Things to Do Memorial Day Weekend
UPDATED 2017
Summer is around the corner, and KCMO is packed with exciting Memorial Day weekend events. Whether you’re in the mood for a the best jazz in the country or you’re on the hunt for family-friendly fun to keep cool, there’s something for everyone. Check out these weekend events:
- Free Kansas City Symphony concert. The Celebration at the Station is commemorating 15 years of free Memorial Day concerts. This year features Patti Austin as guest and host. On Monday at 3 p.m., the event kicks off with a symphony concert to celebrate our military followed by a grand fireworks show. Pre-concert food truck feeds, family-friendly entertainment and musical acts offer a full day of fun.
- National World War I Museum and Memorial. Enjoy free admission for veterans and active-duty member, or half-price for all other guests during the entire three-day weekend. The museum’s showstopper is a tower where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.
- Kansas City Jazz and Heritage Festival. Head to the legendary 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District for one of the most popular events in town featuring performers from around the world. It’s an homage to KCMO’s famed jazz legacy with performances and special events throughout the weekend.
- Water park openings. The weekend is forecast to be a sizzler with temperatures hovering around 80 degrees. Memorial Day weekend marks the opening of the city’s thrilling water parks including Schlitterbahn and Oceans of Fun. Chill out in wave pools, lazy rivers and slides that will get your adrenaline pumping.
Additional holiday weekend events include a celebration of baby gorilla Masika’s birthday at the Kansas City Zoo, the Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers recurring daily May 29 – 31 at Kaufmann Stadium, Roger Waters on May 26 at the Sprint Center, and Gary Owen on May 27 at the Arvest Bank Theatre.
Where will your weekend take you?
Ten More Things to Do on Memorial Day
As a special day of remembrance for our nation, Memorial Day honors the brave men and women who died during their service to our country. Parades and celebrations are held during the Memorial weekend to commemorate the holiday where families gather with American flags to honor all our nation represents. Memorial Day also marks the beginning of the summer season with all kinds of summertime activities.
The biggest event in town is the Celebration at the Station on May 29th at 8pm. Located at Union Station, this 14th annual event features a patriotic concert compliments of the Kansas City Symphony as directed by Michael Stern. The grand finale is KCMO’s largest fireworks display, the perfect show for a picnic on the lawn of the National WWI Museum.
If you’re looking for things to do in Kansas City for Memorial Day check out the following list of to help you enjoy the weekend.:
- Memorial Day Parade
A parade is a longstanding traditional way to celebrate Memorial Day. Head downtown for the annual Memorial Day parade to honor those brave men and women in the armed forces. - Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Located in Junction City just outside of Kansas City is the Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Constructed in 1987, the memorial 13 feet tall and 46 feet wide. If you want to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers from the Vietnam War, this memorial provides a peaceful place to do so. - WWI Museum
The National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial was designated an official World War I museum by Congress in 2004. The museum features artifacts collected over time since 1920. - Kansas City Zoo
Open daily at 9:30am, the Kansas City Zoo offers many exciting attractions and exhibits. You can learn how to live “green” at the Green Revolution exhibit, a hands-on exhibit that demonstrates how to live eco-friendly. - Kansas City Royals Game
If you enjoy watching major league baseball, one of the best things to do in Kansas City is seeing the Kansas City Royals play at Kaufman Stadium. You can easily access the stadium from Highway 70 in the downtown area. Get tickets from the team website. - Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Located about 20 miles west of Kansas City in Overland Park you’ll find the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. If you appreciate nature and the preservation of the environment this place is a must see on your list of things to do in Kansas City. Admission is free. Check out the website for hours of operation and holiday hours. - Visit a Museum
You’ll find a variety of museums from three fantastic art museums in the metro area, the National Word War Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. You can learn all about the local history at the Kansas City Museum, located on top a bluff overlooking the Missouri River Valley. - Amusement Parks
A summertime visit with the family to Kansas City would not be complete without a stop at the Oceans of Fun and Worlds of Fun amusement park. There are family rides, a kids play area and live music to entertain you. - Union Station
Built in 1914, Union Station in Kansas City spans 850,000 square feet. Originally, a working train station, the building now houses a variety of unique shops, restaurants and an archive of permanent collections outlining the history of the station. Stop in and check it all out including special exhibits like Titanic – The Artifact Exhibition and Science City. - Country Club Plaza
If you plan to stay in the heart of the downtown area while you visit Kansas City, don’t miss out on the array of shops and dining at Country Club Plaza. You’ll be delighted with the various merchant events including giveaways, deals and special classes like Williams Sonoma Intro into Gardening in April.
