Main Street Ext Grand Opening
KC Streetcar Main Street Extension Grand Opening Weekend: A Celebration for All of Kansas City
Kansas City officially rolled into a new era of public transit with the Grand Opening of the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension, a weekend-long celebration that brought together thousands of residents, community partners, and local businesses to mark this milestone moment in our city’s story.
The festivities began on Friday, October 24, with the Grand Opening Ceremony at the Plaza Transit Stop. Kansas City joined Mayor Quinton Lucas, elected leaders, and community partners to officially launch the next chapter of Kansas City’s transit story. As the switch was flipped and the fireworks went off, the extension from Union Station to UMKC officially opened for riders, connecting neighborhoods, energizing local business corridors, and symbolizing Kansas City’s progress in motion.
That evening, the celebration continued with a “Picnic on the Line,” presented by HDR, at UMKC’s Recreational South Field. Thousands gathered for an evening of live music, local art, food, and performances by the UMKC Conservatory Brass Ensemble, Brass & Boujee, and Summer Breeze. Guests also enjoyed a Silent Disco by Silent KC and DJ Joe, fire performances by Jason D’Vaude, and live painting by DINKC, alongside pop-ups from local artists.
The celebration continued into the weekend with a Tracks & Treats: Midtown Fall Fest on Saturday, October 25, at Murray Davis Park. Families filled the park for an afternoon of fall fun, local performances, and community connection. Highlights included shows by Stone Lion Puppets, Drum Safari, and The Royal Chief featuring the CRWN JWLS, plus appearances from Pythons Drill Team, Hot 103 Jamz, the official FIFA World Cup Mascots and the KC Current Teal Mobile. Kids and families enjoyed pumpkin painting, crown making, bubbles, balloons, and more, all in celebration of the newest connection in Kansas City.
From start to finish, the Grand Opening weekend reflected the energy, creativity, and unity that define our city. The KC Streetcar Main Street Extension isn’t just a new route — it’s a bridge between neighborhoods, people, and opportunity.
We are motion. We are momentum. We are progress. We are connection.
We move, Kansas City.
Stay In Your Lane
The KC Streetcar’s Main Street Extension Grand Opening was more than a celebration of transit progress — it was a celebration of Kansas City creativity, community, and collaboration. In a powerful moment of hometown pride, the KC Streetcar and Kansas City musician, artist, entrepreneur, and community activist Kemet Coleman unveiled the official KC Streetcar Anthem, “Stay In Your Lane,” during the Grand Opening Ceremony on October 24, 2025. Read more about the collaboration and groundbreaking music video here.
Main Street Extension Grand Opening Weekend: By the Numbers
Kansas City showed up in full force to celebrate the launch of the Main Street Extension.
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🚋 3.5 miles of new track, extending the fare free system with 5.7 miles of track connecting the River Market to UMKC
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🎉 1 weekend of celebrations along the route showcasing local musicians, artists, and businesses
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🚈 34,820 passenger trips during opening weekend
This weekend marked not just the opening of a transit line, but the beginning of a new chapter for Kansas City — one that celebrates connection, creativity, and community.
Made Possible by Community Support
The two-day festivities were possible because of the generous support of community partners and sponsors, including:
HDR, HNTB, Herzog Transit, Inc., Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, Burns & McDonnell, KC Streetcar Constructors, Economic Development Corporation, CAF, RS Electric, the Country Club Plaza, Benesch, Thomas McGee, Mass Electric, JE Dunn, Mac Properties, Community Street Coalition, Johnathan Kemper, Union Station, Olsson, Midtown KC Now, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
All events were free and open to the public, with activities designed to highlight the creativity, flavor, and energy of Kansas City.
