First Fridays in the Crossroads Art District are a popular Kansas City tradition with thousands gathering every month. But the first Friday of the month isn’t the only time you’ll find a recurring event no matter the time of year.

Whether it’s the the Third Friday, First Saturday or Second Sunday, here are over a dozen things to do every weekend of the month.

First Weekend

Where to shop in West Bottoms

Why limit yourself to just one day of the week? One of Kansas City’s most distinctive districts springs to life for the entire first weekend of each month, from Friday through Sunday. 

For First Friday Weekends in the West Bottoms, many of the neighborhood’s popular antique and vintage shops open their doors for the masses. Adding to the excitement, West Bottoms leaders plan themed celebrations, live performances, food trucks and more for every month of the year.

  • When: Friday through Sunday, first weekend of the month
  • Where: West Bottoms, 12th and Hickory streets

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First Fridays

First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District are a local favorite, with art galleries opening their doors and welcoming visitors to browse and explore. Many KC stores and street vendors also join in the monthly celebration, offering items for shoppers of every taste. 

  • When: 5-9 p.m., first Friday of the month
  • Where: Crossroads Arts District, Southwest Boulevard and Baltimore Avenue
First Saturdays

Dive deeper into the history of art at the Spencer Art Reference Library inside the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The library has a collection of over 270,000 records, including international art journals, rare publications and more.

On the first Saturday of each month, staff host a free drop-in program showcasing works from the library’s special collections.

  • When: 1:30-3 p.m., first Saturday of the month
  • Where: Spencer Art Reference Library, 4525 Oak St., Kansas City
First Sundays

On the first and third Sundays of the month, Soul Sundays Analog Market takes over the new Rock Island Bridge, the country’s first entertainment district over a river.

Vintage vendors line the bridge above the Kansas River as vinyl-only DJs spin records, meant to be a step back from the digital world.

  • When: 5-10 p.m. first and third Sundays of the month
  • Where: Rock Island Bridge, 1799 American Royal Drive, Kansas City

Second Weekend

Located in the historic 18th and Vine District, the Zhou B Art Center is opening its doors on the second Friday of every month.

At the center’s monthly Open Studios event, the public can explore as artists offer a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process and showcase their innovative works in sculpture, painting, mixed media, photography and more. Many artists have original works, prints and small collectibiles for sale.

  • When: 5-8 p.m., second Friday of the month
  • Where: Zhou B. Art Center, 1801 E. 18th St. Kansas City

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In the Historic Northeast neighborhood, KC residents are invited to gather at PH Coffee for Neighbor Night. Held twice a month, it’s a chance to enjoy meaningful conversations, good food and new connections. Neighbor Nights feature a pay-what-you-can community meal.

  • When: 6-9 p.m. second and fourth Fridays of the month
  • Where: PH Coffee, 2200 Lexington Ave. Kansas City
Second Sundays

Explore one of Kansas City’s hidden gems for free each month.

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures features the world’s largest collection of fine-scale miniatures and one of the nation’s largest collections of historically significant toys on public display. On the second Sunday of each month, admission is free for everyone all day.

  • When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., second Sunday of each month
  • Where: National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, 5235 Oak St., Kansas City

Third Weekend

Three cities in the Kansas City metro are connecting with their local arts community on the third Friday of each month.

In Independence, the Third Fridays Art Walk brings the Englewood Arts District to life with gallery openings, public art, live performances and more. Food trucks roll in to keep things delicious, or stop in nearby restaurants like Vivilore and Wine Down 109 to refuel. Catch a puppetry performance, live glassblowing or simply soak it all in.

  • When: 5:30-9 p.m., third Friday of the month
  • Where:Englewood Arts District, E. Winner Road from Sterling to Ralston

In Kansas City, Kansas, creative displays flood the streets of the Strawberry Hill neighborhood during the area’s Third Friday Art Walks.

The event delivers new installations every month, from aerial acrobatics to hands-on demonstrations. Plus, coffee shops, restaurants and retailers along the way join the monthly celebration, hosting pop-up activities and special deals.

  • When: 5-9 p.m., third Friday of the month, May through October
  • Where:609 North 6th St., Kansas City, KS

Don’t Miss These KC Arts Festivals

In Downtown Overland Park, art enthusiasts can wander through unique galleries and browse shops at the city’s free, family-friendly event. Third Fridays in this suburb also include live music, creative events and local eateries.

  • When: 5-7 p.m., third Friday of the month
  • Where: Downtown Overland Park, 79th and Marty streets
Third Sundays

On the first and third Sundays of the month, Soul Sundays Analog Market takes over the new Rock Island Bridge, the country’s first entertainment district over a river.

Vintage vendors line the bridge above the Kansas River as vinyl-only DJs spin records, meant to be a step back from the digital world.

  • When: 5-10 p.m. first and third Sundays of the month
  • Where: Rock Island Bridge, 1799 American Royal Drive, Kansas City

Fourth Weekend

Two Kansas City suburbs bring their downtown streets to life on the fourth Fridays of the month during the spring and summer.

In Downtown Olathe, experience live music, food trucks, local vendors and more. Olathe leaders line up fan favorite bands like KC/DC and The Stolen Winnebagos, plus popular food trucks like Smoke ‘n’ Seoul and Taste of Brazil. 

  • When: 6-9 p.m. fourth Friday of the month, May through August
  • Where: Johnson County Square

Across the state line in Downtown Lee’s Summit, the community showcases local artists and live performances, plus kids activities and more, at its Fourth Fridays events.

  • When: 5-8 p.m. fourth Friday of the month, April through August
  • Where: Downtown Lee’s Summit, S.E. Main and S.E. Third streets

See KC’s Top Annual Events 

And Kansas City’s Chicano Center for the Arts also gathers on the fourth Friday of the month in the historic West Bottoms. The event is packed with lowriders and custom cars, music, food, vendors and culture.

  • When: 6 p.m. fourth Friday of the month
  • Where: West Bottoms, 14th and Liberty streets

In the Historic Northeast neighborhood, KC residents are invited to gather at PH Coffee for Neighbor Night. Held twice a month, it’s a chance to enjoy meaningful conversations, good food and new connections. Neighbor Nights feature a pay-what-you-can community meal.

  • When: 6-9 p.m. second and fourth Fridays of the month
  • Where: PH Coffee, 2200 Lexington Ave. Kansas City

Every Weekend

The Kansas City region is home to over a dozen farmers markets that host hundreds of local vendors. After all, this is the heartland, the central hub of America’s agricultural industry.

Shoppers can find fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, homemade goods and crafts for anyone hoping to shop local. Adding to the fun, many local markets offer live music, food trucks and kids activities to make it an exciting family outing.

Find a Full Guide to KC-Area Farmers Markets

Every Saturday

Put your creative skills to the test at Pottery & Pinot. At this beginner-friendly pottery class, House of Clay’s experts will guide you step by step as you create and glaze your piece. The weekly event is BYOB and open to adults 21 and older. 

  • When: 6-8:30 p.m., every Saturday
  • Where: House of Clay, 7811 Marty St., Overland Park
Every Sunday

Head to theCity Marketwhere, every Sunday from April through October, local organization Art Garden KC hosts Art on Walnut. This curated, outdoor market features over 30 vendors selling local art and homemade goods. 

  • When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday, April through October
  • Where: City Market

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