Spring is around the corner, and March is packed with events to help you shake off the winter chill!
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures or ways to celebrate the season, there’s something for everyone this month. From community gatherings to family-friendly fun, the City’s event calendar is full of opportunities to connect and explore.
Walk and Read at the Arboretum – Daily
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.
Florals Exhibit at LongHouse Community Gallery – Daily
Celebrate the legacy of J.R. “Jim” Hamil, a renowned watercolor artist who captured the beauty of the Midwest for over 50 years. This special exhibit at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens showcases rarely seen original works and vibrant floral prints, along with prints available for purchase in the gift shop. Jim’s art brought familiarity and charm to countless homes while solidifying his place as one of the Midwest’s most prolific regional artists. This exhibit is free to view anytime LongHouse Visitor Center is open between March 4 and April 30.
“The Road to Home: The Journey from Homelessness to Home” exhibit showcases a collection of Randy Bacon’s images, highlighting the beauty, strength and vulnerability of individuals living with homelessness. Each photograph tells a unique story, inviting viewers to reflect on the shared humanity that unites us all. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Bacon’s thought-provoking work up close. You can view this exhibit now through March 17, any time Tomahawk Ridge Community Center is open.
Sunday, March 2
Overland Park Orchestra – 3 p.m.
Join the Overland Park Orchestra at Matt Ross Community Center for a free and unforgettable concert afternoon. Enjoy the masterworks of Mozart and Brahms and a dazzling performance of the first movement of Lalo’s Cello Concerto. RSVP on the orchestra’s website.
Monday, March 3
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, March 4
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. Little explorers are in for a treat as they immerse themselves in the enchanting world of nature and creativity. 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!
Wednesday, March 5
Giggle Time Children’s Program – 10 a.m.
Giggle Time is back! Join us for a delightful children’s program on the first Wednesday of the month at Tomahawk Ridge Community Center. Your little ones will giggle, wiggle and have a blast with diverse performances. From music and stories to puppet shows and juggling, each month features new and exciting entertainers. Best of all, it’s a free and fun-filled time that requires no registration – just come and join in the laughter and joy!
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, March 6
The Road Home: The Journey from Homelessness to Home Exhibit Reception – 5-7 p.m.
Join us for an artist reception celebrating “The Road Home: The Journey from Homelessness to Home” by Randy Bacon. This moving photography exhibit captures the resilience and humanity of those experiencing homelessness. Enjoy light refreshments while connecting with fellow art enthusiasts. The reception at Tomahawk Ridge Community Center is free and open to the public.
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.
Saturday, March 8
Arboretum New Volunteer Orientation – 10 a.m.
This is for new volunteers wishing to serve on a regular basis. We will discuss all volunteer opportunities, collect required paperwork and introduce you to the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens!
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – 10 a.m.
Are you ready for a shamrockin’ good time? Head to Downtown Overland Park’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade at the Clock Tower Plaza for festive floats, fun food and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Opening Reception of LongHouse Community Art Gallery – 4 p.m.
Join us in celebrating the opening of the new LongHouse Community Art Gallery at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. The gallery debuts with “Florals,” an exhibit featuring the stunning watercolor masterpieces of the late J.R. “Jim” Hamil, one of the Midwest’s most beloved regional artists. Meet the artist’s son, Alex Hamil, and enjoy refreshments while exploring the gallery and experiencing the art on display. The exhibit will be on display March 4 through April 30. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public.
Night at the Arboretum – 5 p.m.
Visit the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical 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.
Monday, March 10
Ordinance Review Committee – 11:45 a.m.
The Ordinance Review Committee reviews ordinance amendment proposals with staff prior to consideration by the full commission. Ordinance amendments may be proposed by the City Council, the Planning Commission or City staff.
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.
Civil Service Commission – 6 p.m.
The Civil Service Commission reviews, approves and assists the police department in the promotion process for officers below the rank of Captain. The Civil Service Commission meets on the second Monday of the last month each quarter at 6 p.m. These meetings are open to the public.
Tuesday, March 11
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, March 12
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 Safety Committee – 7 p.m.
Public Safety Committee meetings are held every second Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1.
Thursday, March 13
Night at the Arboretum – 5 p.m.
Visit the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical 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.
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.
Wednesday, March 19
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.
Sunday, March 23
Join our expert volunteers and avid bird enthusiasts for an immersive bird-watching expedition through the lush landscapes of the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. With close to 100 distinct bird species documented in this verdant sanctuary, the experience promises an array of sightings to delight and inspire.
Monday, March 24
Finance, Administration + Economic Development Committee – 5:30 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.
Committee of the Whole – 6:45 p.m.
The Committee of the Whole meets on an as-needed basis at City Hall in Conference Room 1.
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, March 25
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, March 26
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 Works Committee – 7 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.