Weekend Possibilities | Chiefs Camp, Sinkers Lounge and Margaritaville at ‘The K’ Beat the Heat

It’s hot out there, folks. Cool off this weekend with some indoor mini golf at Sinkers Lounge, a glass of wine at Vintage 78 or making Chiefs-themed crafts after training camp in St. Joseph.

Friday, July 28

4:30 – 11 p.m. Downtown Overland Park’s Vintage 78 Wine Bar, 7251 W. 80^th St., opened its doors in May. If you haven’t had the chance to check it out, how about a happy hour to start the weekend? The wine, cheese and charcuterie bar offers incremental pours from one of the largest by-the-glass selections in the Midwest, plus artisan meats and cheeses, along with appetizers, soups, salads and sandwiches. Reservations are recommended. You must be 21 or older.

6 – 7 p.m. Four years in the making, “Gleequel” returns to the stage at The Arts Asylum, 824 E. Meyer Blvd., this week. The satirical stage adaptation of the popular FOX television series written by Zach Faust promises a hilarious take on the McKinley High a cappella club, complete with show choir. Tickets to Friday night’s show are $12 for adults and $7 for children.

7:10 p.m. Jimmy Buffett, baseball and beach vibes are in the plan for Margaritaville Night at The K Friday night. Be sure to arrive in plenty of time before the Royals take on the Twins for a concert on the Hall of Fame pavilion from Jimmy Buffet tribute band The Phins, starting at 5:30 p.m. Themed-ticket holders will get a Salvador Perez tiki cup entering the ballpark through Gate A. Themed tickets are $29, plus tax and fees.

Saturday, July 29

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. There’s a Sweet Corn Festival Saturday at the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame, 630 N. 126^th St. The one-day fest will have live music, games, train rides, food trucks and all the freshly harvested roasted sweet corn you can eat. Admission is $20 per car. Corn, watermelon and games are $1 each.

Noon – Midnight Let’s face it. It’s too hot for the golf course. Instead, take your talents into the air conditioning with a round and drink at Sinkers Lounge, 53 W. 13^th St. The mini golf bar and restaurant has a nine-hole and tabletop golf course, plus a full food menu and handcrafted cocktails. Mini golf reservations are $15 per person. A mini golf-tabletop combo reservation is $20.

1 – 5 p.m. Football season is just weeks away and the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs are in the thick of training camp on campus at Missouri Western University, 4525 Downs Drive, in St. Joseph, Missouri. Sunday’s practice starts at 9:15 a.m. and should wrap up before noon. If you feel like extending your stay in St. Joe, AR Workshop, 3855 Frederick Ave., is inviting fans to make Walk-In Chiefs Mini Crafts to celebrate the start of the 2023 season. Admission is $5, supplies are included.

7 p.m. Keep It Slow: The R&B Block Party is back for round two in the historic 18^th & Vine District. Organizers plan for R&B all night, with music from DJ Fresh, Brian B Shinin and DJ Apsilum. Multiple food truck options will be available. You must be 21 or older to attend. Tickets are $20.

8 p.m. The good times will roll Saturday night at Knuckleheads, 2715 Rochester Ave., courtesy of zydeco outfit Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band. Anyone under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Tickets are $20.

Sunday, July 30

2 – 2:45 p.m. Things are getting wild at Mid-Continent Public Library, 453 E. Red Bridge Road, Sunday afternoon with Jungle Harmony from Kansas City Zoo. Animal ambassadors will be on hand to explore the jungles and rainforests of the world, specifically how plants, animals and insects depend on one another to create healthy ecosystems. Little ones will come away with a lesson on what they can do to protect our planet. The event is free.

5 – 7 p.m. What’s cooler than lightsabers? A Full Contact Lightsaber Tournament at Redux Society, 215 Southwest Blvd. Following French Fencing Federation rules, future Luke Skywalkers are fighting to bring the budding sport out of the dark (side) through a highly structured rank and training system. All ages are welcome. Those under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Gear is provided. Attending the tournament is free.

Clarence Dennis is audience and digital content strategist with Flatland.