What is First Friday in the Crossroads?
Mark your calendar! On the First Friday of every month, thousands of residents and visitors fill the Crossroads Arts District in Kansas City to enjoy what has become the City’s most dynamic and popular event: #firstfridayskc. Our community comes alive as arts organizations, galleries, studios, and a wide variety of businesses in the district feature local, regional, national, and international artists. Also catch one of the Crossroads’ creative wall murals or visit our exciting new Art Alleys between Baltimore and Wyandotte from 18th Street to Southwest Blvd which are filled with Art Vendors and their individual artistic creations!
Insider Tip: Take the free KC Streetcar and avoid the parking hassle!
The Crossroads Arts District is best explored on foot once you arrive. We recommend making it an evening with dinner at one of our many fabulous restaurants, a drink at one of our local craft beverage makers, and a performance at a Crossroads Entertainment Venue. Every visit to the KC Crossroads is a new adventure!
Discover the evening events at This First Friday.
What to expect?
Explore all the KC Crossroads has to offer!
- Galleries and artist studios featuring exhibits from local, national, and international artists
- Locally owned restaurants
- Local craft breweries, distilleries, and wineries
- Eclectic shops
- Art Alleys*
- Food Truck Plaza*
*Art Alleys and the Food Truck Plaza featured from April to October open at 5:00 PM and close at 9:00 PM. Check This First Friday for gallery exhibits and special events.
Need help getting to the Crossroads and finding your way around? Learn more on our Visitor Info page.
To learn more about the art, parking, food, and entertainment visit VisitKC’s First Timer’s Guide to KC’s First Fridays.
Want to SEE what First Friday in the Crossroads is like? Watch this video from BostWiki.
Where do I park in the Crossroads during First Friday?
There are many parking options in the Crossroads, but during First Friday, those who arrive a bit earlier have a better chance at finding on-street parking. There are a number of parking lot options around the community, or you could park at nearby Union Station and either walk or take a short KC Streetcar ride into the midst of all the fun! See our Visitor Info page for parking maps and more information.
How can I promote First Fridays from my Crossroads business?
Download, print, and display this poster! The QR code links to all the happenings for the next First Friday.
I’m going to be hungry. Will there be food trucks?
On First Fridays during the months of April through October, the First Friday Food Truck Plaza is located in the parking lot between 19th and 20th Streets and Grand Boulevard and McGee Street. Enter from 19th Street.
If you are a food truck owner and would like to sell your goods, hop down to our Food Truck and Food Vendor section.
What do I need to do to exhibit my artwork on First Friday?
Exciting News for First Fridays!
We’re thrilled to introduce Art Garden KC as the newest programming partner for Crossroads First Fridays! Starting this April, Art Garden KC will be managing the artist vendor spaces in the vibrant Art Alleys between Baltimore & Wyandotte, from 18th St. to Southwest Blvd.
Art Garden KC (AGKC) has been a champion for local artists, makers, and creatives — organizing inclusive, artist-led markets that bring the community together. With their experience, passion, and deep connection to the KC arts scene, we’re confident they’ll help First Fridays thrive while keeping the traditions and energy that vendors and event-goers love.
What This Means for Vendors:
- Same great pricing for alley spaces
- Reserved spaces available for vendors who love to plan ahead
- Day-of spots still open for those who prefer a flexible setup
- Vendor maps to share so friends & customers can find you easily
- More live music & entertainment to enhance the First Fridays experience
We know change can be daunting, but rest assured — this partnership is all about enhancing and supporting our artist community. If you’ve been part of First Fridays before, you’ll still feel right at home. And if you’re new, we can’t wait to welcome you!
Vendors, apply now!
Familiar faces from the Crossroads Art District team will still be around and helping AGKC on First Fridays, and we can’t wait to see you all! For questions or concerns regarding the new application process, please email hello@artgardenkc.org 🙂
No participation fee is charged and no Art Vendor permit is required from November to March.
Art Vendors will NOT be permitted to set up along the sidewalks within the permitted Festival Boundary unless you have been personally invited by an open Crossroads business to set up in front of their location. If you have such permission, please do not obstruct the sidewalk and be sure to clean up before you leave.
Thank you for helping to create a collective, diverse experience for our visitors and for taking part in First Friday in the Crossroads Arts District!
PLEASE NOTE: The re-selling of items is not permitted.
What if I would like to perform live music during First Friday?
If you would like to perform live music, please contact hello@artgardenkc.org for placement within the Festival Boundary.
Please remember, First Friday is a family-friendly event, so lyrics should not be of an adult nature. And while some limited exceptions may apply, no amplified music is allowed within the permitted Festival Boundary.
What if I would like to sell culinary treats for a cause during First Friday?
If you want to sell a culinary treat or are a non-profit organization raising funds by selling baked goods, please contact hello@artgardenkc.org for additional information and placement within the Festival Boundary.
Food Truck or Food Vendor?
FIRST, you must be up to date and compliant with the City of Kansas City’s Food Truck Rules and Regulations and adhere to the Guide to Operating a Mobile Unit Food Service!
Please note, unless you are personally invited and hosted by an open Crossroads gallery or business within the permitted Festival Boundary, you must set up within the Food Truck Plaza at 1907 Grand, Kansas City, MO. 64108.
From April to October, set-up begins First Friday at 2:00PM, and you are welcome to start selling as soon as you’re ready! Fee: $200 per event [cash or check] which will be collected after you set up. A 20-gallon trash can is required in front/side of truck per City regulation.
Be Social
Engage with others in the community about First Fridays on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Be sure to use the hashtags:
#kccrossroads
#firstfridayskc
