Looking Forward: A guide to what to look for and forward to in the new year

It’s 2021 — finally, a much needed year of fresh starts and new beginnings. Aside from the relief that it’s no longer 2020, there’s an overwhelming amount of events, new albums, styles, trends, foods and products to look forward to in the new year. So here is a list of some exciting dates to mark on your calendars.

THE TOKYO OLYMPICS

If you weren’t already aware, the Olympics are scheduled to take place in July of 2021. There will be several restrictions in place, including a ban on audiences, simplified events and limited activity of participants such as leaving the hotel, sightseeing or interacting with their global competitors. Despite safety modifications, the event is still something the entire world can look forward to in hopes to bring back a hint of normalcy after a year of chaos.

CONCERTS

Given that 2020 wiped out an entire year of crowd-heavy events like concerts, music festivals and theater, we’re all missing live music. But if all goes as planned and the vaccine is properly distributed, 2021 should eventually see the return of musical artists back to KC.

1. Kenny Chesney: For all my country music fanatics, you’re in luck. Kenny Chesney is set to perform in Kansas City on Saturday, May 29 at Arrowhead Stadium, joined by Florida Georgia Line, Old Dominion and Michael Franti & Spearhead.
2. Justin Bieber: If your 5th-grade Belieber days never left, you’ll be excited to know Justin Bieber is scheduled to come to Kansas City on Wednesday, June 16 at T-Mobile Center.
3. Tech N9ne: Saturday, June 26 at Kansas City Live!
4. Halsey, CHVRCHES and Omar Apollo: Thursday, July 1 at T-Mobile Center.

NEW YEAR, NEW MUSIC

According to Pitchfork, some of the most anticipated albums of 2021 should keep us on our toes in the coming months with releases from fan-favorite artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, Adele, SZA, Drake, Lana Del Rey and Lorde.

BINGE SEASON

If you’re tired of watching the same Netflix shows on repeat, here are some films scheduled to drop in the coming months:

1. “The Conjuring 3: The Devil Made Me Do It”: for scary movie junkies wanting more terrifying sequels, coming out on June 4 in theaters. 
2. “West Side Story”: for musical lovers and those needing a more modern take on the 1961 “West Side Story.”
3. “Top Gun 2: Maverick”: the“Top Gun” fanatics can get a little more action in theaters on July 2. 
4. For the rom-com lovers, a live-action teen remake of “Cinderella“ is planned to drop on RealD 3D, Dolby Cinema and IMAX on Feb. 5, so grab your S.O. and check it out.

PRODUCTS

1. New AirPods: Although Apple recently launched their new AirPods Max in December 2020, the company is said to be working on several new AirPod models for cheaper than the latest model. According to Macworld, all indications are pointing to the new AirPods launch on March 16. 
2. According to Refinery29, here are some of the expected style trends in 2021:

• Shopping sustainably and locally in response to the hardship 2020 caused for small businesses all over the world
• Playful stripes on any garment to add joy to the new year
• Sorbet is the new neon
• Longer shorts (i.e. the revival of biker length shorts)
• Patchwork
• Wide-leg pants
• Leisure-work wear

Lastly, here is a randomly crafted future timeline prediction. Let’s hope for the best: