Weekend Possibilities | Apocalypse Meow, Donut Fest and The World’s First Women-Run Record Show Feasting on Fun

Whether it’s moving on from haunted houses to Christmas light displays, a Harry Potter party or a trip to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, November’s first weekend offers more than a few options for fun.

Friday, Nov. 5

5 – 10 p.m. Sure, the holidays are a few weeks away. But this weekend marks the grand opening of the area’s newest drive-thru light display. Pile in the car and pull through North Pole Acres in Oak Grove, Missouri, 1010 N.W. 1st St., for an early dose of holiday cheer. The 20-acre light park is made up of more than one million lights that are synched to Christmas music on 87.9 FM. Admission is $20 per car.

6 – 9 p.m. Witches and wizards will flock to The Cotillion Room and Garden, 16816 E. U.S. 40, Friday night for a Harry Potter Party. The party will have “potions professors” pouring drinks, Professor Sprout leading an herbology class, wand decorating workshops, magical creatures and more. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Costumes are encouraged.

7 – 9 p.m. Coalesce: The Art of Couture is coming to the City Market, 20 E. 5th St. The immersive art experience will feature eight local artists who will transform gowns into canvases of art. General admission tickets are $50 and include appetizers, an open bar and custom face mask. Premiere admission is $125 and ensures early entry and a pre-party with live entertainment, a meet and greet with artists and premiere seating.

Saturday, Nov. 6

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. There’s an opportunity to check a few items off the Christmas list and support local makers this weekend with KC Wine Co.’s Winter Sip & Shop, 13875 S. Gardner Road. The Olathe, Kansas, vineyard and winery will provide the space for an exclusive shopping experience accompanied by your favorite KC Wine Co. pour, frozen slush or cider. The event is free. You must be at least 21 or older to attend.

Noon – 5 p.m. The World’s First Women-Run Record Show is set for Saturday at Stray Cat Film Theater, 1662 Broadway. The free show will feature women representing multiple record stores across Kansas City with vinyl available for purchase or listening, plus snacks, drinks and live DJ sets. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results is required to attend.

6 – 8:30 p.m. Town Center Plaza & Crossing, 5230 W. 119th St., is the venue for this weekend’s Music & Lights: A Twilight Drive-In Experience. The free drive-in concert will feature performances from Ashley Barron, Casi Joy, Drew Six, Rusty Laffoon, Nick Nave and Nicole Springer. Performing arts group Quixotic will join the fun with an LED light show.

7 p.m. If you love live music and miss enjoying last year’s virtual concerts from the couch, the Apocalypse Meow 14 Livestream on Friday night features a stacked lineup of local performers. Stream for free via Midwest Music Foundation’s Facebook page for sets from Katy Guillen & The Drive, Sons of Great Dane and Julia Othmer, to name a few, recorded from the recordBar stage. The concert is a benefit show for Midwest Music Foundation’s Abby’s Fund for Musicians Health Care.

Sunday, Nov. 7 

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Art of Illusion: Photography and Perceptual Play, a new photography exhibit at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St., is now on display. Curated by April Watson, the exhibit features 50 photographic works from the museum’s collection that raise the question: Does photography accurately reflect the things we see? Museum admission is free.

1 – 5 p.m. Donuts, coffee, beer — Donut Fest Kansas City has it all. A limited number of tickets are available to the festival in Grandview, 1200 Main St., where attendees will be able to sample area donuts, participate in a donut-eating contest and vote on the best donut in Kansas City. General admission tickets are $10.

7 p.m. Cinderella, Tower Princess, Beauty and the Snow Sisters are just a few of the honorable guests attending Sunday’s Kansas City Royal Princess Ball at the Courtyard by Marriott Kansas City at Briarcliff, 4000 N. Mulberry Drive. Geared toward 3-7 year olds, the Royal Princess Ball will have princess games, dance lessons, story time, plenty of photo opportunities and more activities. Tickets start at $25.

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