Stack your itinerary with all sorts of shows you can only see here. | Photos courtesy of KC Fringe Fest; GIF by KCtoday
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to this month.
Seasonal events
Stars and Stripes Picnic | Friday, July 4 | 3 p.m. | National WWI Museum and Memorial | Free | KC’s biggest fireworks show returns with downtown skyline views.
Star Spangled Spectacular | Friday, July 4 | 5 p.m. | Corporate Woods Founders’ Park, Overland Park, KS | Free | Picnic blankets, live music, and food trucks? Yes, please. This OP tradition lights up the sky in style.
Kansas City’s Lawn Party | Sunday, July 20 | 4-8 p.m. | The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art | Free | Celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month with a massive party full of local food trucks, yard games, live music, and summer vibes.
Stop by Star Spangled Spectacular for family friendly fun.
Photo provided by City of Overland Park
Live performances
“The Wiz” | Tuesday, July 8-Sunday, July 13 | Times vary | Music Hall Kansas City | $48+ | Ease on down to this vibrant, reimagined Broadway classic.
Stay active
Teal Rising Cup | Saturday, July 12 | 4:30 p.m. | CPKC Stadium | $66+ | International soccer takes on the Current in this inaugural showdown featuring powerhouse Brazilian clubs.
Martin City Taco Mile | Wednesday, July 16 | 6 p.m. | 200 E. 135th St., Kansas City | $28 | One taco, one lap… repeat four times in this duo-race day feast.
Festivals
KC Fringe Festival | Sunday, July 13-Sunday, July 27 | Times vary | Multiple locations | Prices vary | Back for its 20th year, this two-week celebration of live performance, film, and art goes bold + weird in all the right ways.
Olathe Live! | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Downtown Library, Olathe, KS | Free | Seize your mid-day break by grabbing a treat from Hermetheus Coffee inside the library before finding a seat on the patio to enjoy live music + community.
Wednesday, June 25
Charlotte FC vs. Sporting Kansas City | 7:30 p.m. | Children’s Mercy Park, KCK | $19+ | Join the Cauldron in defending our title as the “Soccer Capital of America,” as we take on our friends from CLTtoday.
Thursday, June 26
Garden Bros Nuclear Circus | Thursday, June 26-Sunday, June 29 | Times vary | Independence Mall, Independence | $17.50+ | Jr. The Clown takes center stage under the world’s largest big top, featuring acts like the Human Cannonball and the Wheel of Death.
Music Nights at The Arboretum | 5 p.m. | Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Overland Park, KS | $7 | Enjoy extended hours in the gardens soaking in live music from local saxophonist Kenneth Stone.
Wood Burning Workshop | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Creative Culture — Westport | $78 | Learn how to create any design you want using wood burning techniques and paint, plus, bring home your creation that same day — no pick-up needed.
Friday, June 27
PARKED! | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Stump Park, Shawnee, KS | Free | Enjoy food trucks, live music, vendors, activities for children, and sprinklers in the fields before ending the night with a full fireworks display.
Date night just got an upgrade.Rooftop Cinema Club is coming to the Crossroads, bringing skyline views, classic flicks, a full bar, and all the popcorn your heart desires. Want first dibs + discounts? Sign up on its site. (Kansas City Star)
Sports
Cue the countdown: Chiefs Training Camp is back at Missouri Western State from Tuesday, July 22–Wednesday, Aug. 13, with free, open-to-the-public practices. If this is part of your annual tradition, set your alarms — ticket reservations open today + tomorrow at 10 a.m. (FOX4)
Ranked
In the battle of the brunch bites, Mr. D’s Donuts and Fresh Donuts landed on Yelp’s Top 50 Donut Shops in the U.S. — at Nos. 39 + 50 respectively. Great news, but let’s be honest... KC’s donut game deserves a top 10 sweep.
Trending
Holy Brunch KC is leveling up and taking over the former Westport Ale House. Known for over-the-top eats like Philly cheesesteaks and Fruity Pebbles waffles, the local brunch spot is almost ready for its next chapter. Get a peek inside the new digs.
Announced
The long-awaited glow-up of the former Metro North Mall is picking up speed. Up next: NRG Adventure Park, an “extreme indoor playground” with climbing walls, obstacle courses, and ball pits, set to take over half the second floor of the site’s former Macy’s. (Kansas City Star)
Closing
It’s game over for Reroll Tavern, as the NKC gaming bar wraps up operations at month’s end — quoting The Lord of the Rings, of course. Its next-door sister spot, Vignettes, known for rotating themed pop-ups, will close too. One last drink?
Try This
This isn’t your average BBQ plate. Bourbon & BBQ at Q39 brings four local bourbon pours and a stacked lineup of smoked meats — ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and more — for $70. Available in-store only through Sunday, July 6. Dig in, KC.*
This No. 1 best-selling sun hat with solar powered fans is breaking the internet. Reviewers love its UPF 50+, waterproof wide brim, built-in dual fans, and adjustable fit.*
Real Estate
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The Buy
Your favorite bug banisher, to get you through the summer season unbitten:
🌿 These No. 1 best-selling bracelets keep mosquitos away just by wearing them around your wrist or ankle — they’re DEET-free, use essential oils, and fit both kids and adults.
🐜 If slicing summer watermelons brings all the ants to your house, try these best-selling ant bait stations, rated 4.6 stars and usually effective within 24 hours.
💡 For mosquito protection on your porch or patio, try this No. 1 best-selling electric bug zapper — just hang it, plug it in, and enjoy bug-free summer nights.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
With my AC on full blast and my house still feeling like a convection oven, I’m diving into a story on cost + energy-saving tips for surviving this record heat. Think city rebates, local programs, and clever ways to cool down without breaking the bank. Got a go-to hack or local resource? Hit reply and share the love.
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