Spinach, butterflies, jazz and crafts: Explore upcoming things to do in JoCo
If monarchs, spinach and jazz is in the air, you know it’s fall in Johnson County. Get ready for an autumn packed with activities for all ages.
We’ve got details on traditional local events, ways to get involved in your community and things to put on your calendar now.
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.
Have an event in your community you want to share? Submit it for free to our community calendar. And sign up for the weekly newsletter to get more JoCo news delivered right to your inbox.
Leawood: Kids can explore trucks of all kinds
Leawood will host a Touch the Truck event from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at Leawood City Park, 10601 Lee Blvd. There will be fire trucks, snow trucks, police cars, racecars and military vehicles. A sensory hour will be offered from 4 to 5 p.m. with no honking, sirens or loud music. The event also will include food trucks and photo ops.
Lenexa: The famous Spinach Festival
The Spinach Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, 8801 Greenway Lane. There will be food, music, entertainment, hands-on activities and craft vendors, as well as “the World’s Largest Spinach Salad” and a recipe contest.
Merriam: Crafting sessions start soon
Crafters Club with Mary Jo will begin Monday, Sept 8. There are four sessions held from 7 to 8:45 p.m. at the Merriam Community Center, 6040 Slater St. $30 for each class. Supplies are included. There will be one stroke painting on Monday, Chiefs gnomes on Oct. 8, unicorn spit painting on Nov. 12, and jewelry and resin on Dec. 1. All ages are welcome.
Olathe: Dogs and books go together
Registration will open Sept 12 for Read with a Dog at the Downtown Olathe Public Library, 260 E. Santa Fe St., on Sept. 16. Two readers will sign up in each of the four sessions being offered from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Kids from kindergarten through 5th grade will read aloud to trained therapy dogs.
Olathe: Live, free jazz
The Olathe Civic Jazz Band will perform at Olathe Live! at 6 p.m. Sept 11 at the Olathe Community Center, 1205 E. Kansas City Road.
Olathe: Kids, bring your grandparents
Grandparents Day will be celebrated from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Sept 6 at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm, 1200 E. Kansas City Road. Grandparents free with paid grandchild. There will be cookstove and blacksmith demonstrations and tours of the historic house.
Overland Park: Music at the arboretum
Time Bandits will perform at Music Nights at the Arboretum at 5 p.m. Friday Sept. 4 at the Overland Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8909 W. 179th St. There is extended hours in the gardens and Café Celeste will be open.
Overland Park: Monarchs get their moment
Monarch Days will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, 13800 Switzer Road. There will be butterlfy btagging and photo ops, monarch storytime at 10 a.m., games, art activities, and take home items. This event is included with farmstead admission.
Overland Park: Paying tribute to 9/11 victims
There will be a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at the 9/11 Memorial, 12401 Hemlock St. The Overland Park Fire and Police Honor Guards will conduct their annual service. No speeches. Quiet reflection as visitors are welcome to come and go.
Prairie Village: Jazz Fest this weekend
The Prairie Village Jazz Festival will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Harmon Park, West 77th Place and Delmar Street. Gates open at 2 p.m., and admission is $5. Attendees ages 18 and under are free. Free parking, including ADA parking, is available at lots surrounding the park. Several food trucks will be on site, and soda, beer, and wine available for purchase.
Shawnee: Kids can get a night out
Kids Night Out will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at the Shawnee Civic Centre, 13817 Johnson Drive. Kids ages 5-12 can enjoy dinner, games, crafts, free play, snacks and a movie. Cost is $25. Siblings get 10% off regular price.
Shawnee: Dogs welcome in historic square
Yappy Hour will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at Shawnee Town 1929, 11600 Johnson Drive. Dogs can enjoy a fully fenced 1920s downtown square while humans can enjoy live music, and food and drinks for purchase. Pre-registration is $5 per human, at-the-gate admission is $7. Dogs are free.