Your guide to First Friday in Kansas City: What to do, what to see, where to park

It’s Friday. You know what that means? It’s time for First Fridays down in the Historic West Bottoms and the Crossroads Arts District. The monthly event is one of the best bets for enjoying art, entertainment, food and good times in Kansas City.

Here’s what to know for November:

In the West Bottoms:

This month’s “Blessing in the Bottoms” theme emphasizes local businesses that made it through the pandemic, while also giving thanks to friends and family in our lives, Amber Arnett-Bequeath, vice-president of the West Bottoms entertainment district said.

The neighborhood, just west of downtown Kansas City, is home to more than 35 vintage and antique stores stuffed with treasures looking for homes. A few fan favorites include The Painted Sofa, The Dusted Attic and The Robin’s Nest, where the owners handcraft their own tables using wood and metal. Variety shops like Bella Patina, Good Ju Ju and Ugly Glass & Co. have something for everyone.

Looking for something to sip? Fountain City Winery is holding its grand opening this weekend. You’ll also find some of the West Bottoms’ favorite restaurants and food trucks this weekend. Take a seat at the Golden Ox or snack on bites from Jerusalem Cafe or K&C Concessions as you browse.

Need a gift for a barbecue lover in your life? Check out Kansas City Stockyard BBQ Supply located at West 13th and Hickory Streets. “There are so many rubs, so many sauces, and it looks like he has the largest collection of hot sauce. Just looking at the bottles burns my mouth,” Arnett-Bequeath said.

This month the entertainment district association is running a Friendsgiving contest on the West Bottom’s Facebook. By tagging your friends and your favorite stores in the West Bottoms, you could win a dinner for 10 with decor from The Dusted Attic, food from Chef J BBQ and wine from Fountain City Winery. Winners will also receive surprises from Treasures on 13th, Robin’s Nest, Serendipity and Sincerely Ellis.

When to go:

First Friday weekend runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The early closing on Friday and Saturday gives visitors the chance to take one last journey into The Beast or The Edge of Hell, as the haunted houses prepare to close for the season.

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.

The Crossroads:

First Fridays in downtown Kansas City mean heading to The Crossroads. There you’ll find local, regional, national and international artists displaying their work in concert with local arts organizations, galleries, studios and area businesses.

Wander through the neighborhood and admire the large-scale wall murals and stop in the Art Alleys between Baltimore and Wyandotte from 18th Street to Southwest Boulevardto visit with local art vendors showing their individual work.

A few exhibitions worth checking out this month:

• “Minerality,” Cary Esser’s new series of intimate ceramic wall works exploring the alchemy of glaze are on display at Sherry Leddy Contemporary Art.

• Leawood-based artist Linda Nickell’s show at MLB Designs features work inspired by the colors, shapes, lines and textures in nature.

• The Belger Arts Center is showcasing “{not} Quiet on the Western Front,” a presentation of work in the Belger Collection by west-coast artists who helped define the Funk Movement.

See more about this month’s exhibits here.

When to go:

Most exhibitions open at 6 p.m. and close at 9 p.m.

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.

This story was originally published November 5, 2021 at 5:00 AM.