We are nearing Thanksgiving break and preparing to spend the holiday with family. Campus will be deserted for a spell, so this week is about spending time at Volker with fellow schoolmates before heading back home. 

On a commuter campus, we might overlook college as a place where fun can occur. Sticking noses in books doesn’t have to be the only activity we participate in at university. Though UMKC may not have a football team or rich Greek life, we do have dedicated students and faculty that organize exciting events each week that we should consider working into our free time. 

This is the college experience, as they call it.

Friendsgiving canned food drive

This UMKC Friendsgiving will be a combination of fun, food and philanthropy. Guests are asked to contribute to the charity by providing at least one item of canned food when arriving at the celebration of thanks.

Category: Food & Drink

When: Monday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m.

Location: UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies

More information: https://roogroups.umkc.edu/event/7592000 

Intramural pickleball

Pickleball lies somewhere between tennis, ping pong and wiffle ball, making it the ultimate intramural sport to play for some light fun. Bring your skills or lack-thereof to the court for some social competition on campus. 

Category: Sports

When: Tuesday, Nov. 16, Noon

Location: Swinney Recreation Center

More information: https://roogroups.umkc.edu/event/7335910

Learn embroidery

Looking for a meaningful Christmas gift that won’t break the bank? Learn to embroider this Wednesday and begin crafting custom clothing for your loved ones this holiday season. I recommend scooping up some second-hand jeans and tees for your working canvases.

Category: Art

When: Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2:30 p.m.

Location: Student Union

More information: https://roogroups.umkc.edu/event/7357493 

Thanksgiving murder mystery dinner

There is nothing that gets me hungry for roasted turkey like a juicy murder. Join others students for a mysterious evening of murder mystery and a Thanksgiving feast at the Atterbury Student Success Center.

Category: Food & Entertainment

When: Thursday, Nov. 18, 6 p.m.

Location: Atterbury Student Success Center

More information: https://roogroups.umkc.edu/event/7476207 

Friday night restaurant feature: The Antler Room

The Antler Room is up there with the greatest restaurants in Kansas City. Husband and wife duo Nicholas and Leslie Goellener craft small plates that are almost too beautiful to eat — emphasis on almost. Their staple pairing for the food artistry is natural wines from pét-nats to grower champagnes.

Category: Food & Drink

When: Friday, Nov. 19, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

Menu: https://www.theantlerroomkc.com/menus 

Saturday movie night: “Spirited Away” 20th anniversary

Spirited Away has been long considered one of the best animated movies of all time since its release in 2001. This week we celebrate the film’s 20-year anniversary at the Screenland Armour Theatre with a reshowing on the big screen. If you love anime, this is a must-see classic.

Category: Entertainment

When: Saturday, Nov. 20, 2 p.m.

Location: Screenland Armour

More information: https://screenland.com/movie/spirited-away-20th-anniversary 

N0rmal

N0rmal is a show that discusses topics of mental illness while putting on a spectacular performance of pop music and circus arts. The combination of dance, aerial and acrobatics is an artistic portrayal of the distractions and communication tactics we use when dealing with depression and anxiety. Their mission is to make conversations surrounding mental health normal.

Category: Entertainment

When: Saturday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m.

Location: City Stage at Union Station

More information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/n0rmal-in-person-performance-tickets-tickets-182914832187?aff=ebdssbdestsearch  

lovelytheband

lovelytheband is an indie-pop band that will make an appearance this Sunday at the Truman. Lately, the Truman has become my favorite music venue for its intimate setting and, simultaneously, the ability to house so much energy. Come see this band sing about all things we were too afraid to say out loud.

Category: Music

When: Sunday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m.

Location: The Truman

More information: https://www.thetrumankc.com/events/detail/400891 

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