Things to Do in KC: Celebrate the 4th of July

Looking for ways to celebrate our country's independence this year?  Check out the list below for various activities around the Kansas City Metro area:

Kansas Side:

Boulevard Drive In Theater: July 4th enjoy free fireworks.  Gates open at 7:00PM

Monsters University (G) @ 9:10pmLone Ranger (PG-13) @ 11:00pm–––––––––Enjoy a double feature under the stars:Adults $10/Kids 11 and under are FREECASH ONLY!!

Overland Park Star Spangled Spectacular – Celebrate Independence Day with a group of new American citizens at the U.S. Citizen Naturalization Ceremony, starting at 5:45 p.m. Other festivities include children’s games, vendors and live performances from the American Legion Band of Greater Kansas City and The Atlantic Express. The gates open at 4 p.m., July 4, at Corporate Woods in Overland Park . Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m., with simulcast music on KCMO 710 AM and 103.7 FM. 

Leawood’s Fourth of July Celebration in the Park – 
Enjoy live music from The Shanks , family activities and a variety of food vendors at this year’s event. The celebration starts at 5 p.m., July 4, at the Leawood City Park . The Shanks start at 7:30 p.m., and the display begins at 9:45 p.m. Free shuttle buses are available from the parking lots along Tomahawk Creek Parkway, starting at 10 a.m. 

 Corporate Woods Star Spangled Spectacular

The Corporate Woods Star Spangled Spectacular is something to see-- the 4th of July events kick off at 4PM and last until 11PM. With everything from a free concert to funnel cakes, it's also one of the biggest fireworks displays in the metro.

• Where: Corporate Woods, I-435 and College Blvd @ 109th/Mastin.
• Time: 4pm-11pm, fireworks approx 9:30 pm
  Guide Tip: Be prepared to park and WALK..a loooonnng way!

Special T-Bones post-game fireworks – 
Catch a special post-game fireworks display after the T-Bones take on the Sioux Falls Pheasants at 7:05 p.m., July 3, at Community America Ballpark. Parking is free. Tickets are available online at http://tbonesbaseball.com/ . 

Lenexa Community Days Parade – 
Celebrate Independence Day in Old Town Lenexa with the “All Stars for Freedom” parade, which includes antique cars, music and more. The parade begins at 10 a.m., and runs through the Old Town area. Police Chief Ellen Hanson will be the Grand Marshal. 

Other Kansas-side fireworks displays:

Leavenworth – Fourth of July Celebration, 4 - 10 p.m., July 4 at Fort Leavenworth Merritt Lake. Event includes music and food vendors. Fireworks begin at dusk.

Fairway/Westwood/Roeland Park – Display begins at 9:30 p.m., July 3 at Bishop Miege High School , 5041 Reinhardt Dr. Parking is available at Bishop Miege and St. Agnes Parish.

Missouri side:

KCRiverfest – KCRiverfest is one of the biggest Fourth of July celebrations in Kansas City and is perfect for the entire family. The all-day event includes live music, local vendors, food and entertainment. Festivities begin at 1 p.m., July 4, at Berkley Park on the River, located between the Paseo and Heart of America bridges. Fireworks begin at 10:05 p.m. Tickets are $5. Advanced discount tickets are available online at http://www.kcriverfest.com/ .

Jackson County Fourth of July Appreciation Celebration – Jackson County is saying “thank you” to residents for helping make MLB’s All-Star game possible with a special Fourth of July celebration. Catch appearances from Kansas City Royal alums, hear live music from The David Basse Orchestra and try delicious food from local vendors. Festivities begin at 6 p.m., July 4, at Longview Lake Beach, 9898 Longview Rd. Admission is free. Pets and grills are prohibited. 

Parkville Fourth of July Blast Off – This party starts on the Fourth and doesn’t stop until Saturday! Kick things off with the American Legion Pancake breakfast on Wednesday, followed by a parade through downtown Parkville. Other activities include carnival rides, food vendors and a performance by the Parkville Symphonic Band . Wednesday’s fireworks display starts at 9:45 p.m. Shuttle service is available from the South Platte Community Center, Park University and Park Hill South High School. 

Liberty Fourth Fest – 
A newly added BBQ competition is just one of the many things happening at Liberty’s Fourth Fest. Festivities begin at 5 p.m., July 3, with food, a beer garden and live music from the Ernest James Zydeco Band in Historic Liberty Square. Fourth of July kicks off with a parade through the Square. Fireworks start at 9:45 p.m., at William Jewell College. 

Legacy Blast Fireworks Extravaganza in Lee’s Summit – 
Lee’s Summit’s fireworks display will be choreographed to music and simulcast on 94.9 FM , at 9:30 p.m., July 3, at Legacy Park . Food vendors, children’s inflatables and entertainers will be on-site before the show starts. Gates on the south entrance of the park open at 6 p.m. Parking is available in the sports venue lots off Legacy Park Drive. 

Worlds of Fun -Worlds of Fun has one of the longest standing 4th of July celebrations in the metro. Watch fireworks from within the park or by parking on the east side of I-435 (not recommended!). The fun starts at 10pm.

Raymore’s Spirit of America Celebration – This year’s celebration includes a classic car show and live entertainment from Ten Feet Down. Festivities begin at 4 p.m., July 4, at Recreation Park , 1021 S Madison. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Fireworks begin at dusk. 

Other Missouri-side fireworks displays:

Independence – Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m., July 4, at the Mormon Visitors Center, 937 W Walnut. Event includes musical performances by the Spirit of Independence Band , starting at 8 p.m.

Blue Springs – Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m., July 4, at Blue Springs High School Peve Stadium, 2000 NW Ashton Drive. Gates open at 7:30 p.m., live entertainment from 8-9:30 p.m. Concessions available.

Gladstone – Display starts at 9:45 p.m., July 4, at Gladstone Amphitheatre, 76th Street and North Troost Ave. A performance by North Star Community Band starts at 8:30 p.m.

Remember to have fun and be safe!