Festivals that celebrate art, animals and craft beer. Treat-yourself sweets, thrilling theme parks and underwater discoveries. It’s these activities that bring the summer to life in Kansas City, when the days are long and the memories made last a lifetime.
Here’s everything you need to know about summer in Kansas City:
Summer in KC officially begins with Memorial Day Weekend, ushering a season of big, annual blowouts with Celebration at the Station.
Lovers of craft beer, live music and local flair cheer the arrival of Boulevardia each year, an urban street festival that returns every Father’s Day weekend.
Star-crossed lovers, a vengeful prince or a Venetian trader, the Bard’s timeless stories come to life at the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, a showcase of Kansas City’s appreciation for the arts.
KC PrideFest is a weekend festival that celebrates inclusion, diversity and pride with live music and performances from local and national headliners, all at Berkley Riverfront Park.
Kansas City’s diverse cultures unite at the Ethnic Enrichment Festival, a weekend extravaganza that includes food, dancing and music representing dozens of countries.
Held in Overland Park, Jazz in the Woods is the Midwest’s largest free music festival, featuring a variety of music over two days, including traditional jazz, blues and ragtime.
Not to mention all of the Fourth of July fun that takes place each year.
Let young ones explore their imaginations at Legoland Discovery Center before embarking on an underwater adventure at SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium, complete with exotic, aquatic creatures.
Cool off with the sweetest treats in the Midwest or head to Alamo Drafthouse Mainstreet for summer blockbusters, a full menu and service without ever having to leave your seat.
Tour area distilleries for a sample of one of KC’s hottest industries. For something totally unique, try S.D. Strong Distilling, the world’s only legal distiller operating in a cave.
Visit any one of Kansas City’s tremendous national museums or other amazing institutions like the Arabia Steamboat Museum during the summer months.
Traveling with children during summer vacation? There’s hardly a more kid-friendly trip than one to Kansas City, which features everything from al fresco adventures to indoor entertainment, good eats and more.
Be sure to swing by the Kansas City Zoo to check out its brand-new stingray touch tank exhibit, which debuts in May, plus all of the other amazing animals that call KC home.
Worlds of Fun touts thrilling new rides, high-speed coasters and plenty more entertainment for guests of all ages.
Cool off with family and friends at Schlitterbahn, a waterpark destination with relaxing lazy rivers, splashy wave pools and more.
Get adventurous by visiting one of the many regional destinations surrounding Kansas City, each offering a unique change of pace.
Places like Weston, Independence and Lawrence stand proud as hubs of culture, history and good times—making them perfect for daytrips or weekend adventures
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