Fireworks, parades, festivals, picnics and music! Kansas City celebrates Independence Day with a bang! Read carefully... our guide includes both events with and without fireworks.
This is your 2016 guide, for the 2017 KC Fireworks Guide click here.
Always Remember:
Weather may result in some events changing plans. Please watch websites and Facebook notices CLOSELY before taking your kids to a fireworks display as schedules are subject to change. We will do our best to update this page, but all schedules are weather permitting.
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.
Tip: Click on the event title for a link to the event website - this may include driving directions, full schedules and additional tips!
= Top Pick
Taps at the Tower Ceremony June 19-25 at National World War I Museum and Memorial (100 W. 26th Street Kansas City, MO). Taps, a musical piece sounded at dusk and at funerals, has a rich and storied history in the United States. It has long been associated with the U.S. Military, and is often played at civilian events around the country. The National World War I Museum and Memorial presents the third annual Taps at the Tower each evening at sunset (8:45 p.m.) from Sunday, June 19 – Saturday, June 25, 2016. People are invited to come and use the grounds each evening, have a picnic, play games and enjoy the outdoors. At sunset, people will gather at the Tower (Liberty Memorial) to experience Taps being played during a brief, moving ceremony.
Flags 4 Freedom July 2-9 at Merriam Marketplace (5740 Merriam Drive Merriam, KS.). Downtown Merriam and the surrounding area will transform into perfect rows of patriotic pride as Flags 4 Freedom organizers place more than 1,600 United States flags at the Merriam Marketplace, Irene B. French Community Center and along Merriam and Johnson Drive. Everyone is invited to stop by during the week of July 2 - July 9 to view an astonishing display that honors our nation. (pictured right)
Fireworks at Evangel June 25 from 5- 10 pm at Evangel (1414 E. 103rd Kansas City , MO). Entertainment for the whole family with live music, inflatables, cheap meal deals and one of KC’s premier fireworks displays! Invite your friends, family and co-workers to this FREE, family-friendly event! To enjoy the show in comfort, please pack your own chairs!
Red, White and Blast June 25 from 6 - 10pm at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church Located at 1600 N. 291 Hwy. Liberty, MO (I-35 & 291 Hwy). FREE PATRIOTIC CELEBRATION! Bring a lawn chair or blanket and snag a spot on the west lawn. 6pm Kid-friendly activities, inflatables and food trucks. 7pm Glowsticks, giveaways and entertainment. 8pm Patriotic program, including a salute to veterans and honored guest speaker, Major F. Damon Friedman, a part of the Extraction Team in the Valley of Death in Afganistan. Fireworks will begin at dark. *In case of inclement weather, music and program will be held inside church Saturday evening. Fireworks will be shot off Sunday night, June 26.
Freedom Celebration: Greenwood June 25 at Hitt Park, Greenwood, MO. Gates open at 4:00 p.m., Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.at Greenwood.
The Freedom Celebration is an annual event that is held the Saturday before the 4th of July each year. There are rides and games for kids of all ages. Special events change each year, keeping the festival fun and exciting. Local vendors are on site as well as a car show and live music. The concession stand offers an expanded menu with prices that are the best in town. Stay late for the firework display after sunset. This is the biggest event from Greenwood's Parks and Recreation. Volunteers are always welcome. Freedom Fest parking at Hitt Park is limited to those with Handicap tags and parking passes. Please us parking and free shuttle service at Fellowship of Greenwood on Main Street (150 Highway). Gates open at 4:00 p.m., Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Wristbands for rides and arcade games are $10.00. Children under 3 are free.
Parkville July 4 Celebration July 4 at Downtown Parkville (110 Main Street Parkville, MO). Bring the entire family for a taste of good old-fashioned Americana! Our traditional salute to Independence Day includes pancakes for breakfast, a community parade, carnival rides, lots of food, fun, games, shopping, music and, of course, our fabulous fireworks finale.
19th Century Fireworks July 7 from 6-9pm at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm (1200 Kansas City Road Olathe, KS). Enjoy low profile ground based old-fashioned 19th century fireworks to celebrate Independence Day! Bring your picnic, lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy activities on the historic Mahaffie grounds. FREE admission! (some activities carry an extra fee) Mahaffie activities are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.-includes stagecoach rides ($3/person ages 3 & up), visiting the Mahaffie House, Agricultural Heritage Livestock Barn and Heritage Center, blacksmith and cookstove demonstrations. Enjoy 19th Century batting practice, all ages and skill levels welcome. Learn more about 1860s baseball rules by learning with other players. Decorate your bicycle, stroller or wagon to help celebrate America. Parade on Mahaffie grounds begins at 7 p.m.
Olathe Civic Band Concert at 7:30 p.m. Sing along to Patriotic Music. Reading of the Declaration of Independence at 9:15 p.m. followed by a cannon firing. 19th century ground display fireworks begin at dark, approximately at 9:30 p.m.-these fireworks are set display pieces viewed only while on the Mahaffie grounds. Food available for purchase. Boy Scout Troop 494 will have funnel cakes, fried Oreos, hot dogs and more for sale. Doc's Root Beer available for purchase.Parking available at the Heritage Center parking lot. Oreos, hot dogs and more for sell. Doc's Root Beer available for purchase. Parking available at the Heritage Center parking lot.
