July starts out with a bang (pun intended) as we celebrate the birth of our country and fills our calendar with fun KC events.
July 1 – Bonner Blast Concert & Ice Cream Social
Where: Kelly Murphy Park, Bonner Springs, KS
What: Family-friendly outdoor concert with complimentary ice cream samples. Fireworks follow.
July 2–3 – Red, White & Baseball @ KC Live!
Where: KC Live! Block
What: Free public watch party for Royals games, BBQ vendors, and patriotic community vibes.
July 4 – Stars & Stripes Picnic
Where: National WWI Museum & Memorial
What: Free admission, live music, food trucks, and evening fireworks. A festive, family-focused Fourth of July event.
July 6 – Heart of America Shakespeare Festival
Where: Southmoreland Park
What: Free outdoor performances of Shakespeare. Bring a blanket and enjoy wine under the stars.
July 11, 18 & 25 – WeekEnder Concerts + Outdoor Movies
Where: Crown Center Square
What: Free local band performances followed by outdoor movies under the stars. Bring chairs or a blanket!
Fridays (July 11, 18, 25) – Zona Rosa Concerts
Where: Zona Rosa Central Park
What: Free Friday night concerts with regional bands like Right on Red, Stolen Winnebagos, and KC Rukus.
July 13–27 – KC Fringe Festival
Where: Multiple venues across Kansas City
What: Eclectic performances in theater, dance, comedy, and visual arts — many shows are free or low-cost.
July 14–16 – Heartland Country Stampede
Where: Bonner Springs, KS
What: Big-name country music acts, camping, daytime family activities, and evening fun.
July 17–Aug 3 – Festival of Butterflies
Where: Powell Gardens
What: Beautiful walk-through butterfly conservatory. Educational and perfect for kids and adults alike.
July 17–19 – Amelia Earhart Festival
Where: Atchison, KS (~1 hour from KC)
What: Carnival rides, food fair, live music, aerial acrobatics, and fireworks — a fun-filled weekend getaway.
July 19 – KC Summer Brew Fest
Where: Kauffman Stadium Outfield
What: 50+ breweries, food trucks, and lawn games. Ticketed 21+ event.
July 20 – Lawn Party at Nelson‑Atkins Sculpture Park
Where: Nelson-Atkins Sculpture Park, 4–8 p.m.
What: Free live music, food trucks, art activities, and sunshine — all-ages welcome.
July 24 – Music Nights at OP Arboretum
Where: Overland Park Arboretum
What: Free jazz concert by Time Bandits KC in a serene garden setting. Family-friendly.
Sundays – Overland Park Civic Band Concerts
Where: Indian Creek Recreation Center
What: Free Sunday evening band concerts. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic.
Ongoing – Knuckleheads Saloon Live Music
Where: Knuckleheads Saloon, Kansas City
What: Blues, roots, and Americana shows. Some performances have free admission.
Ongoing – American Jazz Museum Live Shows
Where: The Blue Room at 18th & Vine
What: Intimate jazz sets — small cover or donation. Great for date nights and music lovers.