What’s up, Kansas City! Memorial Day weekend is almost upon us, and we have so many fun outings for you to enjoy if you’re planning to stay in town. Before we get into our list, we do want to acknowledge that for too many people this weekend will be spent remembering a loved one lost in combat, and we want you to know our hearts are with you and we are so sorry for your loss. We hope that in the midst of that sadness, you can also find joy in celebrating the legacy they left, maybe even with some of these events we’ve lined up for this weekend.
Friday, May 23
Downtown Olathe kicks things off with its Fourth Fridays event—an evening filled with food trucks, live music, local makers, and a small-town vibe that’s just the right level of cozy. If you’re up for a quick road trip, the Lawrence Busker Festival also kicks off Friday and runs all weekend. Think fire breathers, acrobats, and musicians filling the streets with surprises around every corner.
Prefer your Friday night indoors with a little nostalgia? Disney’s Lion King Musical continues its run at the Music Hall, bringing Broadway-level magic to the heart of KC through June 1st. For something a little edgier, the Kansas City Tattoo Arts Festival is taking over Bartle Hall through Sunday with plenty of ink, live art, and tattoo culture.
If you’ve got kids (or just love a good carnival ride and some cotton candy), head north for the Parkville Memorial Day Carnival, also happening all weekend long. It’s a classic way to kick off summer and support a charming riverfront community.
Saturday, May 24
Saturday expands your options. The Homegrown Harmony Festival is a day-long celebration of local music, food, and art—perfect for lounging on a blanket and taking in the talent. Meanwhile, Oceans of Fun officially opens for the season, so bring your sunscreen, your most embarrassing waterpark scream, and enjoy the wave pool and waterslides.
Music lovers will want to check out Manor Fest 7, a local music festival and fundraiser that showcases rising acts in indie, punk, and experimental genres. Grinders Memorial Weekend Bash is also on the menu with free entry, live music, and KC’s signature gritty backyard vibe.
Sunday, May 25
The weekend culminates in one of the city’s most cherished traditions: Celebration at the Station. Held on the lawn of Union Station and the National WWI Museum and Memorial, this massive event features the Kansas City Symphony performing a patriotic concert followed by a breathtaking fireworks show. It draws around 50,000 people and is the perfect way to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day while being surrounded by community.