Events in Independence today

Crank Out Hunger is an annual bike ride that raises funds for Coldwater’s Food Pantry, helping meet growing community needs. Cyclists can choose from routes designed for experienced riders, along with a family friendly option. Registration includes lunch from Chef Aristo's Curbside and Catering, a T-shirt, and plenty of snacks and drinks at SAG stops along the way.

This event features more than forty additional vendors in the parking lot, music, and a variety of food trucks. A complimentary bounce house is available. Expect a lively atmosphere with plenty of fun and bargain finds.

Market on Main in Downtown Blue Springs showcases local growers and makers with fresh produce, handmade goods, fresh flowers and more. The market takes place in the morning and is supported by St. Mary’s Medical Center. Special themed days appear throughout the season, including Dog Days of Summer, Health and Wellness Day, Artists and Authors, and Harvest Fest. Vendor applications are available with full season, partial, and daily options. Updates are shared on social media by Downtown Blue Springs and Market on Main.

Pick up school supplies and get a haircut at no charge, and take advantage of a food pantry and a free lunch.

The Jesus Block Party brings neighbors together to love and serve the community. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a complimentary hot meal, receive shoes if needed, and hear practical encouragement grounded in the Bible, along with additional support. The goal is for each person to feel seen and cared for, with a clear message of hope in Jesus. A volunteer team supports the event. Advance registration is required to serve, and responding on Facebook does not place anyone on a team.

Connect with fellow birthworkers at a meetup focused on community and networking across the Kansas City metro. This is a space to meet peers who are new to the field as well as those with years of experience. The gathering is open to doulas, childbirth and lactation educators, birth photographers, IBCLCs, labor and delivery and NICU nurses, peri and postnatal therapists, chiropractors, occupational and physical therapy providers, certified nurse midwives, certified professional midwives, traditional midwives, midwifery students, and birth assistants. It is designed for professionals only and is not for families seeking a provider.

Celebrate American roots music at the Independence Roots Music Festival on the grounds of the historic Bingham-Waggoner Estate. You’ll hear a lineup of regional acts playing blues, folk, bluegrass, and more across stages on the north side and on the estate’s porches. Enjoy food and drinks, and take advantage of free parking, bring-your-own lawn chair or blanket seating, and all-ages festivities.

At The Story Loft in the Englewood Arts District, this cozy community farmers market spotlights local growers, makers, and artisans. Stroll through booths with farm-fresh produce, artisan-made goods, and other local creations while taking in the creative energy of the neighborhood. It is a relaxed way to shop small, support local businesses, and spend an afternoon connecting with neighbors, artists, and creators. Vendors interested in participating may apply using the market’s form.

The Saturday Outlaw Concert Series features live music from area bands along with burgers, hot dogs, and ice cold beverages. Attendees can test ride in-stock models with no obligation, as long as they have proper riding gear and a valid motorcycle license. The event welcomes riders and non-riders alike and highlights the Outlaw way of life.

Mother’s Closet is a free community event for women, infants, and children, with no registration required. Families can take home no-cost items such as new and gently used clothing, accessories, toys, breastfeeding supplies, and other helpful household and baby goods. Throughout the event, attendees can also connect with doulas and lactation consultants for guidance and support related to pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding. Community donations are welcome as well, and donated items are reviewed and sorted so they can continue helping local families in need.

JA Family Day at Blue Surf Bay begins with time set aside for community connection, then shifts to swimming and water play.

New for the 2026 season, the car cruise takes place in the parking lot just east of the police station in Downtown Blue Springs, the same location that hosts Market on Main. The move keeps things consistent while construction continues along Main Street this summer. This milestone edition marks 15 years of cruising down Main Street, bringing a windows down, music up energy to a favorite community tradition.

