About Headlights Bar and Grill
Headlights Bar & Grill is a family-owned dive bar and music venue in the East Bottoms district of Kansas City (www.eventsfy.com). It’s decked out with automotive and motorcycle memorabilia – neon headlights, engine parts and bikes on the walls – which gives it a distinct biker-dive aesthetic (www.eventsfy.com). Opened (mid-2000s era), Headlights isn’t as old as KC legends like Knuckleheads, but it plays a similar role by mixing motorcycle culture with live music. In fact, the KC scene has a tradition of bikers-turned-promoters (Knuckleheads famously started as Frank Hicks’ bike shop (www.wfdd.org)), and Headlights continues that legacy with its car-themed décor and bike-friendly vibe. The bar is known for its large covered outdoor patio and stage – an uncommon feature for a neighborhood grill (www.eventsfy.com) – and it hosts a packed, energetic crowd. Its gritty, no-frills charm and local roots make it notable as one of the few music venues in the industrial East Bottoms, adding nightlife to an area otherwise full of warehouses and stockyards.
Events and Programming
Headlights offers live music most weekends plus themed nights during the week. It hosts everything from Kansas City punk/metal and country-rock to regional hip-hop and tribute bands. For instance, in June 2021 the country-rock band 49 Winchester played a sold-out show there (www.setlist.fm). In August 2021 Headlights even hosted “Punkfest,” a two-night local music festival featuring 20+ Kansas City area bands (Sheila and the Bogans, Yellow Bird, The Way Way Back, etc.) performing on two covered outdoor stages (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.ticketfairy.com). Weekly programming includes a popular “Bike Nite” for motorcycle enthusiasts every Tuesday and karaoke on Wednesdays (www.eventsfy.com). Generally, most concerts are Friday/Saturday nights with cover charges under $15. Smaller acts might play for just a $5–10 cover, while larger events or festivals can range a bit higher (for example Punkfest tickets were $7 per day or $10 for both days (www.ticketfairy.com)). Check local listings or the venue’s social media for current shows, which often sell out fast due to the intimate setting.
Tickets and Booking
There is no large box office – tickets are usually sold at the door or through local promoters. For general admission shows, fans often just buy on arrival. Some bigger acts or festivals may offer advance tickets via authorized ticket outlets or social media promotion. For example, Punkfest promoted on Ticket Fairy let you buy a day or weekend pass at the door (www.ticketfairy.com). In practice, fans can call the venue or check event pages to see if presales are available. In most cases, tickets range from about $5 up to $15 or so. For very popular shows, arrive early or watch for presales on Kansas City music sites; otherwise it’s common to pay at the door, especially for country, rock or DIY punk gigs.
Seating and Layout
Inside, Headlights is a relatively small one-room bar with a front stage. Seating is casual – a scattering of high-top tables, bar stools and a few booths, but much of the floor is open standing room. For concerts, the best place to watch is near the front of the stage where the sound is clearest. The back area near the bar can get crowded and acoustically muddy on busy nights. In fair weather, the main action moves to the sprawling covered patio, which serves as an extra stage area during festivals (www.ticketfairy.com). This outdoor section has its own stage and room for a couple hundred people under a roof, so it’s great for large events. There are no assigned seats or VIP boxes – it’s all general admission. Acoustic-wise, the bar system is powerful (by dive-bar standards) but raw: bring earplugs if you are sensitive to volume. In short, plan to stand close to the band, since there’s no premium “best seat” section aside from carrier-on who grab the rail.
Getting There and Parking
Headlights Bar & Grill is located at 1036 N. Agnes Ave, in Kansas City, MO 64120. It sits in the East Bottoms (just north of Truman Road and east of downtown). By car, the easiest routes are via I-70 or I-35. Take I-70 to the Chestnut/Tucker exit or I-35 to Broadway, and head east/south on the local streets to Agnes Ave. The venue has a small free parking lot for patrons. Note: the management strictly prohibits open containers in the lot (www.ticketfairy.com), so no tailgating or drinking outside. Street parking is also available along some neighborhood side streets. Public transit options are limited – KCATA bus lines run on nearby corridors (such as Truman Road, Broadway or 9th St.), but you’ll likely be a few blocks (or more) from the bar and have to walk. There is no KC Streetcar service this far east. Because of the industrial location, many visitors opt to drive or use rideshare/Taxi. Rideshare drop-offs can be made at the front entrance on Agnes Ave for safety. If you do drive, remember plenty of local neighbors and watch for pedestrians on bike nights.
