KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Kansas City’s official fireworks show on July 4 at the National World War I Museum and Memorial is a sight to see on Independence Day. The Stars and Stripes Picnic is an all-day affair, followed by fireworks timed to a carefully curated soundtrack, lasts 20 minutes, and the Liberty Memorial Tower provides an iconic and fitting backdrop.
“Just over 100 years ago, the people from Kansas City left our shores in order to help make the world safe for democracy,” said Matthew Naylor, the president and CEO of the museum and memorial. “What better place to gather on the Fourth of July, where we all come from across the political divide to celebrate core American values, than here at the home of the nation’s Memorial, where we remember those values.”
Kansas City’s official fireworks show on July 4 at the National World War I Museum and Memorial is a sight to see on Independence Day.(KCTV5/Betsy Webster)
Naylor said they have some surprises in store for this year’s display. They have also added activities to appeal to kids at the family-friendly event. That includes a climbing wall, face painting and henna tattoos. As usual, they will have local food and drink trucks in addition to a maker’s market curated by the Strawberry Swing.
There will be vendors serving adult beverages, including craft beer.
Naylor could not be pinned down on his single favorite thing, but one of them is just watching the crowd take it in.
“It’s fabulous to see families out enjoying themselves, a real cross-section of the community,” he said. “Everybody feels welcome here.”
Kansas City’s official fireworks show on July 4 at the National World War I Museum and Memorial is a sight to see on Independence Day.
The grounds have gone through an overhaul since last year. The historic tower and the sphinx on both sides have been cleaned and sealed. On this July 4th and throughout the summer, the museum is offering metro-area residents (Jackson, Platte, Clay, Johnson, Wyandotte and Leavenworth Counties) a special all-inclusive admission price of $10 for the museum and a trip to the top of the tower. The hours for that are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The all-day event begins at 3 p.m. Live music starts at 4:30. The fireworks light up the sky at 9:40 p.m.
The Stars and Stripes Picnic is set to take place on the Fourth of July at the National World War I Museum and Memorial.(City of Kansas City)
True to the event’s name, coolers with outside food and drinks are allowed, as are picnic blankets and lawn chairs. Naylor advises bringing plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen if you plan to be out all day. Shady spots under the trees that line the west side of the south lawn can fill up quickly.
The event is free to the public, rain or shine.
KCTV5 will be broadcasting the festivities in all newscasts, with a one-hour special beginning at 9 p.m. to include a live stream of the fireworks display.
Below is everything else you need to know before you head out the door.
Food and beverages can be brought by guests, and extra water is encouraged because it will be hot. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase from local vendors.
If you don’t want to leave your four-legged friends at home, they are allowed but must be on a leash. You must pick up after your pet. Loud fireworks might not be the best environment for your pet.
With a long day ahead, clusters of portable restrooms will be available on the south side of the Museum and Memorial.
Street closures beginning at noon:
- Main and Memorial will be closed to all traffic
- Wyandotte and 29th and Kessler and Pershing (south of the Portfolio Building parking entrance) will be closed to all traffic, excluding those with a parking pass
The Stars and Stripes Picnic is set to take place on the Fourth of July at the National World War I Museum and Memorial.(City of Kansas City)
Street closures beginning at 3 p.m.:
- Wyandotte and 31st close to all traffic except ADA and parking passes
- No street parking on Wyandotte and no grass parking in Penn Valley Park
- Broadway and 29th will close heading east
- Traffic heading north on Broadway will go down to one lane to provide a right turn only
With large crowds expected, parking further away and taking the KC Streetcar to Union Station is recommended.
- Parking along KC Streetcar route
- Tracking the KC Streetcar
You can also travel on the city bus with RideKC. RideKC also offers park-and-ride options.
- Plan your trip with RideKC
- Track a RideKC bus
ADA parking has limited availability at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The entrance to the lot is off Wyandotte Street (access from the south).
All parking is first-come, first-served.
Paid parking options include:
- Union Station parking garage: $25
- Hallmark lots: $20
If you choose to arrive through a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft, set the arrival to East 27th and Grand. Enter from the east to avoid road closures.
The Stars and Stripes Picnic is set to take place on the Fourth of July at the National World War I Museum and Memorial.(City of Kansas City)
The schedule for the day is as follows:
- Doors open, DJ Ashton Martin: 3 p.m.
- Live music: Drew Six and the Soul Plains Drifters: 4:30 p.m.
- Live music: Roots in Blue (set 1): 6:15 p.m.
- KCTV welcome and National Anthem: 6:45 p.m.
- Live music: Roots in Blue (set 2): 7 p.m.
- Live music: Lost Wax: 8:05 p.m.
- Fireworks: 9:40 p.m.
More information about food vendors, maps and more can be found on the National World War I Museum and Memorial website.
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