The Kansas City area is packed with fireworks, festivals, parades, and fun for all ages to celebrate this July 4th! Whether you’re looking for a massive fireworks show under the city skyline, a small-town community picnic, or even a patriotic morning run, this guide has you covered. We’ve organized everything by city—Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, and Raymore—so you can easily find the July 4th events happening near you. Grab your red, white, and blue gear and let’s celebrate!
Kansas City pulls out all the stops for the Fourth of July, from fireworks exploding behind the National WWI Museum to a theme park extravaganza. With something for everyone, here are the must-see Independence Day events in Kansas City, Missouri!
Stars and Stripes Picnic & Fireworks
Kansas City’s official Independence Day celebration is the Stars and Stripes Picnic—an afternoon and evening of food, music, and fireworks on the sprawling lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and spend the day relaxing at this picnic-style festival, where you can enjoy over 20 local food trucks and vendors, listen to live music, and cap off the night with the largest fireworks display in the city!
Date & Time: Friday, July 4, 2025. Grounds open at 3:00 p.m. for the picnic; live concerts start at 4:30 p.m., and the fireworks show begins around 9:30 p.m.
Location: National WWI Museum and Memorial grounds (2 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, MO 64108)—lawn area south of the Liberty Memorial tower.
Cost: Free admission for all ages. Food and drink will be available for purchase from on-site vendors, however guests are also welcome to bring a cooler or picnic basket if you prefer!
Insider Info: Expect large crowds and several street closures around the memorial on July 4th. Limited paid parking is available nearby, but we recommend parking further away and taking the free KC Streetcar to the Union Station stop, which is just a short walk from the memorial grounds. A limited amount of free ADA parking is offered at the Federal Reserve Bank at 1 Memorial Drive (first-come, first-served).
Website: WWI Memorial Stars and Stripes Picnic
“Star-Spangled Night” at Worlds of Fun
Combining theme park thrills with patriotic fun, Kansas City’s major amusement park Worlds of Fun hosts its Star-Spangled Night on July 4th. Enjoy a variety of roller coasters and games throughout the day and then celebrate at night with an unforgettable fireworks display synchronized to patriotic music inside the park!
Date & Time: Friday, July 4, 2025. The park is open all day; fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
Location: Worlds of Fun amusement park—4545 Worlds of Fun Ave, Kansas City, MO 64161
Cost: Requires park admission ticket and parking fee. There is no extra charge for the fireworks show once you’re in the park.
Insider Info: Before the fireworks, make sure to find a spot with a clear view of the sky—many gather near the front plaza or Patriot roller coaster for viewing.
Website: Worlds of Fun "Star-Spangled Night"
Ward Parkway “Four on the 4th” Run/Walk
Don your most patriotic red, white, and blue gear, hit the pavement, and kick off your Fourth of July morning with an energizing fun run along one of Kansas City’s most beautiful boulevards. The Ward Parkway “Four on the 4th” is a 4-mile run/walk that celebrates freedom and fitness, with many participants dressing up in flag-themed costumes or star-spangled outfits. The best part? Everyone gets a flashy finisher’s medal to commemorate the holiday!
Date & Time: Friday, July 4, 2025. The race begins around 7:30 a.m. CDT (exact start time to be confirmed; check the organizer’s info). Plan to arrive by 7:00 a.m. for parking and warm-up.
Location: The course typically runs along scenic Ward Parkway in the Waldo/Brookside area of KC, with the start/finish line near Ward Parkway Center.
Cost: Registration is required—about $50 per person with youth discounts often available.
Insider Info: Participants are encouraged to wear fun Independence Day costumes (think Uncle Sam hats, flag shorts, tutus in USA colors, etc.), and serious runners, casual joggers, stroller-pushing parents, and even leashed dogs are all welcome! Free parking is available at the Ward Parkway Center shopping mall parking lots and surrounding streets. Roads on the course will be closed to traffic, so arrive early to navigate road closures and secure a parking spot.
