Close to downtown, The Crossroads Arts District is known to be particularly crowded on “First Fridays” because of the numerous art galleries situated there. Many of the exhibitions for NCECA will be taking place here and it is just a short walk from the convention center. 
Several NCECA sponsored exhibitions that you will want to visit are the National Juried Student Exhibition, the Honors & Fellows Exhibition and The Emerging Artists Exhibition at the Leedy Voulkos Art Center. Also located in the west crossroads is La Esquina which will be hosting Across the Table Across the Land a HUGE NCECA 50th anniversary project curated by Michael Strand and Namita Gupta Wiggers connecting community, stories and food. Scattered between many of the other galleries are many choices of tasty eats such as
Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop
Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop, Extra Virgin, and Jackstack. If you’re in mood for some classic American greasy fried foods, head over to Town Topic, The Brick or Grinders. The Crossroads is located just south of the convention center and will allow for a full day of taking in exhibitions and other engaging activities like the video arcade Up-Down. Looking for another restaurant in the Crossroads, check out these places to eat and drink:
Michael Smith / Extra Virgin
Michael Smith
1900 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Lulu`s Thai Noodle Shop
2030 Central Street Kansas City, MO 64108
The Boulevard Tavern
320 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Up-Down
101 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Ricos Taco Lupe
802 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Grinders West serves Deli items but shares a menu with Grinders Pizza. The restaurant’s modern tone contrasts Grinders Pizza grittier feel.
Extra Virgin
1900 Main St.
The Brick
1727 McGee St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Grinders
417 E. 18th St Kansas City, Mo
Manny’s Mexican Restuarant
207 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Grunauer
101 W 22nd St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Grunauer
Nara NeoJapanese
1617 Main St Ste. 100, Kansas City, MO 64108
Howards
1708 Oak St (btwn E 17th & 18th St), Kansas City, MO 64108
Lideas
101 W 22nd St, Kansas City, MO 64108
The Rieger Hotel Grill and Exchange
1924 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Pizzabella
1810 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108
Town Topic
Jack Stack
The Brick
