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JUNE, JULY & AUGUST – VARYING DATES
Art Garden KC – June, July, August. Art Garden KC is a non-profit, grassroots outdoor festival centered in the gorgeous and historical City Market Park! Support local businesses and artists in one of KC’s hottest tourist destinations! Every Sunday (weather permitting) from 11AM to 4PM, shop handcrafted local works from KC makers—unique, handmade jewelry, décor, ceramics, clothing, art and more. Over 90 local vendors, open mic, yard games & more. Family friendly atmosphere with art activities for all ages. Kiddos and dogs are welcome! More info
Hot Country Nights – June, July, August. Join the party every Thursday during the summer for Miller Lite Hot Country Nights at KC Live in the Kansas City Power & Light District! Shows for hot country artists are FREE with upgrades available for purchase. More Info
Heart of America Shakespeare Festival – June/July (date varies). To festival, or not to festival? At the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, that’s not even a question. Each year, the free festival features performances of a different Shakespearean masterpiece at Southmoreland Park. More info
KC Pride – June/August (date varies). See why The Advocate named KC Pride one of the top 10 LGBTQ festivals in the nation. Throughout the weekend event, celebrate inclusion, diversity and pride with live music and performances from local and national headliners. More info
Johnson County Fair – July/August (date varies). Come out to celebrate all of the best in Johnson County at the fair in Gardner, KS. The event lasts a week and has a variety of things to do, including carnival rides, a demolition derby and live music. More info
Movies in the Park – July, August, September. Pack your lawn chairs and blankets and bring your family to enjoy an evening under the stars at one of the Friday night Movie in the Park events at Lenexa’s Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. More info
KC Airshow – July/August/September (date varies). This air spectacular in New Century, KS, features an annual lineup of star-studded aerialists, exhibits and other experiences. Voted the Best Air Show in 2019 by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the KC Air Show produces the best air show experience in the country while directing net proceeds from the air show into aviation-focused STEM educational programs for school-aged children in the Kansas City area. More info
JUNE
Old Shawnee Days – June. Past meets present during this event that celebrates the history of Shawnee. Attractions for the four-day celebration includes rides, live music, games, historical reenactments, and crafts. While there is no admission fee and all concerts and events are free, cost may vary with food, drink, crafts, and the carnival. More info
Festa Italiana – June. Eat and drink your way through Italy—no passport required! Italian culture takes center stage in this event at Zona Rosa, which includes food, a beer garden, a car show, and novelty booths. More info
Hospital Hill Run – June. Featuring half-marathon, 5k and 10k distances, this Kansas City running tradition benefits Children’s Mercy Hospital. Do you have what it takes to challenge “the thrill of the hill”? More info
Vaile Strawberry Festival – June. The beautiful, historic Vaile Mansion in Liberty, MO hosts this annual event, which welcomes craft and antique dealers who set up their wares throughout the mansion—and, of course, strawberry treats as you shop. More info
Future Stages Festival – June. Join the celebration and experience the arts in Kansas City! The FREE one-day festival invites everyone to explore a diverse range of performances and interactive arts activities. Futures Stages Festival is a community event that showcases youth in the performing arts and is an extension of the Kauffman Center’s Open Doors Spotlight on Youth program. Featuring a variety of performing arts organizations and arts activity partners – the festival provides fun for ALL ages! More info
Boulevardia – June. Crown Center transforms into an all-senses destination during this favorite festival hosted by Boulevard Brewing Co., complete with food trucks, concerts, maker booths, a family carnival and, of course, beer stations that offer local, regional, and national craft brews. Advanced tickets required to enter. More info
Great Lenexa BBQ Battle – June. Started in 1982, this competition attracts cooks from all over the country, who compete for the coveted title of Grand Champion of the Kansas State Championship. For 2022, prizes and ribbons are awarded to the top 10 contestants in seven categories and top three overall. More info
