Photos: Folklore transformed this rooftop for one-night; its $100K impact on small biz lasts even longer

A packed rooftop event that started five years ago as a small gathering among friends has grown into a sold-out celebration that not only highlights music, food, and tradition, but also invests back into local nonprofits and entrepreneurs, said Luis Padilla, founder of Folklore and its popular small business grant program.

Luis Padilla, founder of Folklore and Fresco Marketing, speaks during the 2025 Folklore event atop Corrigan Station in Kansas City’s Crossroads; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

“That balance of culture and impact is what makes it unique,” he said at the annual gathering, which returned Sept. 26 to Corrigan Station, overlooking the Crossroads Arts District. “I never wanted Folklore to be just a ‘party.’ My vision has always been for it to have a purpose and to create an unforgettable experience.”

For the fourth straight year, Wells Fargo invested $100,000 into Folklore’s grants initiative, which awards $10,000 to 10 Latino businesses in Kansas City. Funds were accepted at the event by Padilla’s Fresco Marketing and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City.

“This is a very special night for all our community, for Kansas City,” said Padilla, whose marketing firm was honored as one of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Top 10 Small Businesses in 2025.

Carlos Gomez, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City, while accepting a $100,000 award from Wells Fargo for the Folklore grants program; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

A crowd packs the Corrigan Station rooftop for Folklore 2025; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Support for Folklore’s grants initiative is now more important than ever, said Crispin Rea, an at-large councilman for KCMO’s 4th District.

Luis Padilla, founder of Folklore and Fresco Marketing, second from left, poses with attendees in the “Little San Juan,” Puerto Rico setting for Folklore; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

“This was important last year, but it is even more important this year, because as institutions pull away from our businesses, as they pull away from our students, you all are staying put firmly where you are and supporting the Latino community,” Rea told the Wells Fargo representatives who attended the event. “I know that the folks who are going to receive that funding are going to appreciate it. So thank you for staying the course and sticking with the community.”

Folklore’s grants program aims to promote growth and long-term sustainability by addressing the systemic barriers that have historically limited access to capital in underserved communities, according to organizers.

Applications for the next round of the program are expected to run from mid-October to the end of November with winners announced by the end of the year.

Small businesses are the heartbeat of the community, noted Vianey Beltran, vice president of philanthropy and community impact for Wells Fargo.

“They’re the ones who are employing our neighbors,” she added. “They’re the ones who are keeping our neighborhoods alive.”

In its fifth year during Hispanic Heritage Month, the Folklore event brought together artists, entrepreneurs, musicians, corporate leaders, young professionals, nonprofits, politicians, and the community at large to recognize and celebrate the Latino community’s influence and accomplishments in Kansas City.

Luis Padilla, center, awards $20,000 to the Hispanic Development Fund for scholarships for Latino students during the 2025 Folklore event; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Folklore also served as a celebration of Caribbean culture with the Corrigan Station rooftop turned into a “Little San Juan,” Puerto Rico (built in 48 hours), food and hand-rolled cigars from Cortadito Cuban Cafe, food from La Doña Dominican Cuisine, paletas from Palacana, coffee from El Cafe Cubano, plus music from Puerto Rican band Los Potritos.

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“This event is just growing and growing,” Padilla continued. “Last year, we charged $15 for a cover charge, which is nothing. This year, we charged $30, which is nothing with all the things that you’re getting.”

“And next year, just be waiting for $150,” he joked.

During the event, Fresco also awarded $20,000 to the Hispanic Development Fund for scholarships for Latino students.

“We don’t do this to make money,” Padilla noted. “We do this just to make a bigger impact in the community, and this is where your money is going.”