Kansas City's 4th of July Guide

Kansas City celebrates Independence Day with a bang! Read carefully... our guide includes both events with and without fireworks.

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!

• USS Kansas City Flag Raising Ceremony to Kick Off Holiday Weekend

  Naval crew members and Commanding Officer Christopher Brusca of the USS Kansas City (LCS-22) will conduct a flag raising ceremony in front of Union Station. Fittingly, the crew will raise an American Flag flown on the USS Kansas City.

• Flags for Freedom

  Each year, Downtown Merriam and the surrounding area transforms into perfect rows of patriotic pride as Flags 4 Freedom volunteers place more than 1,500 United States flags at the Merriam Marketplace.

• Red, White and Zoo

  Have a blast this Independence Day at the Kansas City Zoo. Many of our animals will be receiving special patriotic enrichment to celebrate. Coloring sheets and crayons will be available in the lobby near our themed backdrop.

• American Adventure at Wonders of Wildlife

  Trek across land and sea, discovering fascinating friends along the way. Enjoy our themed activities to celebrate the creatures and habitats of the Americas.

• Spirit of America Celebration: Raymore

  Free admission, live music, food trucks and concessions, activities and fireworks at dusk!

• 1860's Independence Day Celebration

  Enjoy 1860's living history activities such as visiting the blacksmith shop and 1865 farmhouse, and riding the stagecoach. A reading of the Declaration of Independence takes place at noon. Regular site admission applies.

• Liberty 4th Fest

  DJ ​Inflatables Balloon Animals Face Painting and Tattoo Artists Fishing- bring your own fishing pole

• 1860's Independence Day Celebration

  Enjoy 1860's living history activities such as visiting the blacksmith shop and 1865 farmhouse, and riding the stagecoach. A reading of the Declaration of Independence takes place at noon. Regular site admission applies.

• Stars & Stripes Picnic

  Come celebrate Independence Day with us! The Museum and Memorial, in partnership with Cumulus Radio, invites the public to gather on the south side of the Museum for the Stars and Stripes Picnic.

• Greenwood Freedom Fest

  Freedom Fest is an outdoor event with live music, local vendors, food trucks, rides and games, and a fireworks display that begins at 9:30pm. Event attendance is free with rides/games packages available for pre-order and purchase at the gate. Vis...

• VillageFest To Go

  VillageFest To Go will be a drive-through event. Residents are invited to decorate their car and parade through the municipal campus, 7700 Mission Road to see emergency vehicles and public works vehicles.

• Independence Day at Missouri Town 1855

  Celebrate our country’s independence as our forefathers did. Patriotic speeches, children’s games, period cooking and dancing are just a few of the many interpretative activities you’ll find as you explore the mid-19th century village.

• Red, White & Blue Springs

  Join us as we celebrate Independence Day this year. The event will be held at Blue Springs South High School at the Larry Stewart Memorial Stadium.

• Independence Day Festival: Gardner

  Country music fans are in for a special treat at this year’s celebration which will feature two well-known artists in the industry - music sensation Dylan Scott and rising star Coffey Anderson.

• Ward Parkway Center

  Ward Parkway Four on the 4th

  Kick off your 4th of July with Uncle Sam's favorite race. Put on your red, white, and blue and run/walk 4-miles, the kiddos have a fun run too. All participants get a shirt/tank, medal, custom bib, free photos and patriotic snacks.

• Moonlight Movie Night - Independence Day

  Join us on the Independence Square for a summer tradition. Come early to shop, grab dinner or take a walk visiting our public art or a historic plaque tour.

• Bill Harrision

  Lenexa Freedom Run

  Start Independence Day weekend with a 5K or 10K at the Lenexa Freedom Run. This is a family-friendly event with more than 1,300 participants. We welcome runners, walkers and strollers in the race. Both the 5K and 10K courses are USATF-certifie...

• Nature Art: Red, Wild & Blue

  We will use nature and the sun to make cyanotypes: a photographic printing process that uses the sun and water to make a cyan-blue print of natural found objects like leaves and grasses that we will collect on a walk around our big backyard.

• Overland Park Star Spangled Spectacular

  Visitors can enter Corporate Woods Founders’ Park at any time on the holiday. Indian Creek Parkway, between building 40 and the grassy lawn of the park will close around 7 p.m. for the event. The fireworks will begin at approximately 9:45 p.m.

• KC Air Show featuring The USAF Thunderbirds

  Tickets Tickets purchased for the postponed 2020 air show will be honored for the 2021 show. Because many tickets have already been sold, there are limited tickets remaining for 2021, especially for premium seating areas and premium parking.