Kansas City's Great Balloon & Puppet Glow

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Join us for a radiant summer evening at Kansas City’s Great Balloon AND Puppet Glow!

For its third annual event, the National WWI Museum and Memorial is joining with StoneLion Puppet Theatre, in partnership with Cumulus Radio, to bring you the brightest event in your summer line-up.

Beginning at 4 p.m. the public is invited to gather on the Museum and Memorial grounds with friends and family to listen to live music, grab a bite to eat from dozens of local food trucks and picnic.

As the sun sets, the night sky will shine bright with magnificent and vibrant displays you will have to see to believe. On the North Lawn, rows of tethered hot air balloons will fire up their burners to create a canvas of color against the Kansas City skyline. On the south side of the Museum and Memorial, illuminated puppets, aerialists and glow performers will take you on a magnificent journey “around the world in 80 days.”

FREE to the public.

PLUS LIVE MUSIC including musical performances by Grand Marquis and Emma Jo!

Headlining artist Grand Marquis is a big brass powerhouse, weaving old stories in with new tales for the 21st century. American roots styles from Kansas City blues to Memphis soul blend with the exuberance of a New Orleans second line party. A mighty chorus of horns, a groove-heavy rhythm section, and big, soulful vocals highlight well-crafted original music. Their live performances are equal parts celebration of our collective musical heritage, and hope for a brighter future together.

Emma Jo deftly navigates the gap between Bruce Springsteen and Shania Twain, developing a sweet brand of Americana and country that highlights her hard-hitting storytelling abilities and influences of rock & roll. She has spent the better part of her life latching onto a deep-rooted passion for music and performing, driving her personal conflicts into musical masterpieces that bring out the most authentic versions of herself.

WHY BALLOONS? Balloons were primarily used in WWI to collect reconnaissance. Miles above the front lines, balloon observers could watch their enemies’ movements on the battlefield out of range of ground fire.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Saturday, August 19, 2023

Free to the public

See more FAQs: https://www.theworldwar.org/balloonglow