West Bottoms Weekly: Blessings in the Bottoms This Weekend, and the News Is Back
West Bottoms Weekly is back. After a break since spring, we're picking up the weekly roundup of news from the neighborhood: what's opening, what's happening this week, and what the Historic West Bottoms Association is working on.
Blessings in the Bottoms, Nov. 6 to 8
This weekend's First Friday Weekend is Blessings in the Bottoms, the district's Thanksgiving-themed event, with more than 30 stores, restaurants and entertainment venues open across 13 blocks. Saturday brings Gobble, Wobble, and Roll, a frozen turkey bowling game at 13th and Hickory, and free outdoor line dancing led by D3 Stepper. Fire pits will be going through the weekend. Most shops are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; hours vary by business.
The holiday season continues in December: the district's last First Friday Weekend of the year runs Dec. 4 to 6, with the Old-Fashioned Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 4, at dusk.
PR Newswire: Bring Your Bunch for Blessings in the Bottoms, Nov. 6-8
Two new businesses coming to the West Bottoms in 2027
The Kansas City Star reported on Oct. 22 that SomeraRoad has named two more tenants for its West Bottoms redevelopment. Blackbird Collection, a fashion and interior design shop, will move from the Crossroads to the Moline building at 1015 Mulberry St. French Custard will open an outdoor kiosk with a new dessert concept at the Depot, the neighborhood's future public park and gathering space at 1020 Santa Fe St. Both plan to open next year.
Haunt season: Macabre Cinema sits out, Rat Man retires
KCTV5 reported on Oct. 23 that Macabre Cinema is temporarily closed this season, and that Edge of Hell's longtime "Rat Man" is retiring. Edge of Hell and The Beast ran their season through Halloween.
KCTV5: West Bottoms haunts: Macabre Cinema temporarily closed, Rat Man retires at Edge of Hell
From HWBA
- November General Membership Luncheon: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Ship/All Else the Sea. On the agenda: nominations and the election of the 2027 board and officers, Holiday Open House planning, goals for 2027, Planning Sustainable Places and a grant update. Lunch is $20. RSVP on the event page.
- Annual Holiday Open House: Wednesday, Dec. 9, 6 to 9 p.m. at Fuego Cantina & Events, 1412 W 12th St. Neighbors, members and friends of the West Bottoms are welcome. Event details.
- Neighborhood Empowerment Grant: HWBA was among the Kansas City Neighborhood Empowerment Grant recipients recognized at 816 Day in August. An update on the grant work is on the Nov. 11 agenda.
On the calendar
- Nov. 6 to 8: Blessings in the Bottoms First Friday Weekend
- Nov. 11: HWBA General Membership Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.
- Dec. 4: Old-Fashioned Christmas Tree Lighting, at dusk (First Friday Weekend Dec. 4 to 6)
- Dec. 9: HWBA Annual Holiday Open House, 6 to 9 p.m., Fuego Cantina & Events
See everything on our events calendar.
Have a story tip or news from the West Bottoms? Reach out to us through our contact page.