15 First Friday Destinations Every Kansas Citian Should Visit

“Take a Walk On the Wild Side…”

LeasingKC Love’s This City!

When we aren’t busy posting listings of your dream Kansas City apartments and rental homes, the worker bees here at LeasingKC have a passion for exploring unique destinations in Kansas City. We have taken it upon ourselves to be your personal tour guides of KC! Some of you may be new to the area and haven’t had the chance to experience all that KC has to offer. Or maybe you’re a local, either way we have a list of old and new faves for you to explore.

If we’re going to talk about KC then we have to talk about First Fridays! This event sprawls across a 12 block radius and is one of the largest eclectic events in KC. It happens . . . you guessed it, every first Friday of the month! The whole city storms the Crossroads for the diverse collection of art spanning the area, if not for the pure enthusiasm in the air. There is something exciting happening in every nook and cranny of the Crossroads on this magical day. Want to see Quixotic performers defying gravity through beautiful ariel dances? You got it! What about fire breathers spinning with 15 hula hoops around their waist? Done. Are you a Pinterest fanatic? Check out our local makers, you’ll find them all along the sidewalks. And don’t forget the alley ways! Typically alleys are creepy but not on First Friday! Bands are set up all over the place for your entertainment. Or maybe you just really love food. If so, you should stop by the mouth-watering food truck court, but beware – this will be an emotional experience for true foodies! Honestly, the sky’s the limit for activities in the Crossroads District!

Enjoy!

T H E G A L L E R I E S

WEINBERGER FINE ART GALLERY (Click for Current Artist Featured)

One of Our Fave Artists: Ruth Borum-Loveland | Seed Place | Follow This Artist

MOD ART GALLERY (Click for Current Artist Featured)

One of Our Fave Artists: Fernando Achucarro | “6” | Follow This Artist

LEEDY-VOULKOS GALLERY (Click for Current Artist Featured)

One of Our Fave Artists: Jenny Meyer-McCall | “Hello My Name Is” | Follow This Artist

T H E C O F F E E

YJ’s Snackbar– Since its opening in 1927 YJ’s is quite possibly one of the oldest businesses in KC and by far the most eclectic little coffee shop in town! Here you will find live Jazz music, historical posters lining the walls, a view of the 18th St. district, and a unique menu made with local organic ingredients! Best of all, they support local artists and donate 10% of their profits to the community.

Thou Mayest– Is the newest coffee shop/bar in the Crossroads. I was going to write a description but who can say it better than the company? According to their website “ Thou Mayest is a coffee roasting gang of freewheeling renegades looking to shake up the ant farm. Like all awesome things, it started in a garage in 2012 and has exploded into a movement of entrepreneurs, artists, activists, business owners and shopkeeps looking for ways to do community better. Thou Mayest means “the way is open”and is seeing your life as a vast, glowing, empty page, waiting to be written by you”. … So yeah, you should go there!

T H E F O O D

KOKOTHAI – The Crossroads District was amazing before but now the masterpiece is nearing completion with this spice of life addition! Kokothai is the epitome of all things wonderful that is Thailand (culinarily speaking) and encompasses the flavors and culture of this beautiful country.

Cafe Gratitude – What is a world without gratitude? To be humbled by life’s experience and to honor the life we’ve been given creates peace within, and that’s just what Cafe Gratitude strives to achieve. Here is a place that not only provides wholesome, locally sourced, vegetarian dishes but also provides a sense of purpose to their existence and asks that you define yours as well. Try it, you’ll be THANKFUL!

The Reiger – Have you ever taken a bite of a delicious entree that either made you dance in your chair like a child from uncontainable excitement or possibly brought you to an emotional state you weren’t quite ready for? Hopefully the answer is ‘Yes’ but if not please do your taste buds a favor and make a reservation at one of the most esteemed restaurants in KC!

Pizzabella – Oh, Pizzabella how I love thee! There are many people who would battle to the death over which pizza place is the best, but it’s pretty tough to top Pizzabella’s wood-fired pies.

Bizz & Weezy Confectionary – Save room for dessert! Bizz & Weezy offers artisanal chocolates, caramels and baked goods that no human could resist!

T H E E N T E R T A I N M E N T

The Green Lady Lounge – Walking into The Green Lady is kind of like walking into a scene from The Great Gatsby. The red walls, the giant bar, and the 1920’s chandeliers intermingled with live jazz flowing through the room will sweep you and your date away.

CrossroadsKC At Grinders – Most people have heard of Grinders and rave about it. They’ve been featured on the Food Network for their delicious wings but the best part about Grinders is the their awesome backyard venue. Check out their calendar for all of their upcoming shows! (pssst…311 is this weekend!)

The Batcave – Sometimes you just wanna dance with somebody! (cue Whitney Houston) The Batcave is one of the newest venues in KC and they feature local artists and a fun atmosphere. This First Friday’s theme: Super Hero Glow Party!! Go check it out!

Up Down – Remember fighting over the one arcade game in the grocery store as a child; you… frantically trying to get the top score, as your Mom yells at you to hurry up? Those were good times… but these times are better! There are no moms yelling, over 50 games from which to choose, and craft beer! Childhood and Adulting all wrapped into one! Go play!

The “New” Record Bar – Record Bar was a Kansas City favorite located in Westport, but they’ve hopped locations to the Crossroads area to build a bigger and better venue. Now located at 1520 Grand, The Record Bar features nationwide as well as local musicians and performers. They’re currently doing pop-up concerts and are not open daily, so follow them on the interwebs to find out about their next concert!