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 KANSAS CITY, Mo. - When the weather heats up, Kansas City is alive with festivals and special events that offer a unique opportunity to discover the sights, sounds and culture of Kansas City. Below is a sampling of some of the city's fun summer events. For a complete list, go to VisitKC.com.
May 25-27
Great American Barbecue, Woodlands Racetrack, Kansas City, Kan., www.bbqcontest.info
Barbecue contest featuring regional and national music acts and fun for the entire family.
May 27
Celebration at the Station Symphony Concert, Union Station, Kansas City, Mo., www.kcsymphony.org
Free outdoor Memorial Day concert by the Kansas City Symphony followed by fireworks over the Liberty Memorial.
June 2
Vaile Strawberry Festival, Vaile Mansion, Independence, Mo., www.vailemansion.org
A typical Victorian affair featuring croquet, flea market and strawberry delights.
June 2
The City Market 150th Anniversary Celebration, The City Market, Kansas City, Mo.,
www.kc-citymarket.com
Food festivals, historical reenactments, petting zoos, cooking demonstrations and more on the first Saturday of each month throughout the season.
June 2
13th Annual Westport Antique Fair, Westport, Kansas City, Mo., www.westportkcmo.com
Stroll along Pennsylvania Street and see antique dealers from all over the Midwest.
June 8-9
Scottish Highland Games, E.H. Yong Riverfront Park, Riverside, Mo., www.kcscottishgames.org
Scottish clans assemble for bagpiping, Highland dance and Scottish athletics competitions.
June 8-10
Festa Italiana, Zona Rosa, Kansas City, Mo., www.zonarosa.com
Enjoy all things Italian including food, music and family fun.
June 9-10
Kansas City Festival of New Musicals, Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kan., www.theaterleague.com
Second annual festival offers staged readings of new musical theater works.
June 15-16
Rhythm & Ribs 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival, 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District, Kansas City, Mo., www.kcrhythmandribs.com
Two days of national and local jazz, R&B, gospel and blues acts over Father's Day weekend.
June 19-July 8
Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Southmoreland Park, Kansas City, Mo., www.kcshakes.org
Watch free performances of Romeo & Juliet under the stars each evening, except Mondays.
June 23-24
Great Lenexa Barbeque Battle, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, Lenexa, Kan.
Cookers from all over the country compete for the Kansas State Championship.
June 22-23
Jazz in the Woods, Corporate Woods, Overland Park, Kan., www.jazzinthewoods.com
Free outdoor Jazz festival, Kansas City's largest jazz event to benefit charity.
June 23-24
Crown Center Antique Festival, Crown Center, Kansas City, Mo., www.crowncenter.com
Seventh annual festival showcases antiques from more than 150 dealers.
June 29-30
KC Riverfest, Berkley Riverfront Park, Kansas City, Mo., www.kcriverfest.com
Celebrate July 4th on the riverfront with a family activities followed by fireworks over the river on Jun. 30.
July 20-21
11th Annual Amelia Earhart Festival, Atchison, Kan., www.atchisonkansas.net
Family festival celebrates the aviatrix from Atchison.
July 26-29
KC Fringe Festival, Crossroads Arts District & Downtown, Kansas City, Mo., www.kcfringe.org
Enjoy live performances in theater, dance, storytelling and more at this annual festival.
Aug. 10-12 & 17-19
Festival of Butterflies, Powell Gardens, Kingsville, Mo., www.powellgardens.org
Get up close with hundreds of live butterflies.
Aug. 17-19
Ethnic Enrichment Festival, Swope Park, Kansas City, Mo., www.eeckc.org
Sample foods from around the world and see entertainers from a variety of countries.
Aug. 31-Sept. 2
Kansas City Irish Fest, Crown Center, Kansas City, Mo., www.kcirishfest.com
Celebrate Kansas City's deep Irish roots with music, dance, food and fun.
Aug. 31-Sept. 3
Santa-Cali-Gon Days, Independence Square, Independence, Mo., www.santacaligon.com
Free festival over Labor Day weekend remembering the Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails.
For more information about Kansas City, go to VisitKC.com or call 877-474-8522.
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Photo Credit: Photos Courtesy of the Kansas City Convention
& Visitors Association
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Celebration at the Station
Caption: The Memorial Day concert by the Kansas City Symphony at the Liberty Memorial draws thousands.
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Crossroads Arts District, gallery interior
Caption: The one-square-mile Crossroads Arts District is home to more than 60 art galleries and eclectic shops. This image is not available for download.
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Kansas City Barbecue
Caption: Kansas City-style barbecue is slow-smoked for up to 18 hours.
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Kansas City Symphony, musician
Caption: Founded in 1982 and recognized as "The Sound of Kansas City," this 80-person orchestra performs more than 100 concerts annually.
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Powell Gardens
Caption: Kansas City's botanical garden features 915 acres of beautiful, ever-changing gardens, nature trails, contemporary architecture and year-round events. This image is not available for download.
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Union Station Kansas City, exterior
Caption: Union Station opened in 1914 as the nation's second largest train station, and today features a science center, theatre, exhibits and dining.
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