Join the WWI Memorial and Museum for its annual celebration. | Photo by @coultonthomas
From sky-shaking fireworks to splashy pool parties and patriotic parades, here a few choice options to consider while finalizing your Fourth of July plans.
Thursday, July 3
The Bonner Blast | 5-10 p.m. | Centennial Park, Bonner Springs, KS | Free | Pack a picnic and catch a City Band concert before the fireworks begin.
Red, White & Blue Springs | 5 p.m. | Blue Springs South High School + Young Park | Free | Expect three entertainment zones for kids, adults, and families, plus food trucks and a finale sparks show.
Friday, July 4
Freedom Fling | 1-5 p.m. | Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center, Shawnee, KS | $6+ | Make a splash at Shawnee’s shiny new water park — think slides, games, prizes, and more. Bonus: bring canned goods for half-off entry.
Stars and Stripes Picnic | 3 p.m. | National WWI Museum and Memorial | Free | How much more patriotic can it get than laying out under Liberty Memorial Tower to catch the city’s biggest fireworks show?
KCPL Pop In at the Park | 3:30-5:30 p.m. | Concourse Park | Free | Let the library come to you at this park-side popup providing summer learning resources, as well as free kids activities, meals, and books.
Wednesday, July 2
“The Brotherhood of Rock” Tour | 6:45 p.m. | Starlight Theatre | $75+ | Come sail away into a night of hard rock and soaring ballads from Styx’s hey-day, alongside Kevin Cronin + Don Felder.
Thursday, July 3
Wine Tasting on the Terrace | 6-8 p.m. | Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens | $48 | Few tickets are left to sip perfect pairings amid the breathtaking garden scenery while the summer sun sets.
Friday, July 4
The Great Market Carnival | 12-3 p.m. | Lenexa Public Market, Lenexa, KS | Free entry | Start the party with a day of classic carnival games, a colorful chalk art contest, and a jaw-dropping juggling show — not to mention market merchant deals.
Saturday, July 5
Popsicles in the Park | 10-11 a.m. | Wilder Bluff Park, Shawnee, KS | Free | Cool off with a sweet treat as park staff hand out popsicles to celebrate National Parks & Recreation Month.
Step into the Crossroads’ newest hidden gem: a cozy, 20-seat izakaya from the team behind The Antler Room. Set to open this month, Japanese-inspired pub Anjin will feature a rotating menu, sake galore, and even soft-serve. Meanwhile, in Westport, the former Fountain Haus is transforming into Dos Lokos Sports Cantina — set to open in September. (Kansas City Star + Startland News)
Sports
ICYMI: The Oklahoma City Thunder clinched the NBA Finals in a nail-biting seven-game series against the Indiana Pacers (sorry, INDYtoday). Now, the champs are bringing their skills to KC with two youth camps — one for basketball and one for dance with the O-City Crew — happening Tuesday, July 29-Wednesday, July 30. (Kansas City Star)
Try This
No boarding pass? No problem. A new pilot program launching Thursday, July 3 will let non-travelers explore KCI’s post-security terminal. Just grab a Guest Pass to hang out with friends, grab a bite, or see someone off in style. (FOX4)
Real Estate
Calling all ghost hunters and history lovers: one of Westport’s oldest buildings, 4112 Pennsylvania Ave., is officially for sale. The $2.49 million property — home to Fidel’s Cigar Shop and Brix — comes with local legend status and some rumored paranormal roommates. (Kansas City Star)
Plan Ahead
Hosting an event? Spread the word with KCtoday. Explore our self-service ad portal to find the perfect fit for your budget — from standout banner ads to scroll-stopping social content. Promoting your event has never been easier.
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The Buy
A ZlumberLock secure sheet holder. Say goodbye to tangled + bunched up sheets with this easy-to-install, patented product. It fits all sheet types and boasts a sleek, discreet design.
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.
Before the YMCA, there was the Kansas City Athletic Club. While 32% of you couldn’t picture the KCAC sharing space with the local Playboy Club (they did), 31% correctly called out the fib — the club actually began as the Fairmount Cycling Club, not the Fairmount Cricket Club.
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