Weekend Possibilities | New Speakeasy, Nelson-Atkins Celebrates Lunar New Year and Ice Skating Superheroes

Football fans can wait another week until Super Bowl Sunday.

In the meantime, wrap up January with a trip to the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, a Knuckleheads Saloon livestream or perhaps a pottery class date night.

Friday, Jan. 29

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, 5235 Oak Street, is exhibiting many of the toys that have inspired children to pursue careers in STEM fields. Get tickets to the museum and be sure to visit the Bridging The Gender Divide exhibit to discover many of the toys that were once only marketed to boys that have encouraged all children to become interested in science, technology, engineering and math. The exhibit also features interactive elements, including a 200 years of women in STEM coloring book. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-17.

12 – 1 p.m. The Blue Room at the American Jazz Museum is providing the lunchtime tunes Friday afternoon with a virtual show from Chris Hazelton Trio. The Jazz at Noon show is completely free, all you have to do is tune in to the American Jazz Museum’s Facebook page and press play. A premier jazz organist, Hazelton has made past appearances with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra.

8 – 11 p.m. We heard from a little birdie that there’s a new speakeasy in Tom’s Town, 1701 Main St. Make reservations to swing by the Kansas City Concrete Company on the second floor of Tom’s Town, where cocktails and live jazz take patrons back to the roaring ‘20s. Friday night will feature a set from A La Mode, an improvisational Kansas City jazz band that blends French and gypsy styles.

Saturday, Jan. 30

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave., is inviting adults to flex their artistic muscles this weekend with Nature Art: Ice Lights. Participants will learn how to create their own ice globe using various molds and natural materials like pinecones. Be sure to dress warm, the project will take place outside. Registration is required.

It’s the year of the ox and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is throwing a celebration, even if it is online. Celebrate the Lunar New Year virtually with the museum’s tradition of exhibiting art, dance and different facets of ringing in the new year culturally around the globe, which dates back to 1996. The online module features downloadable art projects, videos of art and traditional dance and more.

4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Darren Mort, the producer of award-winning short film “Tommy,” is joining The Layne Project in Olathe, 313 N. Chestnut St., for virtual screening, presentation and Q&A. “Tommy” tells the emotional tale of a young boy and his imaginary friend as his parents go through a divorce. The Layne Project is a nonprofit focused on families reorganizing and transitioning through change. Registration for the screening is free.

8 p.m. Tickets for the in-person show are sold out, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on Saturday night’s Eddie Van Halen Tribute show by The Rock Gods at Knuckleheads Saloon. Fans of Van Halen can catch the two-hour set for just $10 from the comfort of home.

Sunday, Jan. 31

12:30 – 4:30 p.m. Kids can take to the ice with their favorite superheroes Sunday afternoon at The Ice at Park Place’s Superhero Skate, 11565 Ash St. in Leawood. Superman, Wonder Woman, Captain America, Supergirl and Batman will all be in attendance. Anyone who dresses up like their favorite superhero gets a free hot chocolate. Be sure to register online ahead of time. One dollar from each ticket purchased will go benefit the Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund.

6:30 – 8:30 p.m. If you are tired of the same-old date night, reserve a spot for Belger Arts’ Date Night Pottery Class, 2100 Walnut St. Open to all skill levels, the Crossroads studio is inviting anyone to come and learn how to shape clay on a wheel and decorate your masterpiece. Belger will then glaze and fire your masterpiece to be picked up at a later date. Registration is $65 per pair.