Make your Ultimate Summer Bucket List in Kansas City

It seems like there’s a festival every weekend in the Kansas City area. From music festivals like Country Stampede and Breakaway to foodie favorites like Q BBQ Fest, there’s something for everyone.

Cool off from the summer heat! Take a dip in a city pool or run through a splash pad with your kids.

If you’re looking for even more adventure, head to the beach without ever leaving the KC-area by visiting a local watering hole like Longview Lake. Or spend a day racing down water slides at KC’s Oceans of Fun.

The KC region is home to dozens of markets that host hundreds of local farmers and makers. After all, this is the heartland, the central hub of America’s agricultural industry.

Find a farmers market near you to grab fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, homemade goods and crafts. Many local markets also offer live music, food trucks and kids activities to make it an exciting family outing.

Expand your pallet and ignite your taste buds at a new local restaurant. Some of the newest eateries on the KC dining scene include The Wise Guy, Green Dirt Farm, and T’ähä Mexican Kitchen and Blanc Champagne Bar.

Whether it’s a Hollywood classic or a brand-new blockbuster, celebrate movie magic underneath the Midwestern sky. Kansas City has a wide variety of outdoor cinema experiences—the perfect way to spend a summer evening among the stars.

Don’t miss Screenland Armour’s Backyard Movies, and look ahead to another outdoor movie series returning in 2027: Crown Center’s WeekEnder. Or load up your family or friends for a night at the drive-in.

Explore the world within the pages of new book. You can find thousands at the Kansas City Public Library or your local library branch. Or visit a charming local bookstore like Prospero’s Books or Rainy Day Books to keep your new read forever.

The Rabbit hOle is the perfect spot for families with young readers. The NKC museum brings children’s literature to life for plenty of exploring and reading.

You don’t have to go far to have your relaxing summer vacation. Whether you travel 2 miles or 20 miles, there are plenty of options for making memories. Book your ideal hotel, stroll through a neighborhood you’ve never visited before, and don’t forget all the incredible sightseeing.

Having a hard time finding the best KC hotel? See some Visit KC recommendations.

We all have our favorites, but Kansas City’s ice cream shops are constantly scooping up new flavors you need to try.

Head to local spots like Betty Rae’s, Ice Cream Bae, or Fairway Creamery for a cup of Lavender Honey or Oatmeal Cream Pie ice cream.

Get a taste of the history and culture of KC’s favorite cuisine at the world’s first barbecue museum.

Want to explore more? Visitors can travel back in time to Kansas City’s frontier days at the Arabia Steamboat Museum, where they’ll discover 200 tons of sunken treasure dating back to 1856.

Then head to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, celebrating Kansas City’s baseball history, particularly the Negro National League and the legendary Kansas City Monarchs.

Whether it’s a small show featuring a local artist or a huge, sold-out concert, there’s always a performance to be seen in Kansas City.

Don’t miss KC’s famous jazz clubs like Green Lady Lounge or The Phoenix for some of the city’s most popular musicians.

Outdoor venues like Azura Amphitheater and KC Live! Block offer a chance to see a show underneath the starry night sky. Or cheer on stars like The Lumineers, Shinedown, and Heart at T-Mobile Center this summer.

Looking for more things to do this summer? Check out our Events Calendar.