In partnership with
@Knucklehead’s NYE
Welcome, {{secret_name | Secret Reader}}
Welcome to the New Year, KC. January 2026 is officially here—and for some of us, it’s not just a reset, it’s a full-month celebration. My Birth month is January, and whether you chart me as an Aquarius or a late Capricorn like my grandmomma charts me, I believe in honoring it properly: all month long, no rushing.
Shoutout to Knuckleheads for an incredible New Year’s Eve—The Yachties and M80s set the bar high and reminded us exactly how KC knows how to send off a year. Now we settle into winter rhythm: First Fridays return, jazz lounges glow a little warmer, and the city eases into 2026 with style.
I’ll see you at the bar.
—Jay, SecretKC editor
Friday, Jan 3 — First Friday Energy
Echoes of the Soul: Featuring Lydia Alem (First Fridays) · Fri | evening
Sherri’s Executive Lounge
Live soul-forward sounds in one of KC’s most intimate cocktail lounges.
🔗 https://www.sherrislounge.com/
First Friday at Belger Arts · Fri | 6:00–8:00 PM
Belger Crane Yard Studios
Gallery openings + live clay demos—perfect pre-cocktail culture stop.
🔗 https://artskcgo.com
First Friday Gallery Openings · Fri | evening
Crossroads Arts District
Roam studios, sip wine, and let the year start creatively.
🔗 First Fridays KC Crossroads
JAMBO New Years Party & Jam · Fri | 9:00 PM+
Jambo Bar & Grill
Community jam energy with Kansas City Made Me vibes.
🔗 KC Made Me!
DJ Sweet T/ Bowline Brothers · Fri | 9:00 PM+
Tin Roof
Loose, loud, and unapologetically fun.
🔗 Tin Roof!
Jay’s Favorite Spots
Our go-to rooms for cocktails, music, and unmistakable KC atmosphere.
The Monarch — Country Club Plaza
One of KC’s sharpest cocktail rooms and a flawless date-night opener.
🔗 themonarchbar.com
Libations & Co. / 1909 Club — Lee’s Summit
A true speakeasy: big vibes and intentional. Serious cocktails, sociable staff.
🔗 Libations and Company
Brass Monkey — West Bottoms
Neon, vintage, playful. A cocktail bar with personality, unpretentious energy, and a touch of mischief.
🔗 instagram.com/brassmonkeykc
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The First Weekend of 2026
DJ Kay Fan · Sat | evening
Nighthawk Bar (Hotel KC)
Hotel bar DJ night with polished crowd energy.
🔗 Nighthawk Bar
Kamera + Nocturnl / Chronokinesis · Sat | 8:00 PM
recordBar
Indie/rock pulse to kick the year forward.
🔗 recordBar
DJ Nick Davis · Sat | 9:30 PM
Aura Nightclub
Late-night dance floor momentum.
🔗 Aura
DJ Pure · Sat | 10:00 PM
O’Dowd’s Gastrobar
Late DJ set with drinks flowing.
🔗 O’Dowds
Evergy Festival of Lights · Sat | ~5:00–10:00 PM
Powell Gardens
Winter trail of lights—final stretch of the season.
🔗 https://powellgardens
Sunday, Jan 5
Jazz Brunch w/ Millie & Dan · Sun | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
The Phoenix
Easy morning jazz with brunch classics.
🔗 the Phoenix KC
KC Jazz Ambassadors · Sun | 3:00 PM
The Blue Room
Pure Kansas City jazz tradition.
🔗 https://www.kansascitymusic.com/
Cee Dee Wee Sunday Service · Sun | 3:00 PM
Stockyards Brewing Co.
Blues, Americana, and folk-soaked Sunday reset.
🔗 https://stockyardsbrewing.com
Last Call
Happy New Year!
Champagne
“I only drink Champagne on two occasions: when I am in love and when I am not.” — Coco Chanel
Champagne has always been more than a drink—it’s a marker of moments. Born from accident and patience in northern France, those early bubbles were once considered flaws before becoming symbols of celebration, luxury and drip. Kings crowned, wars ended, ships launched, years turned—Champagne has been there for the pause before what comes next.
So we raise a glass not just to what’s new, but to what continues. To old toasts that still matter—health, love, laughter—and to new ones we haven’t learned the words for yet. To nights that stretch longer than planned, and mornings that arrive right on time...even when hungover.
—Stay sharp, KC ☾