KC's 4th of July Guide

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.

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!

Kansas City's Patriotic Celebrations:

Taps at the Tower June 16 - 22 nightly at 8:45 pm at National World War I Museum and Memorial, 2 Memorial Drive, 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. Taps at the Tower links the beauty and simplicity of the Taps bugle call with the symbolism of the Liberty Memorial. 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 Liberty Memorial Tower to experience Taps being played during a brief, moving ceremony. The event will occur rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Paul Sunderland Bridge inside the Museum and Memorial. The National WWI Museum and Memorial is a civic pillar in Kansas City and is a point of pride to the people in the region. Rising from patriotic and citizen initiative, the Memorial is a gathering place for ceremonies and memorials that honor those who served the nation.

Fireworks at Evangel June 22 from 5-10 pm at Evangel Church, 1414 E. 103rd Street, Kansas City, MO. Free inflatables, cheap meal deals, and one of KC's premier fireworks displays! 

Lansing's Independence Day Celebration June 28 from 6-10 pm at Kenneth W. Bernard Community Park, 15650 Gilman Road, Lansing, KS. 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Inflatables and rides for the kids ($12 wristbands or $1/attraction) along with lots of food and beverages. This is one of the largest displays in the area and is timed to music. Local DJ Jeremiah Nichol will provide music for the evening. The event has free parking until 7 pm. and free admission. Parking is $1 after 7 pm. The field opens to the public at 5:30 pm. There will be motorcycle and ADA parking on the field. There will be free parking and a shuttle from Lansing High School. Bring your chair! The last shuttle from LHS is at 9:15 pm and the gates close at 9:30 pm. The rain date is Saturday, June 29.

Parked- Food Trucks, Fireworks, Music, & Fun! June 28 from 5:30-10 pm at Stump Park, 4751 Woodland Dr., Shawnee, KS. Enjoy Food Trucks, Music, Fireworks, Youth Cyclocross, bounce houses, and fun for the whole family! Enjoy a band and other special performances! Fireworks are at 9:30 pm.

Flags 4 Freedom June 29 - July 6 at Merriam Marketplace, 5740 Merriam Dr., Merriam, KS. View an astonishing patriotic display of more than 1,500 United States flags in downtown Merriam during this week-long event. Enjoy a FREE concert by the Greater Kansas City American Legion Band at 1:00 pm on July 4th.  Sponsor a flag to honor active military personnel, veterans, friends and loved ones by purchasing a dedication ribbon for $15.  All proceeds benefit the Merriam Parks, Recreation, and Community Center Foundation. 

Spirit of America Celebration June 29 from 7-10 pm at Recreation Park, 1011 S. Madison St, Raymore, MO. Join us for live music, food trucks, games and activities for children and fireworks! The fun starts at 7 pm. with fireworks at dusk. 

Freedom Festival June 29 from 4-10 pm at Hitt Park, 907 S Allendale Lake Rd, Greenwood, MO. Activities include rides/inflatables, games for kids of all ages. Enjoy shopping with an eclectic group of vendors as well as a wide variety of food from KC area food trucks. Stroll through our always popular Car Show while listening to live music and make sure to stay late for the firework display. 

Family Fireworks Spectacular June 29 from 7:30-10:30 pm at Cass County Fairgrounds, 308 W Commercial St, Pleasant Hill, MO. The event will include a fireworks production from one of the top pyrotechnics companies in the Midwest and the fireworks will be some of the biggest and best you have seen! Additional activities include: Bounce Houses, Face Painting, Games, Outdoor Food and Drinks, Live Music, Raffle Prizes and much more!

Red, White & Zoo June 29, 30 and July 4 at Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, MO. In honor of our Independence Day, active and retired military individuals receive FREE admission to the Kansas City Zoo on Saturday, June 29, Sunday, June 30, and Thursday, July 4. Families of active and retired military individuals will receive $1 off regular Kansas City Zoo admission. Come enjoy special activities and 4th of July themed enrichment.

Bonner Blast June 29 from 8:30 - 10:30 pm at Kelly Murphy Park, 441 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd S,, Bonner Springs, KS. Bring a chair and a friend and enjoy an evening of music, then stay for (what we think) is the best fireworks show in town.

