EVENTS FOR EVERYONE
We have great events year-round! Check out the highlights for this summer on page 6.
Celebrate the click-clack of the tracks at our Train Day festivities! Read more on page 5.
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
We have food, fireworks, and fun at this year’s celebration! Read more on page 4.
In Independence, we love President Harry S. Truman! Come Celebrate Truman Day in Independence!
Our Historic Homes know how to party. Join us for fairs and festivals this summer!
See if you have what it takes to catch a dragonfly this summer! Read more about our event inside.
This publication was created by the City of Independence and paid for by local guest tax proceeds. Learn more about the City of Independence at independencemo.gov. 416 W. Maple Ave. Independence, MO 64050 (816) 325-7575 independencemo.gov/visitors Visit Independence is a function of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism at the City of Independence, Missouri. It is dedicated to promoting Independence as a convention and visitor destination.
Truman Day isn’t a one-day-a-year celebration –we honor President Harry S. Truman every day in Independence. But, there is a special time when you may want to stop by for a visit. Beginning on May 4, 2024, many events and activities are celebrating our 33rd president. Festivities for Truman begin on Saturday, May 4, 2024, and last until Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Here are a few you may want to experience on your next trip to Independence.
Bring out your pup for the Presidential Promenade on Saturday, May 4 at 10 AM on the Square! Take Fido on a walk around the Square. We are meeting at the walking statue of President Truman. Sign-ups are at 9:30 AM.
The fun-tivities continue on the Square with the unveiling of the new Boyhood Truman Statue at Clinton’s Soda Fountain on Saturday, May 4, at noon. Enjoy FREE cake too!
May 4, 2024, from 6-8 PM join us at 3 Trails Brewing for Truman Trivia! Teams will compete against each other and the top Truman Trivia winner will receive a prize! Tickets are $30 for each team.
Your Truman Day celebration continues with Truman’s 140th birthday at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum! The day begins on Wednesday, May 8, at 9 AM with the wreath-laying ceremonies. Enjoy FREE admission to the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum all day as we celebrate Truman Day!
Finish your Truman Day Celebrations with the a movie about Truman! On May 8, 2024, enjoy the movie Truman at the Pharoah Cinema on the Square at 7 PM.
We hope you will join us for President Harry S. Truman’s 140th birthday celebrations and Truman Day because every day is Truman Day!
President Truman enjoyed a daily walk, and to celebrate, the City of Independence Parks | Recreation | Tourism and the Health and Animal Services Department teamed up to present the Annual Truman Trot 5K on Bass Pro Drive, FREE thanks to our City departments and community sponsors! Join us on Sunday, May 5, at 8 AM for our 5K, kids dash begins at 9 AM.
Independence Day is just around the corner - and we have you covered for FREE family fun at this year’s Fireworks Celebration. The City of Independence Parks | Recreation | Tourism Department is collaborating with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Independence Stake, for a timehonored tradition of wholesome family fun that brings back nostalgic memories to the present day!
Each year, the celebration grows. With over 20 years of fireworks displays, we know how to celebrate our independence in style. Our fireworks bash begins at 6 PM on Friday, May 5, 2024, with food trucks and music, but you may want to bring your lawn chairs and blankets to get a good seat when the gates open at 5 PM. Our big, small town welcomes all to our community; it’s a place where strangers become friends and neighbors feel like family. Play games in the grass, enjoy tasty treats, and get to know the community. We are sure you’ll feel right at home with our welcoming spirit.
As soon as it gets dark, the fireworks ignite! Enjoy the sights of colorful sparkles and flashes. Feel and hear the thunderous booms of our pyrotechnic display. We invite everyone to enjoy music, food, games, and of course, fireworks too!
Independence Day Celebration at 937 W. Walnut Street, from 5-10 PM on Friday, July 5
Visit our website at independencemo.gov/communityprograms or call 816-325-7115 to learn more about the Independence Day Celebration.
Toot-Toot, all aboard! It’s Train Day, and we have just the ticket to get you rolling down the tracks for some good, old-fashioned fun. Join us on both Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12, from 10 AM to 4 PM for an open house at the Missouri Model Railroad Museum. This new attraction in Independence will share with you the initial concepts of the Museum for you to “see the dream.”
You can expect to have a grand time! Enjoy LEGO exhibits from KC BrickLab, model railroad displays, railroad artwork, a Harry S. Truman impersonator, and more! Although this event is FREE and open to the public, donations and memberships are encouraged to get this attraction chugging along.
