Weekend Possibilities | Big 12 Hoops, St. Patrick’s Day Parades and Tanya Tucker

The men’s and women’s Big 12 basketball tournaments are underway with all sorts of fun, including a live set from DJ Diesel, on deck for the weekend.

Away from the hardwood, St. Patrick’s Day parades, a Women’s History Month Pop-Up and a big-time country music show at Knuckleheads round out the options.

And don’t forget the Oscars.

Friday, March 10

Friday – Sunday College hoops has returned to Kansas City for men’s and women’s Big 12 Tournament action, with games played at T-Mobile Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., and Municipal Auditorium, 301 W. 13^th St., respectively. Friday’s schedule includes semifinal matchups on the men’s side and quarterfinals over at Municipal, followed by Saturday’s men’s final and a pair of women’s games to decide Sunday’s championship game on the west side of downtown. Be sure to check online for updated brackets and tickets.

Fans from around the conference will enjoy Hoops Central inside Kansas City Live! at Power & Light District and on Grand Boulevard, outside of the T-Mobile Center, for the duration of the tournament. The family-friendly atmosphere will have games, ballpark food, drinks, giveaways, contests and more. DJ Diesel (aka Shaquille O’Neil) is scheduled to perform Saturday night for those ages 18 and up. Tickets are $20 at the door.

4 – 5 p.m. Horticulture Happy Hour: Orchid Delirium is Friday evening at Powell Gardens, 1609 N.W. U.S. 50. Education Manager Caitlin Eckard will lead a session on orchid cultivation, plus a tour of the botanical garden’s Orchid Delirium exhibit. A $20 reservation includes two alcoholic beverages. You must be 21 or older to attend.

Saturday, March 11

10 a.m. Downtown Overland Park’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade starts at 79^th and Floyd streets Saturday morning, rain or shine. Look for Kona Ice, Jack’s Kettlecorn Truck and The Cotton Candy Man set up along the route for a snack or treat. There’s free face painting at the clock tower. Downtown Overland Park bars and restaurants will be prepared for the post-parade crowd. Be sure to check online for the full parade route.

11 a.m. North Kansas City’s Snake Saturday Parade will make its annual loop along Swift Street, Armour Road and Howell Street on Saturday morning. Parade-adjacent festivities include carnival rides, a petting zoo, on-stage performances and more celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. There is no designated parking for the parade. It is recommended to arrive early and look around for available street parking.

7:30 p.m. The White Theatre at The J, 5801 W. 115^th St., will stage multiple productions of “A Raisin In The Sun,” starting Saturday evening. The all-time classic story chronicling a Black family chasing their dreams against racial tension and prejudices set in 1950s Chicago is co-produced by The Black Repertory Theater of Kansas City. Assisted listening devices will be available. Tickets start at $13.

7:30 p.m. Saturday also marks the debut of “The Shining” from Lyric Opera Kansas City onstage at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway Blvd. Based on the Stephen King novel, the opera performance will take audience members into the terrors of the Overlook Hotel, complete with a haunting score. Tickets are available starting at $90.50, plus tax and fees.

Sunday, March 12

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Strawberry Swing Indie Craft Fair is putting on a Women’s History Month Pop-Up Sunday at Union, 1721 Baltimore Ave. The group has invited more than 40 local makers and vendors to the space that will also have food, drinks and music to offer. The pop-up is free to attend.

6 p.m. The 95^th Academy Awards is Sunday and North Kansas City’s Screenland Armour, 408 Armour Road, is throwing a watch party. Doors open an hour before the first Oscar is handed out and there is no admission fee. Seating is first come, first served. There is no outdoor food or drink allowed, as Screenland concessions – including beer and cocktails – will be available for purchase.

7:30 p.m. Country music icon Tanya Tucker is taking her talents to Knuckleheads, 2715 Rochester Ave., for a Sunday evening performance in the East Bottoms. With 50 years as a recording artist and four recent Grammy nominations, fans can expect an intimate performance from Tucker packed with all the hits. Special guest Abbey Cone will kick things off. Tickets are available for $58.50, plus tax and fees.

Clarence Dennis is audience and digital content strategist with Flatland.