Fill your fall 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 Hollow at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Hop aboard a horse-drawn hayride to Pumpkin Hollow, climb a hay pyramid, play lawn games, and choose the perfect pumpkin to take home. Pumpkin Hollow at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is open every day in October. Learn more on the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park website.
Pumpkin Hollow will close at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 19 and 26 to prepare for Night of the Living Farm. The last wagon ride heading to Pumpkin Hollow will leave at 3 p.m. those days.
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.
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.
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 Oct. 2-Nov. 17 any time Tomahawk Ridge Community Center is open.
Tuesday, October 1
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 October is “Nature Crowns.”
Wednesday, October 2
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!
Thursday, October 3
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.
Sunday, October 6
Join the Overland Park Police Department and the Overland Park Fire Department as they go head-to-head to prove which department is the ultimate softball champion.The event begins at 1 p.m. with burgers, ice cream, face painting, music and more. The game kicks off at 3 p.m. Raffle giveaways and awards
Monday, October 7
Fire Prevention Week Open House – 5-7 p.m.
The Overland Park Fire Department is hosting open house events for Fire Prevention Week! Meet with OPFD firefighters at Station 48, located at 12301 W. 175th St., and learn how to keep yourself, your family, friends and property safe.
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.
Neighborhood Executive Committee Officers Board – 5:30 p.m.
The Neighborhood Executive Committee develops and monitors the progress of the neighborhood programs.
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.
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, October 8
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, October 9
Fire Prevention Week Open House – 5-7 p.m.
The Overland Park Fire Department is hosting open house events for Fire Prevention Week! Meet with OPFD firefighters at Station 43, located at 13801 Switzer Rd, and learn how to keep yourself, your family, friends and property safe.
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, October 10
Arboretum New Volunteer Orientation – 10 a.m.
This is for new volunteers wishing to serve regularly at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. We will discuss all volunteer opportunities, collect required paperwork and introduce you to the Arboretum.
Opening Reception of the JCCC Fine Arts and Design Student Exhibition – 5:30-7 p.m.
Meet the artists! Join us for the Opening Reception on Thursday, Oct. 10, from 5:30-7 p.m. Enjoy complimentary refreshments while mingling with the artists, faculty and fellow art enthusiasts. Both the reception and the exhibit are free and open to the public. Experience the creativity and talent of the next generation of artists at the Johnson County Community College Fine Arts and Design Student Exhibition! This exhibit is a fantastic opportunity to engage with the vibrant art community and support emerging artists. You can view this exhibit now through November 17, any time Tomahawk Ridge Community Center is open.
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.
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.
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, October 11
Fire Prevention Week Open House – 5-7 p.m.
The Overland Park Fire Department is hosting open house events for Fire Prevention Week! Meet with OPFD firefighters at Station 46, located at 9000 W. 62nd Terrace, and learn how to keep yourself, your family, friends and property safe.
Saturday, October 12
Recycling Extravaganza – 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Rid your home of old items at the Recycling Extravaganza hosted at Black & Veatch, 11401 Lamar. There is no residency requirement to attend this event.
Friends of First Responders Day – 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Overland Park Fire and Police Departments, along with volunteers, invite people with developmental disabilities and their families to a day of fun, learning and community engagement at the Overland Park Fire Training Center, 12401 Hemlock. Watch demonstrations and participate in hands-on activities alongside local firefighters and police officers. This event provides a unique opportunity to learn ways to keep loved ones safe and feel comfortable around emergency first responders.
Introduction to Papermaking – 11 a.m.
Join us for a hands-on introduction to the art of paper making in this engaging two-hour workshop at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Perfect for beginners, this class offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and craft of paper-making in a fun and interactive setting.
Monday, October 14
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.
Wednesday, October 16
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 – 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.
Friday, October 18
Night of the Living Farm – 5:30 p.m.
Experience the Farmstead after dark if you dare. Enjoy “spooktacular” fun such as children’s performances, hayrides, marshmallow roasts, a dance party, spooky Mad Science experiments, and more. Buy tickets online only on the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park website.
Saturday, October 19
Homeowners Association Legal Clinic – 8-10:30 a.m.
Residents of a homeowners association are invited to attend the Homeowners Association Legal Clinic on October 19, where they will have the opportunity to hear from two esteemed legal experts from the Community Associations Institute. Attendees will also have the chance to ask questions, making this clinic a must-attend event for those looking to better understand the legal framework governing their neighborhood. Register by Oct. 11 to attend!
Join the Overland Park Police Department at City Hall for a fun, spooky and safe Halloween event! Spend the afternoon trick-or-treating from trunk to trunk, collecting candy and meeting your police officers. Sign up online to participate to decorate your trunk, tailgate or hatchback and provide candy to trick-or-treaters.
Night of the Living Farm – 5:30 p.m.
Experience the Farmstead after dark if you dare. Enjoy “spooktacular” fun such as children’s performances, hayrides, marshmallow roasts, a dance party, spooky Mad Science experiments, and more. Buy tickets online only on the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park website.
Botanical Brewfest – 7-10 p.m.
Sample dozens of local and regional breweries and restaurants at Brewfest at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Purchase tickets in advance on the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park website.
Monday, October 21
Night at the Arboretum – 5 p.m.
Come roam the trails with your flashlight, look at the stars after dark at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Night at the Arboretum is a chance to see the spookier side of the Arboretum, and it’s free with Arboretum admission.
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, October 23
Site Plan Review Committee – 11:45 p.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.
Thursday, October 24
Mental Health Advisory Committee – Noon
The Mental Health Advisory Committee advises the Public Safety Committee and City Council on issues of mental health in the community.
CDBG Advisory Committee – 6:30 p.m.
The Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee develops recommendations for use of Community Development Block Grant funds, a flexible program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs. The CDBG Advisory Committee meets at the Myron E. Scafe building.
Friday, October 25
Night of the Living Farm – 5:30 p.m.
Experience the Farmstead after dark if you dare. Enjoy “spooktacular” fun such as children’s performances, hayrides, marshmallow roasts, a dance party, spooky Mad Science experiments, and more. Buy tickets online only on the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park website.
Saturday, October 26
Introduction to Natural Dyes – 1 p.m.
Learn the basics of natural dyeing with plants you can grow in your own garden! Students will go home with skein of yarn they dye themselves with plants from the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, and the knowledge to start experimenting with the plants in and around their own homes.
Night of the Living Farm – 5:30 p.m.
Experience the Farmstead after dark if you dare. Enjoy “spooktacular” fun such as children’s performances, hayrides, marshmallow roasts, a dance party, spooky Mad Science experiments, and more. Buy tickets online only on the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park website.
Sunday, October 27
Monday, October 28
Independent Citizen Advisory Board for Racial Profiling and Non-Biased Policing – 6:30 p.m.
Meeting quarterly, the Independent Citizen Advisory Board for Racial Profiling and Non-Biased Policing advises and assists in policy development, education and community outreach and communications related to racial profiling and other non-biased policing efforts of the Overland Park Police Department.
Tuesday, October 29
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, October 30
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.
Thursday, October 31
Happy Halloween!
Trick or treat at your leisure! Overland Park does not have any official Halloween or trick-or-treating hours. Just remember to stay with your group, visit well-lit homes and use sidewalks and crosswalks where possible.