First Saturdays at Keystone
Presented by the 18th & Vine Arts Festival Foundation
FREE to the public | Every First Saturday | 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Keystone — 800 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108 (Between 18th & Vine + Crossroads)
Live Music • DJs • Food Trucks • Artist & Vendor Marketplace • Workshops
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Sign up for Brush Wars!
Where Creativity Goes Head-to-Head
Brush Wars is our live art battle series held during First Saturdays at Keystone — a high-energy, 90-minute creative showdown where five selected artists paint live in front of the audience based on a surprise theme. Basic paint and canvas are provided, and artists may bring additional materials to elevate their work. A panel of judges and crowd engagement help determine the monthly winner, who receives a $100 cash prize and advances toward the Brush Wars Championship at the 18th & Vine Arts Festival for a chance to win $1,000. Artists may keep their pieces on display at Keystone for the month to build exposure and connect with collectors.
Applying is free — but submission does not guarantee participation. Selected artists will be contacted prior to each First Saturday.
First Saturdays at Keystone is a monthly arts + culture experience built to grow Kansas City’s creative economy—connecting artists, entrepreneurs, students, and community members through a curated marketplace, live performances, and professional development resources.
This series is also the public-facing activation of our Artist Resource Center (ARC)—a year-round effort focused on:
Artist growth and sustainability
Creative entrepreneurship and professional development
Cultural storytelling and humanities-based learning
Youth pathways through arts education and mentorship
What is First Saturdays at Keystone?
First Saturdays at Keystone
🎨 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Youth Artists Initiative (YAI)
A hands-on visual arts experience for youth (Grades 5–12), focused on creativity, confidence, and community expression.
Students engage in guided instruction, collaborative exercises, and reflection time led by teaching artists.
✅ Youth seats are limited and must be reserved in advance.
➡️ RSVP here: [YAI RSVP LINK]
Who can attend YAI?
Students and families connected through partner schools (KCPS + charter partners), plus approved community participants as space allows.
🤝 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM | Artist Resource Center (ARC)
A high-impact, one-hour session designed to equip artists with real tools and opportunities.
Topics may include:
• Artist opportunities & city resources
• Arts jobs & project information
• Funding & residency updates
• Community connections & collaboration
🎶 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Music Spotlight – JaySol
Live performance from JaySol, setting the tone for the evening and building momentum for the main event.
Expect soulful energy, creative vibes, and community connection through music.
🖌️ 6:15 PM – 7:45 PM | BRUSH WARS (90-Minute Live Art Battle)
🎯 Theme: The Future of 18th & Vine
🎤 Hosted by Skittles
Five artists.
90 minutes.
Live crowd energy.
Artists create original work inspired by the theme, battling creativity head-to-head in a high-energy, immersive art experience.
🏆 Monthly winner receives $100 cash.
🛍️ 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Artist & Vendor Marketplace (Ongoing)
The marketplace remains active throughout the afternoon and evening featuring:
• Featured Visual Artists
• Creative Vendors
• Food Trucks
• Community Networking
• Music + DJ Energy
🎧 7:45 PM – 10:00 PM | DJ Energy + Community Close-Out
Our DJ keeps the groove going through the final hours—high energy, welcoming, and community-driven.
🎨 What to Expect on March 7
• Youth creativity in action
• Real artist development resources
• Live music from JaySol
• A 90-minute Brush Wars art battle
• Vendors + food trucks
• Networking between 18th & Vine & Crossroads
Featured Visual Artist — First Saturdays at Keystone
Spots Available: 5 Featured Artists Per Month
Artist Fee: $75
Event Time: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Keystone (Between 18th & Vine & the Crossroads Arts District)
About the Opportunity
First Saturdays at Keystone is a monthly artist and vendor market presented by the 18th & Vine Arts Festival Foundation. This curated experience provides visual artists with consistent exhibition space, direct sales opportunities, and professional visibility beyond a single event day.
Selected artists become part of a rotating monthly gallery experience hosted at Keystone, connecting artists to the community, collectors, and fellow creatives.
What Featured Artists Receive
Artists selected for First Saturdays receive:
Curated exhibit placement (1 piece displayed on Keystone’s gallery wall)
On-site art sales during the event (3:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Artist Highlight of the Month, including featured content and promotion
Promotion across social media, email marketing, or event materials
Opportunity to leave selected artwork displayed at Keystone for the full month (when applicable)
Networking access with artists, musicians, vendors, and community partners
This opportunity is designed to support both emerging and established artists through visibility, consistency, and community connection.
