Memorial Day Events in Kansas City
Check out our Guide to Memorial Day events happening in and around KC. As the official start of summer, Memorial Day is a day set aside to remember those that died serving our country in the Armed Forces. While this federal holiday brings family and friends together for a day of remembrance, Kansas City has a lot of events happening on Memorial Day that is super family-friendly.
So, start your summer off right with these great events and honor those heroes that have sacrificed everything. Plus, make sure you start up the grill and enjoy the taste of summer.
Where can you observe Memorial Day in Kansas City?
Virtual Memorial Day Events: 1M, 5K and 10k
This virtual Memorial Day run/walk allows you to pick the course, and time and can be completed anywhere. Complete your race any time in May or June to help benefit Operation Gratitude.
Memorial Day Event: Party at Wellsville Baptist
Join Wellsville Baptist Church Sunday, May 28th for a pulled pork cook-off. Remember and honor this Memorial Day. Stop by with the family from 11:30 am-2:00 pm.
Blue Springs Memorial Day Parade
Join the city of Blue Springs Monday, May 29th at 9:00 am for their annual Memorial Day Parade. All are welcome and uniformed soldiers are highly encouraged to attend.
Blue Springs has held this Parade on Memorial Day each year since World War II, to honor those who died in service to our country. Military and Civilians march from Main Street to Blue Springs Cemetery, where the VFW holds a ceremony for the fallen, with a Parade Rest at Meyers Funeral Home, to honor their support of the parade.
All are welcome to participate, but there is currently a special need for more Service Men and Women in uniform to escort the flag to the cemetery. Scouts, ROTC, and Civilians follow the military color guard.
It is the same every year: meet downtown (near the old Bank building) at 9 and step off at 9:30.
At one time, this parade was 50 uniforms in number, but in 2022, and many recent years, two uniformed soldiers have been all that gave their time to honor the men and women who fought and died for our freedoms.
Please, share this with your friends and family. Let everyone know that this proud tradition is in danger of dying. Let us remember the real reason for this day, and come together to honor it. I’ll see you there.
Going the distance for Brain Injury Memorial Day Run
This 10k and 5k run is from 8:00 am-11:00 am at 5200 Wornall Pkwy. This run focuses on the challenges and those affected by brain injuries. Sign up now to join the run.
In its 36th year, the Memorial Day run is being presented by The Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City (BIAKS-GKC). One of the most long-standing runs in the Kansas City vicinity, it has been formerly known as the Amy Thompson Run for Brain Injury and entices nearly 1,000 runners and spectators of all ages annually.
The run has focused on acknowledging the triumphs and difficulties faced by those who have endured brain injuries. It honors their bravery and the fortitude of their families to push ahead after such an injury. Brain injuries occur every 18.5 seconds in the United States, and they are the leading cause of mortality and incapacity in young adults and children. Last year, over 21,000 people were affected by a brain injury in the Kansas and Greater KC region.
The proceeds obtained from the run assist BIAKS-GKC (www.biaks.org) in delivering crucial programs, such as referral services, preventive initiatives, and support and education for survivors, loved ones, and professionals in the field of brain injury.
Bank of America Celebration at the Station Memorial Day Event
Sunday, May 28th at 8:00 pm join other Kansas Citians in honoring and celebrating with the largest Memorial Day concert in the Midwest. Union Station grounds will be open at 5:00 pm for you and your family to grab a seat for this moving performance.
The Kansas City Symphony, led by conductor Michael Stern, will be presenting the Bank of America Celebration at the Station on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 8 p.m. (The site opens at 5 p.m.) at Union Station Kansas City, 30 W. Pershing Road. This event, which is the largest free Memorial Day weekend concert in the Midwest, is held in collaboration with KCPT (Kansas City PBS) and generously supported by Bank of America. It takes place on the grounds of Union Station and the National WWI Museum and Memorial and typically attracts crowds of 50,000 people.
Memorial Day Event at the WWI Museum and Memorial
Join the museum as they honor those that have passed serving our country. All veterans and Active Duty military get free admission and general admission is 50% off all weekend.
Join us this Memorial Day as we pay tribute and show our gratitude to the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation. As a token of our appreciation, we offer free general admission to veterans and active-duty military and half-price general admission to the public throughout the Memorial Day weekend.
Worlds of Fun/ Oceans of Fun
Visit Oceans of Fun for their opening Day Saturday, May 27th! Worlds of Fun will also be open all weekend long.
Lenexa Movie in the Park
Kick off your Memorial Day weekend by catching a movie in the park. May 26th, load up your lawn chairs and bring the family out to view DC League of Super Pets.
Other things to do on Memorial Day
Visit a Park
Kansas City has beautiful parks with great space to set up a picnic. Find a park near you and spend your Memorial Day enjoying the summer weather and the sounds of nature.
Go for a Hike
Challenge your family to a lengthy hike or take a leisurely hike through some of these kid-friendly trails in KC.
Go on a Road Trip
Take advantage of the holiday weekend and plan a weekend getaway. Take a look at this guide loaded with 20+ ideas that are just a short drive outside the metro.
Go Swimming
As the official start of summer, pools will begin to open and the days will be long and hot. Keep an eye out for our swimming pool and splash park guides!
Whether you choose to spend your Memorial Day Weekend participating in events or spending time with the family, make sure you take time to reflect and honor those service members that lost their lives serving our country.
Know of a Memorial Day event or parade that we should add? EMAIL us the details!
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