As we prepare to welcome a new year, there is a lot to look forward to in Kansas in 2026. Sports fans from around the world will travel to Kansas City for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while road trippers will celebrate Route 66’s centennial with a trip through Kansas’ short stretch of the Mother Road. Museums in Manhattan and Topeka will shine a light, literally, on Kansas’ art and history. Whether you are looking for action-packed sports or arts and culture, these are the most exciting places to visit next year in Kansas.

1. Kansas City

Get ready to kick it in Kansas City next year during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While matches take place across the Missouri border, the entire region will be buzzing with World Cup fever. GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, will host six matches, including four group stage matches, a Round of 32 match, and a quarterfinal. Outside of the matches, do not miss these ideas for what to do in Kansas City, Kansas.

2. Manhattan

If you have not yet visited the Museum of Art + Light, which recently celebrated its first anniversary, add the multi-sensory museum’s exhibits to your 2026 travel plans. Located in Manhattan, the Museum of Art + Light is the first contemporary art museum in the world to blend fine art with digital art displays and immersive experiences from inception. The Museum of Art + Light seeks to impact the modern visitor by incorporating technology for a captivating artistic experience. Current exhibits tackle topics like time, art in the machine age, and Black spaces during the Great Depression.

3. Topeka

Explore the state’s story at the Kansas Museum of History, which reopened in November after closing for major renovations for three years. The museum features new exhibits and technology to share the state’s history. New exhibits discuss social issues like reform movements and the question of slavery during Kansas’ territorial period. Examine perceptions about Kansas’ land and resources and learn how the railroad contributed to the state’s development. While you’re in Topeka, don’t miss the unique view from the Capitol dome.

4. Route 66

Kansas may have the shortest Route 66 stretch of any state, but there is plenty to discover along the way. Galena is a must-see small town that inspired the Disney Pixar film “Cars.” Don’t miss Cars on the Route,  a restored 1934 gas station that is the home of the truck that inspired Tow Mater. Snap a photo of the only remaining Marsh Arch Bridge on Route 66 at the Rainbow Bridge in Baxter Springs. Pull over in Riverton at Nelson’s Old Riverton Store, which has been serving meals and memorabilia to travelers since 1925. The mere 13 miles of the Mother Road in Kansas are packed with art, history, movie inspiration, and nostalgia.

With exciting cultural events to share statewide, Kansas needs to be on your radar for 2026. If you are planning a trip to Kansas, visit the Travel Kansas website and social media.  Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.