Weekend Possibilities | Super Bowl Watch Parties, and Other Stuff

“Where to watch Super Bowl LIV” may be the only thing trending in Kansas City heading into the weekend — and don’t worry, we have you covered. But first, consider passing time until the big game with Cirque du Soleil at Sprint Center, a Puppy Bowl, or Chicken and Donuts in the heart of Kansas City, Kansas.

Friday, Jan. 31

7 – 10 p.m. Cafe Gratitude in the Crossroads, 333 Southwest Blvd., is opening its doors for Get Free Friday, an opportunity for anyone to create, share and release through music and poetry. The 100% plant-based organic restaurant encourages attendees to bring a pencil and paper to participate in reflection or hop behind the space’s open mic. Be sure to visit Cafe Gratitude’s website for a look at the menu. The event is free. 

7:30 p.m. Cirque du Soleil is bringing its stunning acrobatic ice skating show Axel to the Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd. The premier traveling acrobatics troupe will dazzle audiences with six performances, running Jan. 30 – Feb. 2. The show tells the tale of Axel, an ice skater on a “high-speed chase for love and self-realization”. Tickets are still available and start at $44.

If you’re on a mission for something a little bit different, head to the brand-new spot for sweet and salty, Brown Sugar Chicken & Donuts at 3708 State Ave. in Kansas City, Kansas. Brown Sugar’s menu has breakfast, lunch and dinner covered, offering options from the Chicken & Donut sandwich to the Grilled Chicken Salad or Family Chicken Wing Dinner. 

Saturday, Feb. 1

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Get ready for the big game with the first-annual Bar K Puppy Bowl. The bar and restaurant/dog park concept, 501 Berkley Pkwy., is inviting puppies ages three to nine months (with up-to-date vaccinations) to participate in an adorable four-game series. Participating pups will get a bandana. There’ll be Lagunitas drink deals for the humans. Registration is 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., followed by 15-minute games starting at 1 p.m.

1 p.m. Fortnite fanatics are gathering at HyVee Arena, 1800 Genesee St., for KC Esports’ “The Grind Fortnite Cash Cup Tournament”. KC Esports will have 30 PCs, keyboards and mouses, though if you prefer to play on a console, bring it along. There’s a $10 entry and sign-up fee. Sign-ups are first come, first serve at the door. Spots are limited. Do you play best with a partner? The Grind’s duos tournament is scheduled for the same place, same time on Sunday. 

8 – 11:59 p.m. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St., is putting on its party dress and inviting you to do the same for Party Arty 2020. The annual event, open to those 21 and up, features live music, food, beer, wine, specialty cocktails and more. Enjoy the glammed-up museum halls, all in support of Nelson-Atkins’ efforts in arts education outreach and keeping its doors open with free daily admission. Museum member tickets are $125, non-members can get in the door for $155.

4:30 – 9 p.m. The Kansas Chinese Association is ringing in the Year of the Rat with 2020 Lunar New Year Celebrations on campus at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd. in Overland Park. The program will celebrate traditional Chinese culture in song, dance and art with onstage performances, games and plenty of fun for the kids. The cultural display will be followed by a reception with the Consulate General and other government officials, and then literary performances to close the evening. Tickets start at $12. 

Sunday, Feb. 2

Chiefs fans have been waiting 50 years for this day, and there is no shortage of eating and drinking establishments equally eager to watch the big game. And while there are mostly likely events outside of Super Bowl LIV happening around town, it sure doesn’t feel like it. 

Here’s a list of where watch parties are happening, what the best deals are, and whether or not there’s a cover.

Brick House, 400 E. 31st St. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. brunch and bottomless mimosas, all day and night drink deals, DJ, big game square board and giveaways, $10 cover 

Unity Temple + Sans Bar KC (Booze-free), 707 West 47th St. 4:30 p.m. — hand-crafted non-alcoholic drinks, bottled drinks from DRY Soda Co., catered snacks, $20 cover

Parlor KC, 1707 Locust St. 1 p.m. — Three floors of food, bars, TVs, DJ, limited VIP sections and bottle service available, no cover before 4 p.m. 

Kansas City Live! At Power & Light, 1330 Grand Blvd. 12 p.m. — Grill stations, hot and cold beverages, DJs, live music, giveaways, selfie stations, all ages, no cover

Liberty Hall (Lawrence), 644 Massachusetts St. 4:30 p.m. — Game on movie screen, $2 PBR cans, $5 Free State Draws, concessions and Rudy’s Pizza, all ages, no cover

Oak & Steel KC, 120 W. 17th St. 4 p.m. — All day happy hour deals, $1 off all KC beers on draft, $1 off all wines by-the-glass, and specials on select whiskeys, no cover

Border Brewing Co., 406 E. 18th St. 5 p.m. — Heritage Blonde Super Bowl Punch, pet and family friendly, no cover

The Ship, 1217 Union Ave. 4 p.m. — Bring your own snacks/dip/side/dessert to share, free snacks, plugs for crockpots, plenty of seating and TVs, Relatively Brass Band Halftime Show, no cover

Strange Days Brewing Co., 316 Oak St. 4 p.m. — $1 off beers during the game and discounted cans to take home, NOM Sandwiches 4 – 8 p.m., additional seating, surprise drink options, no cover

Chicken N Pickle (North Kansas City), 1761 Burlington 3:30 p.m. — Regular food menu, drink deals, additional TVs, no cover

The Rino (North Kansas City), 314 Armour Rd. 5 p.m. — Game on the big screen, beer deals, wings, burgers, gametime appetizer menu, no cover

Kona Grill, 444 Ward Parkway — All day brand-new happy hour drink and food menu ranging $3 to $9, $99 Tailgate Special (to go or dine in)