Weekend Possibilities | Royals Rally, Mardi Gras and Jazz

Get up early for pickleball, celebrate “Galentine’s” with the girls or let the good times roll for Mardi Gras. There’s no football this weekend, but the Royals can help fill the gap.

Friday, Feb. 2

6:30 – 7:30 a.m. Rise and shine, there’s Pickup Pickleball early Friday morning at Hy-Vee Arena, 1800 Genessee St. Whether you are new to the sport or looking to run the court, players of all skill levels are invited to get the blood pumping before breakfast. The king-of-the-court-style pickup session is $10 per person.

10 – 11 a.m. It’s never too early to introduce the little ones to the magic of jazz. Jazz Storytelling at the American Jazz Museum, 1616 E. 18^th St., is a weekly, interactive storytelling session designed for toddlers and elementary school students led by vocalist Lisa Henry, storyteller Brother John and musicians Mike Warren and Tyrone Clark. The program is free.

7 – 9 p.m. The Super Bowl is just over a week away and Chiefs pride is strong. Take a break from stressing over the game and stop by Pinot’s Palette, 483 N.E. Coronado Drive, to paint Starry Night Over Arrowhead. Guests are welcome to bring bottles of wine to enjoy throughout the lesson. Reserve your spot for $38.

Saturday, Feb. 3

10 a.m. – 6:45 p.m. Believe it or not, baseball season is just around the corner. Fans can get fired up about the “Boys in Blue” at the Royals Rally at Kauffman Stadium, 1 Royal Way. The day at “The K” will feature multiple Royals players and coaches signing memorabilia and taking part in roundtable discussions with fans, on-field photo opportunities, kids’ activities and games, access to clubhouses and the press box, concessions, drinks and more. A full schedule of events is available online. General admission tickets are $25.

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Grab the girls and get over to Saturday’s Galentine’s Event from Tabu Knits, 4840 W. 119^th St., in Leawood. Celebrate the women in your life with a day of fun, laughter and girl power, connecting over empowering workshops, pampering sessions and tasty treats. Tickets are $45, plus tax and fees.

11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Loverfest Midwest, A Valentine’s Tay Celebration at FETCH, 1101 Mulberry St., is showing out for the “Swifties.” The West Bottoms lifestyle store will have a special selection of Taylor Swift merch on the shelves, plus treats for the pop-up party. At 6 p.m., Lana Luxx, a Taylor Swift illusionist will perform a ticketed, all ages show.

Noon – 5 p.m. The Mardi Gras Celebration at Peculiar Winery, 20709 Harper Road, is bound to be a party. The winery just 30 minutes south of downtown Kansas City is getting down on homemade gumbo, king cake, bread pudding and more for the occasion. A bowl of chicken or andouille gumbo is $12. You can pre-order your gumbo in advance.

Sunday, Feb. 4

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Throwback threads, handmade art and jewelry are up for grabs at the Martini Corner Vintage Market at Cherry Pit Collective, 604 E. 31^st St. Stop by to shop retro outfitters, including Gilded Chaos and Fillmore Vintage, plus pieces by Soul Rebels Jewelry and Honey & Luster Ceramics, to name just a few.

2 p.m. Belvoir Winery and Inn’s, 1325 Odd Fellows Road, Lovely Charcuterie Class arrives just in time for Valentine’s Day. The hands-on lesson will take participants through crafting a meat and cheese board that is equally tasty and beautiful. An expert instructor will lead the class in the selection process, flavor combinations and perfecting presentation details. A $60 ticket includes a heart-shaped cutting board, materials and ingredients, plus two glasses of wine or cocktails to enjoy during the session. You must be 21 to attend.

7:30 p.m. Tickets are still available for Kathy Griffin: My Life on the PTSD-List at Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway Blvd. Best known for her reality show “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List,” Griffin comes to Kansas City for just the third stop on her North American tour. Tickets for Sunday night’s show start at $39.50, plus tax and fees.

Clarence Dennis is audience and digital content strategist with Flatland.