Fourth of July celebrations in KC for America's 250th

Fourth of July celebrations in KC for America's 250th

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.

πŸŽ† 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 β€” 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.

    πŸ›Έ 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.

    πŸͺ‚ 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.

    • πŸŽ‡ 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.

    πŸ’­ 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?

    πŸ’­ Travis' thought bubble: To the people who like to shoot off fireworks at 1am in the parking lot next to my home β€” please don't.

    The bottom line: Fireworks come every year. The 250th doesn't.