When summer in Kansas rolls around, one question immediately comes to mind for many Sunflower State residents: "where can I watch fireworks near me?" Though we don't have a lot of huge population centers here and are primarily made up of small towns, there are a surprising number of amazing firework shows in Kansas held around the Fourth of July holiday. If you're looking for the best 2024 fireworks shows in Kansas, here are a few that we're most looking forward to:
1. Star Spangled Spectacular: Overland Park
The Star Spangled Spectacular features some of the best fireworks near Kansas City. This year's event takes place at Corporate Woods Founders’ Park on July 4, 2024 and features an evening full of fun. The event starts at 5:00 pm with food trucks and concerts, and the fireworks display will begin around 10:05 pm.
2. Summerfest: Lawrence
Summerfest is always a blast - it's one of the best summer festivals in Lawrence, KS. This year's Summerfest takes place July 3, 2024 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. The fun starts at 3:00 pm, with food trucks, live music, and a light-up drone show instead of traditional fireworks.
3. Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival: Topeka
The Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival occurs each year at Reynolds Lodge, overlooking Lake Shawnee. The festival features plenty of live blues music from nationally renowned artists, plus a classic car show, food trucks, and arts and crafts vendors. Opening ceremonies begin at 11:00 am on July 4, 2024, and the music will be ongoing throughout the evening. The festival ends with a "bang" as the fireworks go off. Admission is free, and donations are encouraged so that the Topeka Blues Society can continue to hold this great event for the public.
4. July 4th Fireworks: Wichita
There's always a lot to do in Wichita, and you'll find plenty of great 4th of July activities there the week of the holiday. July 4, 2024 is the final night of the Thursday Summer Concert Series at Bradley Fair, and you'll get to enjoy music from the funk horn band Daydream. Bring a blanket an lawn chairs and catch the show, then see the gorgeous fireworks at around 9:30 pm.
That's not the only fireworks show in Wichita that night, though. Red, White & BOOM! takes place at Riverfront Stadium. The event is free and begins at 6:00 pm, with the fireworks starting around 9:40pm. Food trucks and entertainment will be available.
5. Wild West Festival: Hays
This year's Wild West Festival takes place from July 3-6, 2024 in Municipal Park and it's going to be a blast. Purchasing advance concert tickets online at the Wild West Festival website will give you the best deal. The event features national music acts like Nate Smith and Quiet Riot, carnival rides, a fishing tournament, and there's also a free Main Street parade on July 6 at 10:00 am. The fireworks will take place the evening of July 4.
6. Freedom Fest: Junction City
Freedom Fest is scheduled from July 3-7, 2024 in Junction City. This year's event features a carnival, live music, helicopter rides, a marathon, a parade, and outdoor worship sessions. Different activities are scheduled each day, but the night of July 4 will end with a fireworks show at 10:00 pm. Everything takes place in Heritage Park.
7. Old Fashioned Fourth of July: Dodge City
No time period is as iconic in Kansas history as the Wild West, and it's celebrated daily in Dodge City. The Old Fashioned Fourth of July takes place at the Boot Hill Museum on July 4, 2024, and you'll enjoy live entertainment and all kinds of fun, ending with a spectacular fireworks display at 10:00 pm. Keep an eye on the Boot Hill Museum website for more details as they are announced.
Remember: it's much safer (and more fun) to go see one of these professional fireworks show in Kansas than it is to explode your own fireworks. Accidents involving fireworks injure more than 10,000 people each year: don't become a statistic!
While these fireworks shows in Kansas take place after sundown, many people start their celebrating earlier in the day with outside activities like barbecuing and swimming. Make sure you're protected from the sun's harmful rays with sunscreen. I love Sun Bum from REI: it's safe for sensitive skin and not tested on animals.
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