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.