Fourteen Things To Do In KC This Weekend, July 2—5
Here are fourteen things to do in KC this Independence Day weekend, July 2—5 including Stars and Stripes Picnic, Bob Dylan and FIFA World Cup: Colombia vs. Ghana.
FIFA Fan Festival
After months of buzz (and construction), the World Cup has finally arrived in Kansas City. If you couldn’t get your hands on tickets to a match, FIFA Fan Festival is hosting watch parties across the month-long festivities—complete with live music, food and drink. Held downtown on the lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial, headliners include Flo Rida, Cimafunk and KC’s own Tech N9ne, as well as an extensive lineup of local talents like Hailes, Brass and Boujee, Making Movies and Hembree. Admission is free, but passes must be reserved ahead of time.
June 11—July 11. Times and dates vary. National WWI Museum and Memorial.
New York Rise vs. KC Diamonds
Kansas City’s first professional softball team is in full swing. A part of the newly formed Professional Softball League, the KC Diamonds are among seven teams—like the New York Rise, Atlanta Smoke and Chattanooga Chill—to join the association’s inaugural season. The Diamonds’ roster of standout players includes pitcher Taylor Pannell (a Mizzou alum and Lee’s Summit native) and catcher Leah Boggs. This weekend, the team faces off against New York Rise.
July 2—4. Times vary. Legends Field.
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.
FIFA World Cup: Colombia vs. Ghana.
The World Cup’s Round of 32 single-elimination stage is here. KC hosts its fourth game of the global tournament, welcoming Colombia and Ghana for a high-stakes knockout match. In the group stage, Columbia topped the Group J table while Ghana finished third in Group L.
July 3. 8:30 pm. Kansas City Stadium (GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium).
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.
The Wiz
Ease on down the road to Music Theater Heritage’s production of The Wiz. When this interpretation of The Wizard of Oz made its Broadway debut in 1974, it took home seven Tony awards and was soon followed by a film adaptation starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. Reimagined through the lens of the Black American experience, The Wiz follows Dorothy—a teacher in Harlem—as she’s transported into a fantastical, urbanized Oz. With hits like “You Can’t Win” and “Home,” she picks up a few friends on her journey back to Manhattan.
June 11–July 5. Times vary. Grand Theater at Crown Center.
Parkville 4th Of July Celebration
In Parkville, July 4th starts off bright and early 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. 7 am. English Landing Park.
Secret Rhythm Society
Set in an underground speakeasy, this new Quixotic production transports audiences to KC’s Jazz Age. Secret Rhythm Society’s multifaceted cast includes jazz singers, tap dancers, aerialists and more for an immersive show at a fitting venue—the Folly Theater. Also known as the Grand Lady of 12th Street, this historic venue got its start as a burlesque house over a century ago.
June 26—July 18. Times Vary. Folly Theater.
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.
Coffee Club At Central Park
Each Thursday morning throughout the summer, families can enjoy the fresh air in Zona Rosa’s Central Park while the kids play at the playground and splash fountain, along with rotating pop-ups and activities. This week, the series will offer hands-on, sensory activities from Busy Bean Play Cafe and Sensible Play.
May 28—July 30. 9 am. Central Park (Zona Rosa).
“The World in Kansas City”
The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art celebrates the KC World Cup matches with its latest exhibition, “The World in Kansas City.” Representative not only of the global event but also of KC as a multicultural hub, the exhibit features a diverse array of artists with ties to the region. Curator Jessica S. Hong says the display aims to showcase “how we all belong to a shared, complicated and nuanced social and cultural fabric.”
March 6–August 9. Times vary. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
Heart of America Shakespeare Festival
Since 1990, Heart of American Shakespeare Festival has brought the Bard’s work to KC audiences for free on the lawn of Southmoreland Park. This year, the festival presents one of the playwright’s most famous and frequently adapted works, Macbeth. Pack a blanket or lawn chairs for this five-act tragedy, which is Shakespeare’s shortest.
June 16–July 5, Tuesdays–Sundays. 8 pm. Southmoreland Park.
Mini Golf At The Museum
It’s back! Art Course offers an artist-designed mini-golf adventure within the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park at the Nelson-Atkins Museum. Play nine unique holes, each offering a creative spin on a masterpiece from the museum’s collection.
April 10—October 25. Times vary. Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park at the Nelson-Atkins Museum.
Hot Country Nights: Pecos & the Rooftops
Hot Country Nights are back, bringing live music to the Power & Light District on select Thursdays through August. This week, country-rock band Pecos & the Rooftops will perform hits like “This Damn Song” at the summertime series. Special guest Palmer Anthony joins the lineup.
July 2. 7 pm. KC Live!
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