Things to do in St. Joseph This Week

ByDylan Raines

St. Joseph is offering solid family-friendly options this week (August 17–23, 2026), led by the final stretch of Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp and a free outdoor concert.

Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp

The biggest draw remains the Chiefs’ 16th training camp at Missouri Western State University (Mosaic Training Fields, 4525 Downs Drive). Practices this week are open to the public (with advance ticket reservations required via the Chiefs app or chiefs.com/trainingcamp; limits typically apply). Most sessions are free, with an $8 parking fee per vehicle.

  • Monday, August 17: Practice at 9:15 a.m., linebackers autograph session
  • Tuesday, August 18: Practice at 9:15 a.m., defensive backs autograph session
  • Wednesday, August 19: Practice at 9:15 a.m., offensive/defensive line autograph session
  • Thursday, August 20: Practice at 8:15 a.m., Military Appreciation Day (final open practice of camp)

Times and availability can change due to weather or field conditions; indoor practices are usually closed to the public. This is a classic family outing—arrive early, bring sunscreen and water, and enjoy the energy of NFL prep in a relatively relaxed setting.

Sounds of Summer: Simple City

Friday, August 21, 6:30–9:30 p.m. Downtown Concession Building (625 Felix Street / corner of 7th and Felix).

This free outdoor concert series continues while construction affects Coleman Hawkins Park. Simple City performs; the event is open to the public. A DTA beer tent is typically available on site, along with restrooms and an ATM. No outside coolers or alcohol are allowed. Bring chairs or a blanket for a casual evening of live music downtown.

Everyday Family Favorites

Even without big one-off festivals this week, St. Joseph has reliable kid-friendly spots:

  • inspireU Children’s Discovery Center (521 Felix Street, downtown) — Interactive exhibits focused on movement, nutrition, mindfulness, curiosity, and connection for ages birth to about 10. Hours are generally Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday noon–5 p.m. (closed Mondays). Admission is typically in the $12–14 range (discounts available; infants under 1 free). August programming has leaned into robots, coding, and engineering themes.
  • Remington Nature Center (1502 McArthur Drive) — Indoor and outdoor nature exhibits, aquarium, trails, and family activities such as monthly indoor scavenger hunts (ask at the front desk) and outdoor nature scavenger hunts along the river. Friday fish feedings are a regular highlight when scheduled. Check current hours and any special programming.
  • City parks — Hyde Park offers playgrounds, a splash area, trails, and open space ideal for picnics or letting kids burn energy. Other neighborhood parks provide similar low-key outdoor time.
  • Museums — The St. Joseph Museums complex (including Glore Psychiatric Museum, Doll Museum, and history galleries) and sites like the Pony Express Museum remain solid rainy-day or educational options. Confirm current hours and admission.

Library branches often host storytimes, play sessions, or makerspace activities, though the main Summer Reading Program wrapped at the end of July. Check sjpl.lib.mo.us or individual branch calendars for anything scheduled this week.

Tips for the Week

Reserve Chiefs practice tickets early if you plan to attend—spots are limited. Downtown is convenient for pairing a morning practice with an afternoon at inspireU or an evening concert. Weather in mid-August can be warm, so plan for hydration and shade. Always verify final details on official sites (stjosephmo.gov, stjomo.com, chiefs.com, or venue pages), as schedules can shift.

St. Joseph’s mix of big-league sports access, free music, and hands-on kid spaces makes this a good week for low-pressure family outings. Enjoy the last stretch of summer camp season and the start of the school-year transition.

Leave a Reply