What’s happening downtown ?:
If you’ve been hiking in downtown Kansas City lately, you’ve probably noticed that something serious is going on in the Crossroads District. Scruffy buildings have been turned into trendy art galleries, while run-down businesses have been transformed into trendy restaurants. If you’ve ever tried to drive there on the first Friday of every month, chances are you’ve been stuck in a surprising traffic jam. What’s going on in the middle of Kansas City, you ask?
First Friday Guide:
What exactly is “first Friday”?
On the first Friday of each month, Crossroads Community art galleries, studios and restaurants open their doors to showcase local and national artists. Like Phoenix and Houston’s already established First Friday, the Kansas City version offers an evening of free arts entertainment where people gather to enjoy local and national art, the company of others, and even a free glass of wine.
Location:
The Crossroads community is a one-mile downtown area of Kansas City bounded by 15th St., I-35, the Freighthouse District and Troost Ave. The heart of the Crossroads Arts District is located at 20th 20th St. and Baltimore.
Gallery information:
The Galleries open their doors to the public and have free admission from 7 to 9 pm. Some galleries not to be overlooked include The Blue Gallery (19 and Grand), the Sherry Leedy Gallery of Contemporary Art (20 and Baltimore), Cube at Beco (19 and Baltimore), and the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center (20 and Principal), which offer something for all types of art lovers, from appreciators to serious connoisseurs.
Just a tip:
Many restaurants at Crossroad’s offer appetizers and drink specials on First Fridays. More like The City Tavern (101 W 22nd) which opens its patio to first Friday attendees who want a glass of wine or a quick bite (spinach artichoke dip is a FF favorite) before heading to the next gallery. . Your next door neighbor, Lidia’s, offers a wide variety of Italian appetizers (think calamari or bruchetta) as a place to meet up with friends.
Good weather?:
The first Fridays, throughout the year, are not to be missed during the warm summer and fall months. It is at this time of year that the entire city gets into the swing of things and the crowd spills onto the streets with street vendors and bands adding to the cultural mix.
