Summer is in full swing, and July brings some of the best family-friendly festivals in Kansas City. From Fourth of July traditions and historic celebrations to arts festivals, county fairs, butterflies and FIFA World Cup excitement, there are plenty of ways to make summer memories across the metro.
July is packed with reasons to get out and celebrate across Kansas City. For the best patriotic events, fireworks celebrations and Fourth of July fun for KC families, visit our Fourth of July Fun Guide.
And while you are planning your summer weekends, do not miss the Kansas City area farmers markets happening every weekend and on select weekdays. Browse our Kansas City Farmers Market Guide to find fresh produce, local treats, flowers and family-friendly market stops near you.
KC Fringe Festival
July 16-26 | Kansas City metro venues
The KC Fringe Festival is Kansas City’s largest celebration of independent arts and culture. Discover two weeks of theater, dance, film, music and visual arts created by local, national and international artists. Review individual show details when choosing performances for your family.
Explore the 2026 KC Fringe Festival
Amelia Earhart Festival
July 17-18 | Atchison, Kansas
Take a short road trip to Atchison for the annual Amelia Earhart Festival, celebrating the aviation pioneer’s 129th birthday. The weekend includes live music, food vendors, crafts, family activities, aviation-themed fun and the crowd-favorite Concert in the Sky fireworks show.
See the Amelia Earhart Festival schedule
Summer Fest
July 18 | Central Park at Zona Rosa, Kansas City
Celebrate summer at Zona Rosa’s Summer Fest, a lively pop-up shopping event with more than 80 local vendors, carnival games, a DJ dance party, food trucks and family activities. Kids can compete for prizes, try the golf simulator and explore special activities and deals from Zona Rosa shops and restaurants.
Plan your visit to Summer Fest at Zona Rosa
Family Fun Day: Roar and Score
July 18 | Midwest Genealogy Center, Independence
Get ready for a dino-sized day of play at the Midwest Genealogy Center. Kids can stomp like a T-Rex, kick like a soccer star, make hands-on crafts, enjoy StoneLion Puppet Theatre’s performance of The Tiny Roar and explore a real fire truck.
For more information on Family Fun Day: Roar and Score
Kansas City’s Lawn Party
July 19 | Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Bring a blanket and enjoy a big summer bash at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. This free celebration includes local food trucks, live music, art activities, lawn games, a pop-up playground and family fun stretching from the museum’s south lawn to Theis Park.
Register for Kansas City’s Lawn Party
Festival of Butterflies at Powell Gardens
July 16-Aug. 2 | Powell Gardens, Kingsville
Festival of Butterflies returns for its 30th year at Powell Gardens. Spend the day exploring tropical and native butterflies, colorful botanical displays and outdoor family activities at one of Kansas City’s favorite summer traditions.
Plan a visit to Festival of Butterflies
Platte County Fair
July 22-25 | Platte County Fairgrounds, Platte City
Enjoy carnival rides and games, 4-H exhibits, a petting zoo, demolition derby, rodeo events, live music and fair food during this longtime Northland tradition.
Find Platte County Fair details and tickets.
Johnson County Fair
July 25-Aug. 1 | Johnson County Fairgrounds, Gardner
Celebrate local agriculture and community at the Johnson County Fair. Families can explore livestock exhibits, food and vendors, enjoy the carnival midway and attend special arena and stage events throughout fair week.
Find Johnson County Fair details and arena tickets
FIFA Fan Festival™ Kansas City
Select dates through July 11 | National WWI Museum and Memorial
Experience the energy of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ at the free FIFA Fan Festival™ Kansas City. Enjoy big-screen match viewing, live entertainment, local and global food and drinks, interactive fan experiences and a lively atmosphere on the National WWI Museum and Memorial’s south lawn. Digital passes are required.
Reserve FIFA Fan Festival™ passes and view the schedule
Leavenworth County Fair
July 28-Aug. 1 | Leavenworth County Fairgrounds, Tonganoxie
Wrap up July with carnival rides, games, animal exhibits, contests, derby events, food and classic small-town fair fun in Tonganoxie. LeavenworthCountyFair.com
More Summer Fun in Kansas City
Looking for even more family fun this summer? Check out our 4th of July Fun Guide, Summer Movies Guide, our Favorite Local Parks & Playgrounds, the Ultimate U-Pick Farms Guide, Best Splash Pads and Ice Cream Stops in Kansas City and Family-Friendly Events happening all across Kansas City this season.