This prerelease at Game Cafe features Sealed deck play across three Swiss rounds. Entry is $40. Players who enroll in the MTG Companion app receive two extra boosters from the new set, and top performers receive promotional support. For those unable to participate in store, prerelease kits are available for $40 while supplies last. Entering the included code in the MTG Companion app grants two complimentary Play Boosters.

Enjoy a community poker night that raises funds for the Independence Hawks Football & Cheer program. Expect friendly tournament play with rebuys and add-ons, a 50/50 raffle, and raffle baskets. Player entry is $45 and includes walking tacos and drinks while supplies last. Guests who are not playing are welcome to attend for $15 to eat, socialize, and support the athletes. This second annual fundraiser invites both seasoned poker players and first timers for an evening of fun that directly benefits Hawks football and cheer athletes.

Bowling, raffles, and silent auctions come together to raise funds for rhino conservation at Summit Lanes Lees Summit. Food and a full bar are available on site. Early bird ticket pricing is available.

Live music returns to Nirvana with Jason Vivone & The Billy Bats. Led by composer, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist Jason Vivone, a leading figure in Kansas City blues and roots, the band weaves American styles such as blues, soul, gospel, old-time medicine show sounds, and country into one performance. Nirvana offers a wide selection of food, and cocktails are available to enjoy while listening.

The Stray Cats take the stage at Uptown Theater, joined by Midnight Cowgirls. Seating is reserved. Ticket access includes a public onsale, along with artist, Spotify, and local presales.

Returning by popular demand, Thadapalooza brings the concluding chapter of the Possum Spit trilogy to Englewood Arts. She Dunnit unfolds as a live murder mystery featuring familiar She Haw characters. A VIP upgrade for $20 allows attendees to take part in the show.

At Tom's Bar and Grill, Chad opens the floor for karaoke and lets you sing your favorite songs. Pick the tracks you love and take the mic for a lively round of singalongs.

The event focuses on Elton John songs from seven iconic albums, bringing together a selection of tracks that showcase that body of work.

At Legacy Park Amphitheater, Elton Dan & The Rocket Band delivers a high-energy tribute to Elton John, channeling the sound and spirit of seven landmark albums from the 1970s and 1980s. Formed in 2015, the group has played more than 700 shows across 38 states. Expect crowd favorites such as I’m Still Standing, Philadelphia Freedom, Crocodile Rock, and Rocket Man, with the possibility of a duet like Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, deeper cuts, and band picks including Madman Across the Water, Levon, Tiny Dancer, and Pinball Wizard. Food and beverages will be available from Chick-Fil-A, Bee Ray’s, Big Mama’s Pancakes, and Embrace the Grape. Venue policies include no firearms or weapons, umbrellas, outside food, wallet chains, pocket knives, fireworks, baseballs, footballs, tennis balls, coolers, cameras or video cameras, or scooters, bicycles, and skateboards. Outside drinks are limited to water only, one sealed plastic bottle of 1 liter or less per person, with no soda, alcohol, juice, or energy drinks permitted. Smoking and tobacco use are allowed only in a designated area inside the venue, and smokable marijuana products are prohibited by city ordinance. Tents, grills, and tailgating are not allowed.

Settle in for an evening of soulful sounds and blues from Cocoa Marie, whose powerful range and heartfelt delivery revive cherished classics alongside fresh, modern grooves. Whether you lean toward silky soul, gritty blues, or simply appreciate great live music, this performance is crafted to linger long after the final song.

Dogzilla takes the stage at Stuey McBrew's for a live music show.

Art on Walnut brings a local arts vibe to Kansas City with a weekly outdoor craft fair along Walnut Street beside the farmers market and River Market Flea. Each week, 33 handpicked artists, makers, and creatives share handmade jewelry, ceramics, original artwork, and distinctive gifts, turning a casual stroll into a relaxed exploration of KC talent. Enjoy a coffee, try something fresh from the market, and take in the character of this historic neighborhood while meeting the people behind the work. Admission is free and the experience is family friendly.

