Sponsored Content
Bluhawk just keeps blooming. Beyond its ever-growing retail, restaurant, and recreation offerings, this diverse Overland Park destination has several surprising delights in store for the Kansas City metro this summer.
We spoke with Becky Cornell, a spokesperson for Bluhawk, about what the community can expect.
Kansas City Symphony Mobile Music Box
Bluhawk is always more than you think it is.
If there’s one experience that illustrates Bluhawk’s versatility, it’s this one: On June 13, you could finish grocery shopping at Cosentino’s Market—or eating dinner at Red Door Woodfired Grill, or gaming in AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk’s family entertainment center—and catch a Kansas City Symphony concert without leaving the property.
Yep—the Kansas City Symphony is bringing its Mobile Music Box series to Bluhawk, just in front of Cosentino’s Market and TJ Maxx. Like all outdoor events at Bluhawk, it’s free.
“That’s part of what makes Bluhawk special,” says Becky Cornell, a spokesperson for Bluhawk. “You may have been coming just to get groceries, but then decide to stay for some music and relaxation. You just pull up, grab your lawn chair, and they play for 45 minutes to an hour.”
Bluhawk keeps you active and healthy, with BLUSH Boot Camp and the aforementioned (but worth mentioning twice) AdventHealth Sports Park. It keeps you fed, with a classic Kansas City grocery store, quick lunch spots, sit-down experiences. And it provides those family experiences that make the seasons worth remembering.
“Bluhawk is the heart of community living,” says Cornell. “There’s really something for all interests and all generations.”
Summer Movie Nights
Bluhawk’s all-generations appeal shines bright with its Summer Movie Nights series. Mamma Mia! (June 21), Moana 2 (July 12), and Wicked (July 26) will turn the shopping center into a singalong.
Each movie will start at dusk. Before that, it’s a party, with a live DJ and activities starting at 7:30 p.m. Before Mamma Mia, it’s a disco; before Moana 2, it’s a tiki party with lei-making stations and themed kids’ activities; and before Wicked, kids can join a bubble party and choose between a witch hat or a magic wand.
“They’ll be able to pick up food and bring it over to watch the movie, or they can go out to eat at one of our restaurants beforehand. We’re excited for people to make it an evening,” says Cornell.
Red, White, and Bluhawk
Red, White, and Bluhawk, which takes place every July 3, is a joyous evening of community spirit.
In true Kansas City fashion, the parking lots start filling up with tailgaters in the afternoon. (Fantastic news: There are hundreds of new parking spots this year.) Laughter, footballs, and cornhole bags cut through the summer heat. At 7:30 p.m., a DJ adds the soundtrack, and around 9:45, the area’s largest fireworks show takes over the sky.
“It’s a robust fireworks show,” says Cornell. “It’s a great display. And people can make it a family weekend. Come and tailgate, watch the fireworks show, and then enjoy a retailer, visit the sports park, all of the fun stuff. Make it a family weekend.”
Sports, Sports, Sports
There’s more to Bluhawk beyond its special events—particularly at the expansive AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk. It has turf fields, ice rinks, hardwood courts, a family entertainment center, and even restaurants.
First, for the kids. Several youth sports leagues call the sports park home, and youth sports camps run through the summer. There’s the Sharpshooter Mini Camp for hockey players, the Sports Performance Camp for athletes looking to level up, and a multi-sport Adventure Camp for Jacks (and Jills) of all trades, and more.
Grown ups can get in on the fun, as well, with an adult hockey league. There’s a gym inside the sports park, C26 Hub/Aquatics, that provides fitness and sports training services. And everyone can enjoy public ice skating, the family entertainment center, and the eSports lounge.
Elsewhere in Bluhawk, there’s a BLUSH Boot Camp (with onsite babysitters) and several healthy food options, including Nekter Juice Bar and Tropical Smoothie Cafe.
Coming Soon
As summer rolls on, families will see Bluhawk’s future take form.
Construction is beginning at The Boundary, the long-awaited retail and entertainment hub that will fill out the space between AdventHealth Sports Park and The Marketplace. J. Crew Company and Barnes & Noble will open this summer. The Holiday Inn Express—one of three planned hotels at Bluhawk—is set to open before the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City.
“Bluhawk is stirring with energy,” says Cornell. “From cool entertainment to refreshing shopping experiences, Bluhawk is the place to be right now. When looking for where to spend the summer, Bluhawk has everything… and then some.”