West Bottoms Ignites Fun with Inaugural Bonfire in the Bottoms

Historic district lights up First Friday Weekend with shopping, s'mores, and a spark of spooky season

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kansas City's historic West Bottoms will have flickering firepits and set marshmallows aflame during its First Friday Weekend, September 5–7, with the debut of Bonfire in the Bottoms. The new seasonal kickoff invites visitors to gather around the fire for cozy autumn vibes and a preview of the thrills to come this haunt season.

The weekend's activities span across the district's 13-block vintage and antique shopping experience, featuring the popular Sidewalk Sale and a special Back-to-School and Dorm Shopping focus for students and décor lovers. Outside, guests can head to the Full Moon Bar for fall-inspired cocktails and mocktails, grab a s'mores kit, and enjoy lawn games while basking in the glow of the fire.

Adding to the magic, costumed characters from the West Bottoms' famous haunted houses—which celebrate their 51st season starting September 12—will make daytime appearances for photo opportunities. These friendly frights will be all smiles, not screams, offering a chance to snap a selfie with some of the nation's most famous monsters.

"September marks the start of Halloween season here in the West Bottoms," said Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, spokesperson for the West Bottoms Historic Entertainment District. "Bonfire in the Bottoms is a perfect way to welcome fall—daytime fun, great shopping, warm drinks, and the excitement of knowing the haunts will soon awaken for another unforgettable season."

The West Bottoms is home to three nationally acclaimed haunted attractions—The Beast, Edge of Hell, and Macabre Cinema — drawing thrill seekers from across the country. This year, visitors can take advantage of timed ticketing once they have checked in at the Central Waiver Station.

Bonfire in the Bottoms Weekend Highlights

• Sidewalk Sale – Vintage, antiques, and décor from more than 30 stores and 600 vendors
• Full Moon Bar – Cocktails, mocktails, and s'mores kits for fireside enjoyment
• Lawn Games – Relaxed fun for all ages
• Haunted House Characters – Daytime photo opportunities with costumed icons
• Back-to-School/Dorm Shopping – One-of-a-kind pieces for personal style and home décor

Visitors are encouraged to explore the district's storied warehouses; each filled with curated collections and creative displays that celebrate the season—food trucks, escape rooms, and live entertainment round out the experience.

Upcoming seasonal Festival of the Full Moon weekends include Boo in the Bottoms (Oct. 3–5), Blessings in the Bottoms (Nov. 7–9), and Bows in the Bottoms (Dec. 5 and weekends before Christmas).

About the West Bottoms Historic Entertainment District
Located just off the 12th Street Bridge, the West Bottoms Historic Entertainment District features 22 historic warehouses across 13 blocks. With a mix of over 30 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues, the district offers one of the nation's largest indoor vintage and antique shopping destinations. Its century-old architecture and lively events make it a must-visit destination for shoppers, thrill seekers, and history lovers alike. westbottoms.com     

SEPTEMBER's BONFIRE in the BOTTOMS WEEKEND PLANNER

West Bottoms' Shopping: Embracing the Festival of the Full Moon Weekends' theme, Bonfire in the Bottoms runs from September 5-7. Shops will be open Friday through Sunday, with most opening at 9 AM, closing around 6 PM on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday from 12-4 PM. The Festival of the Full Moon features the food trucks, street entertainment and venders outside. For specific store openings, it's recommended to refer to individual store Facebook pages or visit westbottoms.com.

• All Keyed Up Piano Shop – www.allkeyeduppiano.com/
• Bella Patina www.bellapatinakc.com
• Chef J's Barbecue www.chefjbbq.com
• Fountain City Winery www.fountaincitywinery.com 
• Full Moon Escape Games www.fullmoonescape.com
• Good JuJu www.goodjujukc.com 
• Java Garage www.thejavagarage.com
• Robins Nest www.facebook.com/therobinsnestwestbottoms 
• Rustic Vintage Rose www.facebook.com/RusticVintageRose
• Serendipity www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063641434771
• Treasures on 13^th www.facebook.com/treasureson13thstKC 
• Ugly Glass www.facebook.com/UglyGlassCo 
• West Bottoms Bicycles www.worldclassbikes.com/
• Charmed House www.charmedhouseinteriors.com/ 
• Larks Entertainment www.larkskansascity.com/ 

Food & Drink: Satisfy your cravings with food trucks and various on-site vendors, including the Full Moon Street Bar, Chef J BBQ, Java Garage, Bella Patina's 3rd Floor Painted Rooster Café, and West Bottoms Whiskey.

Haunted Attractions: Beast Haunted Attraction, Macabre Cinema Haunted Attraction, and Edge of Hell Haunted Attraction's 51th season, all opening on Friday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m. Season runs through Nov. 1.

Full Moon Escape: the Escape Games have slots available and new games.

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SOURCE Historic West Bottoms District