Rooftop Cinema Club offers options to block out the world amid an impressively intimate affair

Courtesy Rooftop Cinema Club

Rooftop Cinema Club recently expanded to Kansas City, adding a Crossroads location to its list of eight other cities. 

KC’s reputation in the art scene is what specifically drew the eye of Rooftop Cinema Club, says company representative Priscilla Gonzalez: “You [Kansas City] are known for your beautiful art museum as well as music, comedians, artists, and muralists. You really have every aspect of the art world there. And so we thought that the Crossroads area, specifically, is such a vibrant young neighborhood that would be receptive to the rooftop and what we have to offer.”

The name says it all: a rooftop movie theater, complete with concessions and a bar, has been built atop a building within the cityscape. The catch is that it’s an outdoor facility, and movies are shown rain or shine.

With daily showings through the summer and fall, the movie lineup appears focused on feel-good hits that lean on Millennial nostalgia. Upcoming films, for example, include 10 Things I Hate About You, Love & Basketball, White Chicks, The Devil Wears Prada, Friday, Clueless, Twilight, and even a dog-friendly showing of Ratatouille. Tickets range between $20-30.

An open-air bar and concession stand serve up treats for purchase before and during the movie, or viewers can scan a QR code for delivery during the show. Cocktails, mocktails, beer, and wine offerings range from $7-19, and the food menu features hot dogs, brats, and mac & cheese, all around $11. 

The open rooftop space is set up for seating approximately 80 people. Customers can select between individual or loveseat-style Adirondack chairs, or upgrade to small couches with pillows and a coffee table. 

Though selection of seat type is offered at the time of purchase, the actual seats aren’t reserved. Doors open one hour before showtime, and it appears as if most guests take advantage of this in an effort to nab a good spot as well as have time to take in the city views. A couple of yard games are available for guests to play. 

Arriving early might be more important than usual if you’re particular about seat selection. In my research for this story, I came across an individual who arrived at Rooftop Cinema Club only to find out that they oversold, and was offered a seat with an obstructed view. 

Rooftop Cinema Club says that was a one-time fluke, and overselling is not their policy. “If it’s sold out, we’re not going to sell more tickets for that event,” says Gonzalez. The venue does allow guests to enter the space at sit at the bar without buying a seat for the showing. 

Photo by Sarah Sipple

Now, to the “problem” of traditional movie theaters.

Sensory concerns are a big enough deal that large theater groups like AMC offer sensory-friendly showings, B&B Theatres offers sensory kits for rental, and the conversation about movie volume made it to the mainstream as we collectively ventured out post-COVID. 

At Rooftop Cinema Club, movie-goers are provided wireless headphones that play the film’s audio. Wearers are able to control the volume at any point, and the headphones offer noise-cancelling technology that does everything, short of blocking out sirens on the street below. 

Sure, this is respectful to the neighboring businesses and residents, rather than having speakers blaring the movie’s dialogue and score. But the personal control is a perk that can make a big difference for some. 

Letting you control your own volume puts comfort and immersion in your own hands. Plus, since everyone has noise-cancelling headphones on, if you need to lean over and whisper something to your companion, you’re less likely to disturb those around you.

Whether you prefer a loud volume to help plunge yourself into the film or enjoy a quieter decibel level than is typically used at theaters, this customizable experience lets you tune in exactly how you want. 

Rooftop Cinema Club is located at 2101 Broadway Blvd, 4th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64108. Nightly outdoor movie showings for the 2025 season are scheduled to run through November 1, 2025.