River Market Flea returns with a rotating mix of vintage finds at City Market. Offerings include retro clothing from the 1960s through the early 2000s, along with accessories and unique one-off pieces that are not easy to find. The collection is curated by local vintage experts, including the team behind some of Kansas City’s most talked-about Chiefs fashion moments, and a refreshed lineup encourages repeat visits. Alongside it, Art on Walnut features a thoughtfully selected group of local artists and makers presented by Art Garden KC. Farmers Market vendors bring locally grown seasonal produce, cut flowers, bedding plants, vegetable starts, and more. City Market’s year-round shops and restaurants round things out with additional distinctive goods and global flavors.

Experience a welcoming Yoga 101 class in the courtyard at Colonial Gardens, created for newcomers and anyone returning to the basics. Instructor Carly Duquette guides approachable poses, mindful breathing, and gentle movement to foster strength and calm, with support from Megan’s Yoga Tribe. If the weather is uncooperative, the session moves indoors at the same location. Bring a yoga mat or towel and water, and feel free to invite a friend. Each class is $15, with a $10 rate for Megan’s Yoga Tribe members using a coupon code at checkout. Participants also receive $1 off a drink of their choice at Whistle Stop Coffee & Mercantile before or after class. Afterward, take time to enjoy the grounds and unwind in the garden setting.

Game Cafe hosts a Magic: The Gathering prerelease featuring a Sealed format and three Swiss rounds. Entry is $40. Players who enroll through the MTG Companion app receive two extra boosters from the new set, with promotional support available for top competitors. If in-store play is not an option, prerelease kits can be purchased for $40 while supplies last. Enter the provided code in the MTG Companion app to receive two bonus Play Boosters at no additional cost.

Enjoy a Concerts in the Park performance at Rotary Park in Blue Springs, Missouri featuring The Lucky Us Band, part of a nine-Sunday summer series of free live music. Pack a blanket or lawn chairs and a picnic basket, then take in their Country Rock set. This concert is presented with support from Fike and Tandem Paving.

Enjoy a laid-back hangout with Bryce featuring tabletop games, a billiards table available for play, and Xbox gaming on a large screen.

A week of camp filled with magical kingdom adventures invites campers into a world of imagination and creativity. Inspired by beloved fairy tales, each day features fantasy-themed games, hands-on crafts, make-believe play, and lively group activities that keep everyone active and engaged. The full week costs $199. Campers should pack a lunch each day. Space is limited, and single-day options may be available only if the week does not sell out, so early registration is recommended.

These weeklong summer camps invite kids to tackle obstacle course challenges in a gym modeled after the television show American Ninja Warrior. Across five sessions they will climb, jump, balance, traverse, and swing through a variety of stations. Each camp totals 15 hours of activities and is priced at $200.

Englewood Arts provides private, one-on-one instruction in acoustic and electric guitar, bass guitar, piano for beginners through intermediate players, drums, and music theory. Musicians at any level are welcome, from first-time learners to intermediate and advanced students, in a friendly setting for all ages with a recommended minimum age of 6. Parents are invited to observe lessons. Sessions run 30 minutes and are priced at $30.

The Veteran R.E.A.D.S. Program offers a free, community-centered experience that uses the power of story to support veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and their families. Guided by the idea that stories can fortify and equip the mind, each gathering nurtures resilience, education, advocacy, open dialogue, and a spirit of service. Participants come together to share and reflect on lived experiences, build trust and a sense of belonging, strengthen communication skills and emotional resilience, and take part in meaningful, story-driven conversation. Sessions take place at Truman Habitat for Humanity’s Hiram Young School and the MU Extension Office. Admission is free for all who are eligible to attend.

Enjoy a simple buy-in and prize structure. The buy-in is $5. Each entry adds one pack to the prize pool, which is split among the top three or four finishers depending on turnout.

