It’s already June? What you can see and do around Kansas City for First Friday weekend

Joseph Hernandez
·5 min read

The sights and sounds of First Friday around Kansas City set the scene for summer memories. Pop-up showers are expected all weekend, so be prepared for any rain.

There are events planned all across Kansas City’s entertainment districts. Wander into any of these have some fun with family or friends.

HISTORIC WEST BOTTOMS

The West Bottoms is celebrating summer wedding season with “Wedding Bells in the Bottoms.” Visitors will have the opportunity to explore gift ideas and shopping items for weddings and celebrations from party favors and decorations to unique accessories..

“West Bottoms’ Wedding Bells in the Bottoms is a celebration of love and the union of two souls,” district spokesperson Amber Arnett-Bequeaith said. “Our stores create the bliss for shoppers to find the perfect gifts and have a fun time doing it.”

The weekend also features musical performances from local acts, photo opportunities and wine tastings.

The stores will be open on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 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.

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

The food truck plaza is back open in the parking lot of 19th Street and Grand Boulevard. If none of the foods call to you, check out Casual Animal to “Tap Into Your Wild Side,” with pizza made by Devoured Pizza.

Homestead Dispensary is hosting a Joint Gallery, celebrating various artworks highlighting Juneteenth and the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States.

Elsewhere in the Crossroads, local, national and international artists will be featured in various galleries.

Check out these exhibits:

  • A summer art walk with a live painting by Emily Jacobsen from 6 to 10 p.m. at the 1739 Walnut St. gallery. Other artists’ work you can see on display and purchase at the gallery include Kid Lane, Jamil Lee, Deaunte Thomas and Saint Leon.

  • “Famous American Soups,” by Oklahoma-based artist Leon Richmond takes over the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center at 2012 Baltimore Ave.

  • Opening receptions for KU-based artists Hannah and Tristan Lindo at the Bunker Center for The Arts at 1014 E. 19th St. Both exhibits are open from 5 to 9 p.m. Hannah’s exhibit focuses on her collection of moments, memories, patterns and changes she experienced while living and working out of her bedroom after graduating from KU. Tristan’s exhibit is centered around a science-fantasy narrative which involves humanity leaving earth to create a new society, but still having the same problems.

The art goes on, and you can find more exhibits here.

If art isn’t your thing, a free comedy show also takes place from 7-9 p.m. at The Bird Comedy Theater on 103 W. 19th St.

After the exhibits and shows, visitors can walk around the Crossroads and enjoy food and beverages from Grinders, Brewery Emperial, Parlor and many more local establishments.

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.

WESTPORT

Strawberry Swing owner Katie Mabry van Dieron is in her 13th year of hosting the Strawberry Swing craft fair around Kansas City, and is bringing it to Westport for the first time ever this weekend.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and again from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, check out over 30 local and regional vendors selling their handmade crafts on Westport Road and Pennsylvania Avenue.

You can get original ceramics, clothing, jewelry, paintings, leather goods and talk to the artisans to discuss their creations and inspirations.

“Strawberry Swing has fostered an array of talented creators with diverse backgrounds and handmade goods,” Mabry van Dieron said in a statement. “Westport and Strawberry Swing’s inclusivity and diversity make this union a welcoming mix of eclectic offerings and talent at the fair and the stores.”

COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA

The Plaza is celebrating its 100th anniversary this weekend. Special offers at many of its businesses and the chance to win two suite tickets to Taylor Swift in July await visitors from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Local performers will also be playing at three stages around the Plaza:

Main Stage (Plaza Central Garage)

  • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m: J Love Band

  • 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m: Brass Rewind

  • 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m: Hard@Play

Penguin Courtyard

  • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m: Nite Owls

  • 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m: Nicki White

Valencia Courtyard

  • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m: Blacksher Music

  • 3 p.m. to 6 p.m: Ragged Heirs

Have questions about other things to do in Kansas City, or small businesses or artists to support? Let us know at kcq@kcstar.com.