Website: Ward Parkway "Four on the Fourth"
“Red, White & Brew” Bar Crawl
Looking for a 21+ way to celebrate after the fireworks? “Red, White & Brew” is a July 4th evening bar crawl that takes groups through multiple popular bars in the Power & Light District and Midtown. Expect drink specials, DJ music, and plenty of American flag attire on this festive crawl!
Date & Time: July 4, 2025 (Friday night). The crawl typically kicks off around 5:00 p.m. and continues through the night. Participants check in at the designated starting bar and then move to about 4+ venues over the course of the evening.
Location: Various bars in Kansas City, MO, often centered in Downtown KC or Westport.
Cost: This is a ticketed event, so you’ll need to purchase a bar crawl ticket, ranging from $10–$20. This includes admission to all participating bars and sometimes a few drink vouchers or a souvenir.
Insider Info: Remember to bring your ID (21+ only) and consider using a ride-share or taxi to and from the crawl—you’ll be drinking and venues are spread out, plus parking downtown can be pricey or limited on a holiday night. Some crawls have a fun scavenger hunt or games, and many crawlers dress in Uncle Sam hats, flag bikinis, star-spangled shirts—you name it!
Website: "Red, White, and Brew" Bar Crawl
Local Neighborhood Celebrations
In addition to organized events, many Kansas City neighborhoods host their own July 4th traditions—from home-decorating contests to kids’ bike parades. For example, the historic Coleman Highlands neighborhood holds an old-fashioned 4th of July parade and picnic for local residents. If you live in KC, check with your neighborhood association or Nextdoor to see if there’s a block party or parade near you—these smaller community events can be a charming way to celebrate with neighbors in a low-key setting!
Lee’s Summit offers a mix of big fireworks fun and historic charm for Independence Day, so whether you want to rock out to music and watch fireworks or step back in time to 1855, this southeast KC suburb has you covered!
Legacy Blast Fireworks Celebration
Lee’s Summit’s signature Fourth of July event is the Legacy Blast, a huge fireworks celebration at Legacy Park. Hosted by Lee’s Summit Parks & Recreation, this free community event feels like a giant family picnic meets carnival, with a field full of fun leading up to the spectacular light show: live DJs playing tunes, food trucks galore, and tons of kid-friendly activities from face painting to inflatables. It’s one of the best-attended events in Lee’s Summit each year, so get ready for a lively night!
Date & Time: Thursday, July 3, 2025. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. for pre-fireworks festivities and fireworks blast off at 9:30 p.m.
Location: Legacy Park – 1201 NE Blackwell Pkwy, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Cost: Free! Vendors will sell food and drinks on site.
Insider Info: Plan to arrive at 6 or even a bit before to snag a good parking spot and make sure to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and even your own cooler for a comfortable evening on the lawn. At 9:30, tune your portable radio to 94.9 KCMO to hear the music soundtrack synced to the fireworks—the fireworks at Legacy Blast are known to be impressively orchestrated and last around 15-20 minutes!
Website: "Legacy Blast" Fireworks Celebration 2025
Independence Day 1855 at Missouri Town (Living History Celebration)
Want to experience the Fourth of July the way our ancestors did in the 19th century? Head to Missouri Town 1855, a living history museum in Lee’s Summit’s Fleming Park, for an old-fashioned Independence Day celebration. This unique event recreates a mid-1800s Fourth of July, complete with a parade at noon where you can join in, patriotic speeches, period games, and even fresh-churned ice cream. It’s like stepping into a time machine!
Date & Time: Friday, July 4, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You can drop in any time during those hours to explore the village and activities, but the big 1855-style Independence Day parade through the village starts at noon with all visitors welcome to participate or watch.
Location: Missouri Town 1855 Living History Museum – 8010 E. Park Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064
Cost: Admission fee is required. Adults: $8; Youth (ages 5–13) and Seniors (62+): $4; kids under 5 are free. No additional cost for any activities once inside!
