FREE Admission to Kansas City’s Lawn Party

On Sunday, July 19, 2026, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and Kansas City Parks and Recreation are holding Kansas City’s Big Picnic on the museum lawn. Admission is FREE.

This event includes live music and other entertainment, food trucks, art activities, and lawn games. Bring a blanket or chairs. Pets must be on a leash.

Hours are from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Here’s the schedule:

Live Music

Nelson-Atkins Music Stage

Sculpture Park, Northwest Side

4 to 5 p.m. DJ Joe: The Mad Scientist

5 to 6 p.m. The Matchsellers

6 to 6:30 p.m. DJ Joe: The Mad Scientist

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Paris Williams

7:30 to 8 p.m. DJ Joe: The Mad Scientist

Kansas City Parks Stage

Theis Park

4 p.m. Big Luke & The Soul Disciples

5 p.m. Sumner Academy Drumline

5:30 p.m. Miss Major & Her Minor Mood Swings

5:30 to 7 p.m. BOOK BEATS Pop-Up, sponsored by Kissick Construction. Relax under the trees with a book and enjoy a curated lo-fi playlist.

6:45 p.m. Plein Air Quick Paint Competition winners announced

7 p.m. Back Alley Brass Band

Other Entertainment

Nelson-Atkins Small Stage

Sculpture Park, East Side

5 to 5:30 p.m. Storytime led by Kansas City Public Library, Plaza Branch

6:30 p.m. Teen Open Mic

Activities

Art Course Mini Golf

Terraces, South Lawn, Sculpture Park

Play nine art-inspired miniature golf holes designed by local artists. Registration is required. The last tee time is at 7 p.m.

Plein Air Quick Paint Competition

4 to 6:30 p.m. Sculpture Park and Theis Park

Artists compete in a quick painting challenge, with winners announced at 6:45 p.m. in Theis Park.

Musication Station by Make Music KC

4 to 6 p.m. Theis Park

A hands-on sound-making experience for all ages.

Ongoing Activities (4 to 8 p.m., unless noted)

• KC Parks & Recreation Information Tent, Theis Park
• Missouri State Parks Tent, Sculpture Park northeast side
• Kansas City Public Library Summer Reading Tent, Sculpture Park east side
• Nelson-Atkins Archives Tent with Shuttlecock history exhibits, trivia and puzzles
• Teen Council Tent with a teen-led art project
• Doggie Oasis with pet photo opportunities, crafts and treats
• Giant Bubbles and Hula Hoopers
• Lawn Games courtesy of KC Parks Athletics
• Pop-Up Adventure Playground
• Kansas City Juggling Club
• Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center Information Tent
• Nelson-Atkins Museum Store
• Sporting Kansas City Tent with giveaways
• KC Current Tent with giveaways
• Art Activity and Information Tent
• Badminton Courts
• StoneLion Puppet Theatre

Food Trucks

Free drinking water, courtesy of KC Water Services

• 451 Pizza
• Irvzilla
• The Hungry Hatch
• Smoke ‘n’ Seoul 
• Kona Ice, West Jackson County 
• One More Scoop
• PAB’s Mobile Treats
• Taste of Brazil
• Bucks BBQ
• Ravioli Pasta2GO
• Taco Naco KC
• La Hamburguesa Loca
• Russell Stovers Ice Cream Truck 
• Melt Box Ice Cream

Beer & Wine

4 to 8 p.m. | Beer & Wine Sales by Ethnic Enrichment Commission

Games

4 to 8 p.m.

Giant Bubbles and Hula Hoopers

Lawn Games, courtesy of KC Parks Athletics

Pop-Up Adventure Playground

Parking and restrooms

Parking in the museum garage is $20. Museum members park FREE. 

Restrooms and accessible indoor route in the Bloch Building until 8 p.m. Portable restrooms, including an accessible restroom, will be available in Theis Park. There will also be cooling areas.

Advance registration

Attendees are encouraged to register in advance here.

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