Fireworks, Parades, Festivals, Picnics and Music! Kansas City knows how to celebrate Independence Day! Follow this guide to discover wonderful Independence Day Traditions or revisit those that are familiar.
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.
4th of July in Kansas City 2010
Ongoing 4th of July Events:
Flags For Freedom June 26- July 5 Merriam Marketplace. Over 3,000 American Flags on Display. Concerts, Ceremonies, and Festivities throughout the event honoring the American Armed Services. 913.384.5440 www.flags4freedom.org
Marketplace concerts (Music listeners should bring their lawn chairs.):
- Wednesday, June 30 at 6:30 Skip Hawkins - Jazz (This concert is part of the Merriam Parks and Recreation concert series.
- Friday, July 2, 51% Blues (Sponsored by Flags 4 Freedom)
- Saturday, July 3 Dog House Daddies (Sponsored by F4F)
Celebrate America at Worlds of Fun July 1 – August 1, World's of Fun. Celebrate America with special activities including special events, displays, fireworks, concerts, and more. World's of Fun Tickets range from $18-40. 816.454.4545 www.worldsoffun.com
4th of July on the Trails Every Thursday in July at 2:00 PM, National Frontier Trails Museum. Pioneers would hopefully reach Independence Rock by July 4th each year. This was an important milestone on their trek west, as it meant that their timing thus far was just about perfect. July 4th was also the only national holiday celebrated during their journey west. During this 30-minute guided tour we will explore how the pioneers celebrated and why the holiday was important to them. Regular museum admission rates. 816.325.7575 www.indepmo.org/nftm
Festivals, Parades, and Concerts:
Parkville 4th of July Festival July 1 - 4, English Landing Park. Carnival, Parade, and Fireworks in celebration of the 4th of July! 816.505.2227 www.ParkvilleMo.com
Schedule:
- Thursday, July 1- Carnival: 6:00 – 10:00 pm (wristband special $20 unlimited rides)
- Friday, July 2- Carnival: 6:00 – 10:00 pm (wristband special $20 unlimited rides)
- Saturday, July 3- Parade (63rd St. & Hwy 9 through Historic Parkville): 10:00 am, Carnival: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Sunday, July 4- Carnival: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Fireworks: 9:45 pm Fees charged for carnival rides and concessions. Fireworks & Parade are free.
U.S. Air Force Band Concert July 1 at 7:00 PM, Rotary Park. Blue Springs Parks & Recreation is proud to present the renowned USAF Mid-America band, Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble. Don't miss this 15 piece group. Bring your chairs and blankets. 816.228.0137
Rich Hill Famous for the 4th Celebration July 1 - 4, Rich Hill, MO. Carnival, Parade, and Fireworks in celebration of the 4th of July! www.richhillmo.com
U.S. Air Force Band Concert July 1 at 7:00 PM, Rotary Park. Blue Springs Parks & Recreation is proud to present the renowned USAF Mid-America band, Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble. Don't miss this 15 piece group. Bring your chairs and blankets. 816.228.0137
19th Century Fireworks and Concert July 1 at 7:00 PM, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Join the Olathe Civic Band as they offer a concert of patriotic music. After the concert, stay to enjoy a special show of 19th century fireworks by the Olathe Fire Department. Show your American pride and bring your decorated bike/stroller/wagon. The Gum Springs Serenaders will be playing after the Olathe Civic Band until dark. Fireworks will begin at dark. Bring your lawn chairs, blanket and picnic dinner to enjoy this patriotic celebration. All ages; free admission, special activities like stagecoach rides are $2/person, ages 3 and up. Free. 913.971.5111 www.mahaffie.org
Freedom Fling July 2 at 1:00 PM, Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center. Celebrate our nation’s birthday in the suns warm rays at the Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center. Contests will be held throughout the day to provide a fun, festive atmosphere for patrons of all ages. Grab a partner and join the Connect 4th of July Tournament! Other activities include a Tootsie Roll count contest, the hilarious Shave and Shot and Soda Splash. Prizes will be handed out to all participants as well as grand prize winners within each category. General Gate Admission charged. 913.631.0054 www.cityofshawnee.org
