A Renaissance in Motion: June-July Festival Update for 18th & Vine Arts Festival 2025
🚨 We’re Less Than 100 Days Away! 🚨
It’s officially go time. With less than 100 days left until the 2025 18th & Vine Arts Festival kicks off, the excitement in Kansas City and beyond is building fast. Whether you’re an artist, a performer, a vendor, or just someone who loves music, culture, and soul food — this is your moment. From media coverage and new artist reveals to major district renovations and can’t-miss sign-up opportunities, this blog has it all.
Get ready. We’re entering the final stretch, and we want YOU to be part of this renaissance in motion.
đź“Ł Breaking News: Our First Artist Lineup is LIVE
We’ve just revealed the first round of featured artists and performers for this year’s festival! The 2025 18th & Vine Arts Festival will showcase an incredible mix of visual artists, musicians, fashion designers, and culinary creatives. This is just the beginning—with more announcements coming in the weeks ahead. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see all the talent coming your way.
Expect a diverse range of artistic brilliance this year, including:
Over 100 visual artist booths across all mediums
Live tribute performances
Curated Black film screenings
Food trucks featuring award-winning chefs
Full lineup details will be continuously updated on our website.
🎥 As Seen on TV: Festival Featured on FOX 4 News for Juneteenth
In case you missed it, the 18th & Vine Arts Festival was featured during FOX 4's Juneteenth coverage! The segment highlighted the cultural impact of the festival and how our team is building a multi-day event that honors Black art, legacy, and community. You can watch the recap here.
📅 Here’s What’s Happening Each Day at the Festival
The 2025 festival is three days of back-to-back creativity, culture, and connection in the heart of one of the most historic Black districts in the country. Here’s your first look at the daily lineup:
Friday, Sept 26 (5 PM – 10 PM)
Black Film Showcase (classic and contemporary films)
Live panel talks with filmmakers and a movie trailer showcase
High-fashion runway show featuring top Black designers
Saturday, Sept 27 (10 AM – 10 PM)
Live on the Vine Music Competition
Main Stage performances
Tribute concert series
Visual Arts + food truck court + family zone
Sunday, Sept 28 (10 AM – 5 PM)
Gospel Sounds Showcase
Live Culinary Stage with chef battles and food demos
Community Market + closing celebration
Whether you're there to dance, eat, shop, or create—each day offers something unique and unforgettable.
🌟 Spotlight: Live on the Vine Competition – Sign Up Today!
Calling all musicians, singers, and vocal artists—Live on the Vine is your chance to shine on the biggest stage in the historic 18th & Vine District.
Finalist Prizes Include:
$1,000 Cash Prize
Studio time with Emmy-winning engineer Jaz Brewer (64111 Studios)
Professional photo shoot and branding package
Auditions:
Date: Tuesday, July 23, 2025
Location: The Gem Theater, Kansas City, MO
Application Fee: $30
Apply now at 18thandvineartsfestival.com/artist-sign-up and tell your network to do the same. You don’t have to be from KC to compete—this is open to national talent!
🏢 Development in the 18th & Vine District: What You Should Know
Kansas City's 18th & Vine District is undergoing exciting infrastructure improvements, including sidewalk repairs, upgraded lighting, and facade enhancements. These developments are part of the city’s long-term revitalization strategy to preserve the district’s rich cultural heritage while enhancing safety and accessibility. Learn more on the City of Kansas City Public Works site.
Good news: These upgrades will not interfere with the festival footprint.
We’ve been working closely with the city to ensure that all street closures and improvements surrounding the event are coordinated. The only thing attendees will notice is how much better and more beautiful 18th & Vine looks.
🎨 Artist Call Recap: A Full House!
Our most recent Artist Call event on July 18 was a huge success. Over 40 creatives came out to learn about how to participate, set up their booths, and network with fellow artists. Special thanks to all the panelists and mentors who dropped knowledge on how to build sustainable creative careers.
If you missed it, don’t worry—the final Artist Call happens August 20, and this is your LAST chance to get insider tips before the festival.
Artist Application Deadline: July 27, 2025
Apply now at 18thandvineartsfestival.com/artist-sign-up
Booth space is FREE for accepted artists. The only cost is a $30 application fee. And yes—we welcome youth artists, community artists, emerging talents, and seasoned professionals.
🛍️ What Else is Coming? Exclusive Updates
Here’s what’s on deck over the next few weeks:
Live on the Vine auditions (July 23) – Be there or tune in!
Final Artist Call (August 20) – Last prep meeting before the festival
More Artist Lineup Reveals – Visual, fashion, and culinary creators still to come
Interactive Website Tools – Festival quiz, playlist, digital map + more
Pre-sale Tickets – $10 Day Pass | $25 Weekend Pass | $75 VIP Pass with lounge access + merch bag. Get yours now before prices increase!
🎉 Let’s Make History Together
This isn’t just a festival. It’s a movement. A cultural celebration that uplifts Black art, fashion, film, music, and community in one of America’s most storied neighborhoods.
With under 100 days to go, we’re in the final chapter of planning—and the first chapter of something unforgettable. Don’t watch it happen from the sidelines. Be part of it.
Join the renaissance. Tell a friend. Bring your family. Shop, dance, eat, and celebrate with us.
We’ll see you on the Vine.
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For more updates and real-time alerts, follow us @18thandvineartsfest or visit 18thandvineartsfestival.com