Prairie Village’s Fourth of July party VillageFest (mostly) beat the rain — See our photos
This year's edition of VillageFest coincided with Prairie Village's 75th anniversary and America's 250th birthday.
A young boy smiles after creating a large bubble at VillageFest 2026. Photo credit Juliana Garcia.
In 2026, Prairie Village’s annual VillageFest celebrated more than the Fourth of July.
The annual Independence Day celebration coincided with the city’s 75th anniversary, America’s 250th birthday and the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to the Kansas City region — with the England national team staying in Prairie Village.
If you missed out on the festivities, or want a refresher of your day on the Harmon Park hill, here’s a look at VillageFest 2026 through a Post camera lens. (See last year’s photos here.)
Mayor Eric Mikkelson presents resident Andrew Fujii with the 2026 community service award. Fujii fosters community in Prairie Village with a neighbor-led workout club, dubbed “Dad Bods.” Photo credit Juliana Garcia.Pony rides are one of the many offerings at VillageFest, which this mom and son enjoyed. Photo credit Juliana Garcia.Dozens of kids gathered to catch candy falling from the sky — which was actually thrown from a fire truck ladder by Mayor Eric Mikkelson. Photo credit Juliana Garcia.Despite the rain about two hours into the event, kids and parents packed the face painting, hair glittering and temporary tattoo booths. Above, a young boy gets a Spider-Man face painting. Photo credit Juliana Garcia.Two young girls are eager to catch candy at VillageFest 2026. Photo credit Juliana GarciaA young boy feeds a kangaroo at the petting zoo, also one of the numerous free offerings at VillageFest. Photo credit Juliana Garcia.Kids play in the foam party at VillageFest 2026, a new option for attendees. Photo credit Juliana Garcia.Adults also enjoyed the free activities at VillageFest, including the bubble station. Photo credit Juliana Garcia.
? Hi! I’m Juliana Garcia, and I cover Prairie Village and northeast Johnson County for the Johnson County Post.
I grew up in Roeland Park and graduated from Shawnee Mission North before going on to the University of Kansas, where I wrote for the University Daily Kansan and earned my bachelor’s degree in journalism. Prior to joining the Post in 2019, I worked as an intern at the Kansas City Business Journal.
Have a story idea or a comment about our coverage you’d like to share? Email me at [email protected].
