Stars and Stripes Picnic

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Museum and Memorial grounds open at 3 p.m.

The Stars and Stripes Picnic at the National WWI Museum and Memorial is Kansas City’s official Independence Day celebration! Bring your friends and family to grab a bite to eat, shop from local vendors, listen to live music and enjoy the largest fireworks display in the city.

The public is welcome to begin picnicking on the south grounds of the Museum and Memorial as early as 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4. A fireworks display over the iconic Tower will begin around 9:40 p.m. FREE to the public – rain or shine!

Official television and streaming media partner

KCTV 5

Broadcasting live from the event all day on July 4 in every newscast.

Special broadcast from 9-10 p.m. with live interviews, live entertainment and exclusive live coverage of fireworks.

Stylized graphic of a blue firework starburst

Official radio media partner

Cumulus

Broadcasting music and live DJ sets all day at the event.

Tune in to 94.9 FM when fireworks start to hear the official soundtrack.

Main Stage Schedule

4:00 p.m.	KADESH FLOW
4:50 p.m.	ALL NIGHT TRIO
5:45 p.m.	MARCHING COBRAS
6:15 p.m.	ONE NIGHT STAND
6:45 p.m.	KCTV 5 WELCOME AND INTRO CEREMONY
6:55 p.m.	ONE NIGHT STAND
7:30 p.m.	KC IRISH DANCE COMPANY
8:05 p.m.	HEADLINER: CASI JOY
9:35 p.m.	CUMULUS AND KCTV 5 COUNTDOWN
9:40 p.m.	FIREWORKS!

Event Map

Note: The fireworks will be launched from the North Lawn. Crowds will ONLY be permitted on the south side of the Museum and Memorial.

Map of Museum grounds with locations of first aid, food, entrances, parking and fireworks.

FAQ

Be sure to check back often as the event gets closer, as information may change.

There will be local food and beverage venues to purchase food and drinks from – including beer and other alcohol. Guests are also welcome to bring their own food and drinks.

As the weather will be hot, please make sure to bring plenty of water.

Dogs are permitted on leashes, but be advised that loud fireworks may not be the best environment for them. Please pick up after your pets.

There will be multiple clusters of portable restrooms located on the North Lawn and south side of the Museum and Memorial, including ADA options.

To prepare for the event, the U-Drive in front of the Museum and Memorial will be closed all day on Aug. 19. Additionally, the following street closures will take place:

Memorial Drive (on the south side of the grounds) will be closed between Main and Wyandotte.
Wyandotte Street will be closed north of 29th Street.
Beginning at noon, all parking for Museum guests will be closed. Guests are encouraged to park in alternate lots at Union Station or take the Street Car.
Kessler Street (on the west side of the grounds) will be closed between Wyandotte and Pershing on Aug. 19 beginning at noon.

All vehicles parked on Kessler and the West Visitor Lot will need to vacate by 5 p.m. or risk being towed.

In anticipation of large crowds, we recommend parking further away and taking the KC Streetcar to the Union Station stop.

Or arrive via city bus with RideKC, which also offers park-and-ride options.

Complimentary, limited ADA parking is available at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City – 1 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, MO 64108. The entrance is off Wyandotte Street (access from the south) and ADA parking is FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.

Union Station parking: $20 per car.

Hallmark parking:

Pershing Garage (enter 25th and Grand east side or Pershing & McGee)
Retail Garage (enter 25th and Grand west side)
$20 per car

Headlining Artist

Blake Shelton says of Casi Joy, "She has this electric energy when she's on stage and has these unique things that she can do vocally. She's an edgier version of a country artist. She's old school but has a youthful energy about her. There's no stopping Casi Joy."

Joy's vibrant stage presence has led to sharing the stage with many notable country acts including Chris Jansen, Montgomery Gentry, Maren Morris, Keith Urban, Carly Pearce, Easton Corbin, Dustin Lynch, LOCASH and other various chart topping artists.

Hailing from Kansas City before moving to Nashville, Casi has become a beloved hometown figure. She's built a reputation as one of the most affable and dedicated performers in her field, growing into a formidable songwriter while maintaining the keen sense for performance that had been evident even from that first talent show in Kansas City.