Artist Responsibilities (Please Read Carefully)
By participating, artists agree to the following:
Artists must provide their own display materials (easels, stands, hardware, etc.)
All artwork must be original and ready for display
Artists are responsible for handling all sales and payment processing
Artists must comply with all venue and event guidelines
Setup and breakdown details will be provided upon acceptance
Important Notes
Only 5 artist spots are available per month
Artist fees are non-refundable unless the event is canceled by the organizers
Artwork displayed for the month remains the responsibility of the artist (terms will be shared in advance)
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is ideal for:
Visual artists (painting, mixed media, illustration, photography, etc.)
Artists seeking gallery-style exposure in a community-centered space
Creatives looking for recurring exhibition and sales opportunities
Vendor Ticket — First Saturdays at Keystone
Fee: $75
Event Time: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Load-In Time: Details provided upon acceptance
Location: Keystone (Between 18th & Vine & the Crossroads Arts District)
About the Event
First Saturdays at Keystone is a monthly artist and vendor marketplace presented by the 18th & Vine Arts Festival Foundation. The event brings together local artists, creative entrepreneurs, musicians, and the community for an evening of art, commerce, music, and connection.
This is a curated, arts-focused market designed to support small businesses and creatives through consistent exposure, sales opportunities, and community engagement.
What Vendors Receive
Vendor participation includes:
Designated vendor booth space during the event (3:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Opportunity to sell products on-site to a consistent, arts-engaged audience
Promotion through event marketing, including social media and vendor highlights
Connection to artists, musicians, community partners, and creatives
Inclusion in a recurring monthly event series, not a one-time pop-up
Vendor Responsibilities (Please Read Carefully)
By purchasing this ticket, vendors acknowledge and agree to the following:
Vendors must provide their own tables, chairs, tents, and display materials
Booth spaces are limited and assigned
Vendors are responsible for all sales, payment processing, and applicable tax compliance
Vendors must comply with all venue and city regulations
No electricity is guaranteed unless otherwise stated
Setup and breakdown times will be shared prior to the event
Important Notes
Space is limited — only 10 vendor spots available per event
Vendor fees are non-refundable unless the event is canceled by the organizers
The event is free and open to the public, increasing foot traffic and visibility
Who This Is For
This vendor opportunity is ideal for:
Small businesses
Creative entrepreneurs
Art-adjacent brands
Fashion, handmade goods, wellness products, lifestyle brands, and more
First Saturdays at Keystone
Join us as a featured food vendor at First Saturdays at Keystone, a monthly arts, music, and community experience presented by the 18th & Vine Arts Festival Foundation.
This Food Truck Vendor Pass provides food truck operators with a high-visibility opportunity to serve a consistent, arts-focused audience while being promoted as part of a curated cultural event.
What This Ticket Includes
🚚 On-Site Food Truck Placement
Prime placement during the full event
Service window: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
High foot traffic from artists, vendors, performers, and attendees
📣 Promotional Support
Featured as an official food truck for the event
Promotion across event marketing, social media, and website listings
Food truck highlights leading up to the event
🎶 Built-In Audience
Monthly artist & vendor marketplace
Live DJ sets and live band performances
Community networking, cultural programming, and evening entertainment
Event Details
📍 Location:
Keystone Community Corporation
800 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108
(Located between the Crossroads Arts District & 18th & Vine)
🕒 Event Time:
3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Load-in details will be provided upon confirmation.
Food Truck Requirements
⚠️ Please Read Carefully
Food trucks must be fully self-contained
Must have all required licenses, permits, and insurance
Power, water, and hookups are not provided
Generators must be quiet and well-maintained
Food trucks are responsible for all setup, operations, and cleanup
Important Notes
Limited spots available (2 food trucks per event)
This ticket is non-refundable unless the event is canceled by the organizer
Selection is curated to ensure variety and balance
Why Participate?
First Saturdays at Keystone offers:
Consistent monthly exposure
A growing arts-focused audience
Community alignment with one of Kansas City’s leading cultural nonprofits
An opportunity to build repeat customers and brand recognition
Secure Your Spot
🎟️ Food Truck Vendor Pass – $150
Spots are limited and fill quickly.
👉 Reserve your food truck spot today.
Food + Refreshments
Full bar available on-site
Two rotating food trucks each month
Family-friendly atmosphere (with adult beverage service managed appropriately)
Sponsors + Partners
First Saturdays at Keystone is built through collaboration. Sponsors help us:
Fund youth instruction + supplies
Support artist development programming
Provide high-quality community experiences
Grow sustainable creative pathways in Kansas City