By Kristina Light
As 2025 winds down, South Kansas City is ready to welcome 2026 with celebrations for everyone. Families are invited to enjoy festive midday countdowns, adults can toast at midnight, and options range from outdoor adventures to elegant ballroom galas—offering something for every age and taste to ring in the New Year together.
Noon Year’s Eve: Family-Friendly Celebrations
Midnight is a tall order for families with young children. Enter the genius of Noon Year’s Eve, where balloons drop at noon, and everyone is home in time for naps.
Mid-Continent Public Library’s Red Bridge branch hosts “Countdown to Noon: A Family New Year’s Party” starting at 11 a.m. on Dec. 31. The free event, designed for ages 6 and up, includes games, STEAM activities, and a balloon drop at noon.
Wonderscope Children’s Museum in Red Bridge opens at 9 a.m. for “Wonder Eve,” running until noon with crafts, face painting, balloon artists, and plenty of hands-on fun. The morning culminates with a spectacular confetti countdown at noon to welcome the New Year in style.
The Kansas City Zoo’s “Zoo Year’s Eve” runs from 10 a.m. to noon, with animals receiving special themed enrichment while families count down.
Play Your Way Into the New Year
For those who’d rather move than sit still, these venues offer the perfect blend of games, competition, and celebration.
Aaron’s Family Fun Center in Belton hosts two cosmic-bowling parties—an early evening family event and a late-night celebration through midnight. With 32 lanes, an arcade, and mini-golf, it’s an all-ages destination.
Live Music and Neighborhood Celebrations
Live music is a signature of any NYE celebration with genres spanning German folk, country, blues, and rock at local venues.
KC Bier Co in Waldo begins at 3 p.m. with “A Very German New Year’s Eve,” celebrating midnight in Munich at 5 p.m. Bram Wijnands performs from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by a jelly donut toast and German countdown. The Jackie Myers Trio plays from 5 to 7 p.m. throughout the Bierhalle, Klubhaus, Biergarten, and Brewery spaces.
Rosehill Gardens launches its first New Year’s bash at 6 p.m. with acoustic folk by Bradley Harris, followed by blues and classic rock from the KC Blue Bombers until midnight.
BB’s Lawnside BBQ pairs its signature barbecue with live blues from The Old No. 5’s beginning at 6 p.m. At 7 p.m., Jaudon Public House welcomes country artist Luke Hupp for a set running straight through midnight.
The Limit Pub & Grub in Red Bridge hosts karaoke finals as part of its NYE party from 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. For an earlier countdown, POG Brewing Company rings in the New Year at 9 p.m.
First Day Hikes and Races: Starting 2026 Outdoors
Missouri and Kansas state parks host First Day Hikes on Jan. 1. The three parks closest to South Kansas City include Hillsdale State Park, Kansas (10:30 a.m., Hidden Springs Trail, 1.5 miles), Knob Noster State Park, Missouri (11 a.m., Spirit Trail, 1 mile), and Clinton State Park, Kansas (11 a.m., Prairieview Nature Trail, 1.5 miles).
Runners looking to kick off the new year with a challenge have two January 1st events to choose from. The Hangover Half Marathon and 10K begins at 8:30 a.m. in Overland Park along the scenic Indian Creek Parkway Trail. With chip timing, post-race refreshments, and a welcoming atmosphere, the event is open to all levels. Each participant receives a custom pint glass and finisher’s medal.
Kansas City Running Club hosts a more casual run and walk at 10 a.m., meeting at Genesis Health Club in Overland Park. The six-mile out-and-back course on Indian Creek Trail accommodates both runners and walkers. Juice, coffee, hot cocoa, and treats are included.
A New Year Close to Home
Whether you’re raising a glass at midnight, cheering at a noon balloon drop, or fast asleep by 9 p.m., South Kansas City has carved out space for your kind of celebration. There’s no single right way to welcome a new year—just the way that works for you. Here’s to 2026, however you choose to meet it.
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