This open mic storytelling contest from The Moth invites anyone to share a true, personal story in five minutes, all centered on the theme Schooled. Bring a tale about the lessons that shaped you, whether passed along by elders and mentors or earned through textbooks, hard knocks, lucky breaks, triumphs, and mistakes. Inspiration can come from anywhere, from fortune cookies and astrology to guidance from teachers, siblings, bosses, or bullies, spanning voices as old as Confucius and as contemporary as Brené Brown. Add your name for a chance to take the mic, or listen from the audience. Seating is limited and offered in the order of arrival, and it is not guaranteed. All sales are final, and up to 10 tickets may be released at the door, offered in the order of arrival.

An evening of BMX practice features open riding sessions on the main track with a dedicated window reserved for balance bike riders, while the separate balance bike track remains available throughout. Balance bike participants do not pay a practice fee, but a $40 per year membership is required and registration is needed for each event. Access to the big track for balance bikes is limited to a specific portion of the session. A current USA BMX membership is required for riders. Those trying BMX for the first time can use a one‑day trial membership, and volunteers will be available to help new riders get comfortable. Concessions will be open and the grill will be running. Riders should come prepared with long sleeves, long pants, and closed‑toe shoes. A helmet is required and loaners are available, with a limited number of loaner bikes on hand.

Move through a steady blend of yoga and Pilates that fortifies your core, builds flexibility, and improves balance. The session pairs yoga’s mindful breath and movement with Pilates-focused toning and stability for a smooth, supportive flow that is open to all levels. Expect to finish feeling steady, revitalized, grounded, and strong. When the weather is chilly the class meets inside the market, and on pleasant days it takes place on the turf. Please bring a yoga mat or towel.

East Forty hosts Eastern Jackson County's original open mic night, welcoming both performers and listeners. Take the stage or settle in to enjoy local talent. Happy hour specials include $1 off all draft beers, $6 select cocktails, $2 off all pizzas, and $6 appetizers. Performers receive a buy one get one free offer on their first draft beer or non alcoholic beverage.

Connect with fellow community members in person at a weekly, no host social in the KC metro. This welcoming gathering includes Witches, Heathens, Druids, Eclectics, Reconstructionists, initiated and non-initiatory practitioners, solitary participants, and members of covens, kindreds, temples, lodges, or chapters, along with anyone else looking to spend time with like-minded neighbors.

Fans of knitting, crochet, sewing, and other fiber arts gather for a free, no-cover social at Nirvana Coffee and Games. Bring your own supplies and current projects, meet other makers, swap patterns and stories, and enjoy creating in good company. While there is no admission fee, attendees are encouraged to support the host venue with a purchase.

Settle into an evening centered on medicating and meditating with guidance from Infused Sound Healing. The experience begins with a ceremonial smoke session, then continues with a 60-minute guided meditation and immersive sound bath. Attendance is capped at 25 to keep the atmosphere intimate. Bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing, as the session moves between seated and standing positions. Location details are shared after ticket purchase, and a ticket link is provided in the event details. Support is available if there are any issues with accessing tickets. Take time to recharge and reconnect with the Infused Sound Healing community.

An open tabletop roleplaying night at Nirvana welcomes both Game Masters and players for adventures in systems like D&D, Pathfinder, Shadowdark, DCC, Knave, and DC20. The event is open to newcomers and longtime gamers alike, and it emphasizes a table culture built on a positive outlook, respect for differing viewpoints and backgrounds, a willingness to listen and engage, and a collaborative spirit. Prospective Game Masters can connect with players through the dedicated Discord server, which offers spaces to match groups, share ideas, and plan campaigns, and GMs receive perks such as discounts on food, beverages, and retail. Organizers are especially seeking GMs for open RPG nights on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and they are flexible about scheduling with established groups.

Enjoy crokinole or explore other games. Happy hour specials are available.

A Red Cross blood drive will be held in the Lakeland lobby. Donors can schedule an appointment in advance.

