February’s First Friday is also a Red Friday. What to see, do in downtown Kansas City

Joseph Hernandez
·3 min read

First Friday in February also coincides with Red Friday. With the Chiefs making the Super Bowl, you’ll be seeing plenty of red and yellow in the Crossroads and West Bottoms this weekend.

Travel solo or with a group of friends and check out what each entertainment district has to offer for February. It’ll be chilly, so dress accordingly if you’re heading downtown.

CROSSROADS

The Crossroads will have plenty of art shows to offer this month. Local, national and international artists are featured throughout the entertainment district.

Check out these exhibits:

  • The son of famous Kansas City artist J.R. Hamil brings his father’s work to display at Lexitas at 1608 Locust St. “A Legacy of the Midwest” shows off Hamil’s watercolor-painted prairie landscapes, some of which will be for sale while the exhibit’s open.

  • If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day gift for your special someone, local artist and jewelry designer Cheryl Eve Acosta will have her store open from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the KC Crossroads Studio at 217 W. 19th Terrace.

  • Syracuse-based artist Sharif Bey’s exhibit “Ancestral Vestiges” opens up from 6-8 p.m. at the Belger Crane Yard Gallery at 2011 Tracy Ave.

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.

After the exhibits and shows, walk around the Crossroads and enjoy foods and beverages from Grinders, Casual Animal, 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 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.

WEST BOTTOMS

West Bottoms representative Stacey McBride said there are no themes planned for February due to construction happening on the streets. She said they’re planning to resume street activities next month.

However, over 30 stores in the West Bottoms will be open as usual on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 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. With the diversity of antiques and other items on hand, you’re bound to find the right gift for Valentine’s Day.

Full Moon Escape will be open for groups to solve puzzles and work through the escape room from noon to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 12 to 8:30 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.