Mark your calendars; Your OP event guide for November 2024

A large telescope is set up at the Overland Park Arboretum to observe the night sky.

Fill your schedule with exciting events happening in Overland Park! The City’s event calendar is packed with endless opportunities to enjoy the season, get involved in your community and make memories with friends and family.

Pumpkin Composting

When not disposed of correctly, pumpkins can release harmful methane gas into the atmosphere as they decompose. Composting pumpkins promotes more sustainable waste management solutions. Rather than adding pumpkins to the landfill, drop your pumpkins off at one of the composting opportunities this month at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and the Farmers Market. 

Trade Canned Goods for a Cactus – Nov. 1-22

Visit the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and trade four canned goods for a free cactus, while supplies last. Bring your non-perishable food donations to the LongHouse Visitor Center and take home a cute, water-conserving plant. Your donations will support Harvesters, an organization dedicated to creating access to nutritious food and addressing hunger in our community. This is a great way to give back and beautify your space.

Walk and Read at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Let’s explore! Walk and Read “The Prairie that Nature Built” at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Start behind the Education Center on the blacktop path, and follow the signs to read the story. The walk is about one-mile round trip with inclines and rocky paths. 

Participation is included with admission to the Arboretum.

Walk and Read and Bluejacket Park

Take a leisurely walk along the paths of Bluejacket Park for a unique and enriching experience that combines physical activity, quality family time and inspiring storytelling. The Overland Park Parks and Recreation Department and Johnson County Libraries have partnered to create a walk and read at the park featuring two powerful stories, “Ruby, Head High” and “Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts.” These stories celebrate the courage and resilience of Ruby Bridges, a pivotal young figure in the civil rights movement. This is the perfect opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about activism, anti-racism and anti-bullying. Walk and read anytime the park is open between Nov. 9-17.

Farmers’ Markets – 8 a.m.-Noon

Spend Saturday mornings browsing aisles of fresh produce, meats, cheeses and specialty products at the Overland Park Farmers’ Market. Nov. 23 will mark the final Farmers’ Market of the season. Join us for the Holiday Market on Dec. 7. 

Art at the Center

Join us for the Johnson County Community College School of Fine Art and Design Student Exhibit featuring many different forms of art.

View this gallery through Nov. 17 any time Tomahawk Ridge Community Center is open.

Sunday, November 3

Overland Park Orchestra Concert – 3 p.m.

Join the Overland Park Orchestra at Matt Ross Community Center for a free and unforgettable concert evening, conducted by Raffaele Cipriano. Enjoy captivating music featuring Night on Bald Mountain by Modest Mussorgsky and Tchaikovsky’s 2nd Symphony, “Little Russian.” This event promises to be an exciting and enriching experience for music lovers of all ages.

Monday, November 4

Public Safety Committee – 6 p.m.

Public Safety Committee meetings are held every second Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1.

Committee of the Whole – 2025 Kansas Legislative Program – 6:45 p.m.

The Committee of the Whole meets on an as-needed basis at City Hall in Conference Room 1.

City Council – 7:30 p.m.

Mayor and Council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall in the council chamber.

Tuesday, November 5

Discovery Day at the Arboretum – 9 a.m.-Noon

Craft time awaits on the first Tuesday of the month at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Each month, a new make-and-take project unfolds on Discovery Day. Crafting supplies are included, and the projects are available on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 100 participants. The first Tuesday of the month also happens to be Free Admission Day at the Arboretum, so entry into the gardens and this project are all free! The theme for November is “Gratitude Tree.”

Wednesday, November 6

Giggle Time Children’s Program – 10 a.m.

Join us for a delightful children’s program on the first Wednesday of the month. From music and stories to puppet shows, Giggle Time features new and exciting entertainers. Come and join in the laughter and joy at this free event at Tomahawk Ridge Community Center!

Veterans Day Celebration – 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Please join us for a free event honoring veterans around Overland Park. Guests can see, learn about and tour helicopters and military equipment, and there will be an A-10 flyover. Veteran-friendly support organizations will share information for veterans, families and others. The Overland Park Police Department and Fire Department will be on hand to visit with residents and share information about their important roles in the community.