Casual Commander night brings a lively crowd, regularly drawing more than 40 players each week. There is no entry fee, and door prizes include official Promo Packs. The focus is the community... players settle into pods, connect with others who share their love of the game, and enjoy plenty of friendly matchups. It is also a welcoming choice for newer players who want to sharpen their skills and try out new decks.

Enjoy a casual trivia event that is open to the public. Happy hour specials are offered beforehand, and trivia gets underway as happy hour wraps up.

At Nirvana, open play board gaming makes it easy to take a seat, pick a game, and get started. Participants can arrive with friends or join a table on the spot, thanks to the casual, welcoming setup. It is a friendly way to meet new people and learn new games.

A friendly open group gets together for Euchre, a quick trick-taking card game played by four people in two partnerships with a 24 card deck of nines through aces. Each hand features a chosen trump suit that outranks the others, with the Jack of trump as the highest card and the Jack of the same color following right behind. Teams work to capture at least three of the five tricks to score points, and the first partnership to reach 10 points wins. It is a welcoming way to meet new people and enjoy spirited card play.

Enjoy a relaxed film gathering with the REEL Fellowship Summer Series featuring Evan Almighty (2007), rated PG. The screening takes place in Fellowship Hall, the big room upstairs. Bring dinner or arrange delivery if eating beforehand is tight. Popcorn will be freshly made, and beverages are BYO. The movie follows a newly elected congressman tasked by God with building an ark, with supplies arriving and animals showing up at his door as his family, colleagues, and the nation look on, turning life in Washington, D.C. upside down.

This beginner-friendly BMX clinic is designed to build confidence, sharpen essential skills, and help newer riders feel at ease on the track. It is a good fit for Novice riders, anyone still working on the basics, and those who want extra practice with coaching. Participants can look forward to a supportive, low pressure environment, hands-on instruction, and gate practice that makes racing more enjoyable. Pre-registration is required, and an active membership is mandatory. The cost is $10 plus a $1 processing fee. All riders must wear a helmet, long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Bring a bike and a water bottle to stay ready for a productive session.

Have fun playing Hillbilly Bingo.

At Mindgames And Magic, this youth-focused Dungeons and Dragons session offers a safe, welcoming place for ages 10 to 16 to learn the game or enjoy playing with peers. Participants explore rules and mechanics, build positive social skills, practice problem solving, and dive into worldbuilding and character development. The experience includes a private game room, use of miniatures and terrain, themed music and lighting, opportunities for costumes or cosplay, and adventures crafted specifically for the group. The cost is 10 dollars per person per session. Space is limited and tends to fill quickly.

Howard Mahan & Friends appear at B.B.'s Lawnside BarB-Q with featured guests Adam Watson, TJ Erhardt, and Chase McRoy. The appearance is part of a regular series at the venue.

Poetic Underground hosts an open mic at the Livestock Exchange Building (KC) for poets and prose writers to take the stage and share their work. Masks are strongly recommended. Sign-ups occur before the show and names are called in random order. The microphone is treated as a brave space, so everyone is asked to be respectful of those performing. There is no cover. Rooted in Poetic Underground’s mission to use poetry for healing and community building, this gathering offers artists in Kansas City a supportive place to speak their truths.

Karaoke Night in Lee’s Summit brings a lively mix of music, laughs, and memorable moments. Hosted weekly by Martell Love, the evening welcomes both first-time singers and seasoned regulars to take the mic in a friendly setting. A happy hour with drink specials is available beforehand to set the tone for the night. Expect an upbeat crowd, plenty of sing-along energy, and a relaxed atmosphere that keeps people returning week after week.

Join the Northeast Kansas City Chamber for a relaxed, friendly networking hour at Eleos Coffee House. Enjoy house coffee and sweets while you connect with local neighbors, business owners, and community leaders, plus get updates from what’s happening around the area. Come ready to share your neighborhood or business news, and bring your flyers and business cards for networking and prizes.

