Spring is back in Kansas City, which means there are about 30 events coming up to check out from family friendly festivals, sporting events and many other ways to start soaking up the sun.

March

KC Current Home Opener – March 14, 2026

The 2026 season kicks off at CPKC Stadium as Kansas City Current takes on the Utah Royals.

NAIA Basketball Championship – March 14, 2026

As college basketball’s oldest national championship, the men’s tournament returns to Kansas City for the 90th time in 2026.

Snake Saturday Parade & Family Fun Festival – March 14, 2026

Usually a March event, his Northland tradition is a popular part of the St. Patrick’s Day season in Kansas City. Entertainment for all ages abounds throughout North Kansas City, starting with a parade and ending in a carnival.

Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade – March 17, 2026

One of the country’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parades features hundreds of floats proceeding through Midtown, ending in Westport, where the Celtic-themed revelry continues into the wee hours.

Spring American Royal Livestock Show – March 26-29, 2026

With roots dating back to 1899 and boasting a reputation as one of the toughest competitions, this iconic event draws thousands of owners, breeders, future business/agriculture leaders and animal enthusiasts from across the country.

Planet Comicon Kansas City – March 27-29, 2026

Celebrate over 26 years of superheroes, pop culture and more at KC’s largest and longest-running comic book convention and pop culture expo, featuring the best in comic books, fantasy, science fiction television and movies.

Spring Market & Shopping Stroll –March 28, 2026

Kick off the spring season at the Country Club Plaza. Shop special offers while enjoying seasonal tastings and live entertainment.

Kansas City Royals Opening Day – March 30, 2026

The Royals return to Kauffman Stadium for 2026! Cheer them on in their first game of the season against the Minnesota Twins.

 

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April

Fun Farm Tulip Festival – Opening April 3, 2026

Just north of Kansas City, Kearney, Missouri is home to over 1.5 million tulip bulbs of assorted varieties. Stroll through the flowers, shop handcrafted goods from local vendors and enjoy hands-on activities.

Fountain Fest – April 15, 2026

Fountain Day, an event famous in Kansas City is making a new debut this year as Fountain Fest. It will carry on the tradition of honoring the return of our city’s 48 publicly-operated fountains for the year, but now is a whole day letting people celebrate the city through art, music and community.

Spring Fest –April 4, 2026

Celebrate spring in the Northland! Zona Rosa hosts the Easter Bunny, baby chicks, bunnies and a pop-up market with over 80 vendors.

NASCAR at Kansas Speedway – April 18-20, 2026

Head to Kansas Speedway for fast-paced NASCAR action—plus, with two weekends each year, fans get a double dose of high-octane fun.

Worlds of Fun Season Opening – April 25, 2026

KC’s popular amusement park opens for the summer with some of the region’s most thrilling rides

Spring Plant Sale –April 25-26, 2026

Find your favorite annual and perennial staples at the Overland Park Arboretum. Shop from a selection of over 350 locally grown varieties including daylilies, shrubs, grasses, herbs and more.

 

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May

Cinco de Mayo Celebration – May 1-2, 2026

Experience the vibrant spirit of Cinco de Mayo at Guadalupe Centers’ annual celebration. Enjoy three days of festivities including live performances, artisan vendors, and local cuisine in Kansas City’s historic Westside neighborhood.

Harry’s Hay Days – May 1-2, 2026

The City of Grandview celebrates its Harry S. Truman legacy each year with Harry’s Hay Days, complete with a parade, food and drink vendors, arts and crafts, live music, and a beer garden.

Brookside Art Annual – May 1-3, 2026

The Kansas City art festival season kicks off with the Brookside Art Annual, when the tree-lined streets of charming Brookside transform into al fresco gallery spaces, plus tasty treats and live music.

Painted Garden – May 2-June 21, 2026

Head to Powell Gardens to enjoy the inventive botanical displays, spring blooms and works of art.

Hospital Hill Run – May 16, 2026

Featuring half-marathon, 5k and 10k distances, this Kansas City running tradition benefits Children’s Mercy Hospital. Do you have what it takes to challenge “the thrill of the hill”?

Turkey Creek Festival – May 16, 2026

This all-day event in Merriam, KS, includes everything from a pancake breakfast and a 5K to live music and a Kid Zone at the picturesque Antioch Park.

Kansas City Triathlon – May 17, 2026

KC’s premier triathlon event kicks off the summer season at Longview Lake. Options include Olympic, Sprint and Relay distance options as well as a duathlon.

Oceans of Fun Season Opening – TBA

The largest outdoor water park in the Midwest begins its summer season, stretching until Labor Day.

Festa Italiana – May 29, 2026

Eat and drink your way through Italy—no passport required! Italian culture takes center stage in this event at Zona Rosa, which includes food, a beer garden, a car show and novelty booths.

 

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