Weekend Possibilities | Stars and Stripes Picnic, Big Bounce America and Fireworks Displays Freedom to Celebrate

Just like that, the Fourth of July weekend is upon us.

Pick from Independence Day celebrations new and old, the nation’s largest bounce house, or a Theater in the Park production of “School of Rock – The Musical.”

Friday, July 1

4 – 9 p.m. Pop Ups with a Purpose is pulling up to Outreach Event Space, 112 W. 18th St., in the Crossroads for First Fridays. Supported by Strawberry Swing Indie Craft Fair, Friday’s pop-up will focus on the “makers and shakers” from Outreach International, a global nonprofit dedicated to supporting local community groups and leaders in developing solutions on poverty-related issues. 

6 – 9 p.m. Kenny Chesney returns to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium Saturday, but the party officially starts Friday night at PBR Big Sky inside KC Live! at Power & Light, 111 E. 13th St. That’s where the Kenny Chesney Sirius XM No Shoes Radio Party will be set up and serving signature cocktails, giving away prizes, airing live interviews and much more before Saturday night’s show. There’s no cover.

Saturday, July 2

9 a.m. Thrillist called it “The Taj Mahal of Bounce Houses” and it’s coming to Kansas City. The Big Bounce America is in town, bringing four massive bounce houses and all sorts of fun to Wallace Park in Belton, Missouri, 16400 N. Mullen Road. Celebrate the long weekend with interactive fun and games on the Guinness World Record-certified largest bounce house in America, plus confetti blasts, live entertainment giveaways and more. Toddler, junior, big kid and adults-only three-hour bounce sessions are available online — ticket prices vary. Big Bounce America is in Belton July 1-3. 

3 p.m. Kansas City’s largest fireworks display and Independence Day celebration will be held on the National WWI Museum and Memorial grounds, 2 Memorial Drive, Saturday. The new Stars and Stripes Picnic will have food, local vendors, entertainment and, of course, fireworks. Free and open to the public, the picnic starts at 3 p.m. and wraps up following the fireworks, which are scheduled to go boom right around 9:40 p.m. 

8:30 p.m. Reserve your spot for Saturday night’s ”School of Rock – The Musical” performance on stage in Shawnee Mission Park, 7710 Renner Road. The Theater in the Park production of the musical based on the 2003 film will feature a talented cast of young rock stars playing new music, arranged by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Adult tickets are $10, youth tickets (4-10) are $6. Reserved parking and seating is available online in advance.

Sunday, July 3

3 p.m. It’s a star spangled weekend with the Kansas City Monarchs at Legends Field, 1800 Village West Pkwy., and Sunday’s America’s Bash at the ballpark has a little something for everyone. Arrive early for beer tastings, food trucks, bounce houses, inflatable t-ball, prizes and more pregame, like the chance to play catch on the field. After the Monarchs take on the Gary SouthShore Railcats, there’s a postgame concert with American Idol winner David Cook and Casi Joy. Family four-packs are available for $49. Be sure to check online for more ticket options.

6 p.m. One of the best firework displays in the region is set for Sunday night, just south of Bishop Miege High School, 5041 Reinhardt Drive. Attendees have the option to arrive early for a tri-city celebration to enjoy The Mission’s Old-Fashioned Picnic, just around the corner from where the fireworks display is held. Alternatively, guests are welcome to bring snacks and a set up of their own. There will also be concessions. A picnic for two can be reserved for $30. Fireworks start between 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. 

Monday, July 4

9 a.m. – Noon For anyone looking to celebrate early and enjoy an evening in the air conditioning, Deanna Rose, 13800 Switzer Road, has plans to Celebrate the 4th on The Farm. In addition to regular attractions, the children’s farmstead will celebrate Independence Day morning with old-fashioned games and activities, a bike parade and more for just $3. 

3 – 10:30 p.m. The Independence Day Festival at Celebration Park in Gardner, Kansas, 32501 W .159th St., should be a blast — especially for country music fans. The all-day fest will feature musical performances from Niko, After Midtown and Blane Howard, plus plenty of food, inflatables, games and a big fireworks display as the cherry on top. The Independence Day Festival is free.

8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Parkville knows how to do Independence Day. The 4th of July Celebration, 8701 McAfee St., is packed with activities, from the pancake breakfast 8-11 a.m., to the Falcon Skydiving exhibition and fireworks show once the sun sinks low. The schedule also includes a parade down Main Street, festival food, face painting and so much more. The best part? Parkville’s party is free. Be sure to check online for a full rundown of events.

Flatland contributor Clarence Dennis also is a social media manager for 90.9 The Bridge.