Kansas City Symphony Celebration at the Station

Celebration at the Station is the Kansas City Symphony’s annual Memorial Day weekend concert presented by Bank of America. Now in its 22nd year, this free event is a gift to the community and a tribute to the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 

The event takes place Sunday, May 24, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. on the South Plaza of Union Station and the North Lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial. 

No. Celebration at the Station is free and open to the public. 

With an expected crowd of around 30,000, Celebration at the Station is the largest free Memorial Day weekend event in the Midwest. 

• 5:00 p.m. — Pre-concert performance by the United States Air Force Academy Band’s Stellar Brass Quintet 

• 6:00 p.m. — Pre-concert performance by Raptor, rock band from the United States Air Force Heartland of America Band 

• 8:00 p.m. — Kansas City Symphony concert 

• 9:30 p.m. — Fireworks 

• 10:00 p.m. — Event concludes 

At 8:00 p.m., guest conductor Stuart Chafetz will lead the Kansas City Symphony in a concert featuring special guest Aubrey Logan, 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, followed by a fireworks finale. 

• Folding chairs and blankets (seating is not provided) 

• Umbrellas are allowed, but must be taken down prior to the performance to prevent sight blockages 

• Alcohol 

• Glass containers 

• Pets 

• Paid parking is available in multiple surface lots and garages around the event site, including Union Station’s West Yards Garage. 

• Parking at Union Station’s West Yards Garage is $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. 

• For additional parking options, view info here. 

The best place for an Uber or Lyft drop-off is Westin Crown Center. 

Yes. While picnic dinners are allowed, there will also be food available for purchase on-site with numerous food trucks. 

• Watch the event live on Kansas City PBS on Sunday, May 24, starting at 8:00 p.m. 

• Rebroadcast airs May 25 at 7:00 p.m. 

The Symphony and its partners have detailed safety plans for the event site, which involve local law enforcement and multiple federal agencies. 

We will offer a reserved viewing area for those who use scooters, wheelchairs or other mobility accommodations. That location will be announced shortly.