Excitement Builds as Waterfest Returns to Downtown Excelsior Springs This Weekend
Excelsior Springs is buzzing with anticipation as Waterfest 2025 prepares to take over downtown this Friday and Saturday, June 27–28. Organized by the Excelsior Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, this year’s festival promises a weekend packed with live music, family-friendly activities, local vendors, and one of the most diverse entertainment lineups in recent years.
All festival information, including a full schedule of events, vendor listings, and a digital version of the festival booklet, can be found at eswaterfest.com.
At a final planning meeting on Friday, Chamber President Brian Rice expressed optimism and excitement for this year’s festival. “We feel ready for a fantastic festival,” Rice said. “Any concerns that were raised from last year have been addressed.” In response to community feedback, the Chamber made key adjustments by reducing the number of aggressive service vendors and increasing the variety of craft, retail, and specialty booths to create a more enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere for festivalgoers.
Live Music to Light Up the Rite-Way Stage
The festival kicks off Friday night at 7:00 PM with JD and the Chasers, a local favorite known for their high-energy performances. The set will pause at 10:00 PM for the Fireworks Show, which will launch from Siloam Mountain Park. Viewing is ideal from anywhere downtown.
Saturday brings a full day of entertainment, starting with Jesse Thomas Harris performing original folk music at 12:00 PM. Later in the day, catch The Cowardly Lions from 5:00–6:30 PM, followed by the evening’s highly anticipated Waterfest “Summer Jam” Tribute Show beginning at 7:00 PM.
The Summer Jam includes four tribute acts featuring some of Kansas City’s finest musicians:
- The STYX Illusion recreates the sound and look of classic 70s and 80s Styx, featuring James McCarty, Jeff Nelson, Sean Randall, Larry Garland, and Scott Alewel.
- The John Cougar Project channels the heartland rock of John Mellencamp with Jeff Nelson, Sean Randall, Scott Alewel, Jeremy Beach, and Larry Garland.
- The Doobies KC pay homage to the legendary Doobie Brothers, with Jeff Nelson, Sean Randall, James McCarty, Scott Alewel, and Larry Garland.
- The Steve Miller Experience rounds out the night with hits from Steve Miller Band, featuring Nelson, Randall, Garland, Beach, and Alewel.
More to Explore
Beyond the music, Waterfest features nearly 100 vendors, a full slate of kids’ activities, and special events like the Jones Custom & Collision Center’s Custom Car, Hot Rod, and Truck Show, the Little Mr. and Miss Waterfest contest, and free hot air balloon rides on Friday evening at Piburn Field, sponsored by The Simmons Re/Max Real Estate Team.
With free trolley rides courtesy of Liberty Hospital, new features in the Kids Splash Zone, and a more curated vendor experience, Waterfest 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best yet.
For complete event listings, vendor guides, and festival updates, visit eswaterfest.com.
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