Booms & Blooms June 29 at Powell Gardens, 1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, MO. Enjoy a beautiful palette of floral color on land and fantastic display in the air provided by our new fireworks partner, Premier Pyrotechnics. Plan to arrive early to check out the summer exhibition "Nature Connects: Art with LEGO Bricks" and then stake out a lakeside seat to watch the fireworks. Guests can partake in hands-on activities and enjoy the musical stylings of the Lee's Summit Symphony. Festival admission and parking fees apply, free for members. Gardens open at 9 am fireworks begin at dusk. Rain Date: Sunday, June 30

Kearney's Fireworks July 3 from 7-10 pm at Kearney Amphitheatre, 3001 33rd Hwy, Kearney, MO. Enjoy your 4th of July celebration at the Kearney Amphitheatre!

Independence Day Celebration July 3 from 7-10 pm at Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Pageant Grounds & Mormon Visitor Center, 937 W. Walnut, Independence, MO. Red Head Express, an American country music band consisting of four sisters, will perform outdoors live on a lighted stage. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy this amazing performance (hosted by the Independence Missouri Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). Snacks, shaved ice and pizza will be available for purchase. 9 pm: Spirit of Independence Concert Band 9:30 pm: Fireworks Display.

Liberty 4th Fest July 3 from 5:30-10 pm at 2200 Old State Hwy 210, Liberty, MO. Enjoy free family fun activities, a beer garden, food trucks, live music, and fireworks on Independence Day at Fountain Bluff Sports Complex. 

Parkville 4th of July Celebration July 3-6 at Historic Downtown Parkville, 122 South Main Street, Parkville, MO. Parkville starts the Independence Day celebration July 3rd with the Fun Times Show Carnival – family fun for everyone! Parkville’s traditional salute to Independence Day on the 4th includes a pancake breakfast, a community parade, carnival rides, food, fun, games, shopping, music and, of course, our fabulous fireworks finale at 9:45 pm.

Legacy Blast July 3 from 6-10 pm at Legacy Park, 1501 NE Legacy Park Dr, Lee's Summit, MO. (Rain-out Date: Friday, July 5, 2019) Gates open at 6:00 PM. Fireworks start around 9:30 PM. Concessions, free face-painting, balloon artists, and bounce houses for kids 12 and under.

FREE Fun on the 4th July 4 from 9am-5pm at Truman Presidential Library. Enjoy a day of free family fun to celebrate America’s 243rd Independence Day. Come together and make memories with free admission to the Library and entertaining activities for all ages. The whole family will enjoy delicious, festive cookies before or after taking in the museum (while supplies last). Kids will be especially excited to spend time at Truman coloring tables stocked with patriotic coloring sheets and supplies. At 2 p.m. everyone can enjoy a screening of “Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero,” the charming and true story of a canine mascot from World War I.Come celebrate the Fourth of July and enjoy the Truman Library before it closes for a massive renovation project on July 22. Admission to the museum and participation in all Fourth of July activities will be free and open to the public.

Fourth of July Celebration at Worlds of Fun July 4 at Worlds Of Fun, 4545 Worlds of Fun Avenue, Kansas City. 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. N/A. Help us celebrate the founding of the good ole US of A with fanfare to delight and entertain everyone. Join us for a full day of 4th of July activities, including thrill rides, splashtastic waves at Oceans of Fun, giggles at Planet Snoopy and much more. Come hungry for an unforgettable 4th of July barbecue with tasty home-style eats from the all-new Cotton Blossom BBQ restaurant as well as delicious treats from other venues throughout the park. When night falls, stay for an Independence Day event to knock your sparklers off with one of the area's most impressive displays of 4th of July fireworks. Enjoy the enthralling radiant bursts and brilliant shimmers complemented by a patriotic soundtrack. To make this event even better, current and past military members (with a valid ID) get to share in the 4th of July celebration activities for FREE with complimentary admission on July 4, 2019. As a bonus, they can bring up to six guests for only $39 each!

Gladstone Fireworks July 4 from 7-10 pm at Oak Grove Park, 7656 N Troost Ave, Gladstone, MO. Enjoy your 4th of July celebration at the amphitheater in Oak Grove Park!

