It’s the first, First Friday of 2023. What to see, do in the Crossroads & West Bottoms
Start the year with local goodies and entertainment at First Friday in downtown Kansas City this weekend. Both the Crossroads and West Bottoms will be packed with food, drinks, art and more to kick off 2023.
Travel solo or with a group of friends and check out what each entertainment district has to offer for the first First Friday of the year. It’ll be chilly, so dress accordingly.
CROSSROADS
It’s a lighter schedule for the Crossroads, but you’ll still have the chance to see local, national and international artwork for First Friday.
These exhibits are scattered throughout the entertainment district:
“Ms.behaving!,” an art exhibit celebrating the 50 years that UMKC’s Women’s Center has provided service to the university and the community from 5-8 p.m. at the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center.
A Current Works photography exhibit hosted by the Kansas City Society for Contemporary Photography, celebrating the broad range of photography styles and processes that represent the diversity of the region. It’s alsofrom 5-8 p.m. at the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center.
“50 Bowls, 50 States, 50 Woodfires,” by artist Elaine Olafson Henry, who created each porcelain bowl and sent each one to a different woodfire in every state in the country to be woodfired. The exhibit is open from 5-8 p.m. at Belger Crane Yard Studios on 2011 Tracy Ave.
The art goes on, and you can find more exhibits here.
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
Over 30 stores in the West Bottoms 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. including:
Bella Patina
Bottoms Up
Java Garage with coffee, various hot and cold drinks and homemade treats
Chef J’s BBQ
Robin’s Nest,
Serendipity KC
Treasures on 13th
Learn more about the West Bottoms shops here. All stores will have holiday decorations on sale along with vintage and antique items, and will also be open on weekends through Dec. 17.
Full Moon Escape will be open for groups to solve puzzles and work through the escape room from noon to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 12 to 8:30 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.
