In partnership with
Winterland @Quixotic
Welcome, {{secret_name | Secret Reader}}
The holidays are upon us, Kansas City. Pop-up bars glowing, jazz rooms buzzing, and just enough rock & roll to keep things unpolished. Bundle up for an igloo cocktail, duck into a late-night lounge, or plot a proper date night; this weekend rewards those who move with intention, naughty or nice.
I’ll see you at the bar.
—Jay, SecretKC editor
🕯️ Thursday — The Whisper
Nine Zero One Igloo Bar at The Fontaine · Thu | All Day
A wintery rooftop pop-up with heated igloos, cozy cocktails, and skyline views — pure holiday escapism.
🔗 Fontaine Igloo Bar Details
Knoxville @ recordBar · Thu | 8:00 PM
Raw, riff-forward rock & roll with local edge in an intimate room that still feels underground.
🔗 recordBar Show Info
Holiday Survival Cocktail Class & Jazz @ VOO Lounge · Thu | Evening
Learn to build holiday-proof cocktails, then settle in for live jazz in one of KC’s most refined lounges.
🔗 VOO Cocktail Classes
Skellington’s Christmas @ Frost Frozen Bar · Thu | Evening
A Nightmare Before Christmas–themed pop-up with spooky holiday cocktails and immersive décor.
🔗 Skellington’s Christmas Pop-Up
Sippin’ Santa @ J. Rieger & Co. · Thu | Evening
A kitschy, rum-forward holiday takeover with tropical cheer and serious cocktail credentials.
🔗 Sippin’ Santa at Rieger
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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TGIF!
Anthony Gomes @ Knuckleheads · Fri | 8:00 PM
High-octane blues-rock with big guitar energy in a classic KC venue.
🔗 Anthony Gomes Tickets
J Love Band @ Johnnie’s Jazz Bar · Fri | 6:30 PM
Big sound, intimate seating, and an old-school supper club feel.
🔗 Johnnie’s Jazz Bar Event
KC Keys @ VOO Lounge · Fri | 8:00 PM
Smooth R&B grooves and live keys — dress well, sip slow.
🔗 VOO Lounge Events
Holiday Lights Plaza Walking Tour · Fri | Evening
A guided stroll through KC’s most iconic holiday lights — festive and nostalgic.
🔗 Plaza Lights Tour Info
Marlin Cortez @ The Phoenix · Fri | 9:00 PM
Local rock energy meets late-night barroom vibes.
🔗 The Phoenix Live Music
The Weekend List
Michael Jackson–Bruno Mars Tribute @ Knuckleheads · Sat | 8:00 PM
Dance-heavy tribute night built for sing-alongs and a packed floor.
🔗 Tribute Show Tickets
Jazz Disciples @ The Blue Room · Sat | 8:30 PM & 10:00 PM
Two late sets of tight, festive jazz inside the American Jazz Museum.
🔗 Blue Room Show Info
Tinsel & ’Tinis @ Union Station · Sat | 8:30–11:30 PM
A dressed-up holiday cocktail experience in one of KC’s most stunning spaces.
🔗 Tinsel & ’Tinis Details
Tinsel Tavern @ KC Live! · Sat | 2:00–10:00 PM
Downtown holiday bar takeover with themed drinks and crowd energy.
🔗 Tinsel Tavern Info
Chapel Concert: Eboni Fondren Quartet @ Powell Gardens · Sat | Evening
Elegant jazz in a candlelit chapel setting — serene and seasonal.
🔗 Powell Gardens Concert
Jazz Brunch w/ Millie & Dan @ The Phoenix · Sun | 10:00 AM
Easygoing jazz, comfort food, and a soft landing into Sunday.
🔗 Phoenix Jazz Brunch
Sunday Service: Boxcar Brethren @ Stockyards Brewing Co. · Sun | 3:00 PM
Bluegrass, beer, and a relaxed afternoon crowd.
🔗 Stockyards Brewing Calendar
Chiefs vs. Titans Watch Party @ Double Tap KC · Sun | Game Time
Big screens, louder reactions, and a room full of red.
🔗 Watch Party Details
Merry Market @ City Market · Sat–Sun | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Local makers, open-air shopping, and peak holiday energy.
🔗 Merry Market Info
Holiday Reflections @ Union Station · Daily | Daytime–Evening
A full winter wonderland experience with lights, décor, and classic KC charm.
🔗 Holiday Reflections Details
Date Night Pick
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” — Maya Angelou
Catch the final week of Quixotic’s Winterland. This immersive performance blends contemporary dance, live music, and theatrical visuals into something intimate and mesmerizing — ideal for folks who want more than just dinner and drinks. Arrive early for the lobby bar and pre-show performance, then head out for dinner or a late dessert for the win. I went with Lidia’s in the Crossroads for dinner AND dessert!
Quixotic Winterland · Fri–Sun | Evening Performances
🔗 Quixotic Winterland Tickets & Info
Stay sharp, KC ☾