KC's guide to Memorial Day weekend
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The calm before the party. Photo: Travis Meier/Axios
Memorial Day marks a weekend of remembrance and the unofficial start of summer.
The big picture: Whether you want to cheer on KC's pro teams, spend time outdoors, or lean into the holiday's patriotic traditions, there's no shortage of options this weekend.
- Here are some ideas:
🏟️ Go to the game
KC Current vs. Portland Thorns
What to expect: CPKC Stadium will be rocking Saturday at 12pm as Kansas City seeks revenge against Portland after a March loss.
- The KC Streetcar is taking over for the team's shuttle service, so plan to arrive early for pregame festivities.
Sporting KC vs. New York Red Bulls
What to expect: Sporting KC returns to Children's Mercy Park Saturday at 7:30pm looking to build momentum after a couple of recent wins.
- It's Sporting's last game before a break for the World Cup.
What to expect: The Royals take on the Yankees Monday at 2:40pm in a game that doubles as a signature Memorial Day event.
- Festivities include a brass band performance of the National Anthem, a Black Hawk helicopter flyover and recognition of families of fallen soldiers.
☀️ Time in the sun
What to expect: More than 100 artists are expected to paint a mile of levee walls along the Riverfront Heritage Trail from 10am–8pm Friday and Saturday, plus 10am–4pm Sunday.
- Past years included vendors and food options, while Saturday features an afterparty at Hickory Union Moto.
Going the Distance for Brain Injury Memorial Day Run
What to expect: The run begins at Loose Park at 8am Monday with both 5K and 10K options.
- It's hosted by the Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City.
Pool openings and patio season
What to expect: Memorial Day weekend also marks the opening weekend for public pools, lake beaches and spray grounds.
- Sunday and Monday are forecasted to be warm and sunny, so expect busy brunch spots, packed beer gardens and plenty of sunscreen.
🇺🇸 Patriotic traditions
What to expect: The annual free celebration at Union Station takes place Sunday, with food trucks opening at 4pm, music at 5pm and fireworks closing the night at 9:30pm.
- The Kansas City Symphony will perform works by Scott Joplin and George Gershwin, plus the "1812 Overture" complete with live cannons.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library
What to expect: Admission is free Friday–Monday.
- Memorial Day programming, including an American Legion Band performance at 1pm and a live Howitzer firing demonstration at 2pm. Hearing protection is encouraged.
- Current exhibits include "United We Play" and "Opening the Vault," which closes May 25.
National WWI Museum and Memorial
What to expect: The museum is celebrating its centennial year with half-price admission and special events throughout the weekend.
- Memorial Day begins with a bell-tolling ceremony at 10am followed by a Walk of Honor Dedication at 2pm.
- The museum's grounds also remain one of the city's best places for skyline views and reflective moments during the holiday weekend.