Community Development Committee – 7 p.m.

Community Development Committee meetings are held every first Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1.

Thursday, November 7

Legacy of Greenery Committee – 6:30 p.m.

The Legacy of Greenery Committee develops strategies to increase, preserve and enhance the city’s tree canopy by promoting, planting and maintaining trees and shrubs in the city. The Legacy of Greenery Committee meets at City Hall on the first Thursday of every month.

REC Book Club – 7 p.m.

Read, exercise, and converse with other book lovers at Matt Ross Community Center’s monthly book club. Meet other avid readers to discuss a predetermined book. This group meets on the first Thursday of the month. 

Monday, November 11

Ordinance Review Committee – 11:45 a.m

The Ordinance Review Committee reviews ordinance amendment proposals with staff before consideration by the full commission. 

Planning Commission – 1:30 p.m.

The Planning Commission considers all applications for final development plans and plats, holds public hearings and makes recommendations for final action to the Governing Body for rezoning, special use permits and preliminary development plans. It also prepares the Comprehensive Plan and reviews the Capital Improvements Program. Planning Commission meetings are held the second Monday of every month at City Hall in the Council Chamber.

Tuesday, November 12

Neighborhood Executive Committee – 6 p.m.

The Neighborhood Executive Committee develops and monitors the progress of the neighborhood programs.

Board of Zoning Appeals – 7 p.m.

The Board of Zoning Appeals considers requests for relief from the requirements of the zoning ordinance and meets monthly, generally on the second Tuesday. The Board of Zoning Appeals meets at City Hall.

Wednesday, November 13

Site Plan Review Committee – 11:45 a.m.

The Site Plan Review Committee makes recommendations to the Planning Commission on matters relating to site planning and architectural details of development proposals. Items may be recommended for committee review by the City Council, the Planning Commission or city staff. The Site Plan Review Committee meets at City Hall. 

Public Information Meeting: Metcalf Pedestrian Trail – 5:30-7 p.m.

You are invited to attend a public information meeting at Matt Ross Community Center about the upcoming Metcalf Pedestrian Trail project scheduled to begin in 2026. The meeting will be an open house. City staff will be available to answer questions regarding project details.

Thursday, November 14

Environmental Advisory Council – 6 p.m.

The Environmental Advisory Council studies environmental issues while supporting and promoting new and existing programs and developing educational programs that are beneficial to individuals and businesses in our community with respect to environmental issues. This council meets on the second Thursday at 6 p.m.

Environmental Advisory Council Officers Board – 8 p.m.

The regular meeting of the Officers Board is to be held at 8:00 p.m. in Conference Room 2 of the Myron Scafe Building, 8500 Antioch, Overland Park, KS. The purpose of the Officers Board Meeting is to plan the agenda.

Friday, November 15

Mayor’s Holiday Festival – 5-8 p.m.

Kick off the holiday season with a magical evening at the Mayor’s Holiday Festival in Downtown Overland Park. This free community event promises to be filled with festive delights! Enjoy food trucks and live music that will set the perfect holiday mood. The holiday tree will be lit at 6 p.m., marking the official start of the season in a dazzling display of lights and cheer. Meet Santa Claus, the Grinch and Disney Princesses, and don’t miss the special appearance by a Taylor Swift impersonator. 

Night at the Arboretum – 5 p.m.

Visit our gardens in a new light – darkness! Stargaze through giant telescopes, enjoy family-friendly activities and uncover the secrets of nocturnal critters and constellations, all included with regular admission.

Saturday, November 16

The Art of Ikebana – 10 a.m.

Laura Mohamadi, lead designer at Flower House KC will teach this modern approach to the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging. All supplies will be provided and you will take home your own arrangement. 12 and up, meet in the Education Center.

Repair Café – 2:30-6:30 p.m.

At the Repair Café held at Matt Ross Community Center, you’ll find tools and materials to help you repair clothes, furniture, small appliances, computers, lamps, bicycles, jewelry and more. You’ll also find people with a variety of repair skills to help out. Together with these volunteers, you can have your broken items repaired instead of needing to replace your broken items.

Sunday, November 17

Stained Glass Workshop for Beginners – 1 p.m.

