For students under 21, it can be difficult to find things to do on the weekend if you like to listen to live music or go out dancing. To combat this, students are shifting to other ways of making fun when classes aren’t in session.
While the lack of nightlife pushes students to other things, some have still found places to go to on the weekends. The Truman in the Crossroads Arts district is a music venue that allows 18 and up during their concerts.
“It’s really one of the only places in KC that has events that are open to 18 year olds in my experience,” said Sol Disney, a sophomore studying psychology. “I’ve been to a few concerts there and they are always so fun.”
Some of the other activities that students participate in are sports and recreational activities, thrifting, shopping and hanging out with friends.
Queen Bell, a freshman studying business administration, mentioned The Marketplace in the Plaza.
“They have cute flowers and cheap fruit for college students,” said Bell.
Many students spend more time with their friends getting outside and doing whatever they can to create fun.
“Find friend groups, be social,” said Tyson Scott, a sophomore studying business. “People are so reserved nowadays, no one wants to talk to other people. People are cool, we’re all human.”
Other students expressed the importance of getting outside, mainly when the weather is warmer.
“A lot of my time I spend pretty busy at work and I have a lot of work friends, so after work we normally go out and hang out,” said Allison Courtney, a freshman studying studio art. “When it gets nicer out we like to go to Blue Springs Lake and kayak.”
Even with the lack of nighttime entertainment, there is plenty for students under 21 to do in and around the city.
“There are a lot of places under 21 where you can experience a lot of Kansas City and what it has to offer,” said Grace Brandner, junior studying biology and chemistry. “There are a lot of museums nearby and a lot of good food.”
Phyllis Watt • Feb 13, 2025 at 12:29 am
Interesting story.