Inside the Venue
Expect a friendly, divey atmosphere once inside Headlights. Entry is usually a few beers or a concert ticket at the bar door; staff check IDs on busy nights. The decor is kitschy and automotive-themed: picture framed vintage motorcycle posters, hubcaps on the ceiling, license plates and a literal wall of motorcycle headlights. There’s a full bar serving domestic and craft beers on tap and in bottles, plus cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Food-wise, Headlights is also a grill with an all-day menu (www.ubereats.com). Classic bar fare dominates: appetizers like “Junkyard Fries” topped with cheese sauce and bacon, “Onion Tanglers” (fried onion slices) or chicken nuggets (www.ubereats.com), plus tacos and wings. Burgers and sandwiches run $8–$10; creative examples include a Macaroni & Cheese Burger (beef patty piled with mac-and-cheese and Bacon) and the “Bentley Burger” (turkey, bacon, cream cheese, provolone on grilled wheat) (www.ubereats.com). Meals come with fries and pickle garnish. The kitchen stays open late (the menu is served until closing at 1 AM (www.ubereats.com)), so you can pop in for a snack after an evening show. Restrooms are available on site (typical bar-style). As a live venue, Headlights tends to be loud on show nights – no reserved quiet zones – but the people are very welcoming. Wi-Fi is not advertised, so assume you’ll use your own data. Coat check is unlikely in this casual setting, and there is usually some limited space behind the bar for small coats, but plan to keep it minimal. Overall it’s a relaxed, pub-like environment made for rocking out or watching sports on TV during downtime.
Nearby Amenities
The East Bottoms itself has few restaurants or hotels, so most visitors plan dining and lodging outside the immediate area. For dinner before a show, many people head a few miles west to the West Bottoms or the nearby Crossroads area. Within 5–10 minutes’ drive are options like barbecue (e.g. Joe’s KC Barbecue), brewpubs, or casual diners near downtown. The historic City Market and 18th & Vine district (with jazz clubs and concert halls) are also not far if you want dinner and drinks. There’s a small convenience store a block away for last-minute snacks. As for hotels, downtown Kansas City has the closest selections – options like the Kansas City Marriott Downtown or Sheraton Crown Plaza – roughly a 5–10 minute drive west. Note that the East Bottoms is generally industrial, so opt for lodging downtown. Late-night, rideshare apps or taxi services are recommended for getting back from Headlights, since public transit is sparse late.
What Makes This Venue Special
Headlights stands out in KC’s music scene for its genuine biker-dive character. Unlike a corporate club, this place feels like a honky-tonk in a motorcycle workshop. Its quirky decor (the bike helmets hanging from lights, the vintage gas-station signs, the metal grillwork) create a one-of-a-kind ambiance you won’t find anywhere else. Culturally, it embodies East Bottoms history: an area once criss-crossed by railroads and stockyards, now home to gritty music joints and bike culture. In the tradition of Frank Hicks’ Knuckleheads (which began as a bike shop turned concert venue (www.wfdd.org)), Headlights has become a community hub for riders and rock fans alike. Musicians love it too – the room is small enough that artists mingle with the crowd after shows. Over the years it’s hosted DIY rock festivals, surprise freebies and local band meetups, building a loyal following. The regulars often call it a “shrine” to KC roots music. In short, both performers and audiences love Headlights because it’s authentic: a cozier, rough-around-the-edges venue where anyone can grab a drink, hear real bands, and feel like part of the family.
Visitor Tips and Information
Age & ID: Most nights Headlights is all-ages or 18+ depending on the show. One typical policy (as seen at Punkfest) was “all ages until 10pm, then 18+ after 10pm” (www.ticketfairy.com). Always bring a valid photo ID just in case.
Dress & Gear: Dress casually – it’s a dive bar, so jeans and boots or sneakers are fine. Wear something you don’t mind getting a little dust on, and bring ear protection if you’re sensitive, because sound levels can be high.
What to Bring: Bring cash (cards are accepted but not all performers take digital tips), your ID, and a coat in winter. Bags are usually allowed if reasonably sized (no known fancy bag check, but staff will discourage open thongs or weapons). Outside food/drink is prohibited – they will check for outside alcohol (no coolers or bottles) (www.ticketfairy.com).
Accessibility: The venue is generally on one level, but it can be tight indoors. If wheelchair access is a concern, call ahead; large wheelchairs may have difficulty in performance areas.
Cancelling/Waiting: If shows sell out, try to arrive early (1–2 hours before) to get in line. The indoor waiting area is small. If it’s nice outside, the patio has extra space.
