Memorial Day Weekend is almost here, a time to reflect and usher in the summer season. In Kansas City, there are plenty of ways to honor those who sacrificed their lives while serving their country. It’s also the unofficial start of summer as families enjoy weekend adventures, afternoons at the pool, and backyard barbecues. No matter how you choose to spend the holiday weekend, here’s everything you need to know about Memorial Day in Kansas City:
Things to Do
All weekend long, the National WWI Museum and Memorial has a lineup of events and activities to recognize Memorial Day. A public program on Memorial Day features remarks from dignitaries and a keynote from Lt. General (Ret.) Wendy M. Masiello at 10 a.m. May 27. The National WWI Museum is also showcasing two new exhibit updates that just opened to the public. “Epilogue: A World Transformed” and “Into the Trenches” feature new technology and stories for visitors to explore.
See the full slate of events taking place at the National WWI Museum and Memorial over Memorial Day Weekend here. Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive free admission to the museum. For the public, admission is half price all weekend.
One of KC’s favorite traditions also returns for its 20th year during Memorial Day Weekend. On Sunday, May 26, the Bank of America Celebration at the Station fills the grounds of Union Station and the National WWI Museum and Memorial with a patriotic performance from the Kansas City Symphony. Vendors, food trucks and pre-concert entertainment will start at 5 p.m., and the symphony’s performance begins at 8 p.m. The evening concludes with a fantastic fireworks display. Several other communities in the Kansas City area will also hold Memorial Day ceremonies, parades and events, including Leavenworth, Blue Springs and Platte City.
Sites to See
In addition to the National WWI Museum and Memorial, the Kansas City area is home to several historic military landmarks and memorials. The Rosedale Memorial Arch in Kansas City, Kansas, might be the lesser known of KC’s two great WWI monuments, but it still has an inspiring story. Built in 1923 and inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, it was dedicated to those in the area lost during the Great War. Across town at Wyandotte County Lake, the Korean-Vietnam War Memorial is the nation’s first dual-war memorial dedicated to veterans of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. The Korean War Veterans Memorial in Overland Park features 30 granite panels, several of which feature the names of Kansas soldiers killed in the war.
The Citizen Soldier statue sits outside the Veterans of Foreign Wars headquarters in Kansas City, marking the organization’s 100th anniversary and honoring those who have served. Several KC-area parks also pay tribute to local veterans and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, including the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial at KC’s Washington Square Park, Veterans Memorial Park in Olathe, Pearl Harbor Park in Mission and the Vietnam War Memorial at Antioch Park in Merriam.
Say Hello to Summer
Usher in the sunny season with the return of several signature events and outdoor expeditions.
Worlds of Fun is open for the season, with entire continents full of adventure to explore and the Zambezi Zinger back for its second season. Oceans of Fun opens for the season on May 25, offering the opportunity to add on all kinds of aquatic thrills for the price of a single ticket.
Opening May 24 at Union Station, explore the history and impact of a creative enterprise in the very same halls where Walt Disney walked as a young man with Disney100: The Exhibition.
A tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company, the exhibition features 250 artifacts from the Walt Disney Archives, from art used in the development of Sleeping Beauty to Disneyland Park Employee Badge #1.
More fantastic adventures for all can be found inside Science City. The family-friendly wonderland just unveiled a new robotics exhibit and is working on a new illusions experience.
Get ready for electrifying beats at the Power & Light District on May 24. Head to the KC Live! Block to see Galantis from international EDM producer Christian Karlsson. Then on May 26, comedian Pete Davidson brings the laughs to Uptown Theater with his Prehab Tour.
Sports fans can make the trip to Kansas City, Kansas, for a home series from the Kansas City Monarchs, the reigning American Association of Professional Baseball champions.
And when in doubt, don’t forget those summer favorites. Many cities are opening their pools for the season, farmers markets are in full swing, and more outdoor movie nights are popping up.