Parking, fireworks and full schedule: Your guide to KC’s Celebration at the Station
One of Kansas City’s marquee Union Station events is happening Sunday, historically drawing crowds of over 30,000 for a patriotic display over Memorial Day weekend.
This year’s Celebration at the Station takes place Sunday. Visitors can take in a free concert performed by the Kansas City Symphony, followed by a choreographed firework show.
The event, now in its 22nd year, is touted as the largest free Memorial Day weekend event in the Midwest. 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.”
Viewing spots are at both the South Plaza of Union Station 30 W. Pershing Road, and North Lawn of National WWI Museum and Memorial, 2 Memorial Drive.
Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with food trucks, pre-concert live entertainment, vendors and booths. There’s no admission fee; it’s free and open to the public.
Here’s how to make the most of attending Celebration at the Station, including the full event schedule, what to bring, where to park, and more.
Can’t make it in person? The event will be broadcast live on Kansas City PBS Sunday night starting at 8 p.m. A re-broadcast will play at 7 p.m. Monday, May 25.
Event schedule
Main stage/Live entertainment:
- 5 p.m. — Pre-concert performance by United States Air Force Academy Band’s Stellar Brass Quintet
- 6 p.m. — Pre-concert performance by Raptor, rock ensemble from the United States Air Force Heartland of America Band
- 8 p.m. — Kansas City Symphony concert
- 9:30 p.m. — Fireworks
- 10 p.m. — Event concludes
The KC Symphony concert will feature 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 releases her own music and has worked with artists across several genres, including Alabama Shakes, Meghan Trainor, Gerald Albright and more.
The concert will feature with music by John Williams, Scott Joplin, George Gershwin and Florence Price. The program includes patriotic favorites like the “Armed Forces Salute” and the “1812 Overture,” with live cannons.
It will feature guest conductor Stuart Chafetz, principal pops conductor of the Columbus Symphony, and the Chautauqua and Marin symphonies.
For the full lineup of music, check the concert program here.
What to bring
This year, the fireworks will be launched from the roof of Union Station.
Event organizers advise bringing folding chairs and or blankets because seating will not be provided. Umbrellas are allowed, but must be taken down before the KC Symphony concert so people can see the show.
Picnic dinners are allowed and encouraged, so packing and bringing your own food could be another way to save money at the event.
But there will also be numerous food trucks on site. For a full list of on-site food options, check out the event itinerary here.
Alcohol, glass containers and pets are prohibited from the event.
Parking
Paid parking is available in multiple surface lots and garages around the event site, including Union Station’s West Yards Garage.
West Yards Garage charges $10 for vehicles arriving before 3:00 p.m. and $25 for vehicles arriving after 3:00 p.m. (credit or debit card only).
Attendees may also park along the Downtown KC Streetcar route and ride the streetcar for free to Union Station. The streetcar will operate until 11:00 p.m. Sunday night.
The best ride-share drop off point near the area is at Westin Crown center.
Accessibility & security
Detailed safety plans are in place for the event site, which involve local law enforcement and multiple federal agencies, according to the KC Symphony.
Union Station will offer a reserved viewing area for those who use scooters, wheelchairs or have other mobility accommodations.
A seating area for those individuals will be located behind the VIP section. Signage will be posted at the event to help direct guests.
