Weekend Possibilities | Huge Chiefs Watch Party, Lawrence’s Restaurant Week, and Adulting 101

While Super Bowl dreams consume Kansas City’s AFC Championship weekend, there are plenty of ways to pass the time until Sunday’s showdown, including Lawrence’s Restaurant Week launch, conversations around craft beer and an Elvis bash. 

Friday, Jan. 17

Jan. 17 – 25 And now it’s Lawrence’s turn. As Kansas City Restaurant Week comes to a close, consider an afternoon trip to one of Lawrence Restaurant Week’s participating downtown spots. Over 30 restaurants are rolling out special menus for the week-long celebration of the Lawrence food and drink scene. Participating restaurants include 715, Black Stag Brewery, The Burger Stand, Dempseys, The Eldridge and many more. Be sure to check online for a full list of restaurants and select menu items. 

Looking to try something different, but don’t plan on leaving town? Consider dinner at Columbus Park Ramen Shop, 549 Gillis St. Now a Columbus Park staple, the pint-sized ramen spot pays special attention to using locally sourced ingredients and serving up ramen with “Midwestern sensibility.” Pick from five ramen entrees and a few yummy appetizers, including wings by the pop. There’s also a surprisingly extensive craft beer menu if you’re looking for something to drink. 

Saturday, Jan. 18

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Whether it’s you or your recent college graduate wondering what’s next, AIGA KC has you covered. Attend Adulting 101: A Member Resource Fair at Center for Architecture & Design, 1801 McGee St., for valuable help when it comes to anything from navigating health insurance to doing taxes. The fair will have lawyers and HR professionals, among other sources of information available to answer your questions. Non-member tickets are $10. The event is free for AIGA members. 

6 p.m. Beer, coffee and conversation will be flowing at I Am Craft Beer Saturday night at Rochester Brewing and Roasting Co., 2129 Washington St. The event aims to demonstrate that Kansas City breweries are safe places to “spread love, fight hate and advocate for equality and justice in the world.” There will be a panel including several individuals from the local beer community to lead a discussion on diversity and inclusion, along with a raffle with 100% of proceeds going to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. 

8 p.m. Knuckleheads Saloon, 2715 Rochester Ave., is celebrating the 85th birthday of “The King” with Elvis Bash — an evening with four Elvis Presley tribute artists. Expect a night full of the classics, via Jeff Bergen, Ben Johnson, Matthew Sharp and Danny Johnson. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets for the 21 and up show are $15. 

Sunday, Jan. 19

Whether you’re a life-long vegan or a proud carnivore trying to start 2020 off on a healthy foot, Pirate’s Bone Burgers in the Crossroads, 2000 Main St., will get the job done. The fully plant-based, vegan menu offers four burger options, ranging from beet to black bean, along with a Sriracha “chix” sandwich, plus french fries galore. The best part, aside from the modern diner feel? Everything is under $5.

12 p.m. The biggest watch party in town will come together at Kansas City Live! At Power & Light District, 1300 Grand Blvd., as the Chiefs take on the Titans with a trip to Super Bowl LIV on the line. Fans of all ages are welcome to watch the game on the big screen. Stay warm with heaters throughout the block, multiple grill stations, hot alcoholic beverages for those 21 and up, DJs and giveaways all day long. Anyone under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Only those 21 and up will be admitted after 9 p.m.

7 p.m. Johnson County Community College is set to kick off the latest iteration of its Winterlude Series with vocalist Eboni Fondren, live on campus at the Polsky Theatre, 12345 College Blvd. Fondren, who often bends traditional jazz standards, is a frequent leader when it comes to Kansas City jazz instrumentalists. She’ll be backed by piano, bass and drums on Sunday night. Tickets are still available and start at $25.