Fireworks, Parades, Festivals, Picnics and Music! Kansas City knows how to celebrate Independence Day! Follow this guide to discover wonderful Independence Day Traditions or revisit those that are familiar.
Note: This list was compiled by KC Parent Magazine Staff and may not be copied in print or online without permission from KC Parent Magazine. If you know of a great 4th of July event to add to our list, email kristina@kcparent.com.
Special Events, Parades & Festivals to Celebrate the 4th of July in Kansas City:
Flags For Freedom June 25-July 5, Merriam Marketplace (5740 Merriam Dr.). Celebrate America at this patriotic display of over 3,000 American Flags. Throughout the event, there will be special Concerts, Ceremonies, and Festivities throughout the event honoring the American Armed Services including free concerts every Friday night at 6:30pm. All events are family-friendly and FREE of charge. 913.384.5440 www.flags4freedom.org
Independence Day at Lanesfield June 24 - July 9, Tuesday-Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Lanesfield School Historic Site (18745 S. Dillie Rd. Edgerton KS). FREE drop in program! Come see the school decorated for an old-fashioned Independence Day. Try your hand at pen and ink and make a craft to take home. 913.893.6645 www.jocomuseum.org
Parkville 4th of July Festival June 30-July 4, English Landing Park. Carnival, Parade, and Fireworks in celebration of the 4th of July! Fees charged for carnival rides and concessions. Fireworks (9:45PM on the 4th of July) & Parade (10am on July 4) are free. 816.505.2227 www.parkvillemo.org/independenceday.html
Firecracker Weekend at Paradise Park July 1-4, Paradise Park (1021 Northeast Colbern Road, Lee’s Summit, MO). Celebrate the holiday weekend with us and receive $5 off a Pizza and Play Combo wristband. 816.246.5224 www.paradise-park.com
Freedom Flings July 1, 12:30-5:00 PM, Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center (13805 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS) and Splash Cove (5800 King Ave, Shawnee, KS). Celebrate our nation’s birthday in the suns warm rays. Contests will be held throughout the day to provide a fun, festive atmosphere for patrons of all ages. Half price admission. 913.631.0054 www.cityofshawnee.org
Independence Day 19th Century Style July 2, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm (1200 Kansas City Road, Olathe, KS). Enjoy historic activities: 19th century baseball, music, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and a cannon firing! Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy this all-American celebration. Free admission, suggested donations $2/adult, $1/child, some activities carry a fee. 913.971.5111 www.mahaffie.org
KC Riverfest July 1-3, Berkley Riverfront Park on the Missouri River. Since 2005, KCRiverFest has been recognized as Kansas City’s premier Independence Day Festival on the Missouri River. KCRiverFest at Berkley Park is known as the only place in downtown Kansas City to celebrate the Fourth of July with spectacular fireworks, amazing food and world-class family entertainment and this year, KCRiverFest is the only place you'll get to see the unique, LED color-changing panels on the newly constructed Christopher S. Bond Bridge. Sunday, July 3rd will be the first time these lights will come to life with a fusion of patriotic color and movement not to be missed! For ticket Information: 816.221.0636 www.kcriverfest.com
Celebrating Liberty July 3, 3:00 PM, Liberty Arts Performing Theatre (1600 S Withers Rd, Liberty, MO). Commemorate Independence Day with a Patriotic variety show celebrating our heritage and our city, in song, dance, and readings. For ticket Information: 816.439.4360 www.corbintheatre.org/announcements
4th of July at Fort Osage July 4, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Fort Osage (107 Osage St., Sibley, MO). Have you ever wondered how America celebrated the Fourth of July 200 years ago? Join the staff and volunteers at Fort Osage as the residents of this frontier outpost celebrate the birthday of their young country. The diverse backgrounds of the young soldiers and civilians living at the Fort provide a rich mosaic of different perspectives on what freedom meant on the American frontier. Musket and cannon salutes will punctuate the celebrations. Come and celebrate the Fourth, 1812 style! Price: Adults, $7.00; Youth, $4.00; Seniors, $3.00. 816.503.4860 www.jacksongov.org
Independence Day at Missouri Town July 4, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Missouri Town (8010 E. Park Road, Lee’s Summit, MO). Celebrate Independence Day as you step back in time to 1855 and share how the important date was celebrated. Food will be cooking on the hearths, musicians will be playing appropriate music and special speeches will be made commemorating the anniversary of independence from Great Britain. Guests are invited to join in a noon parade through the recreated antebellum community. Adults, $5.00; Youth 5-13 and Seniors, $3.00; Under 5, Free. 816.503.4860 www.jacksongov.org
Lenexa Community Days Parade July 4, 10:00 AM, Downtown Lenexa. Celebrate the 4th as floats, bands antique cars and more as they wind their way through downtown Lenexa. 913.477.7100 www.ci.lenexa.ks.us
U.S. Air Force Band of Mid America July 4, 7:00 PM, Mulberry Lake at Briarcliff Village (Across from Briarcliff Village at US 169 and Briarcliff Parkway). Bring your family along with chairs, blankets, & picnic dinners to enjoy an evening of FREE live music! www.briarcliffvillagekc.com
4th of July Fireworks in the Kansas City Area:
(Note: Many of these fireworks displays also include daytime fun with inflatables, concerts, and more!)
