First Friday is Red Friday. Here’s what to see and do in the Crossroads & West Bottoms
September only means one thing: It’s football season.
The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for another Super Bowl — or at least we hope so — and they’re starting by hosting the “largest edition of Red Friday in franchise history.” The celebration starts on this month’s First Friday.
The Chiefs will be a part of First Friday in the Crossroads for the first time ever. The team said it is planning “live music, live mural painting, local artist pop-ups, merch sales from Charlie Hustle’s new Arrowhead Collection line, and much more.”
“We look forward to the opportunity to welcome Kansas Citians to First Friday with the Chiefs this September for an intersection of sports and the arts,” said Crossroads Community Association President Robert Harris in a news release. “The Crossroads and First Fridays offer an eclectic and creative experience year-round, and this one will have a unique Chiefs Kingdom flair.”
While the Chiefs are taking over 19th Street from Wyandotte Street to Baltimore Avenue, there’s a lot more to see this First Friday. Take a look at what each district has to offer.
CROSSROADS
Outside of the Chiefs’ festivities, downtown Kansas City’s art district has plenty to see and do. From art galleries to free comedy shows, here’s a preview of what the Crossroads has in store for visitors.
Kansas City native TJ Templeton’s “Abundance” exhibit opens up at The Smalter Gallery. The reception goes from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Join DJ KFLEX and DJ SKEEM for funky tunes at Border Brewing Co. on 512 E. 18th St. from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Artwork from Dora Agbas, Chesney Buck, Cameron DuPratte, Hannah Lindo and Rena Wood will be on display at the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Jane Chu’s “50 States — American and Beyond” exhibit, featuring drawings of every state in the country and the District of Columbia, is on display at Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art 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 still 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.
WEST BOTTOMS
The football spirit picks up at the Historic West Bottoms.
It’s a BBQ at the Bottoms for September. The month’s theme combines the city’s love for football and smoked meats.
The West Bottoms is encouraging visitors to wear their colors, whether that’s for the Chiefs, Tigers, Jayhawks or Wildcats, while enjoying the district’s best BBQ from Chef J’s or pick up specialty sauces, rubs and more from Stockyard BBQ Supply.
“The community of football gives us a chance to come together and have connection with our area football teams,” Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, West Bottoms district spokesperson, said in a statement. “It’s a good feeling to feel a part of something, and wearing our colors and shopping around the West Bottoms with fellow fans is uplifting.”
Participating West Bottoms shops will have apparel, dishes, glassware, art, and more that will add to your college football and NFL gameday gatherings. 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.
Full Moon Escape will also 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.
