Weekend Possibilities | New Year’s Eve, KC Wheel and the Rodeo  How Will You Ring in 2024?

Looking for last-minute New Year’s Eve plans? Options range from pancakes and beer, to an avant-garde, modern disco in the Crossroads. 

Friday, Dec. 29 

10 a.m. – 10 p.m. The KC Wheel, 2485 Jefferson St., is welcoming passengers and serving skyline views. The temperature-controlled gondolas take up to six passengers 150 feet above the ground. After your ride, play a round of mini golf at Pennway Putt, a 16-hole Kansas City-themed course below the wheel. Tickets purchased online in advance are $16.50 for adults and $13.20 for kids. Mini golf is $13.20. 

6 p.m. – 1 a.m. Winter of Wizardry, the latest pop-up concept from Vignettes, 2376 Armour Rd., has turned the bar into “Hophaven” – the Kansas City academy of magic. Witches and wizards are invited to drink enchanting potions, explore the chamber of spirits and go on an adventure to track down Professor Dinkledraught’s book of recipes. Reservations are required in advance at $5 per person. 

7 p.m. River Bluff Brewing, 201 Main St., is throwing a Cotton Bowl Watch Party Friday evening. The room should be full of black and gold as the Missouri Tigers will square off against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the big bowl game. The River Market brewery will have the game on every television and the volume will be up. Outside food is welcome. Be sure to arrive early.  

Saturday, Dec. 30 

9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Three days of the New Years Rodeo Stampede is headed for Hale Arena, 1701 American Royal Court, this weekend. Sanctioned “slack” events including steer wrestling, team roping barrel racing and calf roping go from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and rodeo performances start at 7 p.m. each day. Single day tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids. Be sure to check out the full rodeo schedule in advance. 

10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Calling all collectors, Tower-Con is back at Tower Tavern, 401 E 31^st St., Saturday. Enjoy a drink or lunch with fellow comic enthusiasts and shop local vendors like Gotta Have It KC, Beskar Books and Classy Dinosaur Collectables. Tower-Con is free.  

7 p.m. It will be a homecoming show for actor and comedian David Koechner Saturday night at Improv Comedy Club, 7260 NW 87^th St., at Zona Rosa. Born in Tipton, Missouri, Koechner has appeared in “Anchor Man,” “The Office,” and “Semi-Pro,” to name just a few. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Tickets are $33.

Sunday, Dec. 31 

6 a.m. The 38^th Annual World Peace Meditation at St. Mark Hope and Peace Lutheran Church, 1055 Manheim Rd., will bring different faith communities together early Sunday morning. The interfaith celebration will consist of religious observances, including Native American smudging, Tibetan Buddhist chanting, Sufi whirling and more. Guests are asked to arrive by 5:30 a.m. 

11 a.m. – 8 p.m. The diet starts next year. Start Sunday’s celebrations with a New Year’s Eve Pancake Bar + Beer Releases at Servaes Brewing Co., 10921 Johnson Dr. in Shawnee. Relatively Cooking will have a build-your-own stack of pancakes bar up until 2:30 p.m. Be sure to leave room for beer, the brewery has plans for four new pancake-inspired releases ahead of the new year.  

8 p.m. – 1 a.m. Parlor, 1707 Locust St., is ringing in 2024 with a big ‘ol New Years Eve Party. The Crossroads food court is bringing in three DJs for the occasion, with multiple food options and bars available on each floor. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. A VIP ticket is $75 and includes three drink tickets and access to Parlor’s cellar disco party. 

9 p.m. An all-inclusive night to remember is on the books at Crossroads Hotel, 2101 Central St., this New Year’s Eve. The neon, Disco Never Died party will feature live performances from Quixotic and music from DJ Cale Parks, plus a few other promised surprises. Tickets are $165 and include a top-shelf open bar and tasty treats and bites throughout the evening.  

Disco Never Died, Despite the Efforts of Some:

Clarence Dennis is audience and digital content strategist with Flatland.