This Weekend in Kansas City: July 4-7

This year’s Fourth is a big one, and it isn’t the only day popping off this holiday weekend. Here’s a preview of the weekend ahead in Kansas City.

Fireworks over Liberty Memorial Tower at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Photo by Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com

Stars and Stripes Picnic and Fireworks Display
July 4

The big picnic at the National WWI Museum and Memorial grounds starts at 3 p.m. If you don’t pack a basket for the Stars and Stripes Picnic, don’t worry—more than a dozen food trucks will be there with everything from barbecue to Brazilian food.

The festivities go into the night, of course, with live music and performances that only take two breaks: one for the national anthem and a flyover at 6:45, and another at 9:35 for 20 minutes of fireworks over Liberty Memorial Tower.

A firework over an Independence, Missouri, fire truck — *Photo via independencemo.gov*

Independence’s Fourth of July Celebration
July 5

If you can’t make it to a fireworks show on the Fourth, head east to Independence for their Independence Day celebration.

Starting at 5 p.m., seven food trucks will dot the Independence Visitors’ Center grounds, and Great American Kites will fill the sky until 8. Enjoy live music throughout the night, including a score from the Spirit of Independence Concert Band during the fireworks display at 9:30.

Robert Cray playing guitar — *Photo by Ben Houdijk*

Robert Cray – 50th Anniversary Tour
July 5

Catch Grammy winner and Blues Hall of Famer Robert Cray at Knuckleheads, a small open-air venue next to the train tracks in Northeast KC. The show starts at 8. Be ready to stand.

Kenny Chesney on stage holding his guitar in the air — *Photo by Debby Wong*

Kenny Chesney: Sun Goes Down Tour with Zac Brown Band
July 6

Sunset is at 8:47 on Saturday. Why not spend it with Kenny Chesney?

Chesney’s national tour is stopping at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, and the Zac Brown Band is coming with him. The show starts at 5 p.m., which means tailgate grills fire up at 2. The Zac Brown Band opens and Chesney plays everyone home.

Bottle of Boulevard Brewing Company's Tank 7 beer against a brick wall — *Photo by Jarretera*

Tank 7’s Birthday Party
July 7

Finish your weekend by wishing Boulevard Brewing Company’s “8.5% wonder of the world” a happy birthday on Sunday. Tank 7, the brewery’s trademark American Saison, is having its 15th birthday at Johnny’s Tavern in Power & Light at 3:15 p.m. Get specials on the birthday beer, enter giveaways, and grab a drink from guest bartender and Kansas City Current midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta.