Weekend Possibilities | David Bowie, Royals FanFest and Panic Fest

January’s final full weekend marks the calm before the Kansas City Super Bowl storm and there’s plenty to do, starting with live music. Pay tribute to David Bowie with The Band that Fell to Earth KC or choose between two nights of George Strait at the Sprint Center. Other options include Royals Fanfest, which should fill the weekend’s sports void, and the city’s largest horror, thriller and sci-fi film fest.

Friday, Jan. 24

9 p.m. The Band That Fell to Earth KC is set for a two-night tribute to the life and work of David Bowie at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd. The tribute group features 13 of Kansas City’s most prominent musicians and will bring multiple special guests to the stage, including Chase Horseman and Katy Guillen, among others. Bowie fanatics will be treated to differing setlists each night, a professional video projection, plus handmade merch from local makers and businesses. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Kansas City Anti-Violence Project. The fifth-anniversary shows are expected to sell out, so it might be wise to get tickets ($15 general admission, $50 VIP) for the two-night run of performances today.

Friday marks the start of Panic Fest, a four-day horror, thriller and sci-fi film festival at Screenland Armour Theatre, 408 Armour Road in North Kansas City. Panic Fest features more than 60 hours of on-screen terror. In addition to feature-length screenings, select short films and live podcasts are on the docket. Cinephiles can look forward to live recordings of Last Podcast on the Left and Adam Green & Joe Lynch’s Movie Crypt. Be sure to check online for a full schedule of films. A full festival pass, plus a t-shirt, is $190.

Saturday, Jan. 25

11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Don’t let the below-freezing temperatures fool you, Kansas City Royals baseball is just around the corner. Get in the summertime spirit with this weekend’s Royals FanFest at the Kansas City Convention Center, 301 W. 13th St. Fans can get autographs from current and former Royals, play interactive games, enjoy a full day of mainstage programming and much more. Adult tickets are available for $12, youth tickets are $5. Can’t go Saturday? Fanfest also runs Friday from 2 – 9 p.m.

12 p.m. Brave souls are taking the 2020 Polar Plunge in support of local Special Olympics at Longview Lake. Interested participants must be at least 10 years old and raise a minimum of $75 before taking the ice-cold plunge. Take on the challenge individually or sign up as part of a team. Additional prizes are available, depending on how much money you raise.

8 p.m. Country music legend George Strait returns to Kansas City this weekend with a pair of shows at Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd. The Country Music Hall of Fame honoree is touring on his record 30th album, “Honky Tonk Time Machine,” which recently topped Billboard’s Top Country Album Chart. Sunday’s show also starts at 8 p.m. Special guest Asleep at the Wheel will open each night.

Sunday, Jan. 26

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Experience a variety of activities celebrating the Lunar New Year and Year of the Rat at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St. The afternoon will include a full schedule of song and dance, plus Chinese games, art activities and tours of the Chinese art collection. There will be Bo Lings for lunch, plus other Chinese selections and Plum Wine for purchase. Admission is free. 

1 and 6:30 p.m. Watch as poor old Charlie Bucket’s life changes forever on stage in the upcoming performance of Ronald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway Blvd. Limited tickets are available for the traveling Broadway show’s final day in Kansas City. The musical is recommended for children ages six and older. 

2 – 4 p.m. Amigoni Urban Winery, 1505 Genessee St., is opening its doors to artists/wine enthusiasts of any level for Script and Sip. This is a fine way for anyone 21 and up to spend a quiet Sunday before next weekend’s Super Bowl celebrations. The $45 ticket includes a calligraphy lesson, glass of  Amigoni wine, a calligraphy pen and work book. Don’t worry, additional wine can be purchased at the event.

7 p.m The Better Cheddar, 604 W. 48th St., is bringing in certified cheese pro Pat McCroy for a Create Your Own Cheese Board class. The $50 ticket includes instructions on crafting the perfect cheese board for your next gathering, plus cheese tastings, along with other accompaniments. Head to The Better Cheddar’s website to purchase a ticket and for more information.