It’s almost August’s First Friday. What to look for in the Crossroads and West Bottoms
The start of a new month marks a time when Kansas City’s local artists and sellers show off their latest creations. It’s no different for August, as plenty of creators will have their artwork and apparel on display and for sale.
While you’re out and about, check out these First Friday events in the West Bottoms and the Crossroads. Temperatures will be high, so take care of yourself and stay hydrated.
WEST BOTTOMS
Who let the dogs out? The West Bottoms entertainment district did.
The Bark in the Bottoms takes over the district for First Friday weekend, inviting you to bring your pups out to play.
The West Bottoms is pampering pooches with doggy pools and giveaways for their owners. Lucky winners will get tea or champagne with special treats as their dog gets dog-approved tea or champagne and snacks.
Great Plains SPCA will also be in attendance with dogs ready for adoption on Friday. Anyone who donates to the organization will be entered into a drawing to receive free tickets to “The Beast,” a haunted house in the West Bottoms, on opening weekend.
Participating West Bottoms shops will have dog treats and water bowls to take care of their new visitors. Shops should be open on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more about the West Bottoms shops here.
If you’re out of the dog house and are looking for a fun group activity, Full Moon Escape will be open for groups to solve puzzles and work through the escape room from 12 to 11:15 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 12 until 8:45 p.m. on Sunday.
WHEN TO GO
The First Friday festivities will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
WHERE TO PARK
Free street parking in the West Bottoms is typically extremely limited during First Friday weekends. City parking lots cost $10 for the day and may require a short walk. Here’s a map of the neighborhood parking lots.
CROSSROADS
Downtown Kansas City’s art district has a lot to offer this first Friday. From art galleries to free comedy shows, here’s a preview of what the Crossroads has in store for visitors.
The Buttonwood Art Space is hosting “Rhythm and Reveal,” featuring various artwork in all mediums inspired by music and community. Live performances from Robert Castillo and Eddie Moore are scheduled, and the event is open from 5 to 8 p.m.
Robert Stackhouse presents “Passages” at The Belger Arts Center, having more than 30 drawings, paintings, prints and sculptures on display. This is the last weekend to see his artworks, and it’ll be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Exhibits by Claire McConaughy, Andrew Watel and Tilly Woodward will be at the Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art building. It’ll be open from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The art goes on, and you can find more exhibits here.
The Art Alley at 18th Street between Baltimore Avenue and Wyandotte Street will be open, along with the food truck lot at 20th and Grand Streets.
WHEN TO SHOW UP
Events in the Crossroads start as early as 10 a.m. on Friday, and many events are happening on Saturday and Sunday as well. Here’s where you can see all the events, including what time they start.
WHERE TO PARK
Parking will likely be tight on a First Friday. People who show up early will have the best chance at on-street parking, according to the Crossroads website.
You can use public transit like the Kansas City Streetcar to avoid any parking nightmares. The 16th Street and the 19th Street stops will put you right in the heart of the Crossroads.
