The West Bottoms Is Heating Up for Fall During Bonfire in the Bottoms

Autumn falling leaves are reminders of traditions enjoyed this time of year as Kansas City's Historic West Bottoms kicks off the season with Bonfire in the Bottoms, September 4–6. The vintage and antique area brings its monthly First Friday Weekend into a fireside gathering filled with shopping, s'mores, live entertainment, food, and drinks. Festival of the Full Moon in September's theme is Bonfire in the Bottoms in Kansas City's Historic West Bottoms District. Across 13 historic blocks, visitors can wander through vintage-filled warehouses, hunt for one-of-a-kind furniture and décor, shop the Sidewalk Sale, and then head outdoors to gather around the glow of the fire. It's part shopping expedition, part neighborhood gathering and part warm-up for what's coming to the West Bottoms in October. Come for the treasures. Stay for the s'mores and prepare for the season of screams. Fire pits will set the scene throughout the weekend, with guests invited to warm up around the flames, roast marshmallows, enjoy s'mores and settle in for live street entertainment. The Full Moon Street Bar will add fall-inspired cocktails and mocktails, while food trucks and West Bottoms favorites keep the appetite for adventure going. Visitors can also get an early glimpse of the Beast and Edge of Hell haunt characters offering fun photo ops in the streets and adding a preview to the atmosphere for the upcoming haunt season. Dates to be announced September 4. "Bonfire in the Bottoms is when you can really feel the West Bottoms shift into Fall," said Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, spokesperson for the West Bottoms Historic Entertainment District. "The fires are going, the marshmallows are roasting, the shops are full of new discoveries, and you can feel the excitement. We're creating more reasons to come back to celebrate the Halloween season – from Boo in the Bottoms First Friday Weekend to the haunted attractions coming soon – it will be spectacular." For shoppers, the West Bottoms' sprawling warehouses offer a fall treasure hunt of their own. Visitors can dig through vintage furniture, uncover architectural pieces, discover retro clothing and collectibles, and find décor with the kind of history and patina you can't buy in a big-box store. West Bottoms Shopping: Bonfire in the Bottoms runs September 4–6, 2026, as part of the Festival of the Full Moon First Friday Weekend series. Shops are generally open Friday and Saturday from approximately 9 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday from noon–4 p.m. Hours vary by business; visitors should check individual store social media pages or westbottoms.com before visiting. Fire Pits & S'mores – Gather around the flames, roast marshmallows, and build the ultimate fireside treat. Lawn Games & Fireside Fun – Relax, play, and enjoy the changing season with family and friends. Sidewalk Sale – Shop vintage, antiques, and décor from more than 30 stores and hundreds of vendors throughout the district. Big Plant Sale – on the streets of the West Bottoms Street Entertainment – Enjoy live music while haunt characters troll around outdoors for fun photos. The characters will not be scaring. Fall Food & Drinks – Grab a bite from food trucks and local favorites, then warm up with a seasonal drink. Plus, local favorites including the Full Moon Street Bar, Chef J BBQ, Java Garage, Bella Patina's third-floor Painted Rooster Café and West Bottoms Whiskey. Participating Stores and Attractions: Throughout the 13-block district, shoppers will find a curated mix of stores and attractions: All Keyed Up Piano Shop – www. allkeyeduppiano.com Amigoni Urban Winery – www.amigoni.com Bella Patina www.bellapatinakc.com Brass Pig Chef J's Barbecue www. chefjbbq.com Good JuJu www.goodjujukc.com Java Garage www.thejavagarage.com Robins Nest www.facebo...