Food trucks, art alleys and an egg hunt: What’s in store for KC’s April First Friday
Springtime is here and the sun is out much longer, giving us the serotonin we need to keep pushing. Take advantage of the light this First Friday and visit the Historic West Bottoms and Crossroads.
Here’s what you need to know about First Friday for April.
HISTORIC WEST BOTTOMS
An egg hunt is in the cards for visitors in the Historic West Bottoms. Find a lucky egg, and you could find yourself with a sweet discount to one of the many stores open for business or win a sweet prize.
“The Bunnies in the Bottoms event is always a crowd-pleaser,” Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, West Bottoms district spokesperson, said in a statement. “The nice weather and energy in the Bottoms make shopping for treasures a fun outing.”
Take a picture with one of the many bunnies roaming around and fill out your Instagram feed with pastel designs in stores like Bella Patina and Serendipity.
In addition to that, the Full Moon street bars will be back and open at 12th and Hickory and 13th and Hickory, featuring special “Cotton Tail” drinks. Drink responsibly.
The Historic West Bottoms also offers Full Moon Escape, an escape room for groups of 11 or less to challenge their minds and find their way out in less than 60 minutes.
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.
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
You’ll find local, regional, national and international artists displaying their work across the Crossroads this April, including in lit “art alleys” between 18th and 19th Streets.
This month also welcomes a new food truck plaza at 1907 Grand Boulevard.
If you’ve watched “Bel-Air”, you’ve noticed some of the artwork hanging on the walls in the mansion. A few of those pieces were made by Kansas City artist Harold Smith and his art will be on display this First Friday.
Smith’s work will be on display from from 5 to 8 p.m. at Studios Inc.
From 5 to 10 p.m., foodlove café will be featuring chef and artist Kim Cole’s artwork. You’ll be treated to the style of realism, and you may also see some of her recent acrylic pours.
In the Jones Gallery, you’ll see Ukrainian artist Iryna Stroganova’s artwork on display. All of the proceeds from her sales will be donated to Ukrainian war relief charities. You can visit her art exhibit from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The 15th annual Contemporary Art Figurative Show will be taking place at the Hilliard Gallery. The show will force viewers to explore questions such as where does figurative art stand in today’s world, and what place does the human body hold in contemporary art?
The show opens at 5 p.m. and at 6:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., you’ll be able to see two live performances from KC Contemporary Dance in the same venue.
The foods you love and the drinks you enjoy will also be open from places such as Border Brewing Company and Pirate’s Bone Burgers.
For a full list of artists on display and where to find them, click here.
WHEN TO GO
Most exhibits are open from 5 to 9 p.m., while some will open and close early. You can find each gallery’s hours here. The food, drink and entertainment options will vary per location. Check here to find out when businesses open.
WHERE TO PARK
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? Let us know at kcq@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published March 31, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
