Colorful paint splashes background promoting First Saturdays event at Keystone, featuring an artist and vendor market, live music, DJs, and food trucks every first Saturday from February to June, from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM at 800 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO. Free event with RSVP required.

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

Become a Vendor
Apply as Featured Artist
YAI Student RSVP
Apply as Food Truck

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

Flyer for Youth Artists Initiative (YAI) program at the 18th & Vine Arts Festival, featuring arts and humanities enrichment, hands-on instruction, small groups, held every first Saturday at Keystone in Kansas City, MO, with limited spots and RSVP required.
Featured Visual Artist — First Saturdays at Keystone Featured Visual Artist — First Saturdays at Keystone
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Featured Visual Artist — First Saturdays at Keystone
$75.00
Vendor Ticket — First Saturdays at Keystone Vendor Ticket — First Saturdays at Keystone
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Vendor Ticket — First Saturdays at Keystone
$75.00
Food Truck Vendor Pass Food Truck Vendor Pass
Sold out
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Food Truck Vendor Pass
$150.00
Colorful promotional poster for the 18th & Vine Arts Festival featuring the event details, dates, times, location, and activities such as artist and vendor market, live music, DJs, food trucks, and a youth artists initiative. The poster also includes a QR code and the festival's website.

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