Kansas City’s first Friday falls on Cinco de Mayo. Check out these galleries, events

Joseph Hernandez
·6 min read

It’s not often First Friday collides with a holiday, but the first Friday of May happens to fall on Cinco de Mayo.

Celebrations of Hispanic culture are all around Kansas City to go along with the fanfare of First Friday in the city’s arts districts.

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend while the weather heats up, check out one of the many free events on deck.

CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATIONS

Kansas City’s Hispanic community has plenty of Cinco de Mayo parties that everyone can enjoy. Even more are included in The Star’s weekly event list.

Mattie Rhodes Center

The Chicano Art Exhibit’s opening night runs from 6-11 p.m. on Friday at the Mattie Rhodes’ cultural art center on 1701 Jarboe St. The exhibit is the second largest at the community center, right behind its Day of the Dead exhibit, which will run later this year.

The center’s location in the Westside makes it accessible to the Crossroads, where you can see other art galleries during First Friday.

According to the Mattie Rhodes Center, the exhibit brings together many themes including cultural identity, community, activism and ancestral ties through the lens of pride.

“The Chicano Exhibit gives us an opportunity to recognize those who have played a vital role in positive change in our Mexican community while celebrating the diversity of Kansas City,” John Fierro, CEO of Mattie Rhodes Center, said in a statement.

The center’s hosting a party to celebrate the opening, with live music, local food vendors and plenty of Kansas City-based artists on display. The opening reception is free to attend and the exhibit is open until June 30.

Guadalupe Center

The celebration is so big, it spans two days. Visitors can enjoy local and national entertainment through live performances, mariachis and folkloric dancers all throughout the weekend.

The tradition started in 1922, and organizers plan to shut down Avenida Cesar E. Chavez from Jarboe Street to Madison Avenue for the event.

The celebration runs from 5-11 p.m. on Friday and noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday at the center on 1015 Avenida Cesar E. Chavez.

You can view a list of who’s performing on both days here. It’s free for everyone to attend.

Guadalupe Centers will hold its annual Cinco de Mayo fiesta May 5-6.
Guadalupe Centers will hold its annual Cinco de Mayo fiesta May 5-6.

Power and Light District

The KC Live! Block in the Power and Light District brings “Fiesta de Mayo” to downtown Kansas City. The free event is headlined by local Latin dance band Pablo Sanhueza & Los Subtropicales.

All ages can attend the event, but you must be age 21 and up to upgrade to the VIP package, which costs $64.28 after fees and features an all-inclusive drink package at these KC Live! Block bars and restaurants:

  • Guy Fieri’s Dive and Taco Bar

  • McFadden’s

  • PBR Big Sky

  • Pizza Bar

  • Shark Bar

HISTORIC WEST BOTTOMS

The West Bottoms are in full bloom for May. District spokesperson Amber Arnett-Bequeaith encourages visitors to don their floral hats and floral prints to tie to the cheer of the occasion.

This month’s theme is “Blooms in the Bottoms,” celebrating the April showers that brought May flowers. The district streets will be lined up with vendors selling plants from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

“Blooms in the Bottoms is the weekend before Mother’s Day, but many people will be bringing their mothers out this weekend when all the West Bottoms stores are open,” Arnett-Bequeaith said. “Beautiful plants and flowers not only add to the ambiance, but they bring a light floral fragrance making it a perfect outing.”

The Historic West Bottoms enters its 15th year hosting First Friday events this weekend.
The Historic West Bottoms enters its 15th year hosting First Friday events this weekend.

Live music from funk, soul and Billboard cover band Malek Azrael and The Vibez is scheduled for May 5, and Latin band Stranded in the City will play on May 6.

The stores will be open on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 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.

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

Black Rose Co. is hosting a pop-up market, featuring tons of local artists and vendors selling their items and designs. It runs from 6-9 p.m. at 1739 Oak St.

Homestead Dispensary is hosting a Joint Gallery, celebrating a diverse range of artworks that highlight the rich traditions of Mexico through the lens of cannabis-inspired art.

Goodrich Alley in the Crossroads area is a popular footpath for walkers taking in the sights and sounds of First Fridays.
Goodrich Alley in the Crossroads area is a popular footpath for walkers taking in the sights and sounds of First Fridays.

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

Check out these exhibits:

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.

Back Alley Brass is also performing from 7-9 p.m. in Brewer’s Alley, next to Double Shift Brewing Co.

After the exhibits and shows, walk around the Crossroads and enjoy foods 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 when 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.

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