Weekend Possibilities | Fireworks, KC Air Show and True Crime Podcast Festival Freedom to Celebrate

Between fireworks, the air show and a reggae music festival, Fourth of July weekend offers plenty of opportunities to make some noise.

Friday, July 2

9 a.m. One-of-a-kind pieces, antique furniture, art, clothing and jewelry will be on sale Friday and Saturday at Good JuJu in the West Bottoms, 1420 W. 13th Terr. One of the first vintage shops in the area, Good JuJu has been called one of the 12 best flea markets in the country by Market Decor Magazine. Stop by the old John Deere building for treasures dating back to the 1880s, mid-century modern items and much more. Be sure to arrive early when the picking is good. Good JuJu’s July sale ends Saturday at 6 p.m.

5:30 p.m. If the oohs and aahs can’t wait until Sunday, Kearney’s Friday night Fireworks Celebration should do the trick. The free show at the Kearney Amphitheater, 3001 Missouri Highway 33, will have music from country artist Noe Palma, free inflatables for the kids, cotton candy, concessions and, most importantly, fireworks. Attendees are invited to come out early to enjoy a picnic before showtime. Be sure to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

8:30 p.m. It’s opening weekend for Cinderella at Theatre in the Park, 7710 Renner Road. The adaption of the classic musical offers a contemporary take on the tale, featuring Tony Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane, plus plenty of new characters. Both reserved and ‘anytime’ tickets are available. Prices vary.

Saturday, July 3

10 a.m. Fireworks won’t be the only noise coming from the skies this weekend. The Kansas City Air Show is back and celebrating the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Saturday and Sunday at New Century Aircenter, 1 New Century Parkway. The Angels are joined by U.S. Army skydivers, Marine Corps and Air Force flight crews, plus the Geico Skytypers Airshow Team, who are new to the show in 2021. On the ground, there’ll be a special exhibit honoring the Tuskegee Airmen, hands-on STEM activities for the kids, stationary planes to explore and more. Saturday tickets are $45 for adults, $16 for ages 13-17 and $9 for those ages 6-12.

10 a.m. If true crime is your thing, checking out this weekend’s True Crime Podcast Festival at the Loews Hotel, 1515 Wyandotte St., is a must. Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon, true crime-heads will gather to listen in on two live episode recordings, take part in panel discussions, sit in on topical sessions and more. More than 20 true crime podcasts will be represented at this year’s festival, including folks from “Framed: An Investigative Story,” “Cults, Crime & Cabernet” and “A Paranormal Chicks Podcast,” to name a few. Tickets are $150 to attend in person. Virtual tickets are $125.

Noon – 11 p.m. Kansas City’s Reggae Music and Jerk Festival is happening this weekend at Kauffman Legacy Park, just east of the Country Club Plaza on Volker Boulevard. This year’s festival lineup includes the legendary Wailers and Culture Ft. Kenyatta Hill. When you’re not jamming, peruse vendor pop-up tents, food trucks and other community groups gathered to get down to good music. The festival is free.

4 – 7 p.m. The Red White and Boom Box Bar Crawl is on for July 3 at the Kansas City Live! Block in the Power & Light District, 1330 Grand Blvd. Organizers are kicking off weekend celebrations with all-inclusive domestic beers, well drinks, select wine and speciality cocktails for $30. All of the KC Live! favorites are in on the action — McFadden’s, Guy’s Dive, The Shandy Bar and more. Be sure to check in to receive a wristband. You must be 21 to attend.

Sunday, July 4 

8 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Area Fourth of July fireworks displays and celebrations have returned for 2021 and Parkville, Missouri, is kicking off Independence Day bright and early with its annual pancake breakfast. The Parkville 4th of July Parade will follow, starting at 63rd Street and Missouri Highway 9 and ending on Main Street in downtown Parkville. Skydivers, live music and a fireworks finale are also on the schedule. Parkville’s Fourth of July celebration, 100 S. Main St.,  is free to attend.

4:30 – 10 p.m. Just across the river, Kansas City’s premiere fireworks show is once again planned for Berkley Riverfront Park, 1298 River Front Drive. Ahead of the fireworks display starting just after dusk, KC RiverFest will have live music, a variety of food trucks like Kona Ice, Taste of Brazil and Hungry Hatch, plus plenty of space to spread out ahead of the show. Parking is limited, however shuttles will run between the festival and KC Streetcar stops throughout downtown. KC RiverFest is free to attend.

6 – 9:30 p.m. On the Kansas side, the Leawood’s Celebration in the Park will bring community members together for the Fourth of July. Leawood City Park, 10601 Lee Blvd., will be the spot for carnival games, live entertainment, giant slides, food trucks and fireworks. There is no parking available at the park. Be sure to check online for alternative lots.