Food and a cozy sweater? It doesn’t get much better—but if you’re feeling ambitious, you can add these activities to your Thanksgiving weekend.
Ward Parkway Thanksgiving Day Run
Nov. 27
If you want to clear out some calories to start the weekend, the Ward Parkway Thanksgiving Day Run has plenty of options to do it. Participate in any race—there are options for kids and adults, walkers and runners—and you’ll get a shirt and a pie. Races start between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. at 86th Terrace and Ward Parkway.
You should sign up early—day-of spots aren’t guaranteed. Registration price varies by event, and the proceeds benefit the Harvesters Community Food Network.
The 96th Annual Plaza Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 27
After you’re good and full, grab a coat and head to the Country Club Plaza. Fifteen blocks of holiday lights will come on at precisely 7:55 p.m. during the 96th Annual Plaza Lighting Ceremony. Several Kansas City Current players, including goalkeeper Laurel Ivory and defender Kayla Sharples, will flip the switch, and a fireworks show will follow.
If you want to make a longer night of it, the whole event is from 6 to 8:30, and it’ll include on-stage giveaways and holiday music spun by DJ Kirby Ham.
Rec Deck the Halls opening weekend
Nov. 28–29
Family feeling antsy on Black Friday? A hangout at the beer hall might help. Rec Deck the Halls is a holiday pop-up bar on the spacious fourth floor of BLVD Tours & Rec Center. Festive decorations, quality food, cheery cocktails, and beery beer. A portion of your $5 cover will benefit Kansas City G.I.F.T. and Guadalupe Centers. Reservations are required for parties of more than seven, and reservations are recommended for the private Candy Cottages.
