Strengthen the Vine First Fridays Returns – May 2026
After an exciting period of transformation, Strengthen the Vine First Fridays is officially returning to the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District beginning May 2026!
This highly anticipated season will mark a major milestone for the district as we celebrate the completion of construction improvements and the official opening of the new Jazz District Pedestrian Mall—creating a more vibrant, walkable, and welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.
From May through November 2026, the district will once again come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors that make First Fridays a beloved Kansas City tradition. Guests can enjoy an energetic evening filled with:
🎶 Live music and entertainment
🎨 Local artists and cultural experiences
🍴 Food trucks and culinary vendors
🛍 Retail and small business vendors
👨👩👧 Family-friendly activities throughout the district
And the excitement doesn’t stop there...!!!
Summer 2026 will bring an unprecedented wave of tourism to Kansas City as the city hosts several FIFA World Cup matches, welcoming thousands of visitors from across the globe. Strengthen the Vine First Fridays will provide a unique opportunity for vendors, entrepreneurs, artists, and organizations to showcase their brands, products, and services to both local audiences and international guests visiting the district.
Vendor Opportunities Now Available!!
We are currently recruiting vendors to participate in the 2026 season, including:
👦 Youth Vendors
🛍 Retail Vendors
🍔 Food Vendors
🤝 Nonprofit Organizations
Whether you're an emerging entrepreneur, established business, artist, or community organization, Strengthen the Vine First Fridays offers an incredible platform to connect with the community and share what you do best!!
Join us as we celebrate the revitalization of the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District and continue building a vibrant space where culture, commerce, and community come together.
✨ Apply today to become a vendor for the 2026 Strengthen the Vine First Fridays season.
Let’s come together to Strengthen the Vine. 🎶🍴🎨
2026
Official Dates
FREE YOUTH ACTIVITIES 3:00-6:00 PM
FACE PAINTERS
BALLON ARTISTS
SPECIAL ACTIVITES & MORE!!!
May 1st
June 5th
July 3rd
August 7th
September 4th
October 2nd
November 6th
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
@ 2000 Vine Facility
(Located at 2000 Vine KCMO)
Indoor & Outdoor Options Include:
The Atrium of the American Jazz Museum
The Jay McShann Pavilion (17th Terr. & Vine)
2000 Vine Facility (2000 Vine)
Strengthen the Vine Upcoming Program Dates:
May 1st-- CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
June 5th--CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
July 3rd--CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
August 7th --CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
September 4th--CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
October 2nd--CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
November 6th --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
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.