Things to do in Johnson County: Haunts and hayrides, orchids and an orchestra
A Balinese orchestra with dancers, an orchid show and plenty of spooky October fun can be enjoyed this upcoming week in Johnson County.
Many communities are offering various Halloween events, trick-or-treating and fall festivals as we get deeper into October. Plus, you can learn about sustainability, see a topical movie or be surprised at a citywide birthday party.
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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DeSoto: Hayrides offered at harvest festival
The Barn at Kill Creek Farm’s free Harvest Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 9200 Kill Creek Road. You can partake in games, hayrack rides and seasonal activities.
Leawood: Spot can come for Halloween fun
Tickets are available for Barks & Boos, a “Howl-o-ween” party for humans and dogs, which will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 30 at Meat Mitch BBQ, 3620 W. 95th St. Find dog races, costume contest, dog-friendly vendors and treats, all to benefit Great Plains SPCA.
Lenexa: Orchestra to make guest performance
Gamelan Genta Kasturi, a traditional Balinese orchestra with dancers, will perform from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the City Hall Art Gallery, 17101 W. 87th St. Parkway. The group includes artist Allan Winkler, whose work is on display in the gallery.
Merriam: City promises surprises a birthday party
Merriam will be holding its 75th Birthday Party from 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Merriam Marketplace, 5740 Merriam Drive. The party will feature face painting, a balloon artist, adult drinks, ice cream, and a birthday cake. Each of Merriam’s city departments has a fun surprise planned.
Merriam: Kids welcome for marketplace trick-or-treating
Halloween Happenings takes place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Merriam Marketplace, 5740 Merriam Drive. Free event for kids 10 and younger will include trunk-or-treating, games, crafts, and spooky surprises. Costumes are encouraged.
Mission: Trails get Halloween spin
Spooky Walk, a trail filled with spooky surprises, eerie lights and creepy characters, runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Streamway Park. There is no parking on site. A shuttle is provided from Broadmoor Park, 5701 Broadmoor, beginning at 5:45 p.m.
Mission: Get tips on going green
The Go Green Environmental Fair is from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Powell Community Center, 6200 Martway St. The free family-friendly event includes local businesses and nonprofits that will provide information and items to help live a more sustainable life.
Olathe: Teens can craft and dress up at library
Monster Mash for teens happens from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Olathe Indian Creek Library, 16100 W. 135th St., with dancing, games, crafts and a costume contest. Registration is required.
Olathe: Movie to be shown on lawn
Also on Friday, you can join Night at the Movies from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Johnson County Square, 100 N. Kansas Ave. Free popcorn. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to see “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”
Overland Park: Police wannabes welcome
Overland Park Police Department’s Open House and Career Fair goes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at the Johnson County Regional Police Academy, 12345 College Boulevard. Apply in-person, watch SWAT demonstrations and learn how to serve the community.
Overland Park: Orchids highlighted at arboretum
Bewitched By Orchids will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8909 W. 179th St. Presented in partnership with the Orchid Society of Greater Kansas City, the show features orchid displays and a diverse selection of orchids and plants from both local and out-of-state vendors. Admission to the show is free with regular paid Arboretum admission. Friends of the Arboretum members are free.
Overland Park: Farmstead comes to life at night
Night of the Living Farm will run 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and Oct. 24 and 25 at the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, 13800 Switzer Road. Nonmembers are $15, members $14, and children 2 and under free. Costumes are encouraged. Expect hayrides, line dancing, carnival games, rubber duck races, spooky experiments and a flashlight pumpkin walk.
Prairie Village: Colleges offer info
The Shawnee Mission College Clinic will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 22 at Shawnee Mission East High School, 7500 Mission Road. Includes college and university representatives throughout the country. Open to all high school students in the metro.