KANSAS CITY, Missouri —The Kansas City metro is preparing an Independence Day weekend that is sure to please everyone—from firework fanatics to those looking to take it easy. Beginning Friday, July 1, and continuing throughout the weekend, Kansas City will be buzzing with events and activities for every interest.
KC RiverFest
The only destination for fireworks in downtown Kansas City, KC RiverFest delivers one of the largest celebrations and fireworks performances in the metro, July 2-3. The two-day festival features three music stages, a children’s zone and carnival, a Canoe and Kayak River Race and fireworks on both Saturday and Sunday. Arrive before 3 p.m. on either day to receive free admission.
Booms Blooms at Powell Gardens
Kicking off the holiday celebration early on Saturday, July 2, the Booms Blooms festival at Powell Gardens will feature the Lee’s Summit Symphony Orchestra, children’s activities and a magnificent fireworks performance over the garden’s 12-acre lake. Admission includes entrance into the Heartland Harvest Garden and the Jurassic Garden exhibit.
Star Spangled Spectacular
One of the biggest and longest fireworks celebrations in the region, the Star Spangled Spectacular at Corporate Woods in Overland Park, Kan., typically draws a crowd of 50,000 people. The free event begins at 4 p.m. on Monday, July 4, and families are welcome to bring chairs, blankets and picnics. Food and drink vendors will be available on site.
United States Air Force Band – Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble
Kansas City’s passion for jazz and the patriotic spirit of the United States Air Force Band combine for a free Independence Day jazz concert at Mulberry Lake, July 2-3. Concertgoers are welcome to bring their own chairs, blankets, picnics and dancing shoes.
Monet’s Water Lilies
Beat the heat with a trip to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to see a true masterpiece. For the first time in 30 years, the art museum has reunited all three pieces of Claude Monet’s remarkable water lily triptych. Many consider the massive Water Lilies to be the creative culmination of the impressionist’s career. Stop in on Friday, July 1, for a talk with curator Nicole Myers and conservator Mary Schafer from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Or make a day of it on Sunday with brunch from noon to 3 p.m. in the Rozzelle Court Restaurant.
First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District
Putting the “art” in Heart of America, First Fridays are a local favorite. On the first Friday of each month, more than 60 galleries, shops and other venues stay open late to showcase art from 7 to 9 p.m. In addition to gallery-hopping, the eclectic district is bursting to life with plenty of entertainment and unique dining experiences.
Farm to Table Celebration
Spend the morning immersed in fruit at the monthly Farm to Table Celebration at The City Market on Saturday, July 2. The Groovalicious Fruit festival features a unique and surprising side of produce, including presentations about edible, prickly pear cacti and bitter melons from Asia. Children are invited to try for a hole-in-one with Peach Putt-Putt, and Juggling Jeff will perform with his hands full of apples and oranges.
Worlds of Fun Fireworks Displays
As if the thrills and chills of rollercoasters were not enough, KC’s 175-acre themepark will commemorate Independence Day weekend with three huge fireworks displays (nightly, July 2-4). Before the show, tour the new Planet Snoopy area—a “themepark within a themepark” featuring more than 20 rides, shows and attractions devoted to pint-sized play.
Celebrating 50 Fabulous Years with America’s Favorite Doll
The USA isn’t the only one with a birthday. Barbie—a true national treasure—is turning 50 and families can join the party with an interactive exhibit at the Toy and Miniature Museum. In addition to exploring her influential role as a fashion icon, the exhibit also features hundreds of rare and special edition Barbie dolls, plus vintage accessories and tons of trivia to go around.
Art of the Chopper
Featuring more than 30 custom motorcycles, this Union Station experience captures both art and American culture in one inspiring exhibit. Based on the bestselling books by Tom ZImberoff, Art of the Chopper features “rolling sculptures” that provide a unique canvas for artists to express their individual styles. The award-winning exhibit runs June 24-Sept. 25.
Heart of America Shakespeare Festival
For a real “Shakespearience”, head over to Southmoreland Park for a free outdoor production of Macbeth. Go early to enjoy preshow activities, such as a 20-minute parody of the “Scottish play” or educational discussions with local Shakespeare enthusiasts and scholars. Final performances take place during Fourth of July weekend.
About the Kansas City Convention Visitors Association
The Kansas City Convention Visitors Association is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to enhance economic growth and quality of life for the region and its residents through marketing, sales and service for the convention and tourism industries. For more information about all there is to see and do in Kansas City, visit the organization’s Web site at
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