Kansas City seems to come alive in the summer with hundreds of great things to see and do. From festivals, celebrations, exhibits and famous folks-- We've narrowed down the Top 10 Events that are a MUST DO in Kansas City for Summer 2009.
The Kansas City Royals celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2009, and fans will enjoy the newly revamped 'K' as well. Since opening up the outfield, fans can not only walk entirely around the stadium, but will enjoy the Fountain Bar, Bud Light Party Deck (left field), the largest jumbotron in the country and a variety of new restaurants and fun things to do. Don't miss the new kid adventures which features a baseball themed carousel and kid-sized baseball snacks.
One of the best events of the summer, the Kansas City Shakespeare Festival, will present 'Merry Wives of Windsor' June 16- July 5th 2008. The festival, which is in its 17th season, is held at the beautiful Southmoreland Park located just west of the Nelson-Atkins Museum. The event is
FREE, and is a great event to take the whole family or meet friends for a great evening of Shakespeare. Gates open at 6 and the show begins at 8pm.
*Please Note--the Festival will not be held July 4th *
Shawnee Mission Park's famed Theatre in the Park hosts an amazing array of shows for 2009. The schedule includes 'High School Musical', 'The Wizard of Oz', and 'The Wedding Singer'. Tickets are inexpensive and run $4-$6.
Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and head to the Free Friday Night Flicks at Crown Center. Films will be shown on the huge outdoor screen on the Crown Center Square located across from the Crown Center Shops. Admission is free and the movies begin at around 9pm. Concessions are also available.
One thing is for sure, Kansas City knows how to celebrate the 4th of July with a serious bang. Head to one of these great 4th of July Firework displays to celebrate this Independence Day.
When the weather heats up during the steamy Kansas City summer, nothing beats a cold and frosty brew. At the American Royal's Wine and Brew Ha-Ha, you'll be able to sample over 100 locally produced wines and beers. Tickets are $20 in advance and the festival is held July 11th from 5-9pm at Hale Arena at the American Royal Complex.
The Kansas City Crossroads Arts District's 9th Annual West 18th Street Fashion Show, 'Summer in Space' promises to be bigger and better than ever in 2009. Hosted by birdie's and spool*, the annual show brings featured collections that showcase local fashion design talent and proves that KC is as fashion forward as our costal counterparts. 'Summer in Space' will be held at dusk (8pmish) on the evening of Saturday, June 6th, 2009 on the block of West 18th Street, between Wyandotte and Baltimore, downtown.
Powell Gardens opens their Heartland Harvest Garden on June 14th. Touted as the largest edible garden in the country, Powell promises to tickle your tastebuds with foods and plants grown only in the Heartland. From French country style kitchen garden and sprouting seeds to native fruit trees and a vineyard, you'll be educated about experience a heartland garden like no other. Don't forget to visit Powell's beautiful and lush gardens. Check out the Powell Garden's website for garden admission and other info.
The Kansas City Fringe Festival is one of the best ways to see some amazing performance art-- and the forth annual KC Fringe Festival promises not to disappoint. The four-day event will be held at various performance venues around Kansas City on July 19th-26th. The fest, which includes everything from live theatre, dance, and performance art, to visual art, puppetry, storytelling, and fashion is a great celebration of local, regional and national artists. Check their website for details on venues, performances and ticket info.
First Friday in the Crossroads is a must do event any time of year but especially in June, July and August. The streets, galleries and whole Crossroad's district comes alive with great art, openings, exhibits, performers and events--and the best thing about it, it's FREE! Check out our First Friday Guide for all great things going on in the Crossroads for First Friday this summer.
