Memorial Day Weekend is a solemn day of remembrance and a federal holiday, which marks the arrival of the warmer season. Many children in the Kansas City Area anticipate this weekend greatly because swimming pools officially open, and the school is almost over. Memorial Day Weekend is also a great time to go for a hike, a picnic or try the famous KC barbeque.
Celebration at the Station (May 26, 2024)
The annual Celebration at the Station is one of Kansas City's most beloved Memorial Day traditions. Festivities usually take place on the Sunday before Memorial Day on the grounds of Union Station and the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Celebration at the Station features patriotic music performances by the Kansas City Symphony and other live entertainment throughout the evening. Food trucks are also available on the South Plaza of Union Station. The largest Memorial Day Celebration in the area gathers over 50,000 people. The Plaza and North Lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial are completely filled with people enjoying a free concert and delicious food.
The Celebration starts at 5 p.m. with vendors and merchandise booths on display. Bands will perform on stage to entertain the crowds before the big concert. Kansas City Symphony's performance starts at 8 pm. The conductor is Michael Stern. The concert ends with an impressive fireworks display.
Memorial Day at the World War I Museum and Memorial (May 27, 2024)
The annual Memorial Day commemoration at the World War I Museum is a tribute to the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving America. A public ceremony on Memorial Day features speeches from dignitaries at 10 am. Various special exhibitions are prepared for this day. Throughout the Memorial Day Weekend, veterans and active-duty military get free admission to the museum, while the rest of the public gets half-price general admission. Remembering Our Fallen, a photographic war memorial that honors U.S. military, fallen during the Global War on Terrorism, is free for all to see.
Blue Springs Memorial Day Parade (May 27, 2024)
The annual Blue Springs Memorial Day Parade is one of the most renowned in the area. Each year, since World War II, the residents of Blue Springs gather to honor servicemen and women who made an ultimate sacrifice for their country. The city encourages all uniformed soldiers in the greater KC area to join the parade and march through the streets or escort the flag.
Blue Springs Memorial Day Parade starts at 9 am. Military, scouts, community groups, and civilians march from Main Street & 11th to 16th Street, then Walnut to the Blue Springs Cemetery The parade ends with a solemn ceremony for the fallen at the Cemetery.
