Dogs Welcome! Kansas City’s West Bottoms Invites Shoppers to Bring Their Pups
“Barks in the Bottoms” Weekend, August 1–3
Shopping is better with your best friend by your side — and Kansas City’s Historic West Bottoms is rolling out the welcome mat for dogs and their humans during Barks in the Bottoms, August 1–3. Shoppers can get their steps in and their dog walked all while meeting other pups that strut these ‘dog days of summer’ in this unique district just off the 12th Street Bridge.
Leashed dogs are invited to join the treasure hunt through the district’s massive vintage, antique, and specialty shops. Shoppers can stroll the historic, brick-lined streets and explore 13 blocks of unique finds — all without leaving their pups at home. Many stores will have water bowls, dog treats, shaded seating, and even photo-worthy backdrops so furry companions can soak up the weekend fun, too.
“There’s nothing quite like finding that perfect piece while your dog happily trots alongside,” said West Bottoms district spokesperson, Amber Arnett-Bequeaith. “Barks in the Bottoms makes it easy to include pets in the shopping adventure — from exploring vintage treasures to grabbing a bite on a pet-friendly patio.”
Event highlights:
>>Over 20 vintage and specialty shops open Friday & Saturday (9 a.m.–6 p.m.) and Sunday (noon–4 p.m.)*
>>Food trucks, drinks from local favorites like Chef J BBQ, Java Garage, Bella Patina’s Painted Rooster Café, and the Full Moon Street Bar
>>Dog-friendly spaces with water stations and treat stops throughout the district
>>Snap-and-share photo ops designed for pets and people
(*Visit westbottoms.com or store Facebook pages for specific hours.)
“We won’t hound anyone to bring their dog, but they are sure to have a ball at Barks in the Bottoms this First Friday Weekend,” said the West Bottoms district spokesperson, Amber Arnett-Bequeaith. “We are lining up photo opportunities, foods, drinks, music, and a vintage shopping experience extraordinaire.”
Barks in the Bottoms is part of the district’s Festival of the Full Moon series, which continues throughout the year:
September: Bonfire in the Bottoms (Sept. 5–7)
October: Boo in the Bottoms (Oct. 3–5)
November: Blessings in the Bottoms (Nov. 7–9)
December: Bows in the Bottoms (starting Dec. 5, each weekend before Christmas)
AUGUST’s BARKS in the BOTTOMS WEEKEND PLANNER
West Bottoms’ Shopping: Embracing the Festival of the Full Moon Weekends’ theme, Barks in the Bottoms runs from Aug. 2-4. Shops will be open Friday through Sunday, with most opening at 9 AM, closing around 6 PM on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday from 12-4 PM. For specific store openings, it’s recommended to refer to individual store Facebook pages or visit westbottoms.com.
All Keyed Up Piano Shop – www.allkeyeduppiano.com/
Bella Patina www.bellapatinakc.com
Chef J’s Barbecue www.chefjbbq.com
Fountain City Winery www.fountaincitywinery.com
Full Moon Escape Games www.fullmoonescape.com
Good JuJu www.goodjujukc.com
Java Garage www.thejavagarage.com
Robins Nest www.facebook.com/therobinsnestwestbottoms
Rustic Vintage Rose www.facebook.com/RusticVintageRose
Serendipity www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063641434771
Treasures on 13th www.facebook.com/treasureson13thstKC
Ugly Glass www.facebook.com/UglyGlassCo
West Bottoms Bicycles www.worldclassbikes.com/
Charmed House www.charmedhouseinteriors.com/
Larks Entertainment www.larkskansascity.com/
Food & Drink: Satisfy your cravings with food trucks and various on-site vendors, including the Full Moon Street Bar, Chef J BBQ, Java Garage, Bella Patina’s 3rd Floor Painted Rooster Café, and West Bottoms Whiskey.
Full Moon Escape: the Escape Games have slots available and new games. Open Friday, 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM; Saturday, 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM; Sunday, 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM.
About the West Bottoms Historic Entertainment District
The West Bottoms Historic Entertainment District, situated just off the 12th Street Bridge, comprises 22 warehouses within a thirteen-block area, featuring approximately 600 vendors and over 30 stores and restaurants. Its large, multistory buildings have histories dating back more than 130 years. These repurposed, vast spaces form the largest indoor vintage entertainment district year-round. The West Bottoms is the destination for interior decorators, designers, collectors, and consumers seeking unique, high-quality finds for home, décor, style, and gift options with a history and patina that cannot be replicated. westbottoms.com