Join us in making a stained glass hanging! Learn beginning stained glass techniques with lead-free solder and flux. Class size is limited, so sign up quickly! Due to the nature of working with a soldering iron and chemicals, this workshop is for adults 18 and up. Participants will wear protective gloves, protective eyewear and masks as needed.

Monday, November 18

Public Works Committee – 5:30 p.m.

Public Works Committee business generally includes streets and highways, public works facilities, traffic signals and signs, infrastructure planning, right of way management, sidewalks and bikeways, public transportation, stormwater management and traffic management systems. Public Works Committee meetings are held every fourth Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1.

City Council – 7:30 p.m.

Mayor and Council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall in the council chamber.

Wednesday, November 20

Site Plan Review Committee – 11:45 a.m.

The Site Plan Review Committee makes recommendations to the Planning Commission on matters relating to site planning and architectural details of development proposals. Items may be recommended for committee review by the City Council, the Planning Commission or city staff. The Site Plan Review Committee meets at City Hall. 

Finance, Administration + Economic Development Committee – 7 p.m.

Finance, Administration and Economic Development Committee business generally includes council rules, procedures and protocol, administrative services, finance, human resources, information technology and more. This committee meets on the third Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1.

Thursday, November 21

Public Information Meeting: Storm Drainage Improvements, Knox Drive to 99th Terrace – 5-6 p.m.

Stop by the second public information meeting at the Myron E. Scafe building to discuss the Storm Drainage Improvements project between Knox Drive and 99th Terrace. This project includes the replacement of the existing ditch liner. The meeting will be an open house, allowing property owners and residents to ask questions regarding the overall project. 

Monday, November 25

Electric Glow – 5-9 p.m.

Enjoy the beauty of the Luminary Walk electric displays at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, without the candlelit woods, Santa, musicians, cider, trains or crowds. Electric Glow limits capacity, making the event ideal for wandering through the gardens in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Tuesday, November 26

Electric Glow – 5-9 p.m.

Enjoy the beauty of the Luminary Walk electric displays at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, without the candlelit woods, Santa, musicians, cider, trains or crowds. Electric Glow limits capacity, making the event ideal for wandering through the gardens in a more relaxed atmosphere. 

Parks + Recreation Advisory Council – 6:30 p.m.

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Council advises and makes recommendations to the Governing Body and staff on residential parks and recreational needs and wants. It meets the last Tuesday of every month at City Hall.

Wednesday, November 27

Electric Glow – 5-9 p.m.

Enjoy the beauty of the Luminary Walk electric displays at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, without the candlelit woods, Santa, musicians, cider, trains or crowds. Electric Glow limits capacity, making the event ideal for wandering through the gardens in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Thursday, November 28

City Offices Closed – All Day

City offices, including City Hall and Sanders Justice Center, will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane – 5-10 p.m.

Experience the enchantment of the season at Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane daily from 5-10 p.m. through December 31. Bring some cocoa, cookies and blankets as you view the lights and hear the music from the warmth of your car in the Farmstead’s parking lot. The display is at the main entrance of Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.

Friday, November 29

City Offices Closed – All Day

City offices, including City Hall and Sanders Justice Center, will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane – 5-10 p.m.

Experience the enchantment of the season at Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane daily from 5-10 p.m. through December 31. Bring some cocoa, cookies and blankets as you view the lights and hear the music from the warmth of your car in the Farmstead’s parking lot. The display is at the main entrance of Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.

Luminary Walk – 5-9 p.m.

Kick off your holiday season with a stroll through lights at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. View enchanting gnomes and fairy villages, enjoy musical performances and grab a complimentary hot cider in the Children’s Discovery Garden. 

Saturday, November 30

Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane – 5-10 p.m.

Experience the enchantment of the season at Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane daily from 5-10 p.m. through December 31. Bring some cocoa, cookies and blankets as you view the lights and hear the music from the warmth of your car in the Farmstead’s parking lot. The display is at the main entrance of Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.

Luminary Walk – 5-9 p.m.

Kick off your holiday season with a stroll through lights at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. View enchanting gnomes and fairy villages, enjoy musical performances and grab a complimentary hot cider in the Children’s Discovery Garden.