Lee's Summit Legacy Blast Fireworks Extravaganza July 1 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at Legacy Park (NE Legacy Park Drive Lees Summit, MO). Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation and the City of Lee’s Summit invite you to a free fireworks extravaganza. Bring the family and blankets for fun under the stars. Legacy Park will open at 6pm via the south entrance of Legacy Park and close at 9pm. Parking is available in the Baseball, Football, Softball & Soccer Venue Lots located off of Legacy Park Drive (between Colbern & Langsford Rds, E of 291, W of 7 Hwy). In case of rain, join us at the same time and same place on July 3. For more information call Lee's Summit Parks & Recreation at 816.969.1500. To check the status of the event that day, call 816.969.1516 x 7
Liberty 4th Fest July 4, Liberty, Mo. Food trucks, beer garden, family activities, fireworks.
Independence Day Celebration: Lansing July 1 from 6:00 pm until 9:30 pm at Kenneth W. Bernard (15650 Gilman Road Lansing, KS). Another large community activity is Lansing’s Independence Celebration. The event begins at 6:00 pm with inflatable rides for the kids along with various food vendors. When the sun sets, the fireworks display begins as the community begins its Annual Independence Day Celebration. This is one of the largest displays in the area and is timed to music. The event has free parking and free admission.
Fireworks in Kearney July 3 at 7:30 pm at Kearney Amphitheatre. Free to the Public Event. Concert Begins at 7:30pm. Fireworks Begin at 9:30pm. Fireworks music on 96.9 FM. Spectators Encouraged to Have Vehicles Parked Prior to 9:00pm. Free Inflatable Attractions for Children. Camping for $20 fee (1 Night Only) - Reservations Required. Concessions Available for Purchase. Bring Lawn Chairs and/or Blankets.
Booms & Blooms Festival at Powell Gardens NOTE FROM POWELL GARDENS ON 6/30: We are sad to announce that, due to predicted inclement weather, this weekend's Booms and Blooms Festival has been canceled. However, we are rescheduling for Labor Day weekend, and there is still fun to be had this Saturday - all included with regular admission! Ernest James Zydeco Band will be performing in the Grand Hall from 4-6 p.m. (beer and wine will be available for purchase), Mr. Bones (life-size walking, talking dino skeleton puppet) will be roaming the Visitor Center from 2-6 p.m., and Tadley's Homemade Ice Cream will be here all weekend. Don't miss our fun rainy day party!
Independence Day Fireworks Display: Westwood July 3 from 9:30 pm until 10:30 pm at St. Agnes Athletic Field in Westwood, KS. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 or dusk. Be sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Attendees are encouraged to walk to this event, as parking space is limited. The display is sponsored by the Cities of Westwood, Fairway, Mission Woods, Roeland Park & Westwood Hills. In case of inclement weather, this event will be held on July 8th at the same location and time.
Museum Open for Independence Day July 4 at National World War I Museum and Memorial (100 West 26th Street Kansas City , MO). Steeped in history, the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial is America’s only museum dedicated to sharing the stories of the Great War through the eyes of those who lived it. Interactive displays, thought-provoking films and eyewitness testimonies help guide visitors through one of the largest collections of WWI artifacts in the world. From the first shots fired in 1914 to the last attempts at peace in 1919, this award-winning museum offers a global perspective of “The War to End All Wars,” and includes firsthand accounts from the battlefield and home front alike.
Celebrate Independence in Lenexa July 4. Lace up for the Lenexa Freedom Run on Monday, July 4, at 7 a.m. in Old Town Lenexa. The festive Community Days Parade follows at 10 a.m.
KC River Fest July 4 from 4-11pm at Richard L. Berkley Riverfront Park (1298 Riverfront Dr., KC, MO). Celebrate the 4th of July with the LARGEST fireworks show in the Midwest plus two stages of music, kids activities, tons of food vendors and more.
Independence Day at Missouri Town 1855 July 4 from 9:00 am until 4:15 pm at Missouri Town 1855, Fleming Park in Blue Springs, MO. Experience Independence Day in the 1850's at this historic antebellum village. The Missouri Town 1855 celebration provides the perfect setting for a fun-filled day of activities. Highlight your day when you join in our July 4th parade along the village streets! (pictured left) Admission Charged.
Independence Day at Fort Osage July 4 from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm at Ft. Osage in Sibley, MO. Celebrate the anniversary of American independence at Fort Osage. Interpretive demonstrations, highlighting life on the early 19th century frontier to include musket and cannon demonstrations and patriotic speeches, make this a perfect place to celebrate our Country's independence! Admission Charged.
Independence Day at the Farmstead July 4 from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead (13800 Switzer Rd. Overland Park, KS). Independence Day at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead is a great way to get the entire family involved in some patriotic fun. Patriotic attire welcome. Be sure to decorate your bike for the parade. Admission Charged.