Hutchinson July 4th Parade July 3 at 9:00 AM, Hutchinson. Join The Kansas Cosmosphere in the Hutchinson July 4th parade. We will once again display our Shuttle float. Hope you can make it! 800.397.0330 www.cosmo.org
Let Freedom Ring 8th Annual Kids Parade July 3 at 9:30 AM, Independence Square. Decorate your bike, wagon or scooter, bring bells to ring, and wear red, white and blue for the annual Kids Parade. Gather at the parking lot at the corner of 23rd and Main Street at 9:30 a.m. Parade will begin at 10 a.m. when participants can walk, ride or scoot north on Main with patriotic music being played as the parade progresses. The parade will end at 11 a.m. on Independence Square where Primary Colors will offer flag face paintings and Clinton's Soda Fountain will give a treat to the children. For additional information, call 816.254.8456. www.ci.independence.mo.us/Calendar.aspx
Lenexa Community Days Parade July 3 at 10:00 AM, Downtown Lenexa. Make plans to celebrate Independence Day one day early at the City Of Lenexa’s Community Days Parade! For 2010 the parade will take place on Saturday, July 3rd beginning at 10:00 a.m. Watch floats, bands antique cars and more as they wind their way through downtown Lenexa. 913.477.7100 www.ci.lenexa.ks.us/parks/comdaysparade.html
Independence Day - 19th Century Style July 3 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Join us for our fourth-annual Independence Day - 19th Century Style with historic activities, 19th century baseball, music, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and a cannon firing! Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy this All-American celebration. Free admission, suggested donations $2.00/adult, $1.00/child. 913.971.5111 www.mahaffie.org
KC Riverfest July 3 & 4, Berkley Riverfront Park. KCRiverFest is THE Summer Festival in Kansas City! KCRiverFest brings our community together for a fun, family celebration on our nation’s birthday. Located at Kansas City’s Riverfront at Berkley Park, KCRiverFest has become “Kansas City’s Riverfront Tradition,” known as the only place in downtown Kansas City to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with fireworks and family entertainment. Concerts, fun from Radio Disney, children's activities, and FIREWORKS on the 4th of July! $10/parking, Tickets at the gate are $6; children age 5 and under are free. 816.221.0636 www.kcriverfest.com
US Air Force Band Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble July 3 at 7:00 PM, Mulberry Lake. Bring blankets & a picnic for a free outdoor concert. The United States Air Force Band of Mid-America, Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble, is an 18-piece big band with a repertoire of traditional swing, bebop, modern jazz, vocal selections and the music of this great nation. www.briarcliffvillagekc.com
Village Fest July 4 at 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM, Municipal Campus. Carnival, Children's Parade, Magic Shows, Bike Rodeo, Petting Zoo, Pony Rides and More! www.pvkansas.com
Independence Day at Fort Osage July 4, Fort Osage. The year is 1812. The soldiers and residents of this remote outpost on the American Frontier are commemorating the anniversary of their independence against the rumors of another impending war with Great Britain. Toasts are made and speeches are given, and you won’t want to miss the firings of the cannons, muskets and military drills. Be a witness to history and reflect on how our contemporary celebrations contrast with those of our ancestors. Adults, $7.00; Youth $4.00; and Seniors, $3.00 . 816.503.4860 www.jacksongov.org
Independence Day at Missouri Town July 4, Missouri Town 1855. Celebrate Independence Day as the staff and volunteers take you back to 1855 and share how the important date was celebrated. Experience hearth cooking, enjoy period music and engage in special speeches which will be made commemorating the anniversary of independence from Great Britain. Guests are invited to join in a noon parade through the recreated antebellum community. Adults, $5.00; Youth 5-13 and Seniors, $3.00; Under 5, Free . 816.503.4860 www.jacksongov.org
