Support Us Button Widget

The 2023 summer bucket list for Kansas City

From rooftop bars to drive-ins and local parks, there is a bucket list item for everyone to try and enjoy this summer in Kansas City.

A water fountain glows purple as it reflects the summer sky in downtown Kansas City. Photo by @mikeydayphotography on Instagram

Splish splash and bask in the beauty of this fountain captured at sunset.

Table of Contents

It’s the first official day of summer. We’re here to make sure you get the most out of the 93.6 days of sunshine — let’s roll down the windows and dive into our summer bucket list.

Walk in the park

Hidden in corners of the KC metro area are various hiking trails that make the big city feel like a mere fever dream. If you’re looking for a quick getaway, Swope Park is the place to start. Looking to be completely submerged in nature? Visit the Parkville Nature Sanctuary — one of the paths has a serene waterfall. Check out our hiking guide for more green getaways.

Have a laugh

If you’re looking to escape the Midwest heat, check out the local live comedy scene:

Bring on the bars

Nothing says summer like a cold cocktail with skyline views. Enjoy the warm nights partying at Prime Social or bask in the charm of Kelly’s Westport Inn. Bookmark our reel for the best rooftop spots, or check out the views yourself.

Appreciate art

The tenth annual Art in the Loop project displays works by local artists along the path of the streetcar. The 2023 season launches tonight at 5:30 p.m. with a kickoff party at the Kansas City Public Library’s central branch.

KC streetcar with artistic wrap for Art In The Loop

It’s a wrap! The KC streetcar dawns a new look in collaboration with Art in the Loop

Watch and rewind

Gone are the days of sock hops and doo-wops, but have no fear — the drive-in remains. Enjoy the nostalgia with the whole family at cinemas like B&B Theatre’s Twin Drive-In or Boulevard Drive-In.

See our full list of outdoor + drive-in movie experiences for all ages.

More from KCtoday
Don’t let the last weeks of summer slip away from you. Keep your calendar hot with these August events.
Find your next coffee stop using the stars.
KC is well represented on the world stage at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics — these are some locals to watch.
A turn of phrase here, a recognizable KC nod there — these craft beers found around Kansas City take local pride seriously.
Hümanette will open on Friday, August 9 in Brookside
It’s a classic for whiskey-sipping locals, but little known outside of the Midwest. Read on to explore the drink’s origins + how to make your own.
This week — Monday, July 22-Friday, July 26, 2024 — we’re shining a spotlight on the vibrant drink scene in Kansas City.
Whether you’re spending a day or a lifetime in Kansas City, these are among the best free activities the city has to offer.
What was Kansas City like at the turn of the millennium? We took a look back at the final year of the 20th century to see what life was like pre-Y2K.
With more people than ever opting to be paw-rents rather than parents, this downtown pet store is celebrating a decade of community support.