Everything You Need to Know About the Fourth of July in Kansas City
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Crowds swell as night draws near, heralding the jaw-dropping light shows to come. Grills spark to life amidst neighborhood barbecues and get-togethers. These nostalgic sights, sounds and scents help define Independence Day as the perfect midsummer holiday. With all kinds of fireworks and festivals taking place, celebrating the Fourth of July in Kansas City is a full weekend affair—and then some.
Here’s everything you need to know about July Fourth in Kansas City:
Festivals and Fireworks
Pack a blanket and gather on the lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial on July 4 for the Stars and Stripes Picnic, Kansas City's official Independence Day celebration. Starting at 3 p.m., guests are welcome to picnic and browse the offerings available through the Strawberry Swing and dozens of local vendors. An evening of live entertainment follows, with a spectacular fireworks display slated to begin around 9:40 p.m.
At the Power & Light District, Red, White and BOOMbox brings DJs, bar crawls and all-inclusive options to the KC Live! Block on July 1. The same evening, catch budding country star Cooper Alan live at PBR Big Sky.
In Overland Park, settle in for a show on the Fourth of July during the Star Spangled Spectacular at Corporate Woods Founders' Park, which features food trucks and local performers in addition to a brilliant fireworks show. Concerts begin at 5 p.m., with the fireworks show slated to begin at approximately 10 p.m.
For another Sunflower State show, head to Olathe for the city's Fourth of July fireworks.
On July 4, enjoy an all-day Fourth of July celebration in Parkville, featuring a pancake breakfast, a skydiving exhibition, parade and more festivities before the evening's fireworks show. For even more dazzling sights, head to Weston on July 1 for a parade and an illuminating display of fireworks in a charming small-town setting during the city's Fourth of July commemoration.
Even more Show-Me State sights over the Fourth of July Weekend include Red, White, & Blue Springs on July 1, the Lee's Summit Legacy Blast on July 3, and Liberty Fest (featuring a beer garden and more) in Liberty, also on July 3.
Favorite Family Activities
If you're looking for a little competition to round out your Independence Day celebrations, you're in luck. The Kansas City Royals welcome the Los Angeles Dodgers to The K for a three-game series from June 30 to July 2, including a summer fireworks show on July 1.
At Children's Mercy Park, Sporting KC takes on the Vancouver Whitecaps on July 1, with a post-match fireworks show rounding out the evening. Next door at Legends Field, the Kansas City Monarchs welcome a six-game home stretch that runs from June 30 to July 5.
If you're looking for an athletic outing of your own, the Ward Parkway Four on the Fourth offers a 4-mile run and 1-mile walk on the morning of Independence Day.
For those who prefer high-flying thrills, don't miss the Fourth of July celebration at Worlds of Fun. Spend the day exploring both Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun with a single ticket, then wrap up your adventure with the evening's spectacular fireworks show over the park.
Now open seven days a week, step into the updated Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum after a $29 million renovation, offering a modern and interactive look at the life and legacy of America’s 33rd president.