The Missouri Model Railroad isn’t the only place celebrating Train Day, the Chicago Alton Railroad Depot will be hosting Train Day right next door! Tour the two-story wonder to see how the station master worked. Head up the stairs to see the living quarters of the stationmaster and his family. The Depot is decorated and furnished in the Victorian style of its time.
President Truman loved trains, and we are celebrating Train Day in Independence. Join us at the Chicago Alton Railroad Depot and at the Missouri Model Railroad Museum for a weekend of trains.
If you’re looking for fun and affordable activities in the Kansas City metro that you can enjoy this summer, then you’re in luck! Independence is the 5th largest city in Missouri but has big small-town vibes and a wide array of events for everyone. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these events are a must-attend to experience the unique culture of this historic city.
May 3-12, 2024 | Times and Tickets Vary Sermon Center
The Encore Theatre presents The Play That Goes Wrong! Find Tickets at encoretheatreindepmo.org
May 4 – October 26, 2024 | 8 AM-1 PM | FREE Independence Uptown Market
Our farmers market opens for the season in May! Join us every Saturday May-October and Wednesdays June-August. Visit independencemo.gov/IUM or call 816-325-7843 for more information.
May 4, 2024 | 5-8 PM | FREE Independence Uptown Market
Join us for our 2nd Annual Star Wars Day extravaganza featuring Star Wars themed crafts, snacks, trivia, LEGO from KC Brick CO and photo ops with characters. Visit independencemo.gov/ium or call 816-325-7843 to find information.
Truman Trot
May 5, 2024 | FREE Waterfall Park
The City of Independence Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department is excited to present the annual Truman Trot 5K. Free event courtesy of City of Independence PRT, City of Independence Health and Animal Services and community sponsors. Call 816-325-7342 for more information.
Truman Day
May 8, 2024 | 9AM-5PM | FREE
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
Join us at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum as we commemorate the 140th birthday of President Harry S. Truman. Our wreath laying ceremony begins at 9 AM followed by FREE admission all day to the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum. For more information visit trumanlibrary.gov or call 816-268-8295.
May 11-12, 2024 | 10 AM-4 PM | FREE Missouri Model Train Museum
Join us at the Missouri Model Train Museum for model train layouts, artwork, gift shop, and the sharing in our plans for the future of the Missouri Model Railroad Museum! Donations and memberships are encouraged at our FREE event. Visit showmerails.org or call 816-552-5750 for more information.
May 28-August 18, 2024
Enjoy a break from the warm summer days by going to Adventure Oasis Water Park all summer long! Call 816-325-7370 for more information.
Little Shop of Horrors performance by the City Theatre of Independence
May 31-June 9, 2024 | Tickets Vary
Roger T. Sermon Center
The City Theatre of Independence presents Little
Adventure Oasis Water Park
Shop of Horrors! General Admission tickets are $15 and seniors and students are $13 each. Find tickets at citytheatreofindependence.org or call 816-370-6654.
Strawberry Festival
June 1, 2024 | 9AM-4PM | FREE Vaile Mansion
Savor the taste of a variety of strawberry treats while listening to live music at this free event! Visit vailemansion.org or call 816-325-7430 to find information.
Wine, Brew and Spirits Too
June 7, 2024 | 5-9 PM | $20-45
Historic Independence Square
Stroll down our historic district while sampling local and regional wines, brews and spirits! Visit indepsquare.com or call 816-461-0065 to find tickets.
Excision
June 11, 2024 | 6:30 PM | Tickets Vary Cable Dahmer Arena
Excision’s Nexus Tour is coming to Cable Dahmer Arena. Find tickets at cabledahmerarena.com or 816442-6100.
Polly’s Pop PopFest
June 29, 2024 | FREE Historic Independence Square
A festival celebrating all things POP! Visit indepsquare.com or call 816-461-0065 to find information.
Independence Day Celebration
July 5, 2024 | 5-10 PM | FREE 937 W Walnut St.
Celebrate Independence Day in Independence! Enjoy music, food trucks and more. End the night with
our fireworks show! Visit independencemo.gov/ communityprograms or call 816-325-7115 for more information.
Antique and Craft Fair
July 13, 2024 | 9 AM-3 PM | FREE Bingham-Waggoner Estate
Join us for shopping for unique gifts from 100 antique dealers and crafters at the BinghamWaggoner Estate! Visit bwestate.net or call 816-4613491 to find information.
