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Final 2019 Summer Flings in Kansas City
While fall is just within reach, the second half of summer in Kansas City is full of special events, exhibitions and other worthwhile endeavors. Send the season off in style with one of the many spectacular celebrations that remain.
Highlights
Grand Carnivale – Ends Aug. 4: An immersive new summer experience that invites visitors to celebrate the sights, sounds and tastes from cultures around the globe, including India, China, Italy, France and Germany—all, fittingly, at Worlds of Fun.
2019 U.S. Gymnastics Championships – Aug. 8-11: Witness the greatest gymnasts in the country as they go for gold in a jaw-dropping display of athleticism at Sprint Center—the perfect preview for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Ethnic Enrichment Festival – Aug 16-18: KC’s diverse cultures unite at this weekend extravaganza that includes food, dancing and music representing dozens of countries, as well as several ethnic groups recognized by the Ethnic Enrichment Committee.
Santa-Cali-Gon Days – Aug. 30-Sept. 2: Say goodbye to summer during this Independence festival that commemorates the origin of the Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails during westward expansion. Browse more than 500 artisan, craft, food and commercial vendor booths, as well as a carnival, a 5K and more.
Country Club Plaza Family Fun: The Seville-inspired Plaza is a marvel of architecture and atmosphere, making it perfect for late summer entertainment. Jam out to Thursday evening Courtyard Concerts through September, embark on a personalized statue and fountain tour of 39 fountains and statues and treat yourself to extravagant summer sweets at Southern Charm Gelato Shoppe or Waffle Bar.
Other Can’t-Miss Events
Miller Lite Hot Country Nights – July 25, Aug. 1, Aug. 8, Aug. 15: Free and for those of age, Hot Country Nights in the Power & Light District is a quintessential Kansas City summer experience that showcases live roots music in the open-air KC Live! Block.
Heart of America Hot Dog Festival – Aug. 10: The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum welcomes hot dog aficionados to sample delicious ballpark franks, including the signature Kansas City Monarch Dog, plus live music and admission to the museum.
Lexicon: The Language of Gesture in 25 Years at Kemper Museum – Ends Aug. 25: From well-known works to recently acquired pieces and all-new debuts, Lexicon commemorates the past, present and future of Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and its impact on art in the Kansas City community for the past 25 years.
Middle of the Map Fest – Aug. 29-Sept. 2: Immerse yourself in music, films and forums during Middle of the Map Fest, quickly becoming one of Kansas City’s favorite local events.
Art Course – Ends Oct. 14: This Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park installation is a putt-putt tribute to nine iconic works in The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s permanent collection. Don’t miss the one-of-a-kind interactive piece with holes inspired by everything from a 15th century Chinese vase to the grounds of the museum itself.
Color of Memory: Fabric Art of WWI – Ends Sept. 2: This moving National WWI Museum and Memorial exhibit displays a collection of tapestries, banners, flags and other WWI artwork created in remembrance of those who fought in the great conflict.