The original design for the Uptown was carried out by Kansas City’s architect Robert Gornall. Construction first began on the portion of the Uptown that would house offices and shops along Broadway. This office and retail portion of the Uptown was completed in November of 1926; however work was halted until the Universal Film Company acquired the unfinished building in 1927.
Completed in 1928, the Uptown Theater was Kansas City’s premier entertainment spot showcasing first-run movies. “The Irresistible Lover” starring Norman Carey and Lois Moran opened to a capacity crowd at the Uptown on January 7th 1928 as the marquee brightened Broadway for the first time.
The Uptown is now ranked number 82 on the list of the top 100 theaters in the world by the concert industry magazine Pollstar.
Do you need to make an appointment or call ahead?
You may purchase tickets in person at our box office: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express and cash or online at Ticketmaster.com. The box office accepts cash only for tickets bought at the door on the night of the show.
Beware of secondary resale sites, the venue can only guarantee the validity of tickets purchased directly from the venue box office or Ticketmaster.
What are the hours of operation?
Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
What is the procedure for entering?
The Uptown Theater offers free parking in the Uptown Shoppes lot directly north of the theater complex (3600 Broadway).
The following items are prohibited inside the venue:
- Outside food or drinks
- Weapons of any type, including concealed firearms
- Professional camera equipment or recording devices
- iPads, tablets, selfie sticks, Go Pro cameras
- Flashlights, glow sticks, laser pointers
- Large bags or backpacks
- Signs, banners, flags, etc.
* These could be subject to change per the artist request.
The Uptown reserves the right to search anyone, and their belongings, who enter the premises.
READ MORE: Frequently Asked Questions
What resources are available onsite?
We have a full bar that serves soda, juice, water, liquor, wine and beer. The main bar takes credit cards and cash. Sometimes additional satellite bars that are cash only will be set up around the theater offering beverage options such as beer and water bottles.
Is anything currently unavailable?
In event that a ticketed event is cancelled, you will receive a full refund at point of purchase. If the event is rescheduled, we will update our website and social media with the re-scheduled date. Thank you for your continued support!
What are some upcoming events?
The Carl Worden Band
- Aug. 8 at 8 p.m.
- All Ages
- Free Show
Young Dolph X Key Glock
- Aug. 20 at 8 p.m.
- All Ages
- Buy Tickets
Find more events on the online calendar.