Food & Drink: Headlights serves food from morning through late night. Plan to eat there; lines for the grill can be long just before popular shows. Their burgers and fried appetizers are popular. Drinks are also reasonably priced for KC – happy hour deals often apply during early evening hours.
Common Mistakes: Don’t park with your cooler out or drink in the lot (you will be asked to stop (www.ticketfairy.com)). Don’t expect a formal seating chart or table service. And don’t expect late buses home – taxis or rideshares work best after shows.
Arrival Time: For big concerts and festivals, arrive when doors open. A headliner might not start until 10pm, but seating front-to-stage is first-come. For weekly events (like Bike Night), you can usually cruise in mid-evening and still find space.
Special Notes: The motorcycle-themed community is strong here – on Bike Night thousands of cruiser bikes may fill the lot. It’s a friendly crowd but be mindful of people’s bikes and gear if you’re not a rider. The venue features local art and music memorabilia, so take a look around. Above all, relax and enjoy the unique KC experience.
How do I buy tickets and what do they cost?
Headlights doesn’t have a large box office; tickets are usually bought through event promoters or at the door. Smaller shows often sell tickets at the entrance on the day of the event. Cover charges vary by act – most local bands charge roughly $5–$15. For larger events or festivals, limited advance tickets may be sold by promoters. For example, the 2021 Punkfest event had $7/day or $10 weekend passes (www.ticketfairy.com). Check the venue’s social media or event listing to see if any presales or door prices are announced ahead of time.
What is the seating arrangement and where is the stage?
Headlights is mostly general admission standing room. The indoor stage is at one end of the bar room. There are a few tables and bar stools scattered, but to really see a performance you’ll want to stand up front by the stage. For bigger shows, the covered outdoor patio also becomes a music area – it has a separate stage and room for more people. There’s no reserved seating or VIP area; to get a good spot, arrive early and claim your place at the rail. Audiences often stand the whole show, and the front-center area offers the clearest view and best acoustics.
What are the venue's rules and policies?
Headlights enforces standard bar/venue rules: valid ID is required, and they do ID-check after certain hours. Minors are generally allowed for early shows, but after around 10pm it’s 18+ only (www.ticketfairy.com) (sometimes 21+ for late-night hours). No outside alcohol or coolers are permitted; in fact, a parking-lot policy specifically bans drinking outside (www.ticketfairy.com). Smoking laws apply (usually no indoor smoking in Missouri bars). Flash photography or professional recording gear is typically not allowed during concerts. Dress is casual – no strict code – but management can turn you away for disruptive behavior or violating these rules. For special events, there may be additional posted rules (like age limits during festivals), so it’s good to read any event announcements.
What food and drinks are available inside the bar?
Yes, Headlights has a full kitchen and a well-stocked bar. The menu features classic bar food – appetizers like seasoned fries, fried pickles, wings and onion rings (www.ubereats.com). They also serve burgers and sandwiches ($8–$10 range) such as a Macaroni & Cheese Burger (beef patty topped with mac & cheese) and turkey-BLT “Bentley” burger (www.ubereats.com). Every meal comes with fries and simple garnishes. On the drink side, you’ll find a variety of draft and bottled beers (likely including local KC crafts), plus standard liquors, cocktails and non-alcoholic options. Prices are typical for a neighborhood bar. The kitchen is open late (food served until closing hours), so you can order before, during or after shows.
Is there parking or public transit for getting to the venue?
Headlights has a free private parking lot for customers. It can fill up on big nights, but street parking is also available nearby. Remember don’t drink in the lot – it’s against the venue’s rules (www.ticketfairy.com). Public transit is limited: local KC buses run a few blocks away (along Truman Road, Broadway or 9th Street), but there’s typically a 5–15 minute walk from any stop. No light rail or streetcar goes to this area. For convenience, many people use rideshare or taxi – you can be dropped off at the front door on Agnes Ave. Ride home if you’ve been drinking, as late-night buses/trains are scarce.
Does Headlights Bar & Grill have any special events or traditions?
Yes. It’s famous for “Bike Nite” every Tuesday, where motorcyclists gather in the lot and onstage (a weekly tradition that celebrates KC’s biker culture) (www.eventsfy.com). Karaoke on Wednesdays is another regular draw. Occasionally the bar hosts multi-band festivals (like the annual Punkfest in 2021) that run through the afternoon. They also do holiday parties and charity rides related to motorcycle groups. Check their event page or Facebook to see if any special theme night or festival is coming up during your visit.