This Weekend in Kansas City: January 24-26

In addition to playoff football, Kansas Citians have the opportunity to take in dance, film, and culture aplenty this weekend. Here’s a sampler of what’s going on.

Three Hiplet Ballerinas performing on stage — *Photo courtesy of Hiplet Ballerinas*

Hiplet Ballerinas performance
Jan. 24

The Chicago-based Hiplet Ballerinas infuse traditional pointe ballet with a variety of dance styles—including Latin, African, and hip-hop—and the result is mesmerizing and wholly unique. They perform at the Midwest Trust Center on Friday at 7:30 p.m., and dance fans shouldn’t miss it. Tickets are $25.

Shadows and Secrets
Jan. 24-25

The first iteration of the Reel Liberty Film Festival—code named Shadows and Secrets—is all about noir. A $20 ticket gets you a seat at four noir films at B&B Theatres Liberty: Sunset Boulevard (1950) and Brick (2005) on Friday and The Big Sleep (1946) and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) on Saturday.

The Saturday after party at the in-theater Johnnie’s Jazz Bar will have live music and retro cocktails. Reservations are closed, but be on the lookout for seating at the bar.

Cultural demonstration outside of Café Cà Phê — *Photo by Frank Monk Pham / Hella Good Deeds*

Hella Good Deeds Launch Party / Lunar New Year Night Market
Jan. 25

Café Cà Phê, the sweet Vietnamese coffee shop in Columbus Park, has a nonprofit called Hella Good Deeds, which celebrates Asian culture in Kansas City. On Saturday, they’re having a launch party and Lunar New Year night market at The Guild KC from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Lunar New Year starts next Wednesday, but we don’t mind celebrating early.)

There’ll be food trucks, live music, Asian vendors, and traditional Lunar New Year activities, including lion dancing and a Li Xi tree. Tickets are free, but you can donate during registration.

Tip: Wear green and gold (for the Year of the Snake) or red and gold (for the Lunar New Year in general).

Musicians perform at the Lunar New Year celebration at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art — Photo by Dana Anderson / Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Lunar New Year Festival
Jan. 26

If you’re not a night owl, don’t worry—there’s a Lunar New Year celebration for you, too. On Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, there’ll be Chinese dance, calligraphy and origami demonstrations, K-pop performances, and a ton more. It’s free, too. See the event page for more information.