18th & Vine Honors Awards 2026

Kansas City, it’s time to give flowers while our legends can still receive them. 🌹

Join the 18th & Vine Arts Festival Foundation for the 18th & Vine Honors Awards 2026 — an unforgettable evening celebrating the artists, musicians, storytellers, dancers, poets, and cultural leaders who continue to shape the creative heartbeat of Kansas City.

Hosted in the historic Gem Theater in the heart of the 18th & Vine Jazz District, this powerful night will bring together community leaders, creatives, performers, and supporters from across the city for a celebration rooted in culture, legacy, and artistic excellence.

This is more than an awards show. It’s a tribute to the people who paved the way.

Guests will experience:

• Live tribute performances • Powerful storytelling • Live music • Spoken word • Dance tributes • Live art experiences • Red carpet moments • Community celebration

The Honors Awards exists to celebrate the creatives who have dedicated decades to uplifting Kansas City culture through music, visual art, theater, film, dance, poetry, and community leadership.

Join us as we honor living legends and inspire the next generation.

• Lonnie McFadden • Shawn “Uncle” Tyler • Isaac Cates • Shawn Edwards • LeVelle • Sosha Oshaye • And more Kansas City cultural leaders

The 18th & Vine Arts Festival Foundation is dedicated to celebrating culture, supporting artists, and preserving the legacy of Kansas City’s Historic 18th & Vine District through arts programming, live events, education, and creative community initiatives.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher 18th & Vine Arts Festival