Weekend Possibilities | Greatest Show on Earth, Christmas Tree Lighting

Can’t wait for Christmas? There’s a tree lighting Saturday night to get you in the spirit. If the merriment can wait, this weekend brings Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to town, a new fall festival to North Kansas City and some roller derby action to Kansas City, Kansas.

Friday, Nov. 10

10 – 5 p.m. The science of birds is on display at the Linda Hall Library, 5109 Cherry St. Opening Friday, Chained to the Sky is a free exhibit that will explore the history of our relationship with birds, the threats the avian world faces today and what we can do to protect them. Linda Hall Library will have extended hours for the exhibit on Saturday. There are also digital displays online.

7 – 8:30 p.m. If you’re in need of a laugh, get a group together for a night at the KC Improv Show from the KC Improv Company, 4010 Pennsylvania Ave. The company’s signature Friday night show is made up of short- and long-form scenes, interactive games and stand-up, all based on audience suggestions. The show is rated ‘R.’ You must be 21 or older. Tickets are $12.

7 p.m. The Greatest Show on Earth from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will be set up under its “big top” at T-Mobile Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., through the weekend. Re-imagined performances from highwire walkers, trapeze artists and acrobatic sports daredevils revive the spirit of old-fashioned circuses with a modern twist, adding new technology and a 360-degree immersive experience. Tickets are available starting at $20, plus tax and fees.

Saturday, Nov. 11

Noon – 5 p.m. The first-ever North Kansas City Fall Fest is Saturday on Swift Street between 14^th and 15^th avenues. Fourteen local breweries, four bands including headliners The Phantastics, yard games, kids’ crafts and more will make up the party. The proceeds will benefit RiverNorth. Tickets are $5.

1 – 3 p.m. If you need to kick the kids out of the house Saturday afternoon, Kids Crafts in the West Bottoms by Happy Trees Painting, 1219 Union Ave., will take them off your hands. Arts and crafts activities are on the table, and organizers have plans for live music and snacks. For the parents, Happy Trees is located directly above The Ship. How convenient. Kids Crafts tickets are $30.

5 – 7 p.m. If you are one of those people who decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving, the Legendary Tree Lighting Ceremony Saturday night at Legends Outlets, 1847 Village West Pkwy., is for you. The big tree will be lit up, but there’s more. Get a jump on the season with free photos with Santa, mascot appearances, face painting, a movie on the lawn, plus giveaways, live music from Mr. Stinky Feet, Quite Franky and more. The tree lighting is free to attend.

6 p.m. The Kansas City Roller Warriors start their season Saturday night with back-to-back bouts on the floor of Memorial Hall, 600 N. 7^th St., in downtown Kansas City, Kansas. Game 1 will feature a clash between The Week Old Leftovers and the Fresh Feast Fighters. The second flat track contest will be the 18^th & Vines versus the Strawberry Hellions. Fans can look forward to refreshments from Embrace the Grape’s cash bar and snacks from LA Catering. Tickets are available starting at $15 for adults and $10 for kids.

7:30 – 10 p.m. Buck O’Neil’s Annual Birthday Celebration at The Gem Theater, 1615 E. 18^th St., will honor the life and legacy of “The Soul of Baseball” Saturday night. Presented by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the party will feature a performance from Howard Hewett with Paul Taylor on the sax. Tickets are $50.

Sunday, Nov. 12

1 – 4:30 p.m. Even though it’s hardly summer and in the heart of the country, Friends & Family: Try Scuba, will give a free introduction to scuba diving Sunday afternoon at Longview Community Center, 3801 S.W. Longview Road. Certified instructors will be in the pool to teach the basics in a safe and controlled environment. No experience level is required. Gear is provided.

2 – 4 p.m. Double Shift Brewing Co. and Black Root Farms will join forces for Brews & Bonsai at the Crossroads brewery, 412 E. 18^th St., Sunday afternoon. Attendees will get their first beer on the house and bonsai tree before a quick rundown on the history of the art of bonsai. A Black Roots plant guru will lead the group in hands-on pruning and wiring technique to close things out. Tickets are $50.

Clarence Dennis is audience and digital content strategist with Flatland.