Rentals
A jazz set at the Folly is meant to be enjoyed from your seat, not dreaded from the sidewalk. For someone who can’t manage the blocks from the hotel and the standing in the lobby, an evening out can quietly shrink down to “maybe next time.” A scooter waiting at your downtown hotel turns that calculation around: roll the few blocks to 12th Street, settle in, and let the music be the only thing on your mind. The person you’re booking for gets the night, not the negotiation with the distance.
The Folly Theater is Kansas City’s historic downtown performing arts venue. The 1900 theater was restored in the 1980s and has hosted shows ever since, with approximately 1,100 seats and a year-round calendar of jazz, chamber music, touring national performers, comedy, dance, and local productions. For visitors attending a Folly performance, the theater’s restored period character is part of the experience, and full accessibility has been built into the restoration throughout.
How We Serve Folly Theater Visitors
Scooter delivery lands at your downtown Kansas City hotel ahead of your check-in. The Folly is within walking or rolling distance of nearly every downtown KC hotel, including Loews, Marriott Downtown, Hilton President, Hotel Savoy (Tapestry Collection), Hotel Indigo, and Hampton Inn Crossroads. Take possession at check-in, roll to the theater for the performance, and return to the hotel afterward.
Accessibility at the Folly Theater
The 1980s restoration brought the historic structure to ADA compliance, with ongoing updates since:
- Accessible parking near the theater (street parking with accessible spots plus nearby garage access)
- Accessible main entrance with ramped/level approach and automatic doors
- Accessible seating sections at orchestra level with companion spots
- Elevator access to the balcony
- Accessible restrooms
- Accessible bar and concessions
For seats with room for a scooter, ask for accessible sections when you buy tickets. The theater holds a rotating block of accessible seats, and booking earlier gets you the best options.
Performance Calendar
The Folly programs across genres throughout the year:
- Folly Jazz series: monthly jazz performances, typically featuring national and regional artists
- Chamber music concerts
- Touring national performers (comedy, music, spoken word)
- Dance companies
- Local Kansas City-based productions
Check the Folly Theater’s calendar for current programming when you plan your visit.
Pairing With Your KC Trip
With a downtown hotel stay: the Folly is a 2-5 block roll from every major downtown KCMO hotel. Make it an evening destination after a day of downtown sightseeing or conventions.
With pre-show dining: Power & Light District restaurants are 1-2 blocks from the theater. Crossroads dining is a short roll south.
With the Kauffman Center: if you’re in town mainly for the performing arts, catch a Kauffman Center performance one evening and a Folly show another.