Village Fest July 4 at 77th and Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS. The festivities will begin at 7:30 am with a Pancake Breakfast ($5/plate) supplied by Chris Cakes. Also enjoy craft show, pie baking contest, and family fun. Activities from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm include Tornado ride, Quad jump, Trackless train, Spirit Award ceremony, Child Craft center, Inflatable slides, Bounce houses, Face painting, Wacky hair, Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Clement McCrae Puppets, Displays and demonstrations by Police and Fire District #2, Classic car show, Mr. Bones and LIVE MUSIC throughout the day. Participate in the Children's Parade - bring your bikes, trikes, wagons, roller skates! No registration required.

Stilwell 4th of July Parade & Fireworks July 4 at 193rd and Metcalf, Stilwell, KS. Schedule: 5 pm - Parade Registration and Line Up (192nd Street). From 4:30 - 6:30 the United Methodist Church will have a hot dog and chilled water stand at 193rd and Metcalf. Decorate your bike, golf cart, build a float and register to be in the parade.

6 pm - Stilwell Community Parade. 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Fourth of July Fireworks. Jam-N-Dogs will be selling hot dogs, water and candy type snacks. There will also be a concession trailer selling shaved ice, walking tacos and root beer floats! 9:30 pm - Fireworks Display  The fireworks will launch at KCPL Service Center at 199th Street and Newton in Stilwell Kansas. Grace Bible Church will host Kids Games on the KCPL property starting at 7:30 pm. Live DJ Music provided by Jeff Ponder.

Overland Park Star Spangled Spectacular July 4 from 5-10 pm at Corporate Woods, 9711 W. 109th St., Overland Park, KS. Live musical performances will include State Line Drive and headliner Noe Palma. Food trucks will be on hand all evening, leading up to a fireworks performance once the sun goes down. Approximately 9:45 pm. - Fireworks begin. Rain date - July 5 (fireworks only, no concessions or live music). You may bring beverages and food into the park, coolers will be allowed, however, we ask that you do not bring glass containers. We will also have Food trucks and vendors who can sell you cold beverages, beer, a variety of food and cold novelties. This is an outdoor event in a city park, please plan on bringing a lawn chair and/or blanket for seating. No pop-up tents or canopies are allowed.

Ward Parkway Four on the 4th July 4 at 7:30 am at Ward Parkway Center, 8600 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO.  Run/walk 4 miles along Ward Parkway to celebrate Independence Day. Participants receive a shirt, festive giveaways, patriotic snacks, and finisher medals as bold and charming as the American dream!

Celebrate the 4th at the Farm July 4 at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, 13800 Switzer Rd., Overland Park, KS. Celebrate Independence Day at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead. This is a great way to get the entire family involved in some patriotic fun. Patriotic attire welcome. Bring your decorated bike and ride in the parade.

Old fashioned games on the lawn, Patriotic Lessons (Helen's Country Schoolhouse), Chalk Walk (Apple Orchard), Pig Calling Contest (10 am) on Gayle's Exploration Outpost, all ages, Bike Parade (11 am) Bring your bike and take a cruise around the main loop. No fireworks allowed.

Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival July 4 from 11 am - 10 pm at Reynolds Lodge, Lake Shawnee, 3315 SE Tinman Cir, Topeka, KS. Opening ceremonies begin at approximately 11:00 am and music continues until dark. The festival ends with a spectacular fireworks show lighting up the sky, sponsored by Capitol Federal Savings and Loan. Attendees may bring shade tents (there will be a designated area), coolers/food, blankets and chairs. There are Food Trucks and Arts and Crafts vendors near the festival area.

Olathe Fireworks July 4 starting at 9:45 pm at the College Boulevard Activity Center, 11031 S Valley Road, Olathe, KS.  This year, spectators can download the J&M Displays app on Android or iPhone where music will be synced to the show.​

KC Riverfest July 4 from 4-10 pm at Berkley Riverfront,  Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO. $5/ea - cash only. KC RiverFest is the premier Independence Day celebration in the region. Celebrate the 4th of July with the BEST fireworks show in the region, plus two stages of music, including a performance from the USAF Band of Mid-America's Jazz Ensemble! Featuring family-friendly entertainment and activities, an abundance of food vendors and refreshing beverages, KC RiverFest is the ultimate Independence Day celebration.

