CROSSROADS ARTS DISTRICT

DESCRIPTION: The Crossroads Arts District is an artistic downtown neighborhood where once-vacant warehouses now house a variety of eclectic, locally-owned boutiques, unique restaurants and a thriving arts scene.

ADDRESS: The heart of the District is located at 20^th Street and Baltimore Avenue, but the community stretches from 15^th Street to 22^nd Street, and from I-35 to Troost Avenue.    

LOCATION: The District is located south of the downtown area and just north of the Crown Center area. 

PHONE: 816-472-5701

WEB SITE: www.kccrossroads.org

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook-Crossroads Community Association, Twitter- @KCCrossroads, Instagram-@kccrossroads

HIGHLIGHTS:

• On the first Friday of every month, the District hosts First Fridays, when more than 60 art galleries, retail shops and dining establishments stay open well into the evening. When the weather is nice, street venders, performers and bands fill the streets. Thousands of Kansas Citians flock to this free event each month.
• More than 30 art galleries are open daily, showcasing work from local and national artists. 
• From casual fare at The Cashew to fine-dining at Affäre, the Crossroads has a wide variety of restaurants. Two award-winning chefs, Michael Smith and Lidia Bastianich, operate restaurants here. 
• The Crossroads is home to many unique boutique shops. Choices range from Birdie’s for women’s intimates to Tomboy Design Studio for locally designed clothing.
• Furniture stores are plentiful.  Webster House boasts the largest selection of fine antiques in the Midwest, while Black Bamboo specializes in Asian antiques and modern home furnishings.

HOURS: Check with individual merchants for specific hours. First Fridays occur on the first Friday of every month from 7-9 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free

HISTORY: Once a neglected commercial area, the Crossroads has been recently transformed into a vibrant and sophisticated artistic community. Eclectic boutiques, trendy restaurants and art galleries now fill the streets.

WHERE TO GET LUNCH: There are numerous dining choices in this district. Try Manny’s Restaurante Mexicano, known for its traditional Mexican fare. Webster House has the unique atmosphere of a restored schoolhouse and Lidia’s serves authentic Italian fare. For food with a side of fun, check out Tapcade, a bar, grill and arcade located at the Screenland Theater.

WHAT’S NEARBY: Crown Center is nearby, along with Union Station and the National World War I Museum and Memorial. Downtown is also close–including the Power & Light District, Sprint Center, performing arts theaters and much more. 

WHAT’S NEW: The newest destination for the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is the Kemper at the Crossroads. The satellite museum opened in late 2008 and features special exhibitions, programs and more.

DID YOU KNOW: The sinful desserts at Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolates were named one of the “Best Chocolates in the U.S” by Food & Wine Magazine.

DON’T FORGET: Children are welcome for First Friday events. However, galleries and streets tend to become crowded and most galleries cannot accommodate strollers.

GROUP TOURS: Tours of the Crossroads are offered through the Second Saturday program on the second Saturday of each month. The tour is $10 for adults and free for children.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Take the MAX bus to the Crossroads stop at the corner of Main and 19^th Street or take the KC Streetcar to the Crossroads stop (19^th & Main).

DRIVING DIRECTIONS:

From the north: Take I-35 south to exit 1D. Turn left onto West 20^th Street and turn right onto Baltimore Avenue. This is the heart of the District.

From the south: Take I-35 north to exit 1C. Make a right onto Pennsylvania Avenue and make a left at Avenida Cesar Chavez. Keep left onto Baltimore Avenue and continue to 20^th Street. This is the heart of the District.

From the east: Take I-70 west and continue onto I-670 west. Take exit 2Q and make a right onto Truman Road. Turn left onto Baltimore Avenue and continue to 20^th Street. This is the heart of the District.

From the west: Take I-70 east and continue onto I-670 east. Take exit 2T to merge onto I-35 south. Take exit 1D and turn left onto West 20^th Street. Turn right at Baltimore Avenue. This is the heart of the District.

PARKING: There is an abundance of on-street parking and small lots throughout the area. Be prepared to walk between venues on First Fridays. It can be crowded.

PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT:  David Johnson, Crossroads Community Association president, 816-305-5817 or contact@kccrossroads.org.