The 2025 18th & Vine Arts Festival
Kansas City, get ready for the most dynamic and inspiring event of the year—the 2025 18th & Vine Arts Festival! Rooted in the historic 18th & Vine District, this festival brings together the heart of Black art, culture, music, and community. From artistic showcases and live performances to workshops and unforgettable celebrations, this year’s festival is brimming with opportunities to connect, create, and celebrate.
🎨 Calling All Artists: Your Stage Awaits!
The 18th & Vine Arts Festival is built on the creativity of artists who bring their unique visions to life. Whether you're a painter, sculptor, musician, or fashion designer, this is your chance to showcase your work to a vibrant and diverse audience. With multiple artist calls and a streamlined application process, we’re making it easier than ever for artists to get involved.
Key Dates for Artists
Artist Call #1: April 23, 2025 | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
The first opportunity for artists to join this year’s festival. Be among the first to secure your spot!
Artist Call #2: June 18, 2025 | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
The second round of recruitment to spotlight even more talent.
Artist Call #3: August 20, 2025 | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
The final opportunity to be part of this year’s festival lineup.
📅 Artists Sign-Up Deadline: August 27, 2025, at Midnight. This is the last chance for artists and vendors to register.
Location for all calls: The Gem Theater, Kansas City, MO.
Artists, sign up today at 18thandVineArtsFest.org.
🌟 Major Events: A Year Packed with Culture and Celebration
The 2025 festival is set to deliver unforgettable moments for everyone. Here’s a glimpse into our exciting lineup of major events:
Honor Awards
Celebrate the exceptional contributions of Kansas City’s artistic pioneers at the Honors Awards. This prestigious event honors individuals and groups who have made a lasting impact on the arts.
Date: May 25, 2025
Time: 5 PM - 9 PM
Location: The Gem Theater
This year’s honorees include legends like Gerald Dunn (Jazz), Crystal Rucker (Gospel), and Elisha Israel & AZ-One (Afro Beats). Witness live tributes and performances in an evening filled with inspiration and community pride.
18th & Vine Arts Festival 2025
Experience the vibrancy of Black art and culture through music, dance, fashion, digital media, and more.
Dates: September 26-28, 2025
Friday: 5 PM - 10 PM
Saturday: 10 AM - 10 PM
Sunday: 10 AM - 5 PM
This three-day festival is the culmination of months of preparation and a testament to the creative spirit of our community.
Arts Conference
Dive deeper into the arts with workshops, panels, and networking opportunities.
Date: November 8, 2025
Location: TBA
Whether you’re an artist, educator, or enthusiast, this conference is designed to inspire and elevate.
🎉 Quez Presents: Events You Can’t Miss
Brunch w/ Quez and Friends
Kick off Pride Month with a brunch experience like no other! Hosted by Quez and a lineup of fabulous entertainers, this event features drag shows, games, prizes, and unlimited mimosas.
Date: June 7, 2025
Time: 12 PM - 4 PM
Location: Drexler Hall
Pride on the Vine
Celebrate love, pride, and community with this vibrant festival featuring music, dancing, and more.
Date: June 25, 2025
Time: 1 PM - Midnight
Location: 18th and Vine
Musical Tribute at the Mutual Musicians Foundation
Join us for a special evening paying homage to Kansas City’s rich musical heritage.
Date: March 22, 2025
Time: 7 PM - 11 PM
💡 New Features and Improvements for 2025
This year, we’re elevating the festival experience with several new features and enhancements:
Accessibility & Inclusivity
Improved wheelchair accessibility, viewing areas, and ramps.
Golf carts to assist elderly patrons.
Expanded Programming
Culinary Arts Event: A showcase of food and beverage artistry.
DIY Tent Class: Engage in hands-on creativity.
Art Auctions: Both silent and live auctions to highlight local talent.
Enhanced Festival Facilities
Live cameras and screens showcasing performances across the venue.
Multiple bars and increased porta-potty access for convenience.
📢 Marketing and Promotions
We’re taking the festival to the next level with a strategic and inclusive marketing campaign. Here’s how we’re spreading the word:
Digital Outreach:
Social media campaigns featuring artists, honorees, and event highlights.
Email newsletters to keep the community informed and engaged.
Community Engagement:
Collaboration with local organizations, schools, and businesses to extend our reach.
Focused efforts to engage a diverse audience, including outreach to the Midwest’s artistic community.
Sponsor Recognition:
Highlighting partners like NTDF, University Health, and more through promotional materials and on-site signage.
👥 Artist Support & Community Engagement
This year, we’re making it easier for artists to shine:
Simplified Application Process: Streamlined online registration and CRM tools for better coordination.
Memorable Moments: Group photos, signed flyers, and dedicated spaces to celebrate every participant.
💼 Get Involved: Sponsorship and Volunteer Opportunities
Want to make an impact? Partner with us as a sponsor or join our volunteer team.
Sponsors: Gain exposure while supporting a vital cultural event.
Volunteers: Help make the festival a success while engaging with the community.
✨ Why This Festival Matters
The 18th & Vine Arts Festival isn’t just an event—it’s a movement that celebrates the cultural legacy of Kansas City while fostering creativity and connection. It’s a space for Black art to thrive, a platform for diverse voices, and a celebration of our shared humanity.
🌐 Stay Connected
📅 Mark Your Calendars: Don’t miss a single moment of this incredible festival season.
💻 Visit Us Online: 18thandVineArtsFest.org
📲 Follow Us: Stay updated on social media for the latest announcements, artist spotlights, and more.
