What is Heritage Days?
Heritage Days is HWBA's annual celebration of the history, culture, and future of the West Bottoms.
Each May, HWBA partners with neighborhood businesses and institutions to spotlight local history, celebrate new energy in the district, and recognize the people helping shape the community.
This year's programming highlights the West Bottoms as both a historic commercial center and a growing cultural and entertainment destination.
The West Bottoms' place in regional history began with trading among Native Americans and the French. Originally known as Kawsmouth and later the French Bottoms, the area has long been central to the growth and development of Kansas City.
Times and details are subject to change. View our calendar for the most up-to-date info.
The art of revitalization
This year's celebration recognizes the creativity, culture, and energy that continue to shape the neighborhood's growth.
What Heritage Days highlights
- Focus on the West Bottoms as a cultural district and entertainment destination.
- Remember the area's role as a commercial-industrial district connecting communities across the greater Kansas City region.
- Highlight the progress and potential of the West Bottoms while recognizing the people who plan, design, and build the neighborhood's infrastructure.
2026 Event Schedule
Every event below is part of the 12th Annual Heritage Days celebration in the Historic West Bottoms.
12 PM to 8 PM
5th Annual Taste of AAPI: Culture You Can Taste
Liberty Courtyard
A Heritage Days food festival celebrating AAPI culture, community, and cuisine in the West Bottoms.
10 AM to 2 PM
Ride and Roll Bike Giveaway & Ride
Liberty Courtyard
A community bike giveaway and ride centered at Liberty Courtyard.
9 AM to 11 AM
Girls on the Run 5K
HyVee Arena
Girls on the Run brings its celebratory 5K to the West Bottoms during Heritage Days.
Wilbur Niewald Plein Air
Multiple West Bottoms locations
A multi-day plein air event honoring Wilbur Niewald and inviting artists into the West Bottoms.
Multi-day schedule
- May 14 · Rock Island Bridge
- May 15 · 1601 Genessee Street
- May 16 · Liberty Courtyard
10 AM to 4 PM
The Strawberry Swing
Liberty Courtyard
The Strawberry Swing returns to Liberty Courtyard for a Heritage Days pop-up market.
10 AM to 2 PM
A Kaw Social
Rock Island Bridge
A community gathering at Rock Island Bridge celebrating the history and spirit of the Kaw.
Back to the Bottoms Barbeque
Liberty Lot
A two-day barbecue event at Liberty Lot with Friday evening and Saturday programming.
Multi-day schedule
- May 15 · 6 PM to 9 PM
- May 16 · 10 AM to 4 PM
6 PM to 9 PM
Stockyards Legends Dinner
The Exchange Room, Livestock Exchange Building
The annual dinner honoring a Stockyards legend in the historic Livestock Exchange Building.
6 PM to 10 PM
Fourth Friday Kick Back
Presented by Latino Arts Foundation
Liberty Courtyard
A Fourth Friday celebration at Liberty Courtyard presented by the Latino Arts Foundation.
6 PM to 10 PM
Wettest Block Pig Roast
Incline On 9th
Incline On 9th hosts the annual pig roast as part of the Heritage Days festivities.
11 AM to 3 PM
Halal Food Festival
Liberty Courtyard
A festival featuring halal food and community in Liberty Courtyard.
7 PM to 11 PM
Casino Night
Fuego Cantina
An evening of games and entertainment at Fuego Cantina.