The Phantom Tollbooth | Encore and Children’s Performing Theatres
July 12-21, 2024 | Times and Tickets Vary Sermon Center
The Encore and Children’s Performing Theatres present The Phantom Tollbooth! Find Tickets at concordtheatricals.com or call 816-325-7367.
Dragonfly Days
July 26-27, 2024 | 9:30AM-2PM | FREE
George Owens Nature Park
Grab a net and catch dragonflies around Lake Lorraine. Visit independencemo.gov/georgeowens or call 816-325-7115 to find more information.
Use the QR code below to find out more information about events!
*DATES AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE* Please visit our website to see updated dates and times.
Polly’s PopFest
Dragonfly Days
In Independence, we love our historic homes as much as our great-tasting water and President Truman. We take every opportunity to share the unique events and activities at our Victorian mansions. Summertime is the perfect season to visit our historic homes in Independence.
The Vaile Mansion’s beautiful second-empire architecture isn’t the only thing you’ll want to see. Join us this summer at the Strawberry Festival --celebrating nearly 40 years of tradition! It is a day dedicated to sweet treats, live music, wholesome family fun, and more! The festival begins on Saturday, June 1, from 9 AM to 4 PM. Enjoy dozens of craft, food, and antique booths surrounding the Mansion. The Vaile Historical Society, celebrating 40 years, will be selling strawberry treats. As always, the festival is FREE. Tours of the Vaile will be available for purchase during the festival; adults are $10 and children are $5.
The Vaile Mansion isn’t the only one with a summertime fair - check out the Bingham-Waggoner Antique and Craft Fair this July! Another longstanding tradition of 35 years on the Historic Bingham-Waggoner Estate takes place on Saturday, July 13, from 9 AM to 3 PM. You’ll peruse over 100 booths of antiques, crafts, and collectibles, all available for purchase. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy a concert, all without leaving the grounds. This unique experience is free to park and enter the fair. Tours of
the Estate are available for purchase during the fair; adults are $10 and children are $5.
Independence is the place where history meets every horizon. From President Truman to our historic homes and the trails West, we know you’ll enjoy your next visit to Independence!
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of dragonflies at George Owens Nature Park this summer! As these delicate creatures grace our skies, we invite you to join us for Dragonfly Days, a captivating event where nature and discovery converge. Did you know that dragonflies boast a staggering 98% success rate in catching their prey, making them one of nature’s most skilled hunters? It’s no wonder they’re elusive and fascinating to observe.
Our Dragonfly Days event, takes place on Friday, July 26, and Saturday, July 27, from 9:30 AM to 2 PM beside the serene Lake Lorraine and promises a thrilling adventure for participants of all ages. Armed with nets provided by us, you’ll embark on a quest to capture and identify over 15 mesmerizing species of dragonflies. But beware, their agility and speed will challenge even the most nimble of hands! Join us as we unravel the secrets of these aerial acrobats, marvel at their intricate beauty, and contribute to ongoing research on dragonfly populations. It’s a free event filled with wonder and excitement, where every catch brings us closer to understanding these magical creatures. Don’t miss your chance to dance with dragonflies and make unforgettable memories at Dragonfly Days!
*DATES AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE* Please visit the link below for up-to-date information.
You can plan your visit to George Owens Nature Park by visiting georgeowensnaturepark.org or by calling 816-325-7115.
Chicago Alton RAILROAD DEPOT INDEPENDENCE
ORIGINALS
Hi-BOY
Hi-Boy is a longstanding tradition in Independence for over 65 years! This familyowned restaurant is a hometown favorite serving up onion rings (voted best in Knasas City), burgers, and shakes. Stop by for some nuggies too!
Three Trails TRADING POST
If you’re looking for a unique shop, Three Trails Trading Post is the place to look! This hidden gem has been a staple for over 40 years. Find custom beadwork, authenitc rattles made from gourds, and more!
The Chicago Alton Railroad Depot is believed to be the only completely restored two-story train depot in Missouri! Built in 1879, this historic wonder found a second chance as a museum. Take a trip to times remembered with a visit to the Chicago Alton Railroad Depot.
Looking for more historic sites?
Independence is rich in history and historic sites! Visit independencemo.gov/visitor to see all of our historic sites.
Looking for more shopping options?
