Kansas City isn’t just about BBQ and jazz — it’s also a place where you can learn new skills and indulge your creative side. Whether you’re interested in mixing cocktails, making pasta from scratch, or rolling sushi like a pro, Kansas City offers some excellent options. We particularly like Pendergast Cocktail College, where you can master classic drinks and learn bar tricks, and the Italian Pizza Making Class, which offers a hands-on experience in authentic pizza crafting. These classes are perfect for foodies and those looking for a fun, interactive activity that leaves you with new recipes and skills.
What makes Kansas City stand out is the diversity of its workshops, from cocktail expertise to sushi artistry. The city blends local charm with accessible, engaging classes that cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re on a romantic date, a group outing, or flying solo, you’ll find something that sparks your interest and fits your schedule.
Quick Overview
The list below introduces five of the best workshops and classes in Kansas City, each offering a unique taste of culinary or craft skills. From Pendergast Cocktail College to Italian Pizza Making, each experience offers a different way to connect with the local scene, learn something new, and have fun. Read on to find your perfect fit.
1. Pendergast Cocktail College Classes
At number one, the Pendergast Cocktail College offers a spirited way to spend an evening in Kansas City. Hosted by Tom’s Town, these classes take place every Wednesday at 6:00 PM in their Libations Lab. The 90-minute sessions focus on bourbon, gin, and vodka, teaching you how to craft three seasonal cocktails with rotating recipes. What sets this class apart is its focus on both mixology skills and historical context—learn the difference between shaking and stirring, and the stories behind classic cocktails.
The class fee of $75 covers not just the instruction but also the ingredients, making it a good value for those eager to elevate their home bartending game. The intimate format and expert guidance make this accessible for beginners yet engaging enough for seasoned cocktail enthusiasts. And with a rating of 5.0 based on a single review, it’s clear that Tom’s Town delivers. Expect a lively environment, hands-on experience, and plenty of tips you’ll want to try at home.
Bottom line: This class is perfect if you want a social, educational experience with a focus on American spirits and cocktail history. Just be prepared to shake things up!
$75.00 per person
2. Kansas City: Fun Sushi-Making Class with Local Chef
Next on our list is the Fun Sushi-Making Class, which offers a hands-on experience in creating your own sushi rolls. Hosted by a talented local chef, this two-hour class is designed to be accessible for all skill levels. You choose two types of rolls—such as dragon, Philly, or vegetable—and learn proper knife skills, rice preparation, and rolling techniques.
What makes this class enjoyable is the interactive nature and flexible menu options. You’ll be guided step-by-step, and there’s plenty of time to ask questions and perfect your technique. Plus, you get to enjoy your freshly made sushi along with complimentary drinks, making it an ideal activity for date nights, group outings, or a fun solo adventure. The $75 price point includes all ingredients and instruction, offering great value for a memorable culinary experience.
While reviews for this specific class aren’t provided, the focus on beginner-friendly sushi making and the opportunity to learn from a local chef make it a strong choice. Expect a lively atmosphere, plenty of hands-on practice, and a tasty reward at the end.
Bottom line: If you love sushi or want to learn how to make it at home, this class offers practical skills in a relaxed and friendly setting.
$75 per person
3. 2 Hour Pasta Making Class With Local Chef in Kansas City
For those craving Italian comfort food, the 2 Hour Pasta Making Class is a must-try. Led by Chef Anna, this class walks you through the basics of making pasta dough from scratch, using traditional ingredients like 00 flour, eggs, and salt. The class takes place in a trendy, social setting where you knead, roll, and cut your pasta, getting hands-on experience in shaping different styles—from classic spaghetti to creative shapes.
What makes this experience stand out is the focus on authentic techniques without shortcuts or machines. Chef Anna shares her expertise in a friendly manner, ensuring everyone leaves with confidence in their pasta-making skills. The class, priced at $75 per person, also includes a brief overview of sauce pairing and tips for cooking and storing your pasta at home.
Since there are no reviews listed, it’s important to note that this class is best suited for those who enjoy interactive cooking and want a genuine taste of Italy. The three-hour session (including eating time) provides enough time for thorough instruction and tasting.
Bottom line: Perfect for pasta lovers, this class is a great way to learn a skill that will impress at your next dinner party.
$75.00 per person
4. Sushi Making Class With Local Chef in Kansas City
Another solid sushi option is the Sushi Making Class with Local Chef. Hosted in a stylish local venue, Chef Jeffrey guides you through the entire process—from prepping fresh ingredients like crab, smoked salmon, and crisp vegetables to rolling your own sushi. You can choose your own adventure, building a dragon roll with crab and avocado, a Philadelphia roll with smoked salmon and cream cheese, or a vegetable cone roll.
The class lasts about two hours and is aimed at making you comfortable with essential sushi skills, from proper knife handling to rolling techniques. The $60 price makes it an attractive option for those who want a fun, creative experience without breaking the bank. While there’s no review data, the detailed guidance from Chef Jeffrey and the interactive format promise a lively, educational session.
This class is best suited for beginners and those who enjoy hands-on cooking with a focus on fresh ingredients. The stylish venue adds a nice touch of atmosphere, making it a memorable culinary experience.
Bottom line: Great for sushi lovers eager to learn the craft in a relaxed, friendly environment.
$60.00 per person
5. Italian Pizza Making Class in Downtown Kansas City
Lastly, for lovers of Italian food, the Pizza Making Class offers a three-hour, small-group experience. Limited to just four guests per session, this class emphasizes hands-on pizza dough preparation, starting with a fresh arugula salad. You get to knead the dough from scratch, then choose between a classic Margherita or a chicken pesto pizza, both featuring authentic ingredients and techniques.
Chef-led and intimate, this class ensures personalized attention and step-by-step guidance. The session wraps up with a delicious lemon tiramisu for dessert. At $88 per person, the class offers a high level of detail and a chance to craft restaurant-quality pizzas at home. The small group size guarantees a friendly environment and plenty of direct interaction with the instructor.
While there are no reviews listed, the detailed focus on authentic Italian methods and the inclusion of a dessert option make it appealing. It’s especially suitable for foodies who love pizza and want a comprehensive, hands-on experience.
Bottom line: If you want the full Italian pizza experience and enjoy a social, intimate setting, this class delivers.
$88.00 per person
How to Choose
When selecting the best workshop or class in Kansas City, consider your budget, schedule, and interests. For those wanting a cocktail night, the Pendergast Cocktail College offers a spirited, educational experience. If you’re more into cooking, the Pasta or Pizza classes are excellent choices for hands-on culinary skills. Sushi lovers will appreciate the Fun Sushi or Sushi with Chef Jeffrey options, especially if you enjoy Asian cuisine.
Think about the duration — the pizza class takes around 3 hours, while the pasta and sushi classes are closer to 2 hours. Budget-wise, most classes are around $60–$88, offering good value for the skills and fun involved. Booking early is recommended, especially for the small-group Italian pizza class, which fills quickly.
Final Thoughts
Kansas City surprises with its variety of engaging, well-designed workshops. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, a die-hard foodie, or a curious beginner, there’s something here for you. The Pendergast Cocktail College stands out if you want a lively, educational bar experience, while the Italian Pizza Making class is perfect for those who want to learn a practical skill in a cozy setting. Sushi classes, whether with Chef Jeffrey or the local chef, offer a fun way to get hands-on with Asian cuisine.
No matter your preference, booking early and choosing a class that matches your schedule and interest will ensure a memorable, enriching experience in Kansas City.