From music to sports, local families can enjoy variety of Memorial Day weekend activities

Memorial Day weekend traditionally kicks off summer fun, and a number of events are on tap for area families.

On Sunday, Celebration at the Station fills the grounds of Union Station and the National WWI Museum and Memorial with a patriotic performance from the Kansas City Symphony, plus food trucks and additional live entertainment throughout the evening. The event site opens at 5 p.m. with vendors and booths on display, as well as pre-concert entertainment on stage from Drive On and the Back Alley Brass Band. The symphony’s performance begins at 8 p.m., in concert with disabled veteran rock band The Resilient. The evening concludes with Kansas City’s largest fireworks display.

All weekend long, the National WWI Museum and Memorial has a lineup of events and activities to recognize Memorial Day. Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive free admission to the museum. For the general public, admission is half price all weekend.

Free to the public, Remembering Our Fallen is a photographic war memorial that honors U.S. military fallen from the Global War on Terrorism. A public program on Memorial Day features remarks from dignitaries and a keynote from Lt. General (Ret.) John “J.T.” Thomson.

Memorial Day Weekend also offers an opportunity to experience the largest renovation at the National WWI Museum and Memorial since its opening in 2006. The new lower level features 190 feet of window cases, placing objects and artifacts on display to museum guests that otherwise would be unavailable for public viewing. Additional events taking place at the National WWI Museum and Memorial over Memorial Day Weekend and throughout the month of May include:

• Flags of Forgotten Soldiers Display, May 15-29
• Vietnam Era Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” Helicopter Display, May 26-29
• Vintage Military Vehicle Display, May 27-28
• Memorial Day Bell Tolling Ceremony, May 29, noon
• Walk of Honor Dedication, May 29, 2 p.m.

Worlds of Fun is open for the season, with the highly anticipated return of the Zambezi Zinger taking place for season passholders on May 25 and all park guests on May 26. Oceans of Fun opens for the season on May 27, with Riptide Raceway, the park’s newest addition and the world’s longest mat-racing water slide, ready to make a splash.

At Union Station, explore a brand-new take on a famous figure as Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing — The Exhibition opens on May 26. Sponsored by Disney and Marvel Entertainment, the in-depth exhibit explores the history and impact of the iconic hero throughout the years. More adventure for all can be found inside Science City. The family friendly wonderland features hands-on spaces to explore everything from engineering and physics to food science and the arts.

For sports fans, the Royals take on the Washington Nationals, May 26-28, with a family four-pack offer on Sunday making it simple for everyone to attend. Plus, immerse yourself in KC’s diehard soccer fandom as the KC Current faces the Houston Dash on May 26 and Sporting Kansas City takes on the Portland Timbers on May 28, both at Children’s Mercy Park.

–Anita Widaman | Metro Voice