Weekend Possibilities | Taylor Swift, Vine Street Brewing and a Bike Ride Fun Times Galore

If you weren’t lucky enough to land tickets to the sold-out Taylor Swift shows at Arrowhead Stadium this weekend, Flatland feels for you.

There are, however, a few ways to celebrate Taylor’s weekend in Kansas City without emptying the bank account.

Friday, July 7

5 – 9 p.m. Be among the first to explore the brand-new Monarca Art Space, 1225 Union Ave., during its Grand Opening Friday. The First Friday ribbon cutting event will feature works from Colombian artist Vanessa Ayala focused on representation and feminine energy. There will be food and drinks for purchase, plus treats from Cakes by J. The gallery event is free to attend.

5 – 10 p.m. Free and open to all ages, Fresh Fridays at City Market, 20 E. 5^th St., has a little bit of everything to kick off the weekend. Organizers plan for sets from five local musicians, fresh market goods, Art Market KC vendors, happy hour deals and more fun for the entire family.

6 p.m. The WeekEnder series at Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd., flies into July with a screening of “Top Gun: Maverick” Friday night. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and arrive early to watch live music from The Vincents and enjoy food truck and drink options. No pets or outside alcohol allowed. The movie starts at 9 p.m. WeekEnder is free to attend.

Saturday, July 8

10:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Prairie Village Mediterranean spot Meddys, 4105 W. 83rd St., is joining The Eras Tour frenzy this weekend with a Taylor Swift-Themed Pop Up.  Whether you have tickets to the big show Saturday night or plan to throw your own “Swiftie” celebration at home, stop by Meddys for a special cocktail, photo opportunities and all of the Taylor Swift tunes you could ask for.

3 – 9 p.m. Vine Street Brewing, 2010 Vine St., is officially open for business. Missouri’s first Black-owned brewery has five alcoholic brews and two non-alcoholic beers available on tap. Jazz District-brewed options include a sour, Mexican lager, American pale ale, wheat and dark lager.

6 – 8 p.m. How well do you know Taylor? KC Wine Co., 13875 S. Gardner Road, is hosting Free Music Bingo: Taylor Swift Edition for fans ages 21 and up. Assemble a team and join the fun in the Cidery Barn, where your Swiftie knowledge will be put to the test while enjoying a local wine, cider or beer. No reservation is required.

7 – 8:30 p.m. Sacred Song and Cacao at Café Gratitude, 333 Southwest Blvd., is opening its doors for an evening of mindfulness and healing Saturday night. You don’t need to be a singer to join the practice of conscious sound vibration. In addition to songs and chanting, the session will include a group mandala project and raw cacao beverages. A donation of $18 to $36 is required and some of the proceeds will be donated to members of indigenous communities in South America.

Sunday, July 9

9 a.m. There’s a KC Family Bike Ride Sunday morning along the Trolley Track Trail. The casual, all-ages ride starts at Whole Foods Market, 301 E. 51^st St., and will travel south to The Roasterie at 63^rd Street and Brookside Boulevard. The ride in total will amount to an easy-paced three-mile loop with play time at Brookside Park at the halfway point. Bikers of any experience level are welcome. The ride is free.

Noon The Edgar Allen Poe Speakeasy is open and taking reservations at the Ruby Room at MTH Theater, 2450 Grand Blvd. The experience led by Poe historians will take attendees through the author’s most-famous work and pair the stories with themed cocktails. Mocktails are available upon request. Tickets are $55.

2 – 5 p.m. The Muffin Top Bakery, 8671 N.W. Prairie View Road, will host its first Baking Camp class Sunday. Designed for kids 7 and older, the camp will teach little ones the ins and outs of baking, from making icing to measuring, decorating, safe mixing, following a recipe and more. The camp is made up of five individual sessions each Sunday through the first weekend of August. Discounts are available if you sign up for more than one class. Be sure to check online for complete details and prices. Space is limited.

Clarence Dennis is audience and digital content strategist with Flatland.