June 30:
19th Century Fireworks at Mahaffie June 30, 6:00 PM, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm (1200 Kansas City Road, Olathe, KS). Join the Olathe Civic Band for a concert followed by 19th century fireworks by the Olathe Fire Department. Show your American pride and bring your decorated bike/stroller/wagon. Bring your lawn chairs, blanket and picnic dinner to enjoy this patriotic celebration. After the concert, enjoy a special 19th Century Baseball presentation. Fireworks will begin at dark. Free admission; special activities like stagecoach rides are $2/person. 913.971.5111 www.mahaffie.org
July 1:
Legacy Blast Fireworks: Lee's Summit July1, Legacy Park (NE Legacy Park Drive in Lee’s Summit, MO). Food vendors, entertainers & inflatables will be on site before the fireworks. Bring the family & blankets for fun under the stars and of course a fireworks display choreographed to music. The south entrance of the park will open at 6pm and will close at 9pm. Free entry. 816.969.1500 www.lsparks.net
July 2
Booms & Blooms at Powell Gardens July 2, Powell Gardens. Daylilies blooming bright, patriotic music by the Lee's Summit Symphony, homemade ice cream for sale, and picnics by the lake all make for a perfect day. A booming fireworks display makes a dazzling finish. Live music by Megan Birdsall & Friends precedes the Lee's Summit Symphony. Children of all ages are welcome to splash in the Fountain Garden. Note: Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Picnics and coolers allowed, or purchase food from Cafe Thyme. The rain date is July 3.
Festival pricing: $10/adults, $9/seniors and $5/children 5-12. 816.697.2600 www.powellgardens.org
July 3:
Kearney, MO: July 3, Kearney Amphitheatre. Fireworks Celebration with KC Party Band Switch. Concert Begins at 7:30pm. Fireworks Begin at 9:30pm. Free Admission and Parking. www.kearneyamphitheater.com
July 4:
Leawood 4th of July Celebration July 4, Leawood City Park. Enjoy some great entertainment, participate in games and enjoy a variety of food vendors. Kids Activities, Food Vendors - 5:00 - 9:30 pm. Musical Entertainment - 7:30 - 9:30 pm. Fireworks - 9:45 pm. Free General Admission. All Access Ride / Activity Bands (for children 14 and under) - $6.00. The Aquatic Center will be open 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. City Park will be closed to all vehicular traffic on Monday July 4. Free shuttle buses will be running from the parking lots along Tomahawk Creek Parkway to City Park starting at 10:00am. 913.339.6700 x201 www.leawood.org
Platte City Family Fun and Fireworks July 4, Platte County R-3 High School. Hot dogs, swimming, and activities. Flag ceremony, patriotic band, and fireworks display. 816.858.5627 www.plattecitymo.com
Fireworks & Salute to the Union: Ft. Leavenworth July 4, 3:00 PM, Merritt Lake. Activities include food, games, bounce houses for the kids, live entertainment by classic rock band “The Kicks,” a parachute demonstration by the K-State parachute team, “Salute to the Union”, fireworks! Salute to the Union - 8pm Fireworks 9:30pm Note: Picture ID required upon entering the Fort. 913.684.1702 www.visitleavenworthks.com
Star Spangled Spectacular: Overland Park July 4, Corporate Woods. Food, drink and merchandise vendors are on hand and musical acts perform before the fireworks begin. All proceeds generated from this free event benefit local charities. www.starspangledspectacular.org
Oak Grove, MO: July 4, Webb Park. Children's games, vendor booths, inflatable games, music, entertainment and fireworks. 816.690.4003 ext. 12 www.cityofoakgrove.com
Weston, MO: July 4, West Platte High School. Bring your blanket and sit on the hill side or sit in the bleachers to be dazzled by one of the most fantastic fireworks shows in the area. There's also music, food and lots of Independence Day fun. 816.640.2909 http://westonmo.com
Blue Springs, MO: July 4, Blue Springs High School Peve Stadium (2000 NW Ashton Drive). Watching a professional fireworks display is a safe way to enjoy the holiday - and it's free! Gates open at 7:30 p.m., live entertainment from 8-9:30 p.m. Fireworks display begins around 9:30 p.m. Concessions will be available. www.bluespringsgov.com
Gladstone, MO: July 4, Gladstone Amphitheater. Bring blankets, chairs and a picnic as you enjoy a FREE music and Fireworks! 816.437.2489 www.gladstone.mo.us
Parkville, MO: July 4, English Landing Park. Fireworks begin at 9:45pm, enjoy a carnival and festivities all day long including a parade at 10am. 816.505.2227 www.parkvillemo.org/independenceday.html
Harrisonville, MO: July 4, Harrisonville City Park. Fireworks at Dusk, ci.harrisonville.mo.us Lexington, MO: July 4, Lions Park. Independence Day Fireworks Celebration. www.visitlexingtonmo.com
Olathe, KS: July 4, Great Mall of the Great Plains. Fourth of July Fireworks at 9:30 PM. (Rain date: July 5, 2011). www.olatheks.org
Gardner, KS: July 4, Gardner-Edgerton High School. Celebrate Independence Day at the 4th of July fireworks display at 9:30 PM. 913.856.0939 www.gardnerkansas.gov/july4
Lansing, KS: July 4, Kenneth W. Bernard Community Park. 4th of July Fireworks Show at 9:30PM. 913.727.5488
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