Things to Do

Art is everywhere you look. The party in the streets? That’s First Fridays, one of the nation’s largest free art crawls, featuring more than 70 shops and galleries that stay open late in the 20-block area. Those soaring arches in the sky? Meet the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the pièce de résistance and the city’s sleek new address for theater, music and dance.

Live music is well represented too, thanks to top-notch local venues like Green Lady Lounge, Black Dolphin, Crossroads at Grinders and recordBar. And explore the city's street art culture by embarking on a Kansas City Graffiti Tour of some of KC's finest murals in the Crossroads.

There’s more to the district than just art, though. Relive your childhood at Up-Down, an arcade bar serving up nostalgia and craft brews thanks to tons of classic arcade games and extensive beer menus. Or book a tour at Tom’s Town Distilling Company, a distillery inspired by Prohibition-era spirit(s) and style.

Follow that up by taking your friends on a district crawl to Border Brewing Company, Torn Label Brewing Company, Brewery Emperial and Double Shift Brewing, all within a 10-minute walk of one another.

Where to shop

Artisanal finds accentuate the area shopping scene.  A favorite of Food & Wine, complex artisanal chocolates by nationally recognized chocolatier Christopher Elbow range in flavors, such as tequila lime and wildflower honey

Track down screen-printed tees at Raygun, a retailer with quirky-cool style. Connoisseurs enjoy Cellar Rat for its 800 wines and premium spirits as well as free weekly tastings and hands-on classes. 

What to eat

Restaurant choices in the Crossroads make up an eclectic gallery all their own. Café Gratitude is a must for veggie lovers thanks to its 100-percent organic vegan fare, while celebrity chefs Lidia Bastianich (of Lidia’s), Michael Corvino (of Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room and Ravenous) and Michael Smith (of Farina) help keep KC on the culinary map.

Take your taste buds on a world tour at Baramee (modern Thai), Affäre (modern German plates) or Grünauer (Austrian-German cooking). Or hit up Town Topic, a classic American diner that’s been open 24/7 since 1937.

Thirsty? Libations of the vine are paramount at Tannin Wine Bar + Kitchen while The Jacobson constructs crowd-pleasing craft cocktails (and delicious food to boot). Messenger Coffee Co. has the pick-me-up you need to keep your day going with drinks made using freshly roasted beans.

Can't decide? Choose between seven different rotating dining concepts at Parlor, a stay-and-play food hall open seven days a week.