Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in KC with reflection, community, and favorite local traditions as summer begins in the city
As the sun fades and the city’s skyline begins to glow, majestic melodies swell across one of the city’s favorite lawns. Warm days and favorite local traditions lie ahead. It’s Memorial Day Weekend in KC, a time to reflect, celebrate and usher in the summer season.
Here’s everything you need to know about Memorial Day in Kansas City:
CELEBRATION AT THE STATION RETURNS
One of Kansas City’s favorite traditions returns for its twentieth year during Memorial Day Weekend. On Sunday, May 26, Bank of America Celebration at the Station fills the grounds of Union Station and the National WWI Museum and Memorial with a patriotic performance from the Kansas City Symphony, plus food trucks and additional live entertainment throughout the evening.
The event site opens at 5 p.m. with vendors and booths on display, as well as pre-concert entertainment on stage. The Symphony’s performance begins at 8 p.m. Afterward, the evening concludes with a fantastic fireworks display.
MARK THE OCCASION
All weekend long, the National WWI Museum and Memorial has a lineup of events and activities to recognize Memorial Day.
Veterans and active duty military personnel receive free admission to the Museum. For the general public, admission is half price all weekend. May 24-27
Free to the public, In Conversation: The Legacy Jump features a panel conversation and documentary screening to revisit on a skydiving event that took place at the Museum and Memorial on Veterans Day 2020. May 25, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
A public program on Memorial Day features remarks from dignitaries and a keynote from Lt. General (Ret.) Wendy M. Masiello. May 27, 10 a.m.
Additional events taking place at the National WWI Museum and Memorial over Memorial Day Weekend and throughout the month of May include:
- Flags of Forgotten Soldiers Display, May 13-27
- Vietnam Era Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” Helicopter Display, May 24-27
- Vintage Military Vehicle Display, May 25-26
- Memorial Day Bell Tolling Ceremony, May 27, noon
- Walk of Honor Dedication, May 27, 2 p.m.
SAY HELLO TO SUMMER
Usher in the sunny season with the return of several signature events and outdoor expeditions. Worlds of Fun is open for the season, with entire continents full of adventure to explore and the re-established Zambezi Zinger back for its second season. Oceans of Fun opens for the season on May 25, offering the opportunity to add on all kinds of aquatic thrills for the price of a single ticket.
Opening May 24 at Union Station, explore the history and impact of an unparalleled creative enterprise in the very same halls where Walt Disney walked as a young man with Disney100: The Exhibition. A tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company, the exhibition features 250 artifacts from the Walt Disney Archives, from art used in the development of Sleeping Beauty to Disneyland Park Employee Badge #1. More fantastic adventure for all can be found inside Science City. The family-friendly wonderland features hands-on spaces to explore everything from engineering and physics to food science and the arts.
Make the trip to Kansas City, KS, for a home series from the Kansas City Monarchs, the reigning American Association of Professional Baseball champions.
Keep an eye on the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium as well. With the recent addition of Sobela Ocean Aquarium, the perennial favorite always has something new to explore.
LIVE MUSIC REVELRY
From small, close-up shows to huge, sold-out concerts, live music is part of Kansas City culture. Head to the Power & Light District on May 24 for a performance from Galantis at the KC Live! Block.
Try Green Lady Lounge for the city’s distinct jazz sound or Crossroads KC at Grinders for open-air entertainment.
