A Summer for the Books: Fun Around Kansas City
Summer is finally here! School is out, and sunshine and outdoor adventures await us in Kansas City. From exciting festivals to community events, the City of Fountains promises endless activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking for fun things to do on a family day out or something special with your friends, there are unique experiences to be had around every corner.
If you’re new to KC and don’t know where to start—no worries! We’ve gathered up the top summer bucket list items for the best summer ever. Start planning your adventures!
Check out the Festival of the Butterflies at Powell Gardens. Photo by amanda panda on Unsplash
4 Things to Do in Kansas City, MO, This Summer
1. Heart of America Shakespeare Festival
Date: June 13 – July 2
Location: Southmoreland Park
The Heart of America Shakespeare Festival is an enchanting Kansas City tradition that artfully brings the works of William Shakespeare to life under the stars. Held annually in the verdant environs of Southmoreland Park, this free festival is a summer mainstay and a magnet for thespians, literature aficionados, and families alike. Each season, a new Shakespearean play is meticulously adapted and performed by a talented cast, highlighting the timeless relevance of the writer’s themes. Beyond the performances, the festival offers yearlong workshops and educational programs designed to promote understanding and appreciation of Shakespeare’s works.
2. Stars and Stripes Picnic
Date: July 4
Location: National WWI Museum & Memorial
Join the community for the city’s official July 4th celebration. Gates open at 3 P.M., and there is plenty to keep you busy until the fireworks. During the day, you can shop the talented local vendors and visit a wide selection of food trucks. Children can stop in to get their faces painted, and everyone can enjoy the live entertainment. Casi Joy, a KC native, is the headlining artist is ready to bring her Nashville flair back to her hometown.
3. Festival of the Butterflies
Date: July 20 – August 6
Location: Powell Gardens
The Festival of the Butterflies at Powell Gardens is a summer spectacle that transforms Kansas City into a colorful paradise. Taking place throughout the summer at the stunning 970-acre botanical garden, this annual event lets you witness the beauty of nature at its finest. Check out hundreds of butterflies and moths from around the world in the conservatory. Families and butterfly enthusiasts can participate in interactive exhibits, engage in butterfly-themed crafts and activities, and take a Lepidoptera personality test. Learn about the important role these pollinators play in our ecosystem.
4. Kansas City’s Lawn Party
Date: July 23
Location: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park
Did you know July is National Park and Recreation Month? Get outside with Kansas City’s annual Lawn Party at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Scheduled for July, this event showcases the spirit of KC’s art and culture scene. Set on the expansive green lawn of the museum, it’s a festival-like event that brings together live music, art installations, food and beverage trucks, and a lively crowd of locals and visitors. Play a round of miniature golf on the course that was completely designed by local artists and inspired by works in the museum. See Kansas City’s creativity at its finest.
Stay Organized for Your Summer Adventures
Excited to get started on your summer bucket list? We are, too! Let us help you declutter your space, so you can focused on the fun parts of going on vacation.
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Katie Mest
About the Author: Katie Mest is a Content Marketing Specialist at Storage Asset Management in York, PA. She specializes in writing about the self storage industry, including storage tips and helpful resources. Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors and snuggling in with a crochet project and her cat, Billie.
