Weekend Possibilities | USA vs. England, Wheel of Fortune and All of the Lights Giving Thanks

Whether you are entertaining out-of-town guests or trying to get away from them, there’s soccer, shopping and the chance to spin the wheel coming this weekend.

Thursday, Nov. 24

3 – 9 p.m. Lazia Restaurant at Crossroads Hotel, 2101 Central St., is providing a tasty alternative to a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal. Make a reservation to enjoy Lazia’s “La Fiesta del Tacchino” Thanksgiving menu. For $75, enjoy Italian takes on the Turkey Day classics with dishes like the Turkey Alfredo, Turkey Leg Fennel Sausage, Roasted Mushroom Strata and more.

5 – 8 p.m. The Country Club Plaza’s, 4706 Broadway, annual Thanksgiving night glow-up gets started at 5 p.m., with performances from Quixotic and giveaways before Negro Leaugues Baseball Museum President Bob Kendrick flips the switch at 6:52 p.m. Following the Plaza Lighting Ceremony, organizers plan for photos with Santa, a set from The Elders and fireworks. 

Friday, Nov. 25

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. It’s opening weekend for Merry Market at the City Market, 20 E. 5th St. Bundle up to shop more than 75 different artists, makers and vendors, enjoy holiday drinks and eats and celebrate the season with live performances each weekend. Merry Market is free.

11 a.m. FOX cameras are set up and producers in Qatar will be ready to cut to scenes of the KC Live! at Power & Light District, 13th Street and Grand Boulevard, and the USA vs. England Watch Party during Friday’s match. Reserve a free ticket in advance and arrive early to claim a spot at the all-ages watch party. In addition to the game on the big screen, expect game audio, guest appearances and live entertainment. The game starts at 1 p.m. 

6:30 p.m. Apparition’s new pop-up concept, Krampus Bar, opens Friday at 9th and State in the West Bottoms, 1717 W. 9th St. Make a reservation to start the holiday season off on a dark note, as guests are promised an experience fit for anyone on the naughty list. There will be specialty cocktails and live entertainment at the pop-up through New Years Eve. Reservations are $5 per person.

7:30 p.m. Local game show gurus will have the chance to win big without leaving Kansas City with Wheel of Fortune Live in town at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway Blvd. Host and “American Idol” winner Clay Aiken will be handing out money and prizes to randomly selected competitors who will spin the famous wheel on stage at The Kauffman. Remaining tickets start at $50.50.

Saturday, Nov. 26

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sustainable and ethically made babies and kids clothes and toys brand Good Mood Kids is teaming up with Create Space KC for a Holiday Kids Market, 209 E. Gregory Blvd., Saturday. If you’re shopping for a little one in your life, the market will provide the space for local vendors to sell clothing, books, toys, stocking stuffers and more on Small Business Saturday.

4 – 10 p.m. Festival of Lights is back at Powell Gardens, 1609 N.W. U.S. 50, for the holidays. New to the festival in 2022, guests can check out an interactive exhibit from artist Kevin Heckart, a selfie station and the “Light Labyrinth.” Be sure to check online for a full list of exhibits, plus food, drink and VIP options in the gardens. Tickets are $16 for adults and $7 for kids.

6:05 p.m. Feeling far from Qatar? Catch some live soccer in person and indoors Saturday night at Cable Dahmer Arena, 19100 E. Valley View Pkwy., where the Kansas City Comets will take on rivals St. Louis Ambush in a Major Arena Soccer League match. Tickets start at $20.

Sunday, Nov. 27

10 a.m. – Noon Bring out-of-town guests or the same old crowd to Brunch Bingo! at Chicken N Pickle, 1761 Burlington St., and start Sunday on a strong note. Bingo cards are free, brunch options are available through 2 p.m. and include chicken and waffles, a junkyard burrito, biscuits and gravy and more. The Pickleball and fried chicken spot has plans to show the Chiefs game at 3:25 p.m. if you feel like making a day of it.

5 – 11 p.m. Pack the whole family in the car and pull up to Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane at Deanna Rose, 13800 Switzer Road, where a synchronized light show runs on a loop nightly through early January. Be sure to tune in to 90.5 The Rose for holiday music to match the display around the farmstead barn and don’t forget the hot cocoa – and to turn off the headlights.

7 p.m. There’s a spectacular night of live music lined up for Sunday night at  Knuckleheads Kansas City, 2715 Rochester Ave. Local rockers The Rainmakers will headline the East Bottoms venue and are supported by blues musician Danny Cox. General admission tickets are $20.

Clarence Dennis is audience and digital content strategist with Flatland.