#88/100 – Crossroads’ First Fridays
Crossroads Art District, Kansas City
Cost: Free – $$$
Atmosphere: Crowded
Good for: Art lovers, food truck fans
Tip: Don’t go with a big group – Crossroads’ First Fridays works best with 1-2 other people.
The first Friday of each month, art galleries, shops and restaurants in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District stay open late. Many art galleries offer wine and beer while you peruse the art and other stores will have specials. With street artists and food trucks, it’s a night everyone can enjoy.
Make the Most of Crossroads’ First Fridays
- Uber – Parking is notoriously awful, so if you live close enough, I recommend ubering.
- Dress smart – Wear layers and comfy shoes. Rarely is the weather perfect for First Fridays and there’s a lot of walking.
- Be patient – Everyone seems to go to Crossroads’ First Fridays, so the lines are long and streets are busy.
- Bring cash – Some food trucks are cash only and many street artists don’t accept cards.
Where to Go During Crossroads’ First Fridays
Christopher Elbow Chocolates – Start at the best chocolatier in Kansas City. The decadent sweets are usually $3-4, but are just $1 during First Fridays. They go fast, so get there early in the night for the best selection. Try my favorites – Lavender Caramel, Vanilla Bean and Honey Sea Salt.
Food Trucks – A few blocks north of Christopher Elbow you will find a mini food truck rally (like the Roasterie’s) in the Kansas City Star parking lot. From waffles to tacos to BBQ, there’s almost a food truck for every type of cuisine. Unfortunately the lines will be long, but if you explore the surrounding streets, you can find some trucks with shorter lines.
Thou Mayest – If you don’t want to brave the food truck lines, grab a quick bite at Grinder’s or boozy coffee cocktails at Thou Mayest.
Josey Records – Near Thou Mayest, Josey Records (my favorite record shop in the Crossroads) is open late and often has entertainment for First Fridays.
Hammerpress – Hammerpress is a local letterpress shop sells wonderful letterpress cards, posters stationary and other home goods. They always have a cooler of Miller High Life available to shoppers.
The Bauer –With three stories of studios, the venue is the perfect place to get a dose of local artwork. At the top of the building is an event space, where you can find a bar, and on occasion, musicians playing.
Raygun – Stop by Raygun for sassy, politically relevant tshirts, key chains, bumper stickers and more.
UpDown – End your night at the adult-only arcade bar. It’s always slammed on First Fridays, but it’s such a good time that it’s worth stopping in for a beer, a piece of mac & cheese pizza and a game of pinball or Pacman.
It might take a while to get the hang of Crossroads’ First Fridays, but it’s worth figuring out. xx, Libbie.
