News Summary
Kansas City is bracing for a concert drought in 2025 as major touring artists like Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé skip the city for their performances. While global events, including the FIFA World Cup, take precedence, local venues will still offer a range of performances from various artists. Fans will need to travel to nearby cities for major concerts, as renovations at Arrowhead Stadium will further limit options in the area. However, several local concerts are still on the schedule for the year.
Kansas City Music Lovers Face a Concert Drought in 2025
Hey Kansas City! It looks like we’re in for a bit of a musical drought in 2025. While some of the biggest names in the music industry are gearing up for grand tours next year, the heart of the Midwest is set to miss out on all the action. With global events like the FIFA World Cup prepping to touch down in Kansas City, it appears our city will be sidelined from hosting any major concert events. Let’s break down what’s happening.
Big Stars Hit the Road, But Not to KC
Next year promises to be rather star-studded with huge artists like Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, The Weeknd, Post Malone, Shakira, Metallica, Billy Joel, AC/DC, and Coldplay all taking their music on the road. Kendrick Lamar will kick off his Grand National Tour right after he’s featured in the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show—an event that has everyone talking. And don’t miss out on Beyoncé’s first Grammy-winning tour, aptly named the Cowboy Carter Tour. These artists are set for show-stopping performances across the country, but unfortunately, none of them will be making a stop here in Kansas City during their tours.
Where Are the Closest Shows?
If you’re itching to see one of these powerhouses live, you’ll need to powder your travel boots. The nearest concert will be in Ridgedale, Missouri, which is roughly a three-hour drive south of us. Post Malone is set to light up the stage at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena on June 13. Before that, he’ll rock St. Louis at Busch Stadium on May 13. Kendrick Lamar is also bringing his talents to St. Louis on June 4, where the Dome at America’s Center will be filled with his electrifying beats.
Empty Seats at Arrowhead Stadium
Sadly, our beloved GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium will mostly sit empty in 2025 due to renovations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026. Now, don’t worry too much—this is all part of preparing to host six exciting World Cup games, including a much-anticipated quarterfinal match. However, that does mean some serious transformations will come to our stadium, including the removal of fewer than 10,000 seats and installation of a new vacuum ventilation system to meet FIFA requirements. The renovation work is set to begin in spring 2025 and will roll into 2026.
Still Some Great Concerts in KC!
While we may not have the megastars stopping by, this doesn’t mean that Kansas City is completely out of luck. Local venues such as T-Mobile Center, Midland Theatre, and Uptown Theater will still host plenty of performances in 2025. In fact, you can catch quite a lineup! Some artists scheduled to perform include:
- Kelsea Ballerini on April 1
- Jack White on April 4
- Katy Perry on May 10
- Leon Bridges on May 20
- Elvis Costello on July 1
- Styx on July 2
- Earth, Wind & Fire on July 18
- The Lumineers on July 26
- Melissa Etheridge on August 21
- Teddy Swims on August 23
- Linkin Park on August 31
So, while it’s a bummer that we won’t see many of the big acts in our city during 2025, there’s still a vibrant local scene to enjoy and plenty of shows to keep your musical spirits high. Grab your friends, plan a little road trip, and let’s make the most of what’s coming!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Kansas City Star: Upcoming Concerts
- Google Search: Kansas City music events 2025
- We Heart Music: Upcoming Concerts in KC
- Wikipedia: Kansas City
- Fox4KC: Jack White Tour Announcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Music Festivals
- MLB: 2025 Promotions and Concerts
- Google News: Kansas City music concerts 2025
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
