Weekend Possibilities | Blue River Therapy Hike, KC Restaurant Week and Stand-Up Comedy

Just like that it’s 2021.

Start the new year off with a head clearing hike, discounted bites across the metro and some wine.

Friday, Jan. 8

5 – 8 p.m. Start the weekend at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Road, 5 – 7 p.m. on Friday with Pierpont’s Santa Barbara Wine Tasting. The restaurant’s January tasting will bring five Southern California pours to the heartland for one night only. Guests will receive a $20 dinner voucher with the purchase of a tasting ticket. Tickets are $30.

Friday marks the beginning of KC Restaurant Week. Celebrate and support local cuisine through Jan. 17 with special multi-course menus from hundreds of area restaurants. Several of the participating restaurants will make menu items (plus cocktails) available for delivery or carryout this year, in addition to traditional dine-in experiences. Be sure to check online for a full list of #KCRW2021 restaurants.

Saturday, Jan. 9

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Stanley Station Second Saturday is back at Eastland Meadows, 7805 W. 151st St. Dress warmly and head south for the family-friendly farmers market setup featuring food trucks like Taste of Brazil, Mr. Bevis BBQ and more, plus local vendors like Wild Flowers & Sunshine Home Decor and The Green Door Book Store and Gift Shoppe.

2 p.m. There’s a Polar Bare Plunge happening this Saturday afternoon at Lake Edun in Topeka. Join the fearless and get ready to freeze on the lake’s north shore for a good cause. There’s a suggested donation of $20 that will go toward The Race Against Breast Cancer, a local nonprofit to fund screening and diagnostic mammograms for women in northeast Kansas.

If you’re looking for a new spot, give The Combine, 2999 Troost Ave., a shot. The newly opened eatery in the Wonder Shops and Flats offers hot and cold deli sandwiches and pizza, plus taps and wine. If you don’t want to dine in, place an order online for pickup.

6 p.m. Reserve a socially distanced table today for up to a party of four to see actor, producer, director and comedian Marlon Wayans Saturday night at The Comedy Club, 1130 W. 103rd St. For a preview of Wayans’ set in Kansas City, check out his 2018 Netflix stand-up special “Woke-ish.” Wayans most recently starred in “Sextuplets,” which dropped on Netflix in 2019. Face coverings or masks are required for entry. Tables for two start at $100.

Sunday, Jan. 10

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. How about wrapping up the weekend with Sounds and Hounds on the heated patio at Bar K, 501 Berkley Pkwy.? Grab your pup, or don’t, and head to the riverfront dog park/bar and grill for a brunch set from local musician Vince Cook. Huevos rancheros tacos are only $3.50.

3 – 5 p.m. If you’re as sick of the indoors as we are, sign up and bundle up to deepen your connection with nature with a Shinrin-Yulu Forest Walk through Blue River Forest Experience, 17315 Antioch Road. The small group of hikers sets out every second Sunday of the month for a therapy walk through the woods, followed by a tea ceremony with healthy snacks. Reserve your spot for $35.