Donate pumpkins, make a gnome and see more fun things to do in Johnson County
There’s still trick-or-treating to be enjoyed this week, as well as celebrating Dia de los Muertos in Johnson County. Or you could get creative by building a plush or making a holiday gnome.
Get the rundown below of Halloween events and other fall things to do that can be found throughout suburban Kansas City.
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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Day of the Dead event in Johnson County
Remembering Together: A Dia de los Muertos Celebrations will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Merriam Plaza Library, 6120 Slater, Merriam, and from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, and Monticello Library. 22435 W. 66th St., Shawnee. Explore the symbols, stories and customs of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) through interactive crafts and activities.
Hunter education in Gardner
Hunter education is being offered Nov. 12, 13 and 15 at the Gardner Justice Center, 16540 N. Moonlight Road. The course includes training in hunter responsibility, ethics, history of firearms, and firearm basics. Participants must be at least 11 years old. Fee is $15. Registration deadline is Nov. 7.
Play time for toddlers in Leawood
Open play with provided toys will happen at Toddler Time from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 5 at Leawood Community Center’s Oak Room, 4800 Town Center Drive. The cost is residents $5, and nonresidents $7. The event is for ages 1-5.
Stuff your own toy in Merriam
Build a Plush workshop will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 8 at Merriam Community Center, 6040 Slater. Each kit include a selected animal, a wishing star, stuffing, birth certificate, and a transport bag. Participants should register ahead of time, for a cost of $15.
Or make a holiday buddy in Merriam
Visitors can Make Your Own Holiday Gnome from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Merriam Community Center, 6040 Slater. They can create a festive 30-inch gnome, with all supplies provided for $55. Registration deadline is Oct. 30.
Learn about safety in Mission
Mission Safe Streets Community Open House is from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the Powell Community Center, 6200 Martway. Learn about efforts to make walking, biking, and driving safer in Mission, explore interactive displays, and share input on future