With summer in full swing, Kansas City is heating up with an exciting calendar of events that promise unforgettable weekends filled with music, food, culture, and family fun. From outdoor movie nights and global food festivals to inclusive pride celebrations and nature adventures, there’s no shortage of things to do across the metro. Whether you’re a lifelong local or just visiting for the summer, now is the perfect time to explore what Kansas City still has in store.
Major Upcoming Summer Events
Heart of America Hot Dog Festival – August 9
Held in the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District, this beloved festival combines hot dogs, drinks, live entertainment, and games—all while celebrating Black baseball history and community pride. Hosted by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, this event is a can’t-miss blend of fun, food, and culture.
Ethnic Enrichment Festival – August 15–17
Returning to Swope Park, this multicultural festival features over 40 countries represented through food, music, and dance. From Colombian arepas to Ukrainian dumplings and Nigerian jollof rice, the event offers a global culinary journey for just $5 entry. Don’t miss the colorful Parade of Flags and cultural performances all weekend long.
Parkville Days Festival – August 22–24
Celebrate small-town charm with carnival rides, craft vendors, and a packed lineup of free concerts in historic downtown Parkville. This family-friendly tradition also includes guided walking tours and riverfront fun, perfect for closing out your summer with a classic hometown vibe.
Music, Movies & Outdoor Entertainment
Crown Center WeekEnder Series – Fridays in July & August
Every Friday night starting July 11, Crown Center offers the ultimate weekend combo: food trucks, live bands, and outdoor movie screenings. Arrive early to grab dinner, enjoy a sunset concert, and stay for the film under the stars. Movies begin around 9 PM.
Summer Concerts at the Kansas City Museum – July 12 & August 9
Set on the museum lawn, this affordable concert series features local talent in a beautiful historic setting. Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the gate. Bring blankets and enjoy live music while soaking up the summer evening atmosphere.
KC Lawn Party – July 20
Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard will be shut down for a citywide lawn party from 4–8 PM. Enjoy live music, yard games, food trucks, and community art installations along the street. This event is free and perfect for all ages.
Nature, Wellness & Family Fun
Festival of Butterflies at Powell Gardens – July 17–August 3
This year’s “Jurassic Gardens” theme features life-sized dinosaurs alongside exotic and native butterflies. Kids and adults alike will love the interactive butterfly houses, garden trails, and special evening events like Bones & Brews. General admission is $20.
Zona Rosa Summer Fest – July 19
Head to Zona Rosa for a family-friendly day packed with foam parties, a kids’ dance zone, oversized yard games, and the Strawberry Swing craft fair. This fun-filled event runs from 11 AM to 6 PM with food trucks and summer beverages throughout the day.
Looking Ahead: Labor Day Weekend
Kansas City’s summer fun doesn’t stop in August. Labor Day weekend will host two of the city’s biggest festivals:
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Kansas City Irish Fest (Aug 29–31): Celebrate Irish heritage with live music, whiskey tastings, dance performances, and cultural exhibits at Crown Center.
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SantaCaliGon Days (Aug 29–Sept 1): MO welcomes thousands for this annual celebration with carnival rides, shopping, concerts, and old-fashioned frontier flair.
Final Thoughts
As July kicks off, Kansas City still has a summer’s worth of excitement ahead. Whether you’re catching live jazz at a museum lawn concert, tasting your way through global cuisines, or dancing at a pride celebration, these events offer the perfect chance to reconnect with your community and experience the best of what this vibrant city has to offer. So grab your friends, charge your phone, and get out there—summer in KC isn’t just a season, it’s a celebration.