WaterFest – June. Held on the fourth weekend every June, Waterfest is a fun-filled, family friendly event that is the largest annual festival in Excelsior Springs, MO. Activities include live music, shopping, food & libations, a huge fireworks show, and other homespun traditions. More info
Downtown Overland Park Art Fair – June. In this art fair, over 100 featured artists take part in the event. Patrons can gather in downtown Overland Park to enjoy food and live music, all the while pursuing works from a diverse array of artists. More info
Mission Backyard Campout – June. Grab your tents and lawn chairs for the city’s annual backyard campout. In addition to dinner and breakfast in the morning, the event will have several family-friendly activities, including swimming, s’mores making and an outdoor movie. More info
Crown Center Antique Festival – June. Dealers and visitors alike agree that this festival is one of the top antique shows in the Midwest, thanks in part to a dizzying array of wares ranging from furniture and jewelry to pottery and linens. More info
JULY
WeekEnder – July. Cap off your work week with this free event featuring top local bands and favorite food trucks. Then, finish the evening with a famous flick under the stars at Crown Center Square. More info
Jazz Walk Of Fame – July. Pay tribute to Kansas City’s iconic sound in this event that honors jazz artists by immortalizing their names in 30-inch bronze medallions embedded in the sidewalks on 18th Street in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District. A sold-out concert, often featuring one inducted artist, follows the induction ceremony. More info
3rd of July Concert & Fireworks – July. A partnership with the Kansas City Parks & Recreation provides an early Independence Day celebration in the Jazz District. This free event has attracted thousands over the past three years and have featured artists including Sheila E. More info
KC RiverFest – July. Celebrate July Fourth in this festival at Berkley Riverfront Park, which begins with live music, activities and food and concludes with one of the largest fireworks shows in the Midwest. More info
Amelia Earhart Festival – July. Head to Atchison, KS, Amelia Earhart’s birthplace, for an annual celebration of the aviation icon packed with events, including live music, carnival rides, a food and crafts fair, aerobatic performances and the grand finale: a Concert in the Sky fireworks show. More info
KC Fringe Festival – July. The KC Fringe Festival is the largest celebration of arts and culture in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The festival is a live two-week explosion of performances, Venues, visual arts exhibition, and events that showcase the work of local, national, and international artists. The mostly volunteer-run organization has been supporting artists, cultivating creators, and attracting adventurous audiences since July 2005. More info
Festival of Butterflies – July. This is a perennial favorite at Powell Gardens. Step into the magical world of butterflies and enjoy opportunities to learn more about the fluttering creatures. More info
Prairie Village, Village Fest – July. This annual event kicks off with a pancake breakfast, followed by some fun, family-friendly activities, like a petting zoo, bouncy house, face painting and more. There’s even be a pie-baking contest. Doesn’t get more American than that! More info
AUGUST
Parkville Days – August. One of downtown Parkville’s largest events, the Parkville Days festival features a variety of family-friendly entertainment. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy live music along the Missouri River and on Main Street. Play at the Carnival all weekend, and browse the arts & crafts, retail, food, and specialty booths. Participating downtown shops will host their “end of summer” sales and specials…. and much more! More info
Ethnic Enrichment Festival – August. Held every year, on the third full weekend in August, the Ethnic Enrichment Festival has grown from its humble beginnings in 1976 to be one of the top ethnic festivals in the nation. KC’s diverse cultures unite at this weekend extravaganza that includes food, dancing and music representing dozens of countries, as well as several ethnic groups recognized by Ethnic Enrichment Committee. More info
Jazzoo – August. Creative black-tie attire makes for an unlimited number of fashionable photo ops in this annual fundraiser at the Kansas City Zoo. Party animals from across the metro will gather to enjoy unlimited food, drinks, and entertainment. Funds raised support the Zoo Learning Fund and help buy food for animals. More info
Middle of the Map Fest – August. Immerse yourself in music, films, and forums during Middle of the Map Fest, quickly becoming one of Kansas City’s favorite local events. More info
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