First Friday kicks off 4th of July weekend. What to see in the Crossroads and West Bottoms

Joseph Hernandez
·3 min read

The 4th of July is Monday, and that means we have a long weekend ahead. Get it started right by checking out these First Friday events in the Crossroads and the West Bottoms.

WEST BOTTOMS

The West Bottoms will be full of red, white and blue. The Boom in the Bottoms takes over the district for First Friday weekend.

The West Bottoms will feature plenty of American-themed items at their stores. You’ll also see Uncle Sam walking around on stilts and face painting booths as themed backdrops give visitors the perfect photo opportunity to celebrate the holiday.

“We’ll be wearing patriotic colors, featuring Americana, and have a sea of flags with Uncle Sam,” said Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, the VP of the West Bottoms Historic District. “Folks looking for pre-Independence Day activities have come to the right spot to get into the Independence Day spirit.”

The booming weekend will also feature some good West Bottoms shopping. 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. Learn more about the West Bottoms shops here.

If you and your crew are looking for a fun group activity, Full Moon Escape will be open for groups to solve puzzles and work through the escape room from 12 to 11:15 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 12 until 8:45 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.

CROSSROADS

The gateway to downtown Kansas City has a lot to offer this first Friday. From art galleries to comedy shows, here’s a sample of what you can see.

  • Two bodies of work by Rebecca Stone will be on display at Beggars Table Church & Gallery. “Enchanted Quill” is a digital art series that went from art to keep her busy to a multi-year passion project, and “Between All Things” is a mixed media artwork designed to visualize Stone’s spiritual journey. Her display is open from 6 to 9 p.m.

  • A glassblowing demonstration at Belger Glass Annex from 6 to 8 p.m. It’s an open-house event with live music, food and more.

  • An exhibit honoring Crossroads Art District founder Jim Leedy, who passed away in December. The collection of his artwork will be on display at Leedy-Voulkos Art Center from 5 to 8 p.m.

The art goes on, and you can find more exhibits here. The Art Alley at 18th Street between Baltimore Avenue and Wyandotte Street will be open, along with the food truck lot at 20th and Grand Streets.

WHEN TO SHOW UP

Events in the Crossroads start as early as 10 a.m. on Friday, and there are a number of events 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.

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