4

Stars and Stripes Picnic

Returning for its sixth year, Stars and Stripes Picnic has become KC’s biggest Independence Day gathering, bringing live music, fireworks and more to the National WWI Museum and Memorial. This year, with the official World Cup watch party held on the museum grounds, there are two different ways to celebrate. At 11 am, the game-day experience at FIFA Fan Festival kicks off, and at 3 pm, a casual picnic commences at Penn Valley Park. The festivities conclude after sunset with a 20-minute, music-synchronated fireworks display. July 4. Times vary. National WWI Museum and Memorial & Penn Valley Park. 

4

Bob Dylan

In honor of his 85th birthday, legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan is hitting the road. From Grammy Awards to a Nobel Prize in Literature, the well-decorated and storied folk musician is best known for hits like “Like a Rolling Stone” and “Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright.” Dylan, who has written more than 600 songs, will be touring with Lucinda Williams and the John Doe Folk Trio. July 4. 7 pm. Starlight Theatre.

4

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Kansas City Royals

What better way to celebrate Independence Day than with America’s favorite pastime? As the Royals face off against the Phillies at The K (the first of three games in this weekend series), the first 25,000 fans will receive a Fourth of July-themed bobblehead of shortstop Bobby Whitt Jr., and the night will conclude with a dazzling fireworks display. July 4. 7:10 pm. Kauffman Stadium.

7–12 

A Beautiful Noise

Co-developed by Neil Diamond himself, this jukebox musical chronicles how the Brooklyn-born artist rose to rock royalty. In addition to the title track, the production is built around over two dozen of Diamond’s biggest hits like tried-and-true sing-alongs “I’m a Believer” and “Sweet Caroline.” So good! July 7–12. Times vary. Starlight Theatre.

11

Elmiene

With an NPR Tiny Desk performance and a growing list of award nominations, British-Sudanese R&B artist Elmiene is quickly rising to prominence for his smooth, soulful vocals as heard on singles like “Mad at Fire” and “Someday.” The singer comes to KC in support of his debut solo album, Sounds for Someone. Singer-songwriter Jahson Paynter opens. July 11. 8 pm. The Truman. 

14

Graham Nash

The legendary songwriter who made up a quarter of supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young comes to KC. Beyond his chart-topping work with the trio, Graham Nash was a founding pillar of The Hollies and has released seven of his own studio albums. This retrospective concert will include esteemed hits, deeper cuts and plenty of stories from his six-decade-long career. July 14. 7:30 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.

14

Tyler Childers

 July 14. 7:30 pm. Morton Amphitheater. Hailing from the Eastern hills of Kentucky, Tyler Childers’ raw, down-to-earth stylings are a welcome reprieve for country fans who prefer classics over modern hits. Rooted in Appalachian bluegrass tradition, his poetic yet relatable lyrics—heard in tracks like “All Your’n” and “Nose to the Grindstone”—cover what the best folk tunes often do: love, loss and working-class woes. Embarking on his Snipe Hunt Tour, alt-rock band Wednesday opens.

16

Summer in the City

The event series Summer in the City is bringing free performances to downtown audiences each third Thursday of the month from May through September. Held at Oppenstein Park, this month’s installment kicks off at noon with a performance by JaySol, followed by food trucks, yard games, a makers mart and more throughout the afternoon. At 6 pm, the day culminates in a performance by eclectic folk band, KC Bear Fighters. July 16. 12 pm. Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park.

16–26

Kansas City Fringe Festival

Started nearly 80 years ago in Edinburgh, Scotland, as an act of artistic rebellion on the “fringe,” this theatrical movement now spans cities worldwide—including KC. Across ten days, Kansas City Fringe Festival will showcase dozens of boundary-pushing productions at venues across the metro, from Bird Comedy Theater to Union Station’s City Stage Theatre. July 16–26. Times and locations vary.

17

Bestselling (and best friend) author duo Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings—who publish under the pen name Christina Lauren—present their latest release, The Romance Revival, at this Rainy Day Books event. The new second-chance novel follows a scientist who turns to her own research after an accident erases her husband’s memory. Authors Ali Hazelwood, Julie Soto and Susan Lee also take the stage for discussion and a Q&A at this event curated for romance fanatics. July 17. 7 pm. Unity Temple on the Plaza.

16–August 2

Festival of Butterflies

Powell Gardens’ annual Festival of Butterflies returns to celebrate these striking pollinators. From native butterflies like monarchs and giant swallowtails to rainforest dwellers like blue morphos, the festival includes approximately 50 varieties of the insect throughout the course of the colorful botanical exhibit. July 16–August 2. Times vary. Powell Gardens.

18

Zona Rosa Summer Fest

This Northland festival returns for its fourth year, transforming Zona Rosa’s Central Park into a block party. The all-day affair includes a pop-up maker market featuring approximately 80 local vendors, food trucks, DJs, carnival games and more. July 18. 11 am. Central Park at Zona Rosa. 

24

Dragonfly Days

With the summer heat comes an influx of dragonflies—and Missouri is home to 65 different varieties. Held at Independence’s sprawling George Owens Nature Park, Dragonfly Days allows children and adults alike to catch, observe and identify the insects with an on-site naturalist. Be sure to bring a net. July 24. 9 am. George Owens Nature Park.

31

Darius Rucker

Darius Rucker launched his career as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of roots rock band Hootie & the Blowfish, ultimately reaching number one on Billboard’s Top 40 chart with the 1995 hit “Only Wanna Be With You.” But after more than 20 years leading the group, Rucker struck out on his own and made a successful shift to country music. Evan Honer and Austin Williams join him on the Songs of Summer Tour. July 31. 7 pm. Starlight Theatre.

31 & August 1

Kansas City Invitational Black Rodeo  

Following the Civil War, cattle drives relocated millions of Texas Longhorns to northward railheads. Of the cowboys leading the charge, it’s estimated that roughly a quarter were Black Americans, often tasked with some of the most treacherous jobs. Yet as mainstream rodeo circuits emerged across the West in the decades following, Black riders and ropers were frequently prohibited from participating. The Kansas City Invitational Black Rodeo honors that history and continuing legacy across two days of barrel racing, bull riding, bulldogging and more. July 31 & August 1. Times vary. Hale Arena.