🚧 Don’t Mind Our Dust 🚧
The Vine is Still Alive!!
The 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District may be in a construction era,
but don’t worry—our community celebrations haven’t skipped a beat!
Strengthen the Vine First Fridays is STILL bringing the fun, and we’re thrilled
to welcome you back September 5th!!
This fall, we’re popping up across the district with partner venues
hosting all the sights, sounds, and flavors you love:
🎨 American Jazz Museum – 1616 E. 18th St.
🎷 Jay McShann Pavilion – 17th Terr. & Vine
🖌️ Zhou B. Art Center – 1801 E. 18th St.
Vendors, artists, small businesses, and neighbors—this is YOUR invitation to be part of the excitement!
Despite the construction, the district is still open for business, and First Fridays remain the perfect place to showcase your work, connect with the community, and enjoy district-wide fun for all ages.
✨ Activities will continue through November 2025, and when spring blooms in 2026, we’ll be back celebrating in our brand-new Pedestrian Mall areas—bigger, better, and brighter than ever!
So don’t wait—sign up today to be part of Strengthen the Vine First Fridays.
Let’s keep the music playing, the art flowing, and the community growing! 🎶💃🏾🎨🍴
2025
Official Dates
FREE YOUTH ACTIVITIES 3:00-6:00 PM
FACE PAINTERS
BALLON ARTISTS
SPECIAL ACTIVITES & MORE!!!
April 4th
May 2nd
June 6th
July 4th
August 1st
September 5th
October 3rd
November 7th
DISTRICT FUN FOR ENTIRE COMMUNITY!!!
STRENGTHEN THE VINE
FIRST FRIDAYS
NOW RECRUITING VENDORS!!!
See our official event dates below and select "CLICK HERE"
next to the date you'd like to participate...
WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOU JOINING US!!
OPPORTUNITIES NOW AVAILABLE!!
Strengthen the Vine First Fridays
indoor & outdoor options
NOW AVAILABLE
FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR.
Vendors now have the option to host their vendor space
outside or inside.
NEW INDOOR & OUTDOOR VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES
@ THE ZHOU B. ART CENTER
@ 18th & Woodland
Indoor & Outdoor Options Include:
The Atrium of the American Jazz Museum
The Jay McShann Pavilion (17th Terr. & Vine)
Strengthen the Vine Upcoming Program Dates:
September 5th - -CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
October 3rd - - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
November 7th - - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Food Vendor Requirements
Below you will find information regarding the food permitting process & inspection procedures.
PLEASE BE SURE TO TAKE THE TIME TO REVIEW THIS INFORMATION TO ENSURE YOU HAVE COMPLETED ALL REQUIREMENTS LISTED BY THE CITY OF KANSAS CITY MISSOURI HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO SELL/SERVE FOOD DURING OUR SPECIAL EVENTS.
ALL food vendors must abide by all requirements outlined by the health department and complete all inspection requirements during event activities. FAILURE to meet inspection guidelines may result in an immediate shutdown of your vendor booth.
FEES ARE NONREFUNDABLE if you fail to meet all guidelines mandated by the health department.
The American Jazz Museum
INDOOR VENDOR ACCOMODATIONS
Host your booth in the atrium of the American Jazz Museum, an indoor space connecting the American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. This vibrant hub welcomes thousands of tourists each year and sits at the heart of the 18th & Vine Jazz District. Just steps away from the Historic Blue Room, the GEM Theater, and KC Juke House, it’s the perfect spot to showcase your business in the epicenter of culture, history, and community.
Jay McShann Pavilion
Outdoor Vendor Accommodations
The Zhou B. Art Center
INDOOR & OUTDOOR VENDOR ACCOMMODATIONS
Located at 17th Terrace & Vine, the Jay McShann Pavilion offers an open-air venue perfect for engaging with families and neighbors in a lively outdoor setting. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of the district, vendors here enjoy a steady flow of visitors and a festival-style atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for businesses and artists who thrive on high-energy, community-driven experiences.
Our newest partner space, the Zhou B. Art Center at 1801 E. 18th Street, combines indoor and outdoor vendor opportunities in a stunning creative environment. This cultural hub is dedicated to elevating local artistry and community expression, drawing visitors eager to explore unique, creative experiences. Placing your booth here connects you with a forward-thinking audience while keeping you rooted in the spirit of the Jazz District.
Monthly Featured Artists
Phil True
Sharon Artega
Sharon Arteaga is a retired engineer. She self-taught and has been painting and drawing for over 50 years. She is currently working in acrylics and watercolors. She has exhibited at the Westport show and other art fairs and businesses in Kansas City for many years. Her work is strongly representational and includes landscapes, portraits and still lifes. She is not Grandma Moses. She paints to capture the beauty in life.
Dr. Phil True is a renowned framer in Kansas City, known for his exceptional craftsmanship and eye for detail. He has built a reputation for creating custom frames that preserve and elevate everything from fine art to personal mementos. Trusted by artists, collectors, and institutions alike, he is a cornerstone of Kansas City’s creative black community.
Janine Carter
Janine began her artistic practice soon after her husband of 16 years passed away. Art became an outlet of expression for her feelings of grief and loss. During Covid, Janine found her practice to be a key part of her healing journey.