Experience legendary landscapes through a selection of famous Chinese painted scrolls returning to view after years away. Part of the Minds in Motion Tour, this program explores how artists turned ink on silk into mountains and valleys, offering poetic reflections on the bond between people and the natural world.

Thursday nights feature a wing buffet with both boneless and traditional varieties, complemented by a selection of sauces.

At Summit Pizza Lee's Summit, tableside magic brings the show to the table, with David performing for diners.

Divorce Hub is a free monthly support gathering for anyone navigating separation or divorce. It offers room to breathe, ask questions, and connect with others so you do not feel alone, and free childcare is provided. Meetings take place at Woods Chapel Church and are open to everyone. Hosted by Rebecca and Davie, each session focuses on care, conversation, and encouragement for whatever stage you are in.

The Lee's Summit History Museum hosts a community storytelling evening that brings local history to life through personal recollections. Chosen speakers share firsthand memories and behind the scenes perspectives, offering longtime residents a chance to reminisce while helping newer neighbors connect with the stories behind familiar streets and historic downtown landmarks. Set at Bridge Space, the atmosphere is casual and conversational, much like friends trading tales about the people and places that shape Lee's Summit. Popcorn will be available, and guests may bring their own beverages. There is no admission charge, and voluntary donations help the museum continue preserving community voices.

This event features One Piece constructed play with a $9 entry. Prizes include a pack for each win plus promos. The community at the shop is growing quickly, is welcoming to newcomers, and keeps the focus on having fun while supporting the growth of the game.

Thursday Night Pauper features a $5 buy-in and centers on budget-friendly, competitive Magic play. All entry fees contribute to a prize pool, with store credit awarded to the top three players. Suitable for experienced Pauper players and newcomers alike, it provides an opportunity to test decks and sharpen skills.

The Tranquility Base Adventuring Guild brings a weekly Dungeons and Dragons experience to Mindgames and Magic, created in partnership with Electric Insomnia, Kansas City Professional Nerd Community, Kansas City Dungeons and Dragons and other local groups. Each session is designed as a self-contained adventure, making it easy to jump in without long-term commitments. Tables are outfitted with miniatures and terrain, atmospheric music and lighting, and plenty of cosplay and costume energy. The environment is friendly to beginners, and current players are ready to help newcomers learn the rules and grow into confident adventurers. This gathering follows an Adventurers League style run by experienced, vetted storytellers from the local community, offering fresh quests for seasoned players as well as an accessible starting point for those new to tabletop role-playing. The cost is 10 dollars per person per session, payable to Mindgames and Magic.

At "The V," musicians fill a spacious hall with jazz and rock favorites in a jam that welcomes both performers and listeners. There is room to relax or step onto the dance floor. The post lounge is open to the public and serves beverages with daily drink specials, and the kitchen offers dinner specials during the jam. While there, guests can check the schedule for other upcoming events. VFW Post 5789 is open to the public and hosts live music in Lee's Summit.

E-Rock hosts a weekly sing-your-heart-out night at Tom's Bar and Grill. This friendly gathering centers on singing and invites anyone who attends to raise their voice and enjoy the music together.

Music Bingo brings a lively game night to Nirvana Coffee & Games, with Crit & Ale hosting a relaxed experience built around songs instead of numbers. Bingo cards are fueled by a playlist that ranges from throwback favorites to current hits, and sharp ears can land prizes. The setting is friendly and easy to step into, yet engaging enough to keep players involved. Enjoy something tasty while you play and let the music lead the way to a win.

At Nirvana Coffee and Games, Music Bingo swaps numbers for songs in a lively game hosted by Crit and Ale. Recognize tracks ranging from nostalgic throwbacks to today’s hits, mark your card, and go for prizes. The setting stays easygoing and upbeat, with great music, full cards, no awkward quiet, and a chance to sip something tasty while you play.