Weekend Possibilities | New Year’s Eve Parties, ‘Game of Thrones’ Mixology and a Chili Cookoff

For anyone willing or able to get out of the house this New Year’s Eve, there are parties everywhere — family-friendly and otherwise.

Stay safe out there.

Friday, Dec. 31

Noon. Roll into the new year with the entire family — well ahead of bedtime. Northland Rolladium Skate Center’s “Noon” Year’s Eve Party, 1020 Kent St., will have fun and games, a balloon drop, candy scramble and more for children of all ages to ring in 2022. At least one parent must be in attendance per group. A family fun pack for four is available for $35 and includes skates, a soft drink pitcher and a tub of popcorn. Individual tickets are $10.

Noon – 6:30 p.m. Not great on skates? There’s another Noon Year’s Eve celebration happening at Science City, 30 W. Pershing Road. The interactive children’s museum will have hands-on demos and workshops, a “flames and fireworks” stage show, balloon drop and plenty more for kids of all ages. Be sure to check online for a full schedule of events. General admission tickets are $15.50 plus fees. Union Station members get in for free.

8 p.m. – 2 a.m. The party animals out there should consider NYE Live!: New Year’s Eve Party in the Power & Light District, 50 E. 13st St.. The all-inclusive option grants access to more than 10 bars and nightclubs in the entertainment district, plus themed party favors and a “Time Square”-style ball drop at midnight. The party is for those 21 and older. Silver and gold ticket packages remain available, starting at $85.

8 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. If something a bit smaller sounds about right, The Mockingbird Lounge atop Strawberry Hill, 204 Orchard St., in Kansas City, Kansas, has plans to count down the new year with a sense of humor. 2020 II: The Return of 2020 NYE Party, in conjunction with Manor Records, is slasher-themed and should feature plenty of live music by local acts. Dress to impress, but fake blood is on the docket. Champagne pops at midnight. Tickets are $12.

Saturday, Jan. 1

10 a.m. The Kansas City Running Club is opening the invite to anyone looking to start the new year off on the right foot. Join the group for its New Year’s Day Run, launching from Genesis Health Club, 10351 Barkley St., in Overland Park, Kansas. Runners and walkers will take on the Indian Creek Trail with a six-mile loop. Participants are encouraged to go shorter or further, should they please. No registration is required. Just lace up and show up.

3 – 6 p.m. Put all of that pandemic cooking practice to the test Saturday afternoon at Limitless Brewing’s Chili Cook Off, 9765 Widmer Road, in Lenexa, Kansas. The potluck-style competition will put brewery patrons’ taste buds to the test, as the community of beer-drinking judges will be asked to pick their favorite crockpot concoction. The event is free to enter. 

6 – 11 p.m. Dodge the New Year’s Eve crowds for a New Year’s Day celebration at the Pop Up Art Gallery, 920 Baltimore Ave. The Wine Tasting, Cheese and Art Games Rooftop Adventure Night will have tasty wine and cheese pairings, games and provide a comfortable atmosphere to make new friends. Feel free to show up solo or with a group. Don’t forget your favorite bottle of wine. Tickets are $15 ahead of time and $20 at the door.

Sunday, Jan. 2

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Bottomless brunch drinks, live music and food specials are in the works for Sunday morning’s Party Brunch at Parlor, 1707 Locust St. The food hall and multi-story bar will serve up as many mimosas, bloody marys and beermosas as it takes, while the party upstairs roars on with DJ Maxx Griv. Select Parlor kitchens will offer brunch. Tickets are $30.

7 – 9:30 p.m. There’s an opportunity to up your bartending skills Sunday night with the Winter is Coming Mixology Class by Tom’s Town, 1701 Main St. The Kansas City distillery will send out a professional to teach attendees the secrets behind four craft cocktails in one “Game of Thrones”-themed evening. Tickets are $55.

8 p.m. Speaking of bartending, there’s a Service Industry NYE party Sunday night at Up-Down Kansas City, 101 Southwest Blvd. The arcade bar in the Crossroads is celebrating those who provide the celebration with a better-late-than-never countdown to midnight, service industry drink specials and a free champagne toast. There is no cover charge.

Flatland contributor Clarence Dennis also is a social media manager for 90.9 The Bridge.