Independence Day Train Rides July 4, Midland Railway. The Midland Railway operates excursion trains on a line originally constructed in 1867. Train rides feature an over-20-mile round trip from Baldwin City via "Norwood, Kansas" to Ottawa Junction, Kansas, traveling through scenic Eastern Kansas farmland and woods via vintage railway equipment. The Midland Railway is a completely volunteer-staffed, non-profit, common carrier railroad operated to preserve and display transportation history as an educational demonstration railroad. Join us for a train ride -- bring the whole family! We are in easy reach of Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe and Lawrence, KS, and nearby communities. Call (913) 721-1211 for rates. 866.468.7630 www.midland-ry.org
Meet Harry Truman at the Truman Library July 4 at 1:30 PM, Truman Presidential Library. Harry Truman will make a special appearance at his presidential library on Independence Day. Visitors will be able to ask the former president (portrayed by Niel Johnson) about the challenges and decisions of his presidency, pose for a photo with Harry, or take in an impromptu press conference held by Mr. Truman. Museum admission charged. . 816.268.8200 www.trumanlibrary.org
Liberty's Salute to Freedom Parade July 4 at 4:00-5:30 PM, Historic Downtown Liberty. Liberty’s Salute to Freedom,” which will get underway at 4 p.m. on July 4, will feature a parade of military and patriotic units, a flyover, participation by county and state dignitaries, and the reading of the Declaration of Independence on Liberty Square.www.ci.liberty.mo.us
Fireworks in Kansas City:
Legacy Blast: Lee's Summit July 2 at Dusk, Legacy Park in Lee's Summit. A free fireworks extravaganza choreographed to music. Food vendors, entertainers and inflatables will be on site before the fireworks. Bring the family & a blanket for fun under the stars at Legacy Park on NE Legacy Park Drive. South entrance of Legacy Park will open at 6pm and close at 9pm to traffic.cityofls.net
Booms & Blooms at Powell Gardens July 3 at 7:00 PM, Powell Gardens. Join the Lee's Summit Symphony for the ever-popular patriotic and pops concert at beautiful Powell Gardens followed by a spectacular fireworks display. (rain date July 5) 816.697.2600 www.powellgardens.org
Fireworks in Independence July 3 at Dusk, Mormon Visitor's Center. Enjoy a huge fireworks display at the Mormon Visitors Center beginning at dusk on Saturday, July 3rd, after a concert by the Spirit of Independence Concert Band. In honor of July 3 being the last day for the Declaration for Independence project, the first 500 people will receive free ice cream. Free. 816.325.7860 www.ci.independence.mo.us
Party on the Hill: Independence Day Celebration July 4, First Family Church. Food and fun for the entire family. Inflatables, 25 foot water slide, games and rides for kids and youth. Live music and entertainment. Kid Shows. Helicopter rides. Team Xtreme will captivate you as they demonstrate amazing feats of human strength and power. A spectacular performance by Kansas City's nationally acclaimed Marching Cobras. A partiotic production by the Miller Marley Dance Troupe. Evening Summer Concert with American Idol Finalist Phil Stacey. One of Kansas City's largest fireworks displays. And much more! 913.681.3341 www.ffcpoth.org
Platte City Family Fun & Fireworks July 4, Festival all day, Fireworks at 8:45 PM, Platte City High School. Pancake Breakfast, Games, Bicycle Rodeo, 5K walk/run, Pool Activites, Much, much more!!! Flag ceremony, band, and fireworks. 816.858.5627www.plattecitymo.com
KC Riverfest Fireworks July 4, Berkley Riverfront Park. KCRiverFest is THE Summer Festival in Kansas City! KCRiverFest brings our community together for a fun, family celebration on our nation’s birthday. Located at Kansas City’s Riverfront at Berkley Park, KCRiverFest has become “Kansas City’s Riverfront Tradition,” known as the only place in downtown Kansas City to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with fireworks and family entertainment. Concerts, fun from Radio Disney, children's activities, and FIREWORKS on the 4th of July! $10/parking, Tickets at the gate are $6; children age 5 and under are free. 816.221.0636 www.kcriverfest.com
Celebrate Freedom & Fireworks in Oak Grove July 4 at 5:00 PM, Webb Park. Celebrate Freedom and the 4th of July Fireworks. Come celebrate our nation's birthday with several children's games, vendor booths, inflatable games, music, entertainment and fireworks out at Webb Park. Our department is working alongside New Life Assembly of God and the Oak Grove Chamber of Commerce to bring this wonderful celebration of freedom to our community. Your family won't want to miss this one! Activities start at 5:00 pm; Fireworks around 10:00 pm 816.690.4003 ext. 12
