Everything You Need to Know About the Fourth of July in Kansas City
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, including KC party band Lost Wax, with a spectacular fireworks display slated to begin around 9:35 p.m.
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.
Or start your holiday early at several KC-area celebrations.
The cities of Fairway, Roeland Park & Westwood are hosting a fireworks show on July 3 at Bishop Miege High School. Meanwhile, across the state line, Liberty and Lee's Summit are having their own explosive festivals on July 3.
Fun on the Fourth
The boys are playing some ball on Independence Day! The Kansas City Royals take on the Tampa Bay Rays for a three-game series July 2-4 – that includes fireworks on both July 3 and July 4.
If you're looking for an athletic outing of your own, the Lenexa Freedom Run and Ward Parkway Four on the Fourth offer runners and walkers a chance to start Independence Day off with a bang.
Fourth of July on a Thursday means it’s time to celebrate in the KC Power and Light District! Hot Country Nights returns to the KC Live Block, featuring country singer Tyler Booth to light up the stage.
If you prefer high-flying thrills, spend the day at Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun with one single ticket. Then stick around for the Star-Spangled Night fireworks show, set to patriotic music.
Looking for more family fun? Celebrate the Fourth at the Farm with the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park. Guests can enjoy old-fashioned games, patriotic lessons, a bike parade and more.