Here are nine things to do in KC this Fourth of July weekend, July 3—6, including Stars and Stripes Picnic, West Side Story and Lorna Kay’s Country Club.
Outlaw Jim and the Whiskey Benders
Miller Light’s Hot Country Nights is back for the summer season, bringing renowned country artists every Thursday to KC Live! In P&L. This week’s performance features Outlaw Jim and the Whiskey Benders—a touring, KC-based band that draws inspiration from legends like Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings.
July 3. 7 pm. KC Live!
Stars and Stripes Picnic
Sprawl out on the lawn of Liberty Memorial for the annual Stars and Stripes Picnic, a free family-friendly celebration of America’s birthday. Pack a blanket and lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of food trucks and live music capped off with a fireworks display.
July 4. 3 pm. National WWI Museum and Memorial.
Holiday Celebration in the Park
Fireworks aren’t the focal point at the 18th and Vine District’s Holiday Celebration in the Park: it’s all about the music. While attendees will watch Liberty Memorial’s fireworks display from afar after sunset, the festival features some of KC’s finest—including percussionist Pablo Sanhueza’s Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra and multi-instrumentalist Blair Bryant—for free.
July 4. 5 pm. 18th and Vine Jazz District.
West Side Story
The Jets and Sharks duke it out in one of the most popular musicals of all time: West Side Story. Set in New York City, the tale of star-crossed lovers is composer Leonard Bernstein’s 20th century adaptation of Romeo and Juliet and features beloved selections like “Maria” and “Somewhere.” This weekend marks the opening of the production, a collaboration between The White Theatre at The J and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City.
July 5—27. Times vary. The White Theatre at The J.
Mini Golf At The Museum
It’s back! A summer highlight, Art Course offers an artist-designed mini-golf adventure within the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park at the Nelson-Atkins Museum. Every Thursday through Monday, you can play nine unique holes, each offering a creative spin on a masterpiece from the museum’s collection.
May 22–September 1. Regular museum hours Thursday–Monday. Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park at the Nelson-Atkins Museum.
Parkville 4th Of July Celebration
In Parkville, July 4th starts off with a pancake breakfast and a parade. After the sun sets, the fireworks begin at English Landing Park and can be seen from various locales throughout the historic town.
July 4. 10 am. English Landing Park.
Lorna Kay’s Country Club
Scoot your boots to the West Bottoms for honky-tonk singer and DJ Lorna Kay’s Country Club. The dance party features DJ Renegade Picker and line dancing lessons from Jillian Bush for an evening of country classics.
July 5. 7 pm. The Ship.
Art on Walnut
Free family and pet-friendly Art on Walnut Sundays are in full-swing for the summer season. Located in River Market, the local vendor market includes over 30 local artists and makers—everything from jewelry to body care to pottery.
July 6. 8 am. City Market Park.
Love’s Labour’s Lost
Enjoy a summer evening of free live theater under the stars. Each year, Heart of Shakespeare Festival brings one of the Bard’s classics to life in Midtown’s Southmoreland Park. This summer’s production is Love’s Labour’s Lost, an early comedy that follows four young men who vow to avoid the company of women—only to find themselves falling in love. Food trucks and concessions will be available on site.
June 17—July 6. Times vary. Southmoreland Park.
