Weekend Possibilities | Border Collies at Bar K, Vine Street Open House and Aretha Franklin Tribute

It’s the first week of February and love is (already) in the air.

Make the most out of the football-free weekend with a chocolate tour in Excelsior Springs, Galentine’s Day at Craft Putt or shopping Cupid’s Gems.

Friday, Feb. 3

8 a.m. Each month, Humilis Health and Mildred’s, 1901 Wyandotte St., team up for a Morning Happy Hour dedicated to promoting health, happiness and overall well-being. The coffee shop conversation for February will focus on self-confidence and self-doubt. The Morning Happy Hour is free to attend.

10 a.m. – 9 p.m. The KC Remodel + Garden Show starts Friday and runs through the weekend inside the American Royal Center, 1701 American Royal Court. Attendees can find inspiration for projects big or small, hear from industry experts and get in on show deals from dozens of exhibitors and vendors. Be sure to check the full schedule of events online in advance. General admission tickets are $13. Children under 12 get in for free.

6 p.m. Swing by the 2000 Vine First Friday Open House, 2000 Vine St., for an early look at the newly renovated multi-use historic space. Plans for the evening include new beer tastings from Vine Street Brewing Co., bites from The Prospect KC, plus artwork by tattoo artist Keno G. and live painting from artist Warren Harvey. There is no admission fee.

Saturday, Feb. 4

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Get pumped up for Souper Bowl Saturday at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St. The fundraising event will make beautiful, handmade ceramic bowls available for $10. Best of all, the purchase will come with a complimentary soup and a side of bread to enjoy while supporting the cause. Proceeds will benefit the center’s visual arts education programs.

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Artists from the Cherry Pit Collective, 604 E. 31^st St., an inclusive studio space for women and non-binary makers and creators, will hold an Artist Garage Sale Saturday. Whether you are looking to pick up a new piece or produce masterworks of your own, the sale will include various supplies and finished artwork at a discounted price.

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Still on the search for something for that special someone? Stop by Cupid’s Gems Artisan Jewelry Show at Thompson Barn, 11184 Lackman Road. The free show will offer exclusively hand-made, original pieces for sale from local vendors and makers. No imported or manufactured jewelry is accepted by organizers.

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. More than 25 businesses will join in on the sweetness of the 17^th Annual Chocolate Tour in Downtown Excelsior Springs, 201 E. Broadway. A $25 ticket will grant access to all-day rides on the downtown trolley, plus treats at each stop along the way. There is a VIP option for $45 for a three-course chocolate and wine pairing experience before the event kicks off.

Sunday, Feb. 5

Noon or 4 p.m. Spend Sunday with the girls at Galentine’s Day Brunch & Bingo at Craft Putt, 11440 W. 135^th St. The Overland Park mini-golf and craft beer concept is offering reservation windows for groups of four and eight, which include brunch, bingo and a round of mini-golf. Save your group’s spot for $60 or $80, depending on the table size. Food and drink options outside of the pre-planned menu are not included. There will be a bloody mary bar.

2 p.m. Sunday is the last chance to see Respect: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin presented by the Kansas City Symphony at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway. The performance directed by Gonzalo Farias will honor the life and legacy of “The Queen of Soul,” playing an array of Aretha’s hits from through the years. Tickets are available starting at $73.50.

3 – 6 p.m. There’s a Border Collie Breed Meet-Up Sunday afternoon at Bar K, 501 Berkley Pkwy. Bring your border collie to receive $5 off your first dog’s admission and get half-priced beers all afternoon. Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and is at least 12 weeks old. Bar K entry is free for members. Non-members pay $10 for their first dog and $5 for each additional dog.

Clarence Dennis is audience and digital content strategist with Flatland.