Bryan Stalder
Contributor

Tucked into the East Bottoms of Kansas City, Knuckleheads Saloon, located at 2715 Rochester St, Kansas City, MO 64120, has long been a beacon for live music lovers who don’t mind taking a road less traveled. What began as a modest bar — attached to a motorcycle shop — has grown into one of the Midwest’s most distinctive music venues. With four stages, a wide-open courtyard and trains clattering by just feet from the crowd, Knuckleheads carries an atmosphere that feels equal parts honky-tonk, neighborhood block party, and old-school roadhouse.

The building itself dates back to the late 19th century, when the neighborhood was home to Electric Park and the Heim Brewing Co. What later became a boardinghouse eventually transformed into Frank Hicks’ motorcycle shop and, eventually, his music venture. By the early 2000s, what started as small street parties with live bands and beer kegs had turned into a nationally-recognized stage. Over the years, this venue has welcomed everyone from blues legends and country crooners to rock ’n’ roll icons and gospel groups.

Today, Knuckleheads still honors its roots while continuing to bring diverse acts to Kansas City audiences. This fall, several notable concerts will highlight just how eclectic the programming can be.

On November 16, indie rock veteran Ben Kweller will bring his latest tour to the East Bottoms. Known for his melodic songwriting and thoughtful lyrics, Kweller has returned to the road with Cover The Mirrors, a deeply personal album inspired by the loss of his teenage son. The record balances heartbreak with resilience, offering moments that are both raw and unexpectedly comforting. His stop at Knuckleheads promises an intimate evening of reflection, energy, and connection through music.

December brings a pair of festive events to the stage. On December 5, tribute powerhouses KC/DC and Almost KISS will team up for their annual Merry KISSmas blowout. KC/DC covers the full spectrum of AC/DC’s catalog, even including a live bagpiper for “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll),” while Almost KISS has earned acclaim as one of the best KISS tribute bands in the world—complete with full costumes, makeup, and stage theatrics. Together, the two bands will deliver a night of nostalgia and arena-ready spectacle.

Just a week later, on December 16, the Squirrel Nut Zippers will return with their Christmas Caravan tour. Blending vintage jazz, swing, klezmer, and good old-fashioned holiday cheer, the Zippers’ holiday show has become a seasonal favorite. With a nine-piece lineup featuring horns, multiple vocalists, and plenty of stage antics, the group delivers a performance that feels like equal parts a holiday celebration and speakeasy party.

From heartfelt indie rock to bombastic tribute shows and eccentric holiday revelry, Knuckleheads continues to live up to its reputation as Kansas City’s roadhouse for all kinds of music. And these shows are just the beginning—Knuckleheads hosts live music nearly every night of the week, with a calendar full of acts spanning genres and generations.

For tickets, upcoming shows, and the full event calendar, visit www.knuckleheadskc.com.