Looking for things to do in Johnson County? See community-by-community news
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Johnson County cities offer summer events from triathlons to live concerts.
- Registrations open for activities including mud races, triathlons and police academy.
- Event organizers encourage residents to sign up early for limited-space programs.
Whether you want to find local shopping in De Soto, live music in Overland Park, or fun races in Gardner and Olathe, there are plenty of fun things to do coming up in Johnson County soon.
Each week, as part of our Johnson County News coverage and weekly newsletter, we share news, tips, events and community resources for several cities across Johnson County.
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Johnson County
Almost triathlon time
Registration is open for the Johnson County Park & Recreation District’s Kids Triathlon, which will be held at 8 a.m. Aug. 10 at Kill Creek Park, 11670 Homestead Lane, Olathe. Athletes 14 years and younger will compete in individual age groups. This triathlon is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event.
De Soto
Music and shopping together
The Rhythm & Roots Market will feature Superstar Mafia from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 25, in Downtown DeSoto. Free live music and local vendors.
Gardner
Want to get dirty on obstacle course?
Registration is open for the Gardner Grind, a muddy obstacle course, that will be held Aug. 9 at Celebration Park, 3250 W. 159th St. The one-mile course will include about 15 obstacles, water features and mud. The event is open to families, groups and individuals ages 7 and older. Participants will start every 15 to 20 minutes beginning at 9 a.m. There will be a Mini Gardner Grind for ages 5-7 from 8 to 9 a.m.
Lenexa
Head to the pool for a movie
Disney Pixar’s “Luca” will be featured at Movie in the Pool at 8 p.m. Friday, July 25, at the Sar-Ko-Par Aquatic Center, 8801 Greenway Lane. The cost is $3 for pool members, $9 for Lenexa residents, and $12 for nonresidents. Advance registration is requested. Space limited to first 250 people.
Donate kids’ bandages around town
The City of Lenexa’s We Care Committee is collecting fun bandages for kids this month for the Noah’s Bandage Project, an organization that collects colorful bandages for kids and raises money and awareness for childhood cancer. Bandages are being collected at: Flat Rock Creek Pool, Sar-Ko-Par Aquatic Center, Lenexa City Hall, Lenexa Rec Center, Lenexa Justice Center, Lenexa Old Town Activity Center, and the Municipal Services Service Center.
Merriam
Sign up for police academy
Merriam is accepting applications for its 2025 Police Citizen Academy. The free program includes information on: court procedures, traffic enforcement and accident investigations, firearms training, K9/drone demonstrations, and criminal investigations. Sessions are held from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday from Aug. 20 through Oct. 29 at the Merriam Police Department, 9010 W. 62nd St.
Pool party for pool’s birthday
Making Waves & Turning Five, a celebration of the fifth birthday of the Merriam Community Center, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 25, at the center’s pool, 6040 Slater St. There will be a mermaid and pirate show, a DJ, free ice cream, games and prizes. Concessions available for purchase. Free for members. Day pass fees for nonmembers. Information:
Olathe
Mad scientists, unite
Summer Kids Bash – Mad Science Experiments will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. July 30 at the Olathe Indian Creek Library, 16100 W. 135th St.. Free.
Overland Park
Chickens, take your mark
The 25th Annual Georgia’s Chicken Fun Run/Walk will be held Saturday, July 26, at the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, 13800 Switzer Road. Check-in is at 7 a.m. Races begin at 8 a.m.
Each registered runner receives a medal. Chicken trophies will be awarded to the top three runners in each category, which range from a baby walk to The Big Chickens division for those 13 and up.
Hear classic rock at the arboretum
Time Bandits, a 60s, 70s and 80s classic rock cover band, will be featured at Music Nights at the Arboretum at 5 p.m. July 24 at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park. Regular Arboretum admission applies.
Shawnee
Get your paddles ready
You can join in with Drop-In Pickleball from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, July 27, at the Shawnee Civic Centre, 13817 Johnson Drive, for free.