Weekend Possibilities | Hiking, The MGDs and Winter Waterland  

The first winter weekend of 2024 is here. Whether you spend it winding down with a guided hike or singing One Direction all night at recordBar – that’s up to you.  

Friday, Jan. 5 

11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Committed to making a lasting change in the new year? Flashback Tattoo Parlor, 2938 Southwest Blvd., is celebrating the first Friday of 2024 with $50 Flash Tattoos. If a small, pre-drawn piece of work doesn’t do it for you, the shop is offering $20 body piercings and $35 dermal piercings. You must be 18 or older to be tattooed at Flashback. 

6 – 8 p.m. Looking for a little more fun before the kids go back to school? Winter Waterland at Powell Community Center, 6200 Martway St., is putting a frosty twist on the classic pool party. The indoor pool at Powell will be transformed into a winter wonderland, where kids can watch a movie from the pool. Expect a visit from Elsa from “Frozen.” Tickets are $10. 

7 – 11 p.m. If you’re in the mood for something heavy, Pathlight Brewing, 11200 W. 75^th St., is trudging into the weekend with Metal Night. The Shawnee brewery will have heavy metal bands on the speakers all night and will offer a 10% discount to anyone wearing their favorite metal band t-shirt. Junkyard Dog will join the party, serving specialty hot dogs from 5 – 9 p.m.  

Saturday, Jan. 6 

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. There’s a group meeting at Lakeside Nature Center, 4701 E. Gregory Blvd., for a Hike with a Naturalist on Saturday morning. The guided hike through the habitat surrounding the center will take adventurers along Fox Hollow Trail in Swope Park. Be sure to dress for the occasion. The trail is not meant for children. The hike is free. 

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Riverwood Winery, 22200 State Route 45 N, Weston, Missouri, is going global this weekend with International Wine Tasting: Wines of Europe. You can taste six premium wines made throughout the continent for just $10. Attendees will be able to purchase wines included in the tasting by the glass or bottle.  

8 p.m. Up All Night: A One Direction Party at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., is a party for fans by fans. Reunite with fellow 1D lovers and dance the night away to all five albums, turned all the way up. Tickets are $25.49. Anyone 18 or under must be accompanied by an adult.  

9 p.m. Local rockers The MGDs will play Nighthawk, 1228 Baltimore Ave., Saturday night. The basement bar below Hotel Kansas City offers happy hour from 7 – 8 p.m., comfort food on the menu, plus a pool table. There is no cover charge or reservation required. 

Sunday, Jan. 7 

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Get a group together and get out to Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 15340 W. 119^th St., for Sunday’s Lazy Susan Class. Whether you are a woodworking pro or picking up a new hobby, anyone who attends the class will be led step-by-step through the process and go home with a handmade piece perfect for a family dinner. The class is $85. 

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Do you have a 2024 wedding scheduled? Find inspiration at the Kansas City Engaged Wedding Show at Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd. In addition to more than 150 vendors, local wedding professionals will be on hand to talk about your dream wedding. Runway models will also show off more than 30 trendy 2024 dresses and wedding-day looks. Tickets are two for $6. 

Noon. The Chiefs are officially a playoff lock and that might make hitting the town to watch the game just a little bit easier. Celebrate the end of the regular season with a Watch Party at Tin Roof Kansas City, 424 Westport Road, as the Chiefs square off against the Chargers, likely with many of the Kansas City starters sitting out ahead of another Super Bowl push. Tin Roof will have the game on with the volume up. Expect drink and food deals, plus music from DJ Highnoone and Nick Niemeier.

Clarence Dennis is audience and digital content strategist with Flatland.