Weekend Possibilities | Memorial Day Weekend Features Balloons, A Beer Release, The Monarchs and Ballet Summer Starts Now

The three-day holiday weekend means an extended scroll of what to do with friends and family.

There’s enough time for the kids to start summer vacation with donuts at Wonderscope and adult time at Crane Brewing’s gose release party. You might even squeeze in a Sunday evening at Riverwood Winery.

Friday, May 28

10 a.m. What many might consider the first day of summer vacation for area kids just so happens to be Donutology Donut Day at Wonderscope Children’s Museum, 433 E. Red Bridge Road. The children’s discovery space will make room for donuts, as Donutology will be on hand to guide little ones through donut decorating activities. Tickets for Donut Day are free. A day pass for Wonderscope’s eight Kansas City-themed indoor exhibits and outdoor play space for children ages 2-15 is $12.

Balloon Wonderland: A Whimsical Summer Pop-Up is celebrating its opening night with a full evening in the West Bottoms, 1324 W. 12th St. Voted “Best Local Artist” (2019-2020) by The Pitch KC, Molly Balloons’ Balloon Wonderland is an interactive multimedia art exhibit for all ages. The gallery space will feature about a dozen interactive art and tech installations. For an early look, grab tickets to Friday’s cocktail and opening night parties, featuring music from DJ Savvy, Molly Balloons entertainment and complimentary cocktails. Party ticket prices vary, exhibition tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for children.

7 p.m. The Kansas City Monarchs will take on the Cleburne Railroaders Friday night under the lights at Legends Field, 1800 Village West Pkwy. Arrive at the ballpark early for pre-game skydivers as part of The Monarch’s “Fun Friday” promotion. KC’s new-look minor league club honoring the legacy of the city’s Negro Leagues team will be in town all weekend.Tickets start at $10.

Saturday, May 29

8 a.m. Whether you own a dog or just like the idea of running as a member of the pack, there’s a Run With Your Dog Group Run taking off from the KC Running Company in Martin City, 200 E. 135th St., and it sounds like a blast. Runners and walkers with or without a pup are welcome to join the three-to-four-mile trek in preparation for October’s Strutt With Your Mutt 5K. Saturday’s group run is free to join, just be sure to sign up ahead of time.

9:30 a.m. Radiant Yoga is starting the weekend off with a Yoga Session on the Starlight Rooftop at Hotel Kansas City, 1228 Baltimore Ave. The all-levels flow class with active movement focused on alignment, strength and flexibility also offers morning views from the 15th floor. Participants are asked to bring their own mats and props. In the case of inclement weather, the group will move into the President’s Ball Room. Head to Radiant Yoga’s website for membership/pricing details.

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The blooming Powell Gardens, 1609 N.W. U. S. 50, will serve as a natural backdrop for Kansas City Ballet’s Second Company Saturday afternoon performance in the botanical gardens. The company will perform “Mobile” and the pas de deux from “Star Silk” at the top of each hour between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets to Powell Gardens are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $4 for children ages 4-12.

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Crane Brewing, 6515 Railroad St., has big plans for dropping its new Ocean Drive-In cherry lime gose-style brew. The Raytown brewery is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City for the Saturday’s release party featuring live music, Harp Barbecue and plenty of information on how to become a Big Brother or Big Sister. A portion of proceeds will benefit BBBSKC.

Sunday, May 30

11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Riverwood Winery is leaning into the long weekend with extended hours, Memorial Day specials and live music, just 40 miles north of Kansas City, 22200 State Route 45 N, Rushville, Missouri. Sunday’s fun will feature sets from Erica McKenzie and Friends Band, plus the alcoholic and non-alcoholic root beer float deals that run through the weekend.

Noon – 5 p.m. The Hallmark Art Collection will open a new exhibit this weekend, on display inside Crown Center, 2405 Grand Blvd. Stroll through Gallery at 2450 for an up close look at dozens of original mixed media drawings by Saul Steinberg. He was best known for his cover illustrations for The New Yorker Magazine and was a longtime Hallmark collaborator. The exhibition is free.

6 – 10 p.m. Pack the picnic basket for Sunday’s first-ever Hot Air Balloon Glow on the The National World War I Museum and Memorial lawn, 2 Memorial Drive. The memorial green will offer plenty of space for families to spend the evening outdoors before the sun goes down, when grounded hot air balloons will illuminate the night sky. Expect a full parking lot of food trucks, plus booths from Strawberry Swing makers on-site. Admission is free.

Monday, May 31

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. There’s a full day of Memorial Day Celebrations at The National World War I Museum and Memorial. The day will kick off with a formal Memorial Day ceremony, before the bell tolling ceremony, old glory flag ceremony and finally the walk of honor dedication. Each event, spread throughout the memorial courtyard and lawn, is free and open to the public.

How about an entirely different take on the Memorial Day hot dog this year? Ssong’s Hot Dog in Overland Park, 10308 Metcalf Ave., is now open and serving Korean dogs and other takeaway fried sides. More like an American corn dog, the battered and crispy dogs on a stick range from the more familiar to Seaweed Spring Roll Sticks for $2.99.

6 – 9:30 p.m. Have you finished writing that thing yet? The Writer’s Roundtable at Pop Up Art Gallery, 920 Baltimore Ave., just might be a step in the right direction. The gatherings are open to anyone in the writing process who is looking for inspiration, writer’s block help or prompt exercises. The event is BYOB. Donations between $5 and $10 are suggested.