Star Spangled Spectacular: Overland Park July 4 at 4:00 PM, Corporate Woods. One of the biggest and best fireworks displays in the metropolitan area takes place at Corporate Woods. Food, drink and merchandise vendors are on hand and musical acts perform before the fireworks begin. All proceeds generated from this free event benefit local charities.www.starspangledspectacular.org
Fireworks at the Elms July 4 at 5:30- 9:00 PM, The Elms. Family Fun Event with music by The Dave Stephens Band, food, lawn games and fireworks. Bring your lawn chair and spend the evening. $2 grounds fee per person and children under 5 free. Gates open at 5:30pm with music from 6-9pm. Fireworks at 9:30pm.elmsresort.com/area/calendar
Fireworks in Basehor July 4 at 5:30- 10:00 PM, Basehor-Linnwood High School. Food and concessions, Parade at 6pm, Fireworks at 9pm.www.cityofbasehor.org
Liberty 4th Fest July 4 at 6:00 PM, William Jewel College. Enjoy Fireworks and Festivities in Liberty.www.ci.liberty.mo.us
DeSoto: July 4th Celebration July 4 at 6:00, Riverfest Park. Food, Festival, and “Prairie Wine Band” performance at 7:30pm followed by fireworks at 9:45pm. www.desotoks.us
Leawood 4th of July Celebration July 4, Leawood City Park. The City of Leawood is proud of the excitement and tradition that the annual 4th of July Celebration brings to the community. Leawood City Park will be the site for a variety of new and traditional family festivities. Enjoy great entertainment, participate in contests/games, and enjoy a variety of food vendors. 913.339.6700 x201 www.leawood.org
Schedule:
- Aquatic Center Open 11am-5pm
- Kids activities, Food Vendors 5-9:30pm
- Musical Entertainment 7:30-9:30pm
- Fireworks 9:45pm
4th of July Fireworks: Raymore July 4 at 7:00 PM, Recreation Park. Join us in Recreation Park for the one of the biggest fireworks displays in the area. The event begins at 7 p.m. in Recreation Park. Come out for fun and live music before the fireworks begin. Concessions available. The 4th of July 2010 event is sponsored by Community Bank of Raymore, the Ray-Pec Sunrise Optimist Club and Mazuma Credit Union. www.raymore.com
4th of July Celebration: Gladstone July 4 at 8:30 PM, Oak Grove Park. Bring your family, friends, blankets, lawn chairs and your picnic baskets, and enjoy the spirit of patriotism and community in the park. The evening includes a concert by the North Star Community Band, presentation of the Colors, a variety of musical entertainment and a magnificent fireworks display at dusk. The concert begins at 8:30 p.m. 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 city limits. 816.437.2489 www.gladstone.mo.us
4th of July Fireworks: Lansing July 4 at Dusk, Kenneth W. Bernard Park in Lansing, KS. Another large community activity is Lansing’s Fourth of July Celebration. As the sun sets, the fireworks display begins as the community celebrates its Annual Fourth of July Celebration. www.lansing.ks.us
4th of July Fireworks: Weston July 4 at Dusk,West Platte High School. Bring your blanket and sit on the hill side or sit in the bleachers at the West Platte High School athletic field to be dazzled by one of the most fantastic fireworks shows in the area. There's also music, food and lots of Independence Day fun. www.westonmo.com
4th of July Fireworks: Harrisonville July 4 at Dusk, Harrisonville City Park. ci.harrisonville.mo.us
4th of July Fireworks: Blue Springs July 4 at 9:30 PM, Blue Springs High School Peve Stadium. Fourth of July Fireworks (Rain date: July 5, 2010) www.bluespringsgov.com
4th of July Fireworks: Leavenworth July 4 at Dusk, Merritt Lake. 913.684.1702 www.lvarea.com
4th of July Fireworks: Fairway July 4 at Dusk, Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, KS. 913.262.0350 Ext. 5300 www.fairwaykansas.org
4th of July Fireworks: Olathe July 4 at 9:30 PM, Great Mall of the Great Plains . Fourth of July Fireworks (Rain date: July 5, 2010) www.olatheks.org
4th of July Fireworks: Gardner July 4 at 9:30 PM, Gardner-Edgerton High School. www.gardnerkansas.gov
4th of July Fireworks: Parkville July 4 at 9:45 PM, English Landing Park. Carnival, Parade, and Fireworks in celebration of the 4th of July! 816.505.2227 www.ParkvilleMo.com
4th of July Fireworks: Lake Winnebago July 4 at Dusk, Lake Winnebago Dam.
Do you know of a great 4th of July event to add to our list? Email kristina@kcparent.com with the information!