Sample some of the best cultural arts experiences of the summer right here in the Kansas City metro area or just a few hours down the road. Enjoy live music, art outdoors, educational museums, festivals, regional wines and other unique activities. Step outside this summer, embrace the sunshine and immerse yourself in a world of fun and excitement!
All Free, All Day, All Over Town
Make Music Day is an international event held in more than 1,000 cities around the world on June 21, the Summer Solstice. Join the Liberty Arts Commission for a day full of free, live music! You’ll hear music across the city, at venues you might not expect – like local businesses, parks, on the sidewalk in your neighborhood and more! Hear all genres of music, from all ages and musical abilities.
Sculpture Walk 2024-25 Opens on June 12!
Summer means an eclectic mix of outdoor sculptures are arriving in Downtown St. Joseph, Missouri, for the Allied Arts Council Sculpture Walk! This year’s mix features stunning works of art. So, enjoy beauty and creativity as you discover boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants you can only find in St. Joseph.
Smoky Hill River Festival: Celebrating the Creative Spirit
The Smoky Hill River Festival draws 60,000 attendees to Oakdale Park in Salina, KS every June for an arts experience that connects people by celebrating the creative spirit. The Festival showcases a diverse lineup of national, regional, and local performers alongside a renowned Fine Art & Craft Show, Artyopolis for kids, a variety of regional food, and activities suitable for all ages.
Summer of Fun in Lawrence
Looking for new adventures or experiences this summer? Look no further than the Summer of Fun Pass! It’s free to sign up, you can experience what makes Lawrence unmistakable and redeem points for prizes! Prizes this summer are mystery totes, created by local artists, sharing what their summer of fun looks like. Collect all 3 totes before the summer ends! Visit the Lawrence Visitors Center to redeem points or shop for other local products.
A Story About Trailblazing Salina Women
The Smoky Hill Museum’s new exhibit, Step Up to the Task, is open until October 5. It tells the story of trailblazing Salina women who pushed against the norm, paving the way for progress. These women are shining examples of women who made waves, opened pathways for future women and inspired our community.
Rise Up! Celebrate Equality and Activism Through Inspiring Music
Heartland Men’s Chorus presents its Summer concert ‘Rise Up!’ The show takes you on a journey through the spirit of activism and the quest for equality. From the Civil Rights Movement to the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights, join HMCKC as they celebrate those who paved the way for love and acceptance. The concert promises to ignite your passion for justice and equality. June 15 & 16 at The Folly Theater. Tickets at hmckc.org.
Historical fun at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Just 4.5 hours away from KC is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois. Visitors will encounter historical settings, interactive exhibits, and theatrical special effects that make the history engaging and fun for the whole family. The library holds an unparalleled collection of Lincoln books, documents, photographs, artifacts and art, as well as some 13 million items pertaining to all aspects of Illinois history.
Tasteful Travels in Hermann Wine Country
Winding through some of the prettiest scenery in Missouri, the Hermann Wine Trail hugs the Missouri River for 30 miles between Hermann and New Haven. Along the way, six family-owned wineries are open for wine tasting. Visit for a day or a weekend and explore them all! Open year-round, enjoy daily wine tastings, and participate in six trail events featuring wine and food pairings. Advance tickets required for wine trail events. For information call 573-294-2228.
Explore Kansas stories at the Dole Institute in Lawrence
This summer, the Dole Institute of Politics invites you to explore Kansas stories, such as the efforts to ratify and rescind the Equal Rights Amendment in Kansas, the story of how an election is designed in your community, and major moments from the 20th and 21st centuries through the lens of one of Kansas’ greatest sons: Robert J. Dole.
Taste Award-Winning Wines at TerraVox
TerraVox Winery was founded in 1996 by Jerry Eisterhold, a Missouri native. The winery’s mission is to resurrect and champion wines made from grapes native to North America. More than 50 different types of grapes are cultivated at TerraVox Winery! Consumers and wine lovers are welcome to visit TerraVox and taste through their lineup of bottlings.