Kansas City July & August Events Calendar

Alright, now that summer is in full swing in Kansas City, we know you’re looking for all the fun things to do. We’ve got the scoop on the most unique and exciting events for the months of July and August. Here is your end of the summer g0-to guide!

AFKC Bastille Day

July 14 | Californos, Westport | Website

Join the Alliance Française de KC in celebrating Bastille Day at Californos in Westport!  Admission is free of charge for anyone who wishes to join. The evening will also featuring delicious foods and speciality cocktails for anyone who wishes to purchase.

Amelia Fest

July 14-15 | Atchison, KS | Website

The spirit of legendary aviatrix Amelia Earhart is alive and well in Atchison! Each summer the community pulls out all the stops in honor of its favorite daughter, complete with a downtown music, food and crafts fair, star-filled outdoor concert, children’s activities, carnival, awards and honors, Earhart research and literature, music on the beautiful Riverfront, aerobatic performances and the grandest of all finalés — the “Concert in the Sky” fireworks show. It also always features a notable country concert, this year featuring Big & Rich, Cam, and Erik Dylan.

Salsa, Salsa, Salsa

July 19 | City Market | Website

If you like salsa, this is where you’ll want to be! Learn to make your own homemade salsa, salsa dance, and eat lots of salsa! The class comes at a $20 fee but is definitely worth the price for the fun memories bound to be made.

Culinary Fight Club KC: The Steak

July 20 | Martin City Brewery | Website

Come join the Culinary Fight Club and watch the best pitmasters throw down all they know about grilling the most flavorful, juicy steaks out there. The best part is, you all get to help taste the food and decide who the winner is!

KC’s Big Picnic

July 23 | Nelson Atkins Museum of Art | Website

As part of this year’s 125th anniversary of KC Parks & Rec and the 100th anniversary since renowned sculptor Auguste Rodin’s death, this year’s annual KC Big Picnic will feature dozens of new sculptures from Chillida and Rodin. There will be art, live music, food trucks and games for everyone to partake in.

Kansas City Fringe Festival

July 20-30 | Varied Locations | Website

The Kansas City Fringe Festival is a ten-day series of all things creativity and artistic performance. With dance, theater, music, spoken word, burlesque and more, you are bound to find something you enjoy during the the annual Fringe Festival.

Free Friday Night Flicks

Weekly | Crown Center | Website

Every Friday night of July in Crown Center there is a whole host of free activities, namely music from a featured band and a showing of beloved movies.  The weekly events also feature food trucks and local vendors. Bands include The Magnetics, Hudson Drive, Country Road 5, and the M80’s, while movie showings are the classics “Remember the Titans,” “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” “Jurassic World,” and “Back to the Future.”

Festival of Butterflies

August 4-2o | Powell Gardens | Website

What better way to end the summer than appreciating the beauty of migrating butterflies? Before the fall kicks in, join Powell Gardens in walking among locally raised, native butterflies in their flower-filled “Butterfly Breezeway” or journey to the tropics in the lush Conservatory where a close encounter with the Blue Morpho, Golden Birdwing, or Emerald Swallowtail is almost guaranteed. Touch live caterpillars, learn about the life cycle of Monarchs and participate in the Pollinator Parade. New this year, join fantastic flying beasts in our Dragonfly Den, featuring native Missouri dragonflies carefully captured during Dragonfly Day.

Summer Swing Indie Craft Fair

August 5 | Nelson Atkins Art Museum | Website

KC’s annual craft fair celebrating the Handmade Movement is coming to the museum for the Summer Swing! Join over 80 independent craftspeople, artists, and designers on the south lawn of the sculpture park. Food trucks, a photo booth, and a kids’ craft table will be among the activities.

Ethnic Enrichment Festival

August 18-20 | Swope Park | Website

The Kansas City Ethnic Enrichment Festival, presented by the Ethnic Enrichment Commission, is dedicated to celebrating all of the cultural diversity in the Kansas City area. As the organization’s largest event, the festival serves as a way for locals and visitors to explore over 60 different cultural traditions, arts and cuisine over the three-day affair.

Okay, Kansas City! It’s time to mark those calendars and get busy. Keep in mind there are more fun activities going on, including the monthly First Friday’s and Third Thursday’s.