Celebrate America at Worlds of Fun July 1-4 at Worlds of Fun (4545 Worlds of Fun Ave Kansas City , MO). Worlds of Fun lights up the sky with a huge fireworks show at 10pm each night. Stay cool at Oceans of Fun until 9pm July 1-3! Complimentary admission for Veterans of the American Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard on July 4.
4th of July July 4, 5-9:30pm at Leawood City Park. The City of Leawood is proud of the excitement and tradition that the annual 4th of JulyCelebration brings to the community. Leawood City Park will be the site for a variety of new and traditional family festivities. Enjoy some great entertainment, participate in games and enjoy a variety of food vendors.
Star Spangled Spectacular July 4 from 4:00 pm until 11:00 pm at Corporate Woods (8717 W. 110th St., Overland Park, KS). Music, family activities to celebrate our country's birth and veterans. This year marks the 25th annual event presented by Rotary Club Overland Park.
Olathe Fireworks July 4, at the College Boulevard Activity Complex (CBAC), 11031 S. Valley Parkway, at 9:30 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early and be prepared for high traffic volumes. Parking will be available at: Olathe Northwest High School (21300 College Boulevard), Meadow Lane Elementary (21880 College Boulevard), College Boulevard Activity Complex (11031 S. Valley Parkway), Prairie Trail Middle School, as well as CBAC athletic fields, stadium stands, and concession areas will not be accessible during this event. Tailgating is permitted at Olathe District Schools facilities; however, fireworks, open flames, and alcohol are prohibited. Restrooms will not be available on-site. July 5 is the rain date in the event of inclement weather.
Harrisonville Hometown Celebration July 4, Harrisonville City Park. Fireworks at dusk. Live entertainment. Food. Face Painting & Bounce Houses.
Independence Day & Fireworks in Raymore July 4 from 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm at Recreation Park (1021 S. Madison Raymore, MO). Celebrate the Fourth of July with the Raymore Parks and Recreation Department.
Platte City Fireworks Display July 4, 9:45 at High School Pirates Stadium 1501 Branch Street Platte City, MO. Sponsored by Platte City Parks and Recreation. Patriotic Music & Fireworks.FREE Admission
4th of July Fireworks: Gardner July 4. Kick off your day’s events at the Gardner Aquatic Center. The pool will open EARLY at 11:00 am and close EARLY at 6 pm! We will have treats and giveaways to the first 200 people to enter. DJ Phil will be poolside playing your favorite music. In honor of July 4th, the Gardner Aquatic Center will be letting all military with valid ID and veterans in for free! From 3pm-10pm celebrate at Celebration Park and Sports Complex (32501 W. 159th St. Gardner, KS). Enjoy one of the best July 4th celebrations in the region with live music, food vendors, kids' activities and fireworks!! Join us on Monday, July 4th at Celebration Park as Gardner Parks and Recreation will be bringing you one of the best July 4th celebrations in the region. Live music, food vendors, out of this world bounce houses, face painting, portable zip lines, interactive entertainment and one of the best fireworks displays in the area! Kicking off the entertainment Monday afternoon will be Rusty Laffoon. He'll be followed by Sara Morgan, and then Big Time Grain Company. All leading up to this year's headliner-- Chase Bryant! Entertainment starts at 3:00 p.m.! Be sure to get there early to save yourself a seat and enjoy all the fun we've got planned!
Jackson County’s 4th of July Celebration July 4 at 5:30 - 11:00 pm at Longview Lake Shelter #13 in Lee's Summit, MO. Event Highlights include: FREE CONCERTS with 80's chart toppers THE ROMANTICS ("That's What I Like About You") and local country rockers BARB WIRE REVOLT; FREE TMC Kid's Blast Zone with games and inflatables; MILITARY SALUTES and SKYDIVE KC; 14 food trucks and beverage concessions serving BBQ, Burgers, Mexican, Asian Fusion, Cajun, Kettle Corn, Ice Cream, Funnel Cakes and more! And the largest and most colorful FIREWORKS in the Midwest... simulcast on 94.9 KCMO! ADMISSION IS FREE! NO coolers, grills, pets or fireworks permitted. Food Trucks and concessions available for purchase. No ATM on-site. Please plan accordingly. Don't miss the fun on the shores of Longview Lake!
Independence Day Celebration: Gladstone July 4 from 7:00 pm until 11:00 pm at Oak Grove Park (NE 76th St. and N. Troost Gladstone, MO). The evening begins at 7:00 p.m. with a concert by the Toni Gates Ensemble followed with a concert by the North Star Community Band, presentation of the Colors and a magnificent fireworks display at dusk. Parking will be available at Oak Park High School. To ensure your safety, Gladstone Public Safety Officers will be directing traffic. Reminder: Gladstone ordinances prohibit discharging fireworks within the city limits.
Red, White & Blue Springs July 4 at Blue Springs High School (2000 NW Ashton Dr. Blue Springs, MO). Come celebrate the 4th with various fireworks displays! Gates open at 6 PM, Live Music starts at 7:30PM and fireworks will begin around 9:30 PM!