Everything You Need to Know About the Fourth of July in Kansas City
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Crowds swell as night draws near, heralding the jaw-dropping light shows to come. Grills spark to life amid neighborhood barbecues and get-togethers. These nostalgic sights, sounds and scents help define Independence Day as the perfect midsummer holiday. Fireworks to 5Ks, festivals to high-flying roller coasters, celebrating the Fourth of July in Kansas City is a full weekend affair—and then some.
Here’s everything you need to know about July Fourth in Kansas City:
Festivals and Festivities
Celebrate Independence Day along the riverfront with RiverFest, a full evening of family-friendly entertainment, including live music, great food, and, of course, an exhilarating fireworks show.
Head just 20 minutes south of Downtown KC to be wowed at Overland Park's Star Spangled Spectacular, an annual tradition that attracts thousands thanks to its incredible fireworks show, live music, food trucks, activities for kids and more.
Have a blast at Worlds of Fun during the park’s Fourth of July Celebration, featuring delicious bites from Cotton Blossom BBQ and a fireworks show rivaling anywhere else in town, plus thrilling rides, splashy slides and other fantastic family fun.
Free admission for active and retired military members—and discounts for their families—is just the beginning of Red, White & Zoo at the Kansas City Zoo, which includes a full day of enrichment activities for animals at this favorite attraction.
Kick off the holiday weekend celebrating in Independence, where the annual Independence Day Celebration features fireworks and live music, all for free and ideal for kiddos of any age.
Get Out and Play
The Kansas City metro is full of lush, well-maintained green space, perfect for everything from hiking and walking the dog to games of catch and picnics with family and friends.
Better yet, visitors and locals need not travel far. Urban parks like Swope Park, Loose Park and Berkley Riverfront—also home to pooch paradise Bar K—offer a little something for everyone.
American Pastimes
Nothing says Independence Day quite like baseball. And while the Kansas City Royals will be on the road during the holiday, fans can still watch the game at plenty of local restaurants and bars.
Country music and the Fourth of July go together like apple pie and vanilla ice cream. Sing the night away during Miller Lite Hot Country Nights at KC Live! in the Power & Light District—then hit the bars afterwards for even more revelry.
Prime Fireworks Watch Spots
Aside from the many festivals and events that attract thousands throughout the metro to watch fireworks displays together, a collection of must-visit locations offer stellar views during nighttime celebrations:
- The City Market: Nestled in the River Market neighborhood, The City Market is a cozy-yet-bustling hub that’s perfect for watch parties on patios between bites of international and locally sourced fare.
- National WWI Museum and Memorial: While the museum won’t technically be open once the fireworks start, there’s hardly a better place to watch than the lawn of Liberty Memorial, which offers a spectacular view of the entire city.
- Crossroads Arts District: Whether enjoying a craft beer at one of KC’s many local breweries, playing giant-Jenga at Up-Down, hanging out on the rooftop at Crossroads Hotel or out and about exploring funky murals, the Crossroads offers countless lively spaces to enjoy the evening.
- North Kansas City: Just north of the river, NKC is home to unique meeting spots perfect for fireworks shows. Try both Chicken N Pickle and Cinder Block Brewery for great patio action.