Fireworks explode over Union Station during the Kansas City Symphony's annual Celebration at the Station concert on Sunday, May 24.
Emily Curiel
ecuriel@kcstar.com
Summer can officially begin now, Kansas City.
Nearly annually, the KC Symphony puts on the Celebration at the Station, a massive concert in front of Union Station over Memorial Day weekend. It is the informal start to summer for the city.
This year was the concert series’ 22nd year. It was touted as the largest free Memorial Day weekend event in the Midwest.
With just weeks to go until the World Cup begins in Kansas City, signs of soccer enthusiasm and the city’s expansive welcome were seen throughout the event, including a new mural, soccer wear and more.
An attendee wearing a Cristiano Ronaldo jersey holds a soccer ball while walking near the North Lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial during the Kansas City Symphony's annual Celebration at the Station concert at Union Station on Sunday, May 24, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
The KC Symphony performs as a gift to the community each year and “as a tribute to the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”
This year’s concert featured world-class jazz vocalist and trombonist Aubrey Logan, who is known for her powerhouse vocals, musicianship and engaging stage presence, according to the program flyer. Logan has performed with musicians across genres including Alabama Shakes, Meghan Trainor, Gerald Albright and more.
The concert featured music by John Williams, Scott Joplin, George Gershwin and Florence Price. The program included patriotic favorites like the “Armed Forces Salute” and the “1812 Overture,” with live cannons.
This year’s guest conductor was Stuart Chafetz, principal pops conductor of the Columbus Symphony, and the Chautauqua and Marin symphonies.
People gather on the North Lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial during the Kansas City Symphony's annual Celebration at the Station concert at Union Station on Sunday, May 24, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
A volunteer wearing heart-shaped sunglasses stands inside a concession tent during the Kansas City Symphony's annual Celebration at the Station concert at Union Station on Sunday, May 24, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
A mural by artist Chico Sierra awaits guests at the Ramón Murguía Visitor Entrance rotunda at Union Station on Sunday, May 24, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
People stand during the national anthem at the Kansas City Symphony's annual Celebration at the Station concert on Sunday, May 24, at Union Station in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Guest conductor Stuart Chafetz leads the Kansas City Symphony in the annual Celebration at the Station concert. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Aubrey Logan performs during the Kansas City Symphony's annual Celebration at the Station concert on Sunday, May 24, at Union Station in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
The Kansas City Symphony performs its annual Celebration at the Station concert on Sunday, May 24, at Union Station in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Members of the Kansas City Symphony play French horns during the Symphony's annual Celebration at the Station concert on Sunday, May 24, at Union Station in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Fireworks explode over Union Station during the Kansas City Symphony's annual Celebration at the Station concert on Sunday, May 24. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
People attend the Kansas City Symphony's annual Celebration at the Station concert on Sunday, May 24. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Fireworks explode over Union Station during the Kansas City Symphony's annual Celebration at the Station concert on Sunday, May 24. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Cannons are fired on the North Lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial during the Kansas City Symphony's annual Celebration at the Station concert on Sunday, May 24. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Emily Curiel, is a visual journalist at The Star. With a broad scope of coverage, Curiel navigates subjects including breaking news, sports, features and long-form narratives. She is a first-generation graduate from San Francisco State University and a native of Los Angeles.
