By this weekend, Halloween will be over. We’ll be in a moment of in between, a weekend where the past lingers and the future leaks in. Expect some spookiness, expect some hints of the holidays, and remember to enjoy where you are, right then.
Monster Circus! A Solo Exhibition by Haley Lane
Nov. 1
Haley Lane is a monster artist. At her first solo exhibition last summer, Liz Schroeder noted the “searing notes of innocence in each of her monstrous creations.” Lane and her monsters return to the Upper Level Gallery Friday for Lane’s second solo exhibition, “Monster Circus!”
The gallery’s opening reception goes from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday. It’s on view until the end of the month, but why not go this weekend and extend your spooky era?
Red Friday Tailgate
Nov. 1
When it comes to tailgating, a parking lot is a parking lot. And a parking lot with Wagyu beef is a parking lot with Wagyu beef. On Friday, stop at Probuilt Pool & Patio in Riverside from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and play tailgating games, enter raffles, and eat KC Cattle Company barbecue. (Entry is free, and the food is for purchase.)
If you’re a skeptic on Wagyu beef—how different can beef be?—know that we once were too. It’s different. Reserve a spot here.
Winter Magic
Nov. 1-3
Some people like to ease into the holiday season as they would a cold pool. Others like to drive their car straight into it. We support either approach—and Kansas City has plenty of options for the latter.
Winter Magic lights up the Northland starting Friday. It’s a drive-through holiday lights display with twice as many lights as it had last year. Unlike previous years, it will be in Platte Purchase Park. Fridays and Sundays, a carload can go through for $30; the price is $40 on Saturdays and $20 Mondays through Thursdays.
Dia de Los Muertos: La Fiesta
Nov. 2
The Crossroads Hotel is hosting a free Día de los Muertos party on Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. This Mexican holiday, despite its similar imagery, is a far cry from Halloween. It’s a day to remember those you’ve lost and welcome them back for a celebration.
It’s also a lot of fun. There will be classic sugar skull and alebrije puppetry, a roaming mariachi, traditional Mexican dancing, and free adult face painting. You can also buy cocktails and meals made just for the night.
ArtSmash: Kemper Museum Gala
Nov. 2
If you’re feeling giving and want a movie-like night out, consider splurging on ArtSmash, the annual fundraising gala for the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. It’s a dreamy night of cocktails, fine dining, art, and dancing. Proceeds from the gala help keep the Kemper free to all.
What do you wear? “It’s time for a moody moment,” the Kemper website says. “Unleash your untamed spirit in the deepest darkest jewel tones that invoke the wild wonders of mother nature.”
General admission tickets are $100 for people 35 and under and $250 for ages 36 and up.