Kansas City’s Lawn Party
Jul 19, 2026
4:00 pm
–
8:00 pm
Free
Museum admission includes entry to Kansas City’s Lawn Party
Every summer, Kansas City is invited to a massive bash on the Nelson-Atkins lawn.
In celebration of the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park and National Parks and Recreation Month, the Nelson-Atkins teams up with Kansas City Parks and Recreation to host a massive party on the museum’s south lawn. Fill up on local food trucks and partake in lawn games and activities. Bask in the summer vibes with a soundtrack by live musical performances.
Free registration
General admission to the museum and festival is free. Although you may register for admission upon arrival, we encourage advance registration for a more convenient check-in experience.
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Parking
The Nelson-Atkins parking garage is located at 45th and oak streets. Parking is $20 per vehicle or free for museum members and guest with ADA placards.
Festival Schedule
Program details subject to change
Nelson-Atkins Music Stage Schedule
DJ Joe: The Mad Scientist
Sculpture Park, Northwest Side
4-5 pm | 6-6:30 pm | 7:30-8 pm
Paris Williams
Sculpture Park, Northwest Side
6:30-7:30 pm
The Matchsellers
Sculpture Park, Northwest Side
5-6 pm
Nelson-Atkins Small Stage Schedule
Storytime led by Kansas City Public Library, Plaza Branch
Sculpture Park, East Side
5-5:30 pm
Teen Open Mic
Sculpture Park, East Side
Teens are invited to present musical, spoken word, or comedic performances on stage. Drop-ins, groups, and musical instruments are welcome.
Kansas City Parks Stage Schedule
Big Luke & The Soul Disciples
Theis Park, Northwest Side
4 pm
Miss Major & Her Minor Mood Swings
Theis Park, Northwest Side
5:30 pm
Back Alley Brass Band
Theis Park, Northwest Side
7 pm
Sumner Academy Drumline
Theis Park, Northwest Side
5pm
Plein Air Quick Paint Judging and Awards
Theis Park, Northwest Side
6:30 pm
BOOK BEATS Pop-up sponsored by Kissick Construction
Theis Park, Southeast Side
5:30-7pm
Step away from the activities and settle into an evening spot under the trees. Bring a book, find a cozy spot, and let yourself unwind while to a curated Lo-Fi playlist. Read, relax, and enjoy soft socializing with others who love a good story.
Ongoing Activities
4-8 pm unless noted otherwise
KC Parks & Recreation Information Tents | Theis Park
Missouri State Parks Tent │ Sculpture Park, Northeast Side
Kansas City Public Library, Summer Reading Tent │ Sculpture Park, East Side
Art Course
Last tee time: 7 pm │ Terraces, South Lawn, Sculpture Park
Play miniature golf with nine art-inspired holes designed by local artists. Registration is required.
Tee times may be reserved in person or online:
nelson-atkins.org/art-course
Nelson-Atkins Archives Tent | Sculpture Park, Northeast Side
Stop in to see an exhibit about the history of the Shuttlecocks, answer trivia, and do puzzles featuring scenes from the museum’s past.
Teen Council Tent │ Sculpture Park, East Side
Meet the museum’s Teen Council and create a teen-led art project
Doggie Oasis│ Sculpture Park, East Side
Take photos with your four-legged friends at the photo-op, create a puppy craft, and grab a pup cup snack, courtesy of Shake Shack.
Giant bubbles, stilt walker, and hula hoopers│ Theis Park
Lawn games courtesy of KC Parks Athletics │ Theis Park
Pop-Up Adventure Playground │ Theis Park
Kansas City Juggling Club │ Theis Park
The Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center Information Tent | Sculpture Park, Northeast Side
Get to know the local discovery center’s mission, offerings, and opportunities.
Nelson-Atkins Museum Store | Sculpture Park, Northeast Side
Shop exclusive Nelson-Atkins merch including shirts, bags, hats, and more!
https://shop.nelson-atkins.org/
Sporting Kansas City Tent | Sculpture Park, Northeast Side
Win free Sporting Kansas City swag and a chance to win free tickets.
KC Current Tent | Sculpture Park, Northwest Side
Join us for fun giveaways.
Art Activity Tent │ Sculpture Park, West Side
Design your own colorful, kinetic pinwheel to carry around the park and take home with you.
Badminton Courts │ Sculpture Park, South Side
Play a pick-up game of badminton and get some tips from the experts.
StoneLion Puppet Theatre │ Sculpture Park
Celebrating 35 years of puppetry!
Plein Air Painting by participants in the Quick Paint Competition │ 4-6:30 pm (winners announced at 6:45 pm) │ Sculpture Park and Theis Park
Musication Station by Make Music KC │ 4-6 pm │ Theis Park
Food and Drinks
Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard | Choose from a variety of local food trucks and suppliers stationed along Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard. (List subject to change.)
Drinking water, courtesy of KC Water Services
Beer and wine, courtesy of the Ethnic Enrichment Commission
The Country Club Bank Terrace Snack Bar (located in Sculpture Park Terraces)
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
Russell Stovers Ice Cream Truck
RESTROOMS AND COOLING
Indoor restrooms (with an accessible indoor route) will be available in the Bloch Building until 8 pm. Portable restrooms (including an accessible restroom) will be available in Theis Park. Areas to temporarily cool down will be located in the Bloch Building Lobby and Noguchi Court until 8 pm
FOOD WASTE AND RECYLING
Help make the Lawn Party even greener! Give your trash new life by taking it to the waste reduction station located near the food and beverage trucks. KC Parks Ambassadors will help you sort your food scraps and recyclables, so they don’t end up in the landfill.
Thank You!
This program is generously supported by the Hall Family Foundation and Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Thank you to our museum volunteers and members — the art and soul of the museum — whose support makes festivals like this possible.
Learn more online: ArtAndSoulKC.org
Museum Membership
Join to get free garage parking, free special exhibitions tickets, and discounts at the Museum Store and Rozzelle Court Restaurant. Visit the info desk on your next visit to become a member.
Share the Love
Shortly after the event, photos from Kansas City’s Lawn Party will be available to view and download on the museum’s Flickr account: Flickr.
If you take photos, tag us!
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art | @NelsonAtkins
Kansas City Parks and Recreation | @KCMOParks
Save the date:
Ethnic Enrichment Festival | Aug. 21–23 | Swope Park
Deaf Cultural Festival | Sept. 19
Night/Shift | Sept. 24
Ghouls’ Night Out | Oct. 16 | Roanoke Park
Día de Los Muertos Festival | Nov. 1
Festival altar on view Oct. 26- Nov. 2
Santa Paws in the Park | Dec. 5 | Loose Park
Teen Fashion Show | Dec. 13
