Ultimate Guide to Memorial Day in Kansas City: Events, Traditions & Summer Kickoff
As the sun fades and the city's skyline begins to glow, bright bursts of color dot 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:
Kansas City's Great Balloon Glow
Expect a stunning new display on the lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial on Sunday, May 30, to commemorate the holiday. For the first time, Kansas City's Great Balloon Glow brings a collection of hot air balloons to the museums grounds for the evening, creating a colorful display and illuminating the night as the sun sets.
Free and open to the public, all are invited to kick off the summer season with bites from local food trucks and area vendors organized by Strawberry Swing beginning at 6 p.m. The Great Balloon Glow will begin around 8:30 p.m., continuing for 90 minutes.
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 members of the military receive free admission, while the public only pays half-price.
The museum will also debut an immersive new experience in time for Memorial Day. War Remains, a virtual reality experience that offers a look at the Western Front of the First World War from a soldier's point of view, opens on May 27.
Say Hello to Summer
Usher in the sunny season with the return of several signature events and outdoor expeditions. Worlds of Fun opens for the season on May 22 and Oceans of Fun makes its return on May 29, with Riptide Raceway—the park's newest addition and the world's longest mat-racing water slide—ready to make a splash.
Sports aficionados can fill the entire long weekend (and then some) cheering on Kansas City's hometown teams. Kansas City NWSL continues its inaugural season against the Chicago Red Stars on May 26, Sporting Kansas City takes on the Houston Dynamo on May 29 and the Kansas City Monarchs play their third home series of the season, May 28-30—all at Legends Field and Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, KS.
Wrap up the weekend in unforgettable fashion with a journey to The K as the Kansas City Royals begin a series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Memorial Day.
Keep an eye on the Kansas City Zoo as well, as the perennial favorite always has something fun afoot. This year, a duo of visiting koalas offer a special encounter for a limited time, greeting guests at the Zoo through November.
Live Music Revelry
From small, close-up shows to huge, sold-out concerts, live music is part of Kansas City culture.
Try Green Lady Lounge for the city's distinct jazz sound or Crossroads KC at Grinders for open-air entertainment—or keep an eye on the schedule of performances in the Power & Light District.