Independence Day at Missouri Town 1855 July 4 from 9 am - 4:30 pm at Missouri Town 1855, 8010 E. Park Rd, Lee's Summit, MO. Experience the festivities as the Missouri Town staff and volunteers celebrate America's Independence. Patriotic speeches, children's games, period cooking, dancing, and militia marches are a few of the many interpretive activities. Everyone is invited to join with the staff and volunteers as they march down the main road in the traditional Missouri Town Independence Parade!

Platte City Fireworks Display July 4 from 9 - 11 pm at Platte Ridge Park, 17130 371 HWY Platte City, Platte City, MO. Fireworks Display approximately 9 pm depending on darkness. There will be a shuttle by bus starting 8 pm from Harrel Ferrel Parking Lot to Platte Ridge Park throughout the evening.

Freedom Run July 4 at 7 am at Old Town Lenexa, Santa Fe Trail Drive & Pflumm Road, Lenexa, KS. Join 1,600 of your closest friends and start your Independence Day off with a 5K or 10K at the Lenexa Freedom Run. This is a family-friendly event celebrating our country's independence welcoming runners, walkers and strollers in the race.

4th of July Celebration in Weston, MO July 4 at Historic Main Street District, Weston, MO. Enjoy a hometown parade, games, kids activities, nd McCormick on Main street dance on Main Street. Fireworks presented by Weston Masonic Lodge will conclude the evening beginning at 9:45 pm. Bring your blanket or chairs and watch the sky light up. Main Street and the City parking lot will be closed to traffic.

4th of July Celebration: Gardner, KS July 4 at Celebration Park, 32501 W. 159th St., Gardner, KS. Enjoy live music, food vendors, entertainment and one of the best fireworks displays in the area!

4th of July Celebration: Leawood, KS July 4 from 6-10 pm at Leawood City Park, 10601 Lee Boulevard, Leawood, KS. Featuring Live Music by The Mikey Needleman Band. Leawood City Park will be the site for a variety of new and traditional family festivities. Enjoy some great entertainment, participate in contests/games and enjoy a variety of food vendors. Parking will not be available in City Park. There will be free parking along Tomahawk Creek Parkway and free shuttle buses will be available for transportation to and from City Park. Handicap parking will be available in the park with the display of Handicap Accessible tags or placards FREE General Admission

All access Ride Activity Bands (for children 14 and under) - $5.00 Cash only. City Park will be closed to all vehicles on Thursday, July 4. 

Community Days Parade: Lenexa July 4 at Old Town Lenexa, Santa Fe Trail Drive & Pflumm Road, Lenexa, KS. The Community Days Parade is an annual hometown tradition that draws thousands to Old Town to celebrate Independence Day. Our parade is one of the longest Fourth of July parades in the Kansas City area.

Smithville Lake Fireworks July 4 at Smithville Lake, Smithville, MO. 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Enjoy Smithville's 4th of July fireworks display at Smithville Lake!

Family Fun Night: Yard Games in the A/C July 6 from 6 - 8 pm at Culture House Stage and Studio, 11149 W 95th Street, Overland Park, KS. Don't let your family's Independence Day Celebrations end!  Head on over to The Culture House's Stage and Studio at Oak Park Mall for some (Indoor) Yard games!  Beat the heat in the AC, while playing all of your favorite outdoor games including corn hole, yard Jenga and MORE! Registration includes all the backyard favorites including games, drinks, hot dogs & chips! PRE-REGISTER HERE: https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheCultureHouseInc/JulyFamilyFunNight

Mahaffie Independence Celebration July 11 from 6-10pm at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm, 1200 E Kansas City Rd, Olathe, KS. FREE. Independence Day 1860s style, complete with low-profile fireworks! Enjoy a concert from the Olathe Civic Band at 7:30 p.m., cookstove and blacksmith demonstrations and stagecoach rides $3/person ages 3 and up. Pie, ice cream and lemonade available for purchase. Decorate your bicycle, wagon or stroller for the annual patriotic parade! 1860s Fireworks begin approximately at 9:30 p.m. You must be on the grounds to view the fireworks as they are non-aerial. 

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.