Your January guide to First Friday in Kansas City: What to do, what to see, where to park
New year, new festivities at the same locations on this First Friday. It’s expected to be a cold one this weekend, so if you decide to travel to the Crossroads and the Historic West Bottoms, dress warm and enjoy what Kansas City has to offer.
Here’s what to know for January:
HISTORIC WEST BOTTOMS
“The Bliss in the Bottoms” takes place at the Historic West Bottoms in January. Start off the New Year fresh with stores stocked with vintage, new, antique, hard-to-find and up-cycled items.
Bella Patina, Serendipity, Treasures on 13th and more will have plenty of goods that will instantly become treasured pieces. Bella Patina will also host Painted Rooster, a local family-run cafe with a special butternut squash soup, inside its store.
“The stores have pivoted from the holidays to showcase their unique finds for shoppers to discover and treasure,” Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, vice-president of the West Bottoms entertainment district said. “We see the emotion with visitors as they find something they remember fondly from their childhood or offers some historical linkage to an era they want to remember.”
In addition to that, the Historic West Bottoms offers street entertainment, escape games, food trucks and wine from either Fountain City Winery or Amigoni Winery.
When to go:
First Friday weekend runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Parking:
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
You’ll find local, regional, national and international artists displaying their work in concert with local arts organizations, galleries, studios and area businesses in the Crossroads this January.
The Bunker Center for Arts is hosting the opening reception for Derrick Schmidt’s first solo exhibit, “This is Where The Story Begins.” All three of The Bunker Center’s galleries will be used to display this comprehensive piece of abstract art. The venue is open from 5 to 9 p.m.
Also open from 5 to 9 p.m. is the Jones Gallery, which will be hosting an artist meet-and-greet to celebrate its 12th anniversary.
Crossroad favorites such as Parlor, Tom’s Town Distilling Co. and more will be open to satisfy your food and beverage needs.
When to go:
The exhibits are open from 5 to 9 p.m., while the food, drink and entertainment options will vary per location. Check here to find out when businesses open.
Parking:
If you’re looking for free street parking, arriving early is your best chance. While there are many parking free and metered parking options in the Crossroads and downtown Kansas City, First Fridays are busy.
Using public transit like the Kansas City Streetcar is encouraged. The 16th Street and the 19th Street stops will put you right in the middle of the Crossroads.
Have questions about other things to do in Kansas City, or small businesses or artists to support to start the year? Let us know at kcq@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published January 5, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
