Wondering what to do this Fourth of July in Kansas City? Well, the people of KC certainly know how to celebrate our nation’s day of independence. They have a number of different events you can attend and, of course, many of them feature fireworks.
More than 20,000 people attend the annual Parkville Fourth of July Fireworks and Festival every year. Things start on Tuesday morning with a parade followed by an all-day carnival at English Landing Park. At 9:30 p.m., fireworks are shot off over the Missouri River.
Berkley Riverfront Park is host to the KC Riverfest, one of the most popular fireworks shows in the KC Metro. There are a number of things to do before the fireworks show, but you don’t want to miss the grand finale. This fireworks display is actually choreographed to live music!
Worlds of Fun, one of Kansas City’s popular theme parks, will be hosting its own Fourth of July celebration. This event is one of the longest running annual fireworks show in Kansas City, and it all starts around 10 p.m.
For those wanting to spend a little time with nature before watching fireworks, the Booms and Blooms Fest at Powell Gardens is exactly what you want. Stroll through the beautiful gardens, maybe even take a picnic dinner, before settling near the lake to watch the fireworks. This event is actually held on the third, not the fourth, so you can attend it and then plan to see another fireworks display on Independence Day.
Finally, Corporate Woods Star Spangled Spectacular is another amazing Fourth of July event full of funnel cakes, a free concert, and a huge fireworks display that is one of the biggest in the area. It all starts at 4:00 p.m. and lasts until 11. Note that parking is a concern with this event, so be ready to walk.
Indoor Fun
Here are a few great activities in Kansas City to help you get through the bitter cold!
Dates: Jan. 28-31 | Location: Downtown/Conv Center Area | Venue: Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.
Imagine singing and dancing with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and all your favorite Sesame Street Live friends! It’s as easy as counting “1-2-3 … Imagine! This high-energy musical will transport audiences to far away places as Ernie captains the high seas, Elmo dances to the rhythm of the African rainforest and Bert meets an octopus who has the blues. It’s a story of adventure and fun that teaches children they can be anyone, do anything and go anywhere with the power of imagination.
Admission: $13, $18, $23, $33, $65
Type: Major Events,Music & Dance
Dates: Thu., Feb. 4 | Location: Downtown/Conv Center Area | Venue: Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.
Tour audiences will experience multiple new songs from the award-winning band’s chart-topping new album “Until The Whole World Hears”. Fans can expect a fresh and powerful God-centered message from lead singer and Pastor Mark Hall.
Admission: $15, $25, $30, $50, $75
Type: Concerts,Major Events,Music & Dance
Participants will receive a Polar Bear card and a free t-shirt, and will seek out stamps from each of participating six venues, which include Shark Bar, McFadden’s Sports Saloon, Raglan Road Irish Pub, Living Room, Tengo Sed Cantina and PBR Big Sky. Once completed, cards are entered into a drawing for the opportunity to win the grand prize of $1,000 in free gasoline. Second place wins $600 in gift certificates to Power & Light District venues. Participants are also encouraged to dress creatively in “winter” costumes. The guest who best uses their imagination and is voted on by others as having the “Best Dressed Winter Costume” wins $250 in cash.
Admission: $5
Related Organization: Kansas City Power & Light District
Where: Downtown/Conv Center Area
Address: Kansas City Power & Light District, 13th & Walnut Sts., Kansas City, Mo.
Phone: 816-842-1045
When: Jan. 8
Time: 8-11pm
An exhibition of Kansas City’s finest culinary talents, Kansas City Restaurant Week will offer a variety of mouth-watering foods from top chefs across the metro area, demonstrating why the KC dining scene is among the nation’s best–and up until now, one of the best-kept foodie secrets (the Zagat Survey has called Kansas City the No. 1 dining bargain of all the major cities it reviews). Restaurant Week features an array of restaurant participants so that diners can visit old favorites and also try the many new restaurants that have opened recently in the Kansas City metro area.
Admission: $15-$30
Where: Downtown Convention Center Area
When: Jan. 22-31
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