Kansas City Calendar

Aug. 19: Check one last thing off your “summer fun” list with free admission to The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.

Aug. 10-20: The 400-acre fairgrounds will present premier livestock shows and competitive exhibits, and first-class professional entertainment. Mark your calendar for summer's best family vacation experience!

thru Aug. 20: Join us for the annual festival dedicated these winged pollinators. Walk among locally raised, native butterflies in our flower-filled “Butterfly Breezeway” or journey to the tropics in our lush Conservatory where a close encounter with the Blue Morpho, Golden Birdwing, or Emerald Swallowtail is almost guaranteed. Touch live caterpillars, learn about the life cycle of Monarchs and participate in the Pollinator Parade. .New this year, join fantastic flying beasts in our Dragonfly Den, featuring native Missouri dragonflies carefully captured during Dragonfly Day. Dates Available Acitivities Admission August 4-6 Butterflies on view with additional festival activities. Festival admission August 7-10 Butterflies on view. General Admission August 11-13 Butterflies on view with additional festival activities. Festival Admission August 14-20 Butterflies on view.

Aug. 18-20: This year marks the 38th annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival held the third full weekend in August at the beautiful Swope Park location. Swope Park will come alive with colors, aromas, and sounds of countries from all over the globe. We will have over 60 countries participating in food, craft, singing, dancing, and other cultural events. Folks come from all around to take part in this amazing cultural experience.

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Aug. 19: The Gladstone Municipal Outdoor Pool will open its waters to the community’s four-legged friends. Dogs that weigh under 30 pounds can swim from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and dogs that weigh more than 30 pounds can swim from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The city recommends pre-registration, as space is limited.

Aug. 18-20: One of downtown Parkville’s biggest festivals, the annual Parkville Days offers great family entertainment and fun in historic downtown Parkville. Admission is free and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy a relaxing day at English Landing Park. Everyone is encouraged to use the free parking at Park University and English Landing Center.

Aug. 18: Appearance by the Falcon Skydiving Team. Special guest appearance by Happy Gilmore’s Chris McDonald aka “Shooter McGavin!” $1.25 Hot Dogs all night. Select T-Bones players post-game autographs.

Friday, 7pm Ice Cream Train. Regular rides Saturday, 11am and 2pm: Come, take a step back in time to the first half of the last century and ride a train like your grandparents may have ridden. Board our 1920's era passenger coach, or our open-air excursion car and take a ride behind our 1950's diesel locomotive through Old Towne Belton, Missouri and the surrounding area.

thru Sept. 4: This summer the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens are again home to the mystical domains of gnomes, fairies, elves, sprites, trolls, and other garden creatures along a woodland trail. This is a delightful exhibit you won't want to miss!

thru Sept. 10: All aboard for fun learning adventures with Thomas The Tank Engine as you help him be a "Really Useful Engine." Explore the sights and sounds of the Island of Sodor: visit Knapford Station and the Sodor Steamworks, climb inside Thomas' cab, fix Percy's wobble wheels, pull levers for train noises, and race trains along a giant track. This free exhibit is an imaginative adventure for the whole family!