Fireworks, parades, festivals, picnics and music! Kansas City celebrates Independence Day with a bang! Read carefully... our guide includes both events with and without fireworks.
Always Remember:
Weather may result in some events changing plans. Please watch websites and Facebook notices CLOSELY before taking your kids to a fireworks display as schedules are subject to change. We will do our best to update this page, but all schedules are weather permitting.
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.
Tip: Click on the event title for a link to the event website - this may include driving directions, full schedules and additional tips!
Special Programs
Taps at the Tower June 18 - June 24, every evening at sunset (8:45pm) National World War I Museum and Memorial , 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO. Taps, a musical piece sounded at dusk and at funerals, has a rich and storied history in the United States. It has long been associated with the U.S. Military, and is often played at civilian events around the country. People are invited to come and use the grounds each evening, have a picnic, play games and enjoy the outdoors. At sunset, people will gather at the Tower (Liberty Memorial) to experience Taps being played during a brief, moving ceremony.
The Great Fourth of July Race of the Hare and the Tortoise June 20-July 8 at Union Station, H&R Block City Stage Level B, 30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO. Show for ages 3 and Up. Tickets/ $11 for individual; $5.50 per for groups of 15 or more. 816.460.2083. Based on Aesop’s famous fable, this high-stepping ragtime musical comedy brings together a sensitive skunk, a spaced out butterfly, a musical raccoon, an oratorical tortoise and a smarty pants hare for a forest Fourth of July complete with fireworks, patriotic songs, a magic love potion and a frantic farcical race. It’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream meets Aesop’s Fables in a turn of the century forest full of singing and dancing animals. Performances are Tuesday through Thursdays at 10 am; Fridays at 10 am and noon; Saturdays at 2 pm. There is on Friday evening performance on July 7 at 7 pm. There is on ASL interpreted performance on Saturday July 8 at 2 pm.
Saturday Night Post-Game Fireworks after T-Bones Games This summer is the 15th Anniversary of the T-Bones at Community America Ballpark. Every Saturday night, enjoy post-game fireworks. They will also shoot off fireworks after July 3rd and 4th games for Independence Day. Upcoming fireworks dates include: 6/24, 7/3, 7/4, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, & 7/29.
Fireworks, Festivals & Parades
June 24, 2017
Fireworks at Evangel June 24 from 5-10pm at Evangel Church, 1414 E. 103rd Street, Kansas City, MO. Entertainment for the whole family with live music, inflatables, cheap meal deals and one of KC’s premier fireworks displays! Invite your friends, family and co-workers to this FREE, family-friendly event! To enjoy the show in comfort, please pack your own chairs!
Red, White & Blast June 24 from 6-10pm at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 1600 North 291 Highway, Liberty, MO. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and snag a spot on the west lawn at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. Park at PV. Schedule: 6pm Kid-friendly activities, inflatables and food trucks. 7pm Glowsticks, giveaways and entertainment. 8pm Patriotic program, including a salute to veterans and honored guest speaker, General Robert Dees.Fireworks will begin at dark. *In case of inclement weather, music and program will be held inside church Saturday evening. Fireworks will be shot off Sunday night, June 25.
Freedom Celebration: Greenwood June 24 from 4-10pm at Hitt Park, 907 Allendale Lake Road, Greenwood, MO. The Freedom Celebration is an annual event that is held the Saturday before the 4th of July each year. There are rides and games for kids of all ages. Special events change each year, keeping the festival fun and exciting. Local vendors are on site as well as a car show and live music. The concession stand offers an expanded menu with prices that are the best in town. Stay late for the firework display after sunset. Freedom Fest parking at Hitt Park is limited to those with Handicap tags and parking passes. Please use parking and free shuttle service at Fellowship of Greenwood on Main Street (150 Highway). Gates open at 4:00 p.m., Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Wristbands for rides and arcade games are $10.00. Children under 3 are free. Entertainment includes: Fun Services Rides The Full Moon Band, Face Painting booth Skydivers of KC, Amazing Christoper Fair Foods Funnel Cakes, Magic Show and Balloons Pack 778 Nehi Floats, Caricature Drawing booth Christian Church of GW-snow cones, Photo booth Southside Chicago Dogs and Polish, Jim Dandy’s Kettle Corn Holmes Enterprise Shaved Ice, and Police and Fire Equipment.
