Free museum days, car shows and BBQ cook-offs are coming to Johnson County
As the fall weather finally kicks in, you can join barbecue cook-offs, attend car shows, go to the museum for free and more during September in Johnson County.
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.
Johnson County
Learn local history: Johnson County Library is presenting “Past is Prologue: Flour Power,” the history of the tortilla and Mexican immigration to Kansas online via Zoom from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17. The presentation will be by Dr. Gene T. Chavez, the historian in residence at The Museum of Kansas City.
Go to a museum for free: The Johnson County Museum, 8788 Metcalf Ave., will have a free admission day Saturday, Sept. 13. Special exhibits are included, and KidScape will limit its participants to 100 people each hour.
Leawood
Catch an outdoor concert: The Stolen Winnebagos are performing a free concert at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at Leawood City Park, 10601 Lee Blvd. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Get a taste of nature: Prairie Oak Nature Center is hosting an Adult Nature Walk from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday, Sept. 12, on 14701 Mission Road. A local naturalist will lead a guided tour through Ironwoods Park. The event is also offered on Sept. 19, and Oct. 3 and 17.
Learn new skills: Participants can learn robotics, coding, physics, and engineering using familiar tools like LEGO bricks at Snapology’s S.T.E.A.M. “Days Off School” Workshops from 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at The Wave, 10601 Lee Blvd. The event is also being held on Sept. 26.
Lenexa
Celebrate Red Friday: The Lenexa Public Market is hosting a free “Friday Night Sound Bites + Red Friday Football” 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, on 8750 Penrose Lane. There will be live music by Mirage, appearances by the Chiefs Rumble drumline, KC Wolf and tailgate-worthy eats from market merchants and food trucks. It’s free to attend, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chair.
Support a dog rescue: Lucky 13 Rescue is hosting its 9th Annual Wag & Glow Fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Thompson Barn, 11184 Lackman Road. The event will include entertainment, dinner and drinks, plus a silent auctince/
Merriam
Head to the community center: Friday, Sept. 12, is a free admission day at the Merriam Community Center, 6040 Slater St., for Merriam residents. Proof of residency is required. Classes are not included.
Attend a car show: The Turkey Creek Car and Motorcycle Show will be from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Merriam Marketplace, 5740 Merriam Drive. There will be more than 250 vehicles, music, concessions and awards.
Overland Park
Recycle your large appliances: Blue Valley North High School is hosting a large appliance recycling and shredding event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 13, on 12200 Lamar Ave. Drop off large appliances (refrigerators, ovens, dehumidifiers, dryers) for no cost. Documents for shredding will also be accepted for a suggested donation of $5 per box. There is no residency requirement and documents will be shredded on-site.
Shawnee
See a car (and more) show: The annual Wheels and Dreams Car, Truck, and Bike Show will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at Shawnee Town 1929, 11600 Johnson Drive, with live music, food trucks and vendors.
Get a free wellness assessment: Civic Centre Wellness Fair takes place between 10 a.m. and noon on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the Shawnee Civic Centre, 13817 Johnson Drive. The fair will include free assessments from wellness providers, movement and balance education and door prizes.
Show off your BBQ skills: Registration is open for the Shawnee Great Grillers BBQ, which will be held Sept. 26 and 27 at Shawnee Town 1929, 11600 Johnson Drive. Registration includes participation in four sanctioned events: chicken, pork ribs, pork shoulder and brisket. The event charges $250 for a team, and the space is limited.