Fourth of July in Kansas City
UPDATED 2017
Celebrate Independence Day with scores of options around KCMO. The biggest event is the KC Riverfest at Berkley Riverfront Park, an all-day event featuring live entertainment and the biggest fireworks display in town. Music, food, drinks and plenty of family fun has made this the landmark Fourth of July event for over ten years.
Flags for Freedom takes place throughout late June and the first week of July at Merriam Marketplace. Visit the flag display and discover a number of patriotic ceremonies and programs for the whole family. It’s a favorite for military members and families.
There’s also the Parkville July 4 Celebration in downtown Parkville, a short drive from KCMO. A traditional pancake breakfast, parade, carnival fun, games and an amazing fireworks brigade marks this tradition.
Family Fireworks
The city’s National World War I Museum and Memorial is always open on the Fourth, and it’s a fantastic way to start your holiday. Special patriotic displays flank the only American museum dedicated just to the “Great War.” Interactive exhibits let visitors see history through the eyes of those who lived it with artifacts and firsthand accounts.
Head to Lenexa for the Celebrate Independence event July 4 starting at 7 a.m. The day starts with a 5k or 10k race option with walkers welcome. Stay for the 10 a.m. parade, antique car show and epic floats. No matter how you celebrate, KCMO offers celebration ideas for all.
KCMO’s 4th of July Cheat Sheet
From 2016:
Kansas City goes all out for Independence Day, and you’re not going to want to miss out on any of the festivities. Day in the Life: Soldiers of the War, the Other Fronts 1916 takes place July 10 at the National WWI Museum, where living history volunteer corps members share stories of their service and help make history come alive. The experiences of soldiers are the highlight, especially lesser known details, and the event is free to the public all day.
Check out the Fireworks at the Evangel on the big day where a long fireworks display is coupled with food and live entertainment in a more intimate atmosphere. Inflatables, unbeatable meal deals and more are on hand at this free, family-friendly event that’s become a tradition for many in KCMO.
The Big Guns
For years, the KC Riverfest at Berkley Riverfront Park has been the ultimate Fourth of July celebration with the biggest fireworks display in the city. With two stages of music, scores of vendors, and entertainment for attendees of all ages, it can’t be missed. This year, you’ll be treated to DJ Rich B, a tribute to Journey band, Run With It, and so many more bands and performers that you can shake a sparkler at.
The Independence Day Fireworks display on July 3 in Westwood, just a few miles from your hotel, offers small town charm so you can double down on displays! The show begins at dusk, around 9:30, and is located at the Agnes Avenue Athletic Field. Make all four festivities and really get into that patriotic spirit!
Top 5 Things to Do for 4th of July
The celebration of our nation’s freedom is a nationwide celebration each July 4th and Kansas City certainly holds its own for fantastic observances. While fairs and fireworks are a typical way to celebrate the 4th of July, it’s easy to think outside of the box when you are looking for Kansas City events to commemorate Independence Day at one of the following venues.
KC Riverfest
Of all the Kansas City events this July, the tops have to be the KC Riverfest for the 4th of July. This event touts the best fireworks display in the city. The festival takes place at Berkley Park and begins at 1pm and goes on until 11pm. You’ll find live entertainment, great food, fun activities for the family, shopping with local vendors and more. Of course, the night is topped off by a fabulous fireworks display to light the Kansas City night.
Jackson County 4th of July Celebration
In honor of holding this year’s Major League Baseball All-Star Game, Jackson County is holding a 4th of July Celebration for all. The celebration takes place at Longview Lake Beach on July 4th at 6pm and the admission is free. The evening will end with the largest fireworks display ever seen in Jackson County.
Worlds of Fun
You get the double the fun with a day of amusement park action and a huge fireworks display when you celebrate the 4th of July at Worlds of Fun. As one of the area’s long-standing Kansas City events this July, you won’t be disappointed with the way this venue celebrates our nation’s independence day. In addition to the live entertainment featured throughout July at Worlds of Fun, there is a fireworks display every Saturday. The 4th of July fireworks celebration begins at 10 pm.
Powell Gardens
Conveniently held the weekend before the 4th of July, Powell Gardens will hold its annual Booms & Blooms Festival. The festival includes an impressive revealing of blooming daylilies, kids activities like a tour through the Fairy Houses & Forts Exhibition or a splashing around in the Fountain Garden, and an extraordinary fireworks display. Bring a blanket and pick a spot on the lawns to enjoy the nighttime show.
Mormon Visitors Center in Independence
The annual 4th of July celebration at the Mormon Visitors Center in Independence takes place on July 4th at 8pm. The center is located along Walnut in Independence. The festivities include live patriotic music to accompany the fireworks display by the Spirit of Independence Band.
Pack your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy an evening of food, entertainment and remarkable fireworks displays when you celebrate the 4th of July in the Kansas City area.