Insider Info: Visitors can actually line up with the historical reenactors and march in the Missouri Town Independence Day parade around the village green—kids often decorate wagons or wear straw hats like it’s 1855. You can also pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the lawn (there are shady areas) while watching demonstrations! *Note that Missouri Town is pet-friendly on leashes typically, but it’s best to check ahead—the loud noises of black-powder 1855 fireworks or muskets might spook animals!
Website: Independence Day 1855 at Missouri Town
The whole Blue Springs community comes out to celebrate at one of the area’s biggest Fourth of July parties: the annual “Red, White & Blue Springs” festival. If you want small-town vibes with big fun, this free event is the place to be!
“Red, White & Blue Springs” Festival & Fireworks
Blue Springs’ Independence Day bash is a full-fledged festival with everything you could want—from live music to over 20 food trucks and vendors selling everything from burgers and barbecue to ice cream and funnel cakes! There’s endless fun for every age leading up to a fantastic fireworks show, including:
Kids’ Zone: Balloon artists twisting up creations, huge inflatables to jump on, and other kid-friendly games.
Family Zone: A bit more relaxed—enjoy a magician’s show that will delight both kids and parents, plus classic yard games such as cornhole and giant Jenga.
Adult Zone (21+): A beer garden featuring local brews, yard games, and live music from a popular local band!
Date & Time: Thursday, July 3, 2025. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. Festivities run all evening with fireworks scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m.
Location: Blue Springs South High School & Young Park – 1200 SE Adams Dairy Pkwy, Blue Springs, MO
Cost: Free! No admission charge for entry, and all the entertainment is free—make sure to bring money for food trucks, drinks, or vendor goodies if you want, but you can also bring your own food.
Insider Info: Come at 5 p.m. when gates open (or even a bit before) to snag a good parking spot and enjoy the full evening. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs—if you want a more relaxed viewing, set up in Young Park which has ample space for lawn seating. If you prefer bleachers or closer-to-band action, head into the stadium.
Website: “Red, White & Blue Springs” Festival & Fireworks
Raymore’s highlight is the “Spirit of America Celebration,” an annual festival with a home-town feel! This year, Raymore is actually holding this event the weekend before the Fourth, which makes it a perfect laid-back celebration to enjoy with smaller crowds and still have your July 4th free to attend other regional events.
Spirit of America Celebration (Raymore Festival & Fireworks)
Raymore’s “Spirit of America Celebration” is a free community festival held in the city’s Recreation Park that features live music, delicious food trucks, activities for all ages, and a big fireworks show once the sun goes down! You’ll see neighbors chatting on lawn chairs, people dancing, kids jumping on inflatables or getting their face painted, and food trucks cooking up festival fare. Because it’s not on July 4th itself this year, it’s a great “early start” to the holiday.
Date & Time: Friday, June 27, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Fireworks launch at dusk – roughly 9:30 p.m.)
Location: Recreation Park—1011 S. Madison Street, Raymore, MO 64083
Cost: Free admission! Bring some cash or card for food vendors or any extras, but entrance, music, and fireworks are all free.
Insider Info: The city sometimes brings extra touches like a car show or local vendor booths—check out the Raymore Parks and Rec social media pages for updates as the event draws close! If you have kids, consider bringing ear protection for them during the fireworks, as you can get pretty close to the launch site
Website: Raymore "Spirit of America Celebration"
Bottom Line
No matter which city around Kansas City you choose, you’re bound to find incredible fireworks and festive fun this Independence Day! Each community offers a unique flavor from modern festivities with a historical twist to a close-knit community celebration. The best part? You don’t have to pick just one—since many of these happen on different days, the truly enthusiastic can hop around and experience multiple Independence Day events! However you celebrate, we hope you have a happy Fourth of July 2025 and enjoy the food, the fun, the fireworks, and the freedom that this holiday is all about!