June 29, 2017
Bonner Blast Fireworks June 29 from 8-10pm at Kelly Murphy Park, Second and Elm, Bonner Springs, KS. Enjoy live music, an ice cream social, and fireworks.
June 30, 2017
Lansing's Independence Day Celebration June 30 from 6-10pm at Kenneth W. Bernard Park, 15650 Gilman Rd., Lansing, KS. Located north of 4-H Road about 2.5 miles west of Main Street (K-7 Highway). Featuring children’s rides and inflatables, a large variety of food and beverages, and a DJ. Fireworks at dusk. Plan on coming early, and taking your time after the show!
Starting July 1
Celebrate America at Worlds of Fun Nightly July 1-4 at Worlds of Fun, 4545 Worlds of Fun Dr, Kansas City. Worlds of Fun celebrates the 4th for 4 nights in July with fireworks at 10pm each night, Saturday thru Tuesday! (Please note, the Worlds of Fun Avenue and main parking entrance will be closed from approximately 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm each night. Traffic entering the park will be directed to the Oceans of Fun parking lot.) Worlds of Fun wants to thank the men and women who have served and who are currently serving in our country’s military. Veterans of the American Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard will receive complimentary admission to Worlds of Fun on July 4, 2017
Flags for Freedom July 1-8, Merriam Marketplace, 5740 Merriam Drive, Merriam, KS. Each year, Downtown Merriam and the surrounding area transforms into perfect rows of patriotic pride as Flags 4 Freedom organizers place more than 1,500 United States flags at the Merriam Marketplace, Irene B. French Community Center and along Merriam and Johnson Drive. Everyone is invited to stop by during the week around the Fourth of July to view an astonishing display that honors our nation. 2017 Schedule of Events: Saturday, July 1 Merriam Farmers’ Market (7 a.m. - 1 p.m.) Entertainment Bo Claxton (10 a.m.). Tuesday, July 4 Concert at Merriam Marketplace (1 p.m.) American Legion Band of Greater Kansas City. Wednesday, July 5 Farmers and Food Trucks, Grab dinner and shop the Merriam Farmers’ Market, Merriam Marketplace (5 p.m. - 8 p.m.). Friday, July 7 TGIFF (Thank Goodness it’s Food Truck Friday) Merriam Marketplace (11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.).Saturday, July 8 Flag Display Ends (10 a.m.) Merriam Farmers’ Market (7 a.m. - 1 p.m.) Bakery Treats and Bike Trails.
Red, White & Zoo July 1-4 at Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO. In honor of our Independence Day, active and retired military individuals receive FREE admission to the Kansas City Zoo on Saturday, July 1, Sunday, July 2, Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4. Visit the Kansas City Zoo for your family adventure this holiday. All active and retired military personnel with valid ID will receive FREE Zoo admission. Families of active and retired military individuals will receive $1 off regular Kansas City Zoo admission. Spend Fourth of July weekend at the Kansas City Zoo!
July 1, 2017
Booms & Blooms July 1 from 2-11pm at Powell Gardens, 1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, MO. (fireworks begin 9:00 p.m.) Celebrate our nation’s independence with explosions of color and texture on land and in the air at this annual event. Arrive early to stake out a seat with your picnic blanket, enjoy hands-on activities and admire our ground-level blooms in the daylight. After sunset, the Lee’s Summit Symphony will accompany the choreographed blooms in the sky. Food and beverage vendors are featured throughout the entirety of the festival. Members receive free admission and free parking!
Spirit of America Celebration: Raymore July 1 from 4-10pm at Recreation Park, Raymore, MO. Fireworks, car show, live music and much more!
