Date: Friday, June 21, and Saturday, June 22
Time: Times Vary
Location: Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park
Address: 87th St. Parkway & Lackman Rd., Lenexa
Price: Admission: $5 on Friday night; free on Saturday. Children 12 and under are free both days.
Since its start in 1982, the Great Lenexa BBQ Battle has grown to its current size of 185 contestants and 240 judges. The two-day event, which includes children’s activities and live music, attracts cooks from all over the country who compete for the coveted title of Grand Champion of the Great Lenexa BBQ Battle—The Kansas State Championship. Prizes and ribbons are awarded to the top 10 contestants in seven categories (brisket, pork, ribs, sausage, chicken, steak and miscellaneous) and the top three overall winners.
Sand Volleyball Tourney benefiting Special Olympics Missouri
Date: Saturday, June 22
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: The Sandbox
Address: 509 NW Barry Rd., Kansas City
Price: $150/team
Support Special Olympics Missouri and come play in the sand at The Sandbox! Games start at 11 a.m. with two competing divisions, Competitive and Recreational.
Date: Saturday, June 22, through Sunday, June 23
Time: All Day Event
Location: Union Station
Address: 30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City
Price: Price Varies
Maker Faire Kansas City celebrates things people create. It runs the gamut from new technology and electronic gizmos to urban farming and slow-made foods to homemade clothes, quilts, and sculptures. This family-friendly event demonstrates what and how people are inventing, making, and creating. It brings together makers, crafters, inventors, hackers, scientists, and artists for a faire full of fun and inspiration. Come see what others are making and be inspired to tap into your own creativity!
Date: Now through Saturday, June 22
Time: Each evening at sunset
Location: National WWI Museum and Memorial
Address: 2 Memorial Dr., Kansas City
A musical piece long associated with the United States Military, Taps is often played at civilian events and funerals. To pay tribute to the rich and storied history of Taps and honor those who served the nation, the National WWI Museum and Memorial presents Taps at the Tower each evening at sunset through Saturday, June 22.
People are invited to come and use the Museum and Memorial grounds each evening—have a picnic, play games and enjoy the outdoors. At sunset, people will gather at the Liberty Memorial Tower to experience Taps being played during a brief, moving ceremony. Now in its fifth year, more than 10,000 people have witnessed the performance of the ceremony since its inception.
And for the first time in conjunction with Taps at the Tower, each evening guests are invited to ascend to the top of America’s official WWI memorial following the ceremony to enjoy the striking and beautiful panoramic views of Kansas City (weather permitting).