Fourth of July celebrations in KC for America's 250th
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The country turns 250 on Saturday, and communities across the metro are marking it with parades, fireworks and a few drone shows.
Here's where to celebrate, on both sides of the state line.
🎆 Stars and Stripes Picnic
When and where: KCMO's official Fourth of July celebration is at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, where food and vendors start at 3pm and fireworks go off at 9:40pm.
What to know: The event is tag-teaming with the FIFA Fan Festival — live bands will perform from the main stage, while picnic organizers will pipe the music into Penn Valley Park nearby.
- It's free either way: settle into the park, or register to attend Fan Fest.
- There's no on-site parking, so take the streetcar, a bus or a ride-share service.
⚾️ Royals America 250 Fireworks Spectacular
When and where: The game starts at 7:10pm on Saturday at Kauffman Stadium.
What to know: Post-game fireworks will feature special lighting and effects, and an 1823 reproduction of the Declaration of Independence will be on display in the Royals Hall of Fame.
🛸 Red, White & Blue Springs
When and where: It opens 3pm Friday at Wilbur Young Park.
What to know: Live music, food trucks and a bubble gum-blowing contest fill the afternoon before a 300-drone show lights up at 9:15pm, with fireworks right after. Admission is free.
🪂 4th of July in Downtown Parkville
When and where: The celebration takes over downtown all day Saturday, ending with fireworks over the river at 9:30pm.
What to know: A pancake breakfast and 10am parade open the day, and skydivers drop into English Landing Park carrying the flag around 8:45pm.
- A free shuttle loops from the South Platte YMCA from 6 to 11pm.
🎇 Overland Park Star Spangled Spectacular
When and where: It's held at Corporate Woods Founders' Park this Saturday, with gates opening at 5pm and fireworks around 10pm.
What to know: Four bands play through the evening before a finale of more than 1,500 fireworks.
- Bring a cooler, but leave the alcohol and pop-up tents at home.
🎡 Leawood Celebration in the Park
When and where: The free celebration starts at 6pm Saturday at Leawood City Park, with fireworks around 9:45pm.
What to know: Food trucks and music run through the evening, and activities for kids include inflatables and a rock wall.
- There's no parking at the park, so ride the free shuttle from City Hall or the American Academy of Family Physicians.
🎸 Red, White, and Grandview
When and where: Gates open at 5:30pm at the new Grandview Amphitheater.
What to know: A car show and a World Cup match will begin at 6pm, with a concert following at 8pm and fireworks at 10pm.
💭 Abbey's thought bubble: The WWI Memorial is the move. Where else can you catch a World Cup match and a fireworks finale on the same lawn?
💭 Travis' thought bubble: To the people who like to shoot off fireworks at 1am in the parking lot next to my home — please don't.
The bottom line: Fireworks come every year. The 250th doesn't.