July 2, 2017
Independence Day Celebration July 2 from 6-10pm at World Revival Church (9900 View High Dr, KC, MO).Come and celebrate Independence Day with World Revival Church! We will have waterslides and bounce houses for kids, plus indoor and outdoor volleyball and horseshoes. Hot dogs, nachos and snow cones will be provided. Please bring chips, cookies and lawn chairs. Fireworks at 9:15
July 3, 2017
Fireworks after T-Bones Games This summer is the 15th Anniversary of the T-Bones at Community America Ballpark. Every Saturday night, enjoy post-game fireworks. They will also shoot off fireworks after July 3rd and 4th games for Independence Day. Upcoming fireworks dates include: 6/24, 7/3, 7/4, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, & 7/29.
Annual July 3rd Fireworks Celebration July 3 from 6-10pm at Kearney Amphitheatre, 3001 N Highway 33, Kearney, MO. FREE Event. Music Featuring: Switch concert begins at 7pm. Fireworks begin at 9:30pm, music on 96.9FM. Free Inflatable Attractions for Children. Concessions Available for Purchase.
Independence Day Fireworks: Westwood July 3, 9-10pm at St. Agnes Athletic Field, 53rd & Mission, Westwood, KS. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 or dusk. Be sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Attendees are encouraged to walk to this event, as parking space is limited. The display is sponsored by the cities of Westwood, Fairway, Mission Woods, Roeland Park & Westwood Hills. In the event of inclement weather this event will be rescheduled for Friday, July 7th. Any changes will be announced on Westwood’s website.
Independence Day Celebration: Independence, MO July 3, 7-10pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 937 W. Walnut, Independence, MO. Free Live Music and Fireworks Display 7:00 p.m. Hughes Brothers Concert The Hughes Brothers, from Branson, MO, is made up of over 100 family members and will perform live outside on a lighted stage. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and watch this amazing performance (hosted by the Independence Missouri Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) 9:00 p.m. Spirit of Independence Concert Band Performance 9:30 p.m. Fireworks Display No Smoking / No Fireworks / No Alcohol / No Animals
Lee's Summit Legacy Blast July 3, 7-10pm at Legacy Park, 1201-1501 NE Legacy Park Dr, Lee's Summit MO. Fireworks begin at 9:40pm and last approx. 20min. The festival includes free face painters, balloon animals, bounce houses, and more. Enjoy this free fireworks extravaganza. Bring the family and blankets for fun under the stars. Legacy Park will open at 6pm via the south entrance of Legacy Park and close at 9pm. Parking is available in the Baseball, Football, Softball & Soccer Venue Lots located off of Legacy Park Drive (between Colbern & Langsford Rds, E of 291, W of 7 Hwy).
July 4, 2017
Fireworks after T-Bones Games This summer is the 15th Anniversary of the T-Bones at Community America Ballpark. Every Saturday night, enjoy post-game fireworks. They will also shoot off fireworks after July 3rd and 4th games for Independence Day. Upcoming fireworks dates include: 6/24, 7/3, 7/4, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, & 7/29.
Freedom Run July 4, 7-10am Old Town Lenexa, Santa Fe Trail Drive & Pflumm, Lenexa, KS. Join 1,600 of your closest friends and start your Independence Day off with a 5K or 10K at the Lenexa Freedom Run. This is a family-friendly event celebrating our country’s independence. We welcome runners, walkers and strollers in the race.
Independence Day at Missouri Town July 4 from 9am-4pm at Missouri Town 1855, Fleming Park. 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Adults $5.00; Youth 5-13 and Seniors $4.00; Under 5, Free. (816) 229-8980. Experience the festivities as the Missouri Town staff and volunteers celebrate America’s Independence. Patriotic speeches, children’s games, period cooking, dancing, and militia marches are a few of the many interpretive activities. Everyone is invited to join with the staff and volunteers as they march down the main road in the traditional Missouri Town Independence Parade!
Lenexa Community Days Parade July 4 from 10am-Noon at Old Town Lenexa, Lenexa, KS. The Community Days Parade is an annual hometown tradition that draws thousands to Old Town to celebrate Independence Day. Our parade is one of the longest Fourth of July parades in the Kansas City area.
