weight. Here's where to go.

13th & Main St | 0.5 miles | ~10 min walk

Downtown's entertainment anchor. Bars, restaurants, rooftop patios, and live music all packed into a few walkable blocks. The easiest group night out in KC.

1701 Main St, Crossroads | 0.8 miles | ~15 min walk / 4 min drive

Downtown KC's first legal distillery since Prohibition. Art deco tasting room, award-winning craft cocktails, and distillery tours available. A genuinely great spot.

2700 Guinotte Ave, Electric Park District | 3.2 miles | ~9 min drive

A historic KC distillery reborn. Four distinct cocktail bars, a 40-foot slide, distillery tours, and a rooftop garden bar.

931 Broadway Blvd | 0.7 miles | ~14 min walk / 4 min drive

A private cigar club on the third floor of one of KC's most historic buildings. Leather couches, exposed brick, 300+ whiskeys, and live jazz downstairs in the main restaurant. The Pendergast Club is available for private group bookings, contact the restaurant directly.

4. Explore the City

If you have time to get out and move around, these are worth putting on your list.

10611 Nall Ave, Overland Park | 9.5 miles | ~17 min drive

Climate-controlled hitting bays, food, drinks, and HDTVs in every bay. Book a bay ahead of time for groups, they fill up fast on weeknights.

1303 Baltimore Ave, Power & Light District | 0.4 miles | ~8 min walk

13 axe-throwing lanes, a full bar, and a private party room right in the heart of downtown. Coaches train you from scratch — no experience needed. Walk-ins welcome.

11610 Nall Ave, Overland Park | 9.8 miles | ~18 min drive

High-speed electric karts, laser tag, bowling, VR, arcade, and a full bar — all under one roof. Great for a competitive group night out.

1 Arrowhead Dr | 8.3 miles | ~15 min drive

Tour times vary — check gehafieldatarrowhead.com for availability during your visit. Home of the Kansas City Chiefs. Step on the field, visit the locker room, and soak in some Chiefs Kingdom history. A must for any football fan making the trip to KC.

Getting Around: KC Streetcar Tips

One of KC's best-kept secrets: the KC Streetcar is completely free to ride. No ticket, no pass — just hop on.

The line runs along Main Street connecting Downtown, the Crossroads Arts District, Union Station, the Power & Light District, and the River Market. It's the easiest way to get around without worrying about parking or ride shares.

  • Hours: 5AM-12AM
  • Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes
  • Loews Access: The hotel is a 2-3 minute walk from the Kauffman Center Stop

Use it to hop over to Power & Light for the evening, catch a meal in the Crossroads, or just explore without a plan.

See you in KC!

UNLEASHED26 is October 7–9 at the Loews Kansas City Hotel. If you haven't registered yet, secure your spot now, dealer registration starts at $599 and seats are limited.

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