Boo in the Bottoms Awakens Halloween in Kansas City from Daytime Delights to Nighttime Frights

Beast and Edge of Hell Open for the Season as Festival of the Full Moon
Celebrates Boo in the Bottoms, October 2-4

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Halloween officially comes alive in Kansas City when the Historic West Bottoms celebrates Boo in the Bottoms during First Friday Weekend, October 2-4. This year's event brings a new twist as the daytime festival, filled with shopping, music, Thriller-themed dance instruction, costumed characters, and family fun, transforms into a nighttime destination for thrill-seekers when legendary haunted attractions Beast and Edge of Hell open their 2026 seasons on Friday, October 2.

Daytime treats: the West Bottoms is filled with treasure hunters searching for vintage finds, seasonal décor, antiques, gifts, and one-of-a-kind discoveries across 13 blocks of historic buildings. Costumed visitors can trick-or-treat at participating stores, gather around boo-tiful fire pits for s'mores, enjoy festive drinks from the Full Moon Street Bar, and meet friendly haunt characters roaming the district for photos and laughs.

Music in the streets adds to the fall atmosphere, while on Saturday from 11 a.m -2 p.m, visitors can also learn the iconic moves to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" during free, special dance instruction sessions led by D3 Stepper, creating a playful celebration for anyone who wants to join in the famous zombie moves. Bring the kids to trick-or-treat in participating stores.

"Boo in the Bottoms is when we kick off Halloween Kansas City-style," said Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, Queen of Haunts and spokesperson for the district. "Come down during the day and get into some good trouble. Hunt for vintage treasures, learn the 'Thriller' dance or watch the dancers, and get your picture with our haunt characters before they go to work. Then Friday night, things take a darker turn. Beast and Edge of Hell open their doors for the season, and after that, you're on your own. With only 13 October nights to get your haunt fix, maybe 13 isn't unlucky after all. It's time to stir the cauldron, make some memories, and find out why generations of Kansas Citians keep coming back to get scared."

The same streets where shoppers searched for treasures become the gateway to two of Kansas City's legendary haunted attractions, turning the district from vintage to vampires, from treats to terrors, and from shopping destination to Halloween headquarters.

BOO IN THE BOTTOMS WEEKEND PLANNER

• West Bottoms Shopping — West Bottoms Shopping — More than 30 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues will be open throughout the Festival of the Full Moon weekend. Most shops are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Hours vary by business.

Featured Businesses — Throughout the 13-block district, visitors will find a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment.

• All Keyed Up Piano Shop – www.allkeyeduppiano.com
• Amigoni Urban Winery – www.amigoni.com
• Bella Patina www.bellapatinakc.com
• Brass Pig
• Chef J's Barbecue www.chefjbbq.com
• Good JuJuwww.goodjujukc.com
• Java Garage www.thejavagarage.com
• Robins Nest www.facebook.com/therobinsnestwestbottoms
• Rustic Vintage Rose www.facebook.com/RusticVintageRose
• Serendipity 
• Treasures on 13^th 2 stores, 2^nd floor and street level in the Central Bag Building www.facebook.com/treasureson13thstKC
• Ugly Glasswww.facebook.com/UglyGlassCo
• Charmed House www.charmedhouseinteriors.com
• West Bottoms Whiskey Co - www.westbottomswhiskey

• Halloween Fun & Meet-and-Greet Haunt Characters — Family-friendly scare cast members will roam outside Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes, take photos, and trick-or-treat at participating stores.
• Street Music & Thriller Dance Instruction — Enjoy live entertainment in the streets and learn the famous "Thriller" dance at no cost for a fun led by dance instructor D3 Stepper, this is an interactive zombie groove experience for all ages. Saturday 11- 2 p.m.
• Food & Drink — Indulge at Chef J BBQ, Java Garage, Bella Patina's Painted Rooster Café, West Bottoms Whiskey, and the Full Moon Street Bar.
• Fire Pits & Full Moon Street Bar — Gather around glowing fire pits with your boo, roast s'mores, sip seasonal beverages, and enjoy the fall atmosphere. Available Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9-5pm
• Haunted Attractions Opening Night — Beast and Edge of Hell open for the 2026 season beginning Friday, October 2, with a total of just 13 nights scheduled throughout October. Visit attraction websites for dates, times, and tickets. www.kcbeast.comwww.edgeofhell.com
• KC Collectors Spooky Plant Sale — Saturday, October 3, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - featuring plant vendors, Halloween-themed items, candy, costumes, and collectibles.

This year, Beast and Edge of Hell have just 13 nights on the October schedule, followed by the remaining 2026 West Bottoms First Friday Weekend events: Blessings in the Bottoms, Nov. 6-8, and Bows in the Bottoms, each weekend in December prior to Christmas, beginning Dec. 4-6.

About the Historic West Bottoms Entertainment District

The Historic West Bottoms Entertainment District, located just off the 12th Street Bridge, encompasses a 13-block district of historic warehouses filled with hundreds of vendors, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The district's multi-story buildings date back well over a century. These repurposed, vast spaces form the largest indoor vintage entertainment district operating year-round. The West Bottoms is the destination for interior decorators, designers, collectors, and consumers seeking stylish décor and gift options with a one-of-a-kind history and patina. westbottoms.com

SOURCE Historic West Bottoms District