Got plans for New Year’s Eve? Here’s a mega guide to Kansas City area celebrations

By Dan Kelly

Updated December 20, 2019 2:17 PM

After referring to the 1920s for nearly 100 years as the ’20s or the Roaring ’20s, we’re about to embark on a whole new set of 20s. This time, drinking alcoholic beverages will be legal (Prohibition officially started Jan. 17, 1920).

Many people will imbibe – some perhaps to excess – to celebrate the start of the 2020s. But alcohol isn’t a prerequisite for a fun New Year’s Eve in the Kansas City area.

In fact, the Kansas City Zoo, Science City, Wonderscope Children’s Museum and CoCo Key will provide events for children Dec. 31.

Then there are game-oriented activities at venues such as Pinstripes and Topgolf as well as a bundle of music-focused celebrations at night spots all over the area.

And if a full-fledged, alcohol-infused party is what you’re seeking, you have plenty of options. Some of the biggest events will take place at Union Station, KC Live!, Scottish Rite Temple and Studio Dan Meiners.

Top 12 Ways to Greet 2020

Noon Year’s Eve at Pinstripes

9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Pinstripes Bowling Bocce Bistro

The daytime celebration will be for partiers of all ages. 913-681-2255. pinstripes.com/overland-park-kansas. Free.

Worlds of Fun’s Winterfest runs through Dec. 31. Sean Teegarden Photography

New Year’s Eve at Winterfest

5 p.m. at Worlds of Fun

Fireworks at midnight will cap an evening filled with music, including 2Proud2Beg at the Tivoli Music Hall. 816-454-4545. worldsoffun.com/play/events/new-years-eve-celebration. $23-$29.99.

Tim Bateman

7 and 10 p.m. at Clint’s Comedy Shop

His website describes him as a “corporate comedian and motivational speaker,” but Tim Bateman also is a family-friendly touring comedian. Rosana Square Shopping Center. 913-749-2200. clintscomedystop.com. $25-$30.

Kansas City Mavericks

7:05 p.m. at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena

The hockey game between the Mavericks and the Wichita Thunder will be followed by a New Year’s Eve Bash. 816-442-6100. kcmavericks.com. $12-$48.

Black Party XVI

8 p.m. at Studio Dan Meiners

Billed as the “No. 1 NYE party in Kansas City for 15 years,” the Black Party moves to a new venue this year after having been at Californos and Char Bar the past two years. blackpartykc.com. $69.97-$109.

New Year’s Eve Celebration

8 p.m. at J. Rieger & Co. Distillery

The inaugural NYE at J. Rieger will include specialty cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment by Sheppa + Lars and Hot Club KC. 816-702-7800. jriegerco.com/nye. $120.

New Year’s Swingin’ Eve

8 p.m. at Union Station

Dave Stephens and the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra 7 will provide the big band swing music. 816-460-2000. unionstation.org/events/new-years-swingin-eve. $120-$205.

NYE 2020 at The Temple X

8 p.m. at Scottish Rite Temple

With six hours of drinking at 10 open bars and what is billed as the “largest balloon drop in the Midwest,” this 10th annual celebration is one of the area’s biggest. nyekc.com. $44.97-$79.

NYE Live!

8 p.m. at KC Live!

Party-goers will get access to up to 12 bars and nightclubs as well as live entertainment and a midnight ball drop. 816-842-1045. nye-live.com/kansas-city. $70-$160.

Revel II NYE Spectacular

8 p.m. at Westin Crown Center Hotel

The festivities will feature two entertainment rooms, plus two event areas – the exhibition hall and the art gallery. eventbrite.com/event/77665432399. $40-$50.

Swing in the New Year

9 p.m. at Topgolf

Packages include unlimited game play for up to six guests and front-row seats to a midnight fireworks show. 913-562-9713. topgolf.com/us/overland-park. $240-$420.

Disco Dick and the Mirrorballs and Fireworks

9:30 p.m. at Hollywood Casino

Playing disco-era hits on the casino floor, Disco Dick and the Mirrorballs will be the main attraction for gamblers and partiers alike. 913-288-9300. hollywoodcasinokansas.com. Free.

Other celebrations

Parties