As we approach an unusual 4th of July weekend, many of us are yearning for the familiarity of traditional summer celebrations. While some communities have cancelled their Independence Day festivities, many others are still holding events, often adjusted for socially-distant celebrating.
Here’s a quick guide for celebrating the 4th of July around the KC metro this weekend.
Cancelled Events
Per the Kansas City Star, several communities have cancelled events due to the on-going health crisis. Here are known cancelations on the Missouri side:
- KCRiverFest
- Blue Springs
- Greenwood
- Independence
- Lee’s Summit
- Liberty
And here are cancelations in Kansas:
- Leawood
- Overland Park
- Fairway
- Roeland Park
- Shawnee
Events still scheduled
The good news is there are still plenty of ways you can celebrate the 4th of July in the greater KC area this weekend.
- Excelsior Spring Although other activities are cancelled, there will still be a fireworks display at dusk on Saturday, July 4th at Siloam Mountain Park. Officials says the display can be seen anywhere in town, especially near downtown.
- Gardner While most city events are cancelled, they will still be holding their fireworks display at Gardner Park on Saturday, July 4th at 10 p.m.
- Harrisonville Fireworks display to be held at dusk on Saturday, July 4th from the City Park.
- Lenexa Non-deterred, Lenexa has found socially-distant variations of their traditional events. Instead of hosting their Freedom Run in person, participants are encouraged to time their run and submit for participation. They’ve also asked residents and businesses to decorate for their Community Days Porch Parade.
- Oak Grove Presented from the highest point of Bent Oak Park, this firework show is scheduled for Saturday, July 4th at 10 p.m.
- Olathe Their fireworks show is still planned at College Boulevard Activity Center for Saturday, July 4th at 9:45 p.m.
- Pleasant Hill Set to begin between 9 and 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4th, Pleasant Hill will be hosting the earliest scheduled fireworks show from Skyline Field.
- Prairie Village In an adjustment of their normal festivities, Prairie Village will be hosting VillageFest To Go, where community members can decorate their car and parade past first responder and public works vehicles. They will also be hosting events through social media, including a sidewalk art contest, a photo contest, and Prairie Village trivia.
- Smithville/Clay County Clay County and Smithville are teaming up for their fireworks display. The event is set for Saturday, July 4th at dusk. The fireworks location has moved, so be sure you’re in the right spot to watch the show.
- Weston In addition to rescheduling their fireworks show for 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 4th at the Weston Masonic Lodge, they also have a full lineup of activities currently scheduled throughout the day.
- Worlds of Fun Reservations are required for Worlds of Fun’s full day of activities, which will end with their Celebrate America fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
This list is current as of publication, and we will update it as we receive new information. If you'd like to share any information for this list, please contact us.