Home » Destination News » Edge of Hell Celebrates 50 Years with Thrilling September Openings in Kansas City’s West Bottoms
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Reading Time: 3 minutes 
The cauldrons are bubbling, and the witches are doubling down on the fun as the West Bottoms prepares for a spellbinding First Friday Weekend from September 7-9. With Halloween season brewing, this historic Kansas City district is conjuring up good vibes, libations, and spooky delights at Brews in the Bottoms.
Over 40 years ago, the West Bottoms was haunted only by the ghosts of its industrial past. But a transformation began when ghouls, vampires, and werewolves started calling the area home during Halloween season. These former fiends didn’t just scare—they cared, sweeping through the district, restoring historic buildings, and revitalizing the area. Now, 13 blocks near the 12th Street Bridge brim with vintage and antique treasures, proving that sometimes, the scariest spells bring the best changes.
This year marks the golden anniversary of the original haunt, Edge of Hell Haunted Attraction, recognized as the nation’s longest-running haunted attraction and rated among the best by experts. The vampires will awaken for Edge of Hell’s 50th season opening on Friday, September 13, alongside the werewolves at the legendary Beast Haunted Attraction. Later in the month, Macabre Cinema Haunted Attraction will join the frightful festivities on September 27. But fear not—while the screams and scares come alive at night, the First Friday Weekend offers daytime delights that are more sweet than sinister. And with the introduction of timed ticketing, thrill-seekers can avoid long lines at these nationally acclaimed haunted attractions. Simply pick your date and time, and arrive at your scheduled ticket time.
Visitors can expect a witch’s brew of entertainment, from spellbinding selfie stations with cackling witches to enchanting tunes that get everyone dancing like the undead. Stores will be filled with haunted house décor to amp up the spooky-fun mood and available for purchase to decorate homes and businesses. Even the four-legged fiends from Lucky 13 Rescue will be on hand, showing off adorable pups ready for adoption—because who wouldn’t want a little creature comfort? Plus, the Witches Brew libations at the Full Moon Bar, located at the corner of the Beast by Chef J BBQ, offer even more creature comforts.
“Halloween season starts in September for the West Bottoms, and the fever for frightful fun is contagious,” said West Bottoms district spokesperson Amber Arnett-Bequeaith. “While the night is reserved for spine-tingling scares, the days are perfect for capturing memories with monsters, beasts, and witches alike. Visitors will also like all the spooky store displays and décor available to add to their festive places to bring screams and laughter.”
Anyone with a good howl, cackle, scream, the chops for acting, or a love for the thrills of a haunt should inquire about job openings at the Beast, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Auditions will be held at the Beast for all houses on September 4, starting at 6 p.m. Applicants must be 16 or older, have a valid ID, and pass a background check.
The upcoming West Bottoms’ First Friday Weekend events include the Festival of the Full Moon:
October: Boo in the Bottoms, Oct. 4-6
November: Blessings in the Bottoms, Nov. 1-3
December: Bows in the Bottoms, each weekend in December prior to Christmas, starting Dec. 6
SEPTEMBER’S BREWS IN THE BOTTOMS WEEKEND PLANNER
West Bottoms’ Shopping:
Embrace the Festival of the Full Moon Weekends theme with Brews in the Bottoms from September 7-9. Shops will be open Friday through Sunday, with most opening at 9 AM, closing around 6 PM on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday from 12-4 PM.
- All Keyed Up Piano Shop
- Bella Patina
- Blip Roasters
- Charmed House
- Chef J’s Barbecue
- Fetch
- Fountain City Winery
- Full Moon Escape Games
- Good JuJu
- Java Garage
- Martin’s Memories
- Robins Nest
- Rustic Vintage Rose
- Stuffology
- Treasures on 13th
- Ugly Glass
- West Bottoms Bicycles
Live Music:
Enjoy the tunes of Anthony Perkins performing on a baby grand piano outside at 13th and Hickory from 12-3 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Lucky 13 Rescue:
On Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 2 PM, visit Lucky 13 Rescue to view and potentially adopt dogs in need of their forever homes.
Food & Drink:
Witches Brew libations are available at the Full Moon Bar, located at the corner of the Beast by Chef J BBQ. Satisfy your cravings with food trucks and various on-site vendors, including the Full Moon Street Bar, Chef J BBQ, Java Garage, Bella Patina’s 3rd Floor Painted Rooster Café, and West Bottoms Whiskey.
Haunted Attractions:
Edge of Hell Haunted Attraction’s 50th season opens on Friday, September 13, at 7:30 PM, and the legendary Beast Haunted Attraction opens on the same day at 7:30 PM. Macabre Cinema Haunted Attraction opens on September 27 at 8 PM.
Full Moon Escape:
The Escape Games have slots available and new games. Open Friday, 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM; Saturday, 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM; Sunday, 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM.
Please visit:
Our Sponsor