Kansas City's First Fridays

There are several wonderful galleries in downtown Kansas City. Most people overlook these, visiting only the larger, more well-known galleries such as the Nelson-Atkins or the exhibits at Crown Center. While there is a great collection of classical art at the Neslon-Atkins, and great modern exhibits at both, the trip downtown is well worth the drive.

Perhaps the best way to see these galleries is to attend First Fridays. There are approximately 20 galleries that participate in First Fridays, ranging from furniture and handmade rug galleries to galleries featuring performing artists. There are also, depending on the time of year and weather, bands, street performers, spin-art stations for children, telescopes, street dancers, and groups of Capoeira performers.

Especially in the summer months, First Fridays can grow into a sort of block party setting. Traffic through the area is usually blocked, and often local radio stations will set up stages with performers and/or live DJs. There are also different groups which host theme events here, one of the largest of which is the annual gay pride celebration, which last year included a parade, speakers, and people handing out information.

First Fridays occurs in the Crossroads districts on the first Friday night of every month. Most galleries open their doors between 6 and 7, and stay open until 9 or later. Most of the galleries and restaurants are located along 20^th and Baltimore and Main Street. And there are several more student-based, experimental galleries on the outskirts of the down-town area, towards I-35 and along Troost.

Along with the great art, there are several great restaurants sprinkled among the galleries. The Blue Room on Main Street is a great place to stop in for a drink or an appetizer, but can be rather pricey. The BBQ place around the corner is much more casual and affordable, and is perfectly centered in the heart of the First Fridays action with a huge deck to watch it all from. My favorite stop is YJ's, just across the street from the Incubator Gallery at 18^th and Baltimore. The food is fairly cheap, the coffee is great, and there are usually live bands in the street and nearby alleys, with plenty of dancing.

While there is no lack of galleries, shops, bars, or restaurants, parking can be a huge pain. There is parking along parts of Main Street, in public lots or in parking lots behind some stores. I would recommend parking in one of the smaller lots or side streets off of Baltimore, between 16^th and 20^th streets.

Kansas City's First Fridays events are, primarily, a great way to view both internationally established art and emerging local art. They are also great for dates, lending plenty of conversation, drinks, and dancing. Also, First Fridays are extremely family friendly with something for everyone to enjoy, especially the younger children.