Independence Day at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead July 4, from 9am-Noon at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, 13800 Switzer Rd, Overland Park, KS. $2.00/ each. Bring your decorated bike and take a cruise along the Kansas Farm Trail, and enjoy all these activities: Old-fashioned games on the lawn, Tug-war, corn hole, sack races, stilts, Patriotic lessons in Helen’s Country Schoolhouse, Chalk Walk in the Apple Orchard, Pig-calling Contest: 10:00 a.m. on Gayle’s Exploration Outpost, Bike Parade: 11:00 a.m., Farmstead regular admission applies.
Gardner, KS: 4th of July July 4, 3-10pm at Celebration Park, 32501 W. 159th St., Gardner, KS. Join us on Tuesday, July 4th at Celebration Park as Gardner Parks and Recreation will be bringing you one of the best July 4th celebrations in the region. Live music, food vendors, out of this world bounce houses, face painting, portable zip lines (minimum weight for zip lines is 70lbs, max 250lbs), interactive entertainment and one of the best fireworks displays in the area! In addition to the awesome activities taking place at our Celebration, we are thrilled to announce country music rising star Drake White with his band The Big Fire will headline our Fourth of July Celebration. White is recognized for his hits “It Feels Good,” “Livin’ the Dream” and “Makin’ Me Look Good Again.” He was dubbed CBS.com’s “Artist of Tomorrow.” We also have special musical guests country rock singer Rusty Laffoon, returning fan-favorite Big Time Grain Company and newcomer Tara Thompson. This is not one concert you will want to miss!
Harrisonville 4th of July Celebration July 4 from 11am-10pm at City Park, 706 Ash St, Harrisonville, MO. FIREWORKS, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, FREE FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND FOOD!
Independence Day Celebration: Gladstone, MO July 4 from 7-11pm at Oak Grove Park, NE 76th St. and N. Troost, Gladstone, MO. Independence Day Celebration and North Star Community Band. The evening begins at 7 p.m. with a concert by Tony Gates Ensemble, followed by a concert by the North Star Community Band, presentation of the Colors and a magnificent fireworks display at dusk. Parking will be available at Oak Park High School. To ensure your safety, Gladstone Public Safety Officers will be directing traffic.
4th of July in Stilwell July 4, Stillwell, KS. Schedule: 5pm - Parade Registration and Line Up (192nd Street). Decorate your bike, golf cart, build a float and register to be in the parade. 6pm - Stilwell Community Parade. Parade Route in Stilwell (192nd Street; South on Metcalf; East on 199th; North on Broadway; East on Delaware) - Judges Stand will be across from near Stilwell Elementary School. Theme: Thank you for our Freedom!. 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Fourth of July Fireworks. DINNER!! Burnt Offerings BBQ will be joining us in Stilwell on the KCPL property with a limited menu.The ICE CREAM truck will also be onsite for a cool treat! Grace Bible Church will have carnival style games for the kids. Games will be held on the open field near the DJ Music at KCP&L. Local businesses have donated some great prizes for the prize table. Live DJ-Festy Music provided by Jeff Ponder 9:15 pm - 199th Street ROAD CLOSURE between HWY 69 and Metcalf Avenue to allow those attending to enjoy the firework display without traffic or headlights. For everyone who parks along 199th Street between HWY 69 and Metcalf to watch the firework display can do so this year without traffic driving in front of you during the fireworks display. 9:30pm - Fireworks Display. Fireworks will launch from the KCPL Service Center located at 19950 Newton Street (69 Highway and 199th Street) in Stilwell, Kansas 66085. Depending on weather conditions the firework display may launch as early as 9:00pm but not later than 10:00pm.
July 4th Celebration: Leawood, KS July 4, Leawood City Park, 10601 Lee Boulevard, Leawood, KS. 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 some great entertainment, participate in games and enjoy a variety of food vendors. Free shuttle buses will be running from the parking lots along the west side of Tomahawk Creek Parkway to City Park starting at 10:00am.
Star Spangled Spectacular: OPKS July 4 from 4-11pm at Corporate Woods, 8717 W. 110th St., Overland Park, KS. Each year thousands of people attend the Star Spangled Spectacular at Corporate Woods in Overland Park, considered one of metropolitan area’s best Fourth of July program. it’s sponsored by Overland Park Rotary, Corporate Woods, and the City of Overland Park. Proceeds from on-site sales benefit local charities while offering a salute to our nation’s veterans.The 25-minute fireworks display, accompanied with music on commercial radio, offers: free parking; music; activities for the children; plenty of grass space for blankets and lawn chairs. No tents or canopies in Founders Park, where the entertainment is located. There will be several food and beverage vendors available throughout the event. RAIN DATE: Wednesday, July 5. There will not be vendors or other activities, but the fireworks will go on - same time and place.
Olathe Red, White & Blue July 4 from 9-10pm at College Boulevard Activity Complex (CBAC), 11031 S. Valley Parkway, Olathe KS. Enjoy the annual City of Olathe Fireworks Show at the College Boulevard Activity Center (CBAC), 11031 S. Valley Parkway, at dusk (around 9:45 p.m.) on Tuesday, July 4. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early and be prepared for high traffic volumes.
Four on the Fourth July 4 from 7:30-10am at Ward Parkway Center, 8600 Ward Pkwy, Kansas CIty, MO. $12 for Kids, $15 for the 1k, $32 for the 5k through 6/4/17. 8163995330. Four on the fourth is a 4 mile run and a kids fun run. Join us in 4th of July festivities!
Red, White & Blue Springs, 4th of July July 4 from 6:30-10:30pm at Blue Springs High School, Peve Stadium, 2000 NW Ashton Drive, Blue Springs, MO. Once again red, white and blue along with a rainbow of colors with fill the sky in Blue Springs! Live Entertainment! Featuring Nashville Recording Artist DUSTIN COLLINS with additional guests, 6 DEGREES WEST! Gates Open - 6:30 p.m. Live Entertainment - 7:30 p.m. Fireworks - Approximately 9:45 p.m.
Platte City Fireworks Display July 4, 9-10pm at Platte Ridge Park , 17130 371 HWY Platte City, Platte City, MO. Fireworks Display approximately 9pm depending on darkness. There will be a shuttle by bus starting 8pm from Harrel Ferrel Parking Lot to Platte Ridge Park throughout the evening. Popsicle will be distributed free of charge.
KC Riverfest July 4, Berkley Riverfront Park, Kansas City, MO. KC Riverfest is THE premiere Independence Day celebration in the region, located along the beautiful Missouri Riverfront. Celebrate the 4th of July with the LARGEST fireworks show in the Midwest plus two stages of music, kids activities, tons of food vendors and more.
Parkville 4th of July July 4, Downtown Parkville, Parkville, MO. Bring the entire family for a taste of good old-fashioned Americana! Our traditional salute to Independence Day includes pancakes for breakfast, a community parade, carnival rides, lots of food, fun, games, shopping, music and, of course, our fabulous fireworks finale.
Raintree Lake Fireworks July 4, 9:30-10:30pm at Raintree Lake. Fireworks display shot over Raintree Lake in Lee's Summit, MO.
July 6
Fireworks: 1860s Style! July 6 from 6-10pm at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm, 1200 E. Kansas City Rd, Olathe, KS. Free admission. Bring the family, a picnic basket and blanket to enjoy live music, a parade and 19th century fireworks! 7:30 the Olathe Civic Band will perform. Fireworks begin approximately at 9:30 p.m. Cookstove and blacksmith demonstrations will be performed and visitors can ride the stagecoach for $3/ person ages 3 and up. We encourage our visitors to decorate their bicycle, wagon or stroller for our annual, patriotic parage! Pie, ice cream and lemonade will be available for purchase.
Always Remember:
Weather may result in some events changing plans. Please watch websites and Facebook notices CLOSELY before taking your kids to a fireworks display as schedules are subject to change. We will do our best to update this page, but all schedules are weather permitting.
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.