January 18th Weekend Preview

This weekend three different movies open that cater to just about every demographic. First there is the drama Broken City. It stars Mark Wahlberg as a disgraced New York cop that uncovers corruption at the highest levels of City Hall.
Next we have Last Stand that stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Johnny Knoxville. In this action comedy the two heroes battle the most notorious, wanted drug kingpin in the western hemisphere as he tries to escape the U.S. into Mexico.
Finally we have the supernatural thriller Mama. It is the haunting tale of two little girls who disappeared into the woods the day that their parents were killed. When they are rescued years later and begin a new life, they find that someone or something still wants to come tuck them in at night.
If you are not in the mood for a movie there are several other things to take in this weekend. Kansas City Restaurant Week kicks off this Friday. Top chefs and restaurants from across the Kansas City metro area will be participating in Kansas City Restaurant Week 2013. The event will take place January 18-27 and will feature over 100 restaurants who will offer multi-course meals at a fixed price for lunch and dinner. Click here for more info.
Union Station this Saturday (11:00 am & 2:00 pm) is hosting the monthly ‘Engineerium’. Explore the world of LEGO Mindstorm robotics, as you design, build and program a robot for a challenging mission. Experience LEGO's in an amazing new way! Families returning for additional experience will be able to use prior experience and knowledge as they design, build and program robots unique from their initial visit to the Engineerium. (Note:Children must have completed 1st grade  )
There are plenty of free things to do also. There is the City Market Farmers Market, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. both Saturday & Sunday. The Roasterie and Boulevard Brewing offer free tours on the weekend (just call ahead to make a reservation).
Also, the World War I Museum is offering free tours for KCMO residents through February
If you are already starting to get Spring Fever and are missing baseball you can get your fix this weekend. The 2013 Royals FanFest will be held at the Overland Park Convention Center Saturday, Jan. 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Fans will have several opportunities for autographs from current and formers plays like Billy Butler, Willie Aikens, Alex Gordon, Dennis Leonard, Brian McRae, and Willie Wilson just to name a few. For more info, visit the Royals Fanfest page.
For a complete list of Kansas City activities checkout our friends at Explore Kansas City. They have the city covered like no one else.
If you are a fan of amateur sports then you are in luck this weekend. First there is the Heart of America Volleyball Martin Luther King Day Volleyball Tournament from January 19-21. This premier three day volleyball event features 12-18 under age divisions and draws top local and regional teams from the Midwest. For more information click here
If you have the day off on Monday and want to catch some of the best prep basketball in the city you can head down to the Sprint Center. The Time Warner Cable Basketball Showcase presented by Metro Sports will feature eight games involving 16 Kansas City area high school basketball teams, starting at 9 AM, and will mark the first time that high school basketball has ever been played at the arena. All games will be broadcast live in HD on Metro Sports, and tickets for the event are only $10 for the entire day and can be purchased at the Sprint Center box office. For more information click here
This Saturday the Comets return home to take on the Rochester Lancers. The team will be wearing special jerseys honoring the 1992-93 NPSL Champion Kansas City Attack and you can take them home with you in a special LIVE auction immediately following the game.
At halftime, you can see if your favorite former Comets/Attack players still "got it" during the annual Reunion Game!  Scheduled to appear are Gino Schiraldi, Jim Schwab, Kia, and many more!
Also this Saturday night, you can Meet U.S. Women's National Soccer Team player and new FC Kansas City Defender, Becky Sauerbrunn! Stick around for the post-game autograph session and meet Becky and help welcome her to Kansas City!
The Mavericks are in Rapid City this weekend for a two game set against the Rush. When the team is on the road there is usually a watch party at the Lee’s summit Brew Top Pub.
The Missouri Rhythm host two different teams from Oklahoma this weekend. On Saturday they take on the Oklahoma Stallions while on Sunday afternoon (3:00 PM) the battle the Oklahoma Impact.
The Topeka RoadRunners are home this weekend as they take to the ice against the Wichita Falls Wildcats. The Runners are battling for their fourth NAHL South Division title. So checkout a game and see these stars of tomorrow before they are household names.
Don’t forget that the NHL is back this weekend! So head to your favorite local watering hole and enjoy the action. I suggest the BlueLine. It is Kansas City’s only hockey themed sports bar! They have a chef driven menu and fine spirits and beers for any taste. You won’t miss a game since they have NHL CENTER ICE as well as all the sports channels and packages on their many HDTV's. Plus Bubble Hockey, Darts, Golden Tee, Silver Strike, Open Ice, and MegaTouch!
On Monday you can head to Centerpoint Community Ice (next to the Independence Events Center). They will be conducting a FREE Intro to Skating Lesson from 10:30 - 11am. This lesson is open to all ages, skate levels and no experience is required. Call 816-442-6128 to RSVP. Public Skate will follow from 11 - 3pm for $5 per person including skate rental!
Have A Great Holiday Weekend!