Step back in time with one foot forward — it's the March of the Monarchs, a free community event celebrating Negro Leagues history and the 18th & Vine District.

This community walk and festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 6 — the anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s first game with the Kansas City Monarchs in 1945. The walk begins at 12 p.m. at 22nd Street + Brooklyn Avenue.

History's on (2)2nd

This event re-creates opening day for the Monarchs, where a marching band led fans from 18th & Vine to Municipal Stadium. Today, the walk reverses the route (and ends with a party).

Today, the site of Municipal Stadium is called Monarch Plaza. It pays tribute to Negro Leagues baseball trailblazers, like Buck O'Neil.

Standing on the corner of history. | Photo by KCtoday

How to participate

RideKC will provide a themed bus to shuttle walkers from the Charlie Parker Memorial — 17th Street Terrace + The Paseo — to Monarch Plaza from 11 to 11:50 a.m. RSVP to guarantee your spot.

The post-walk festival will run until 3 p.m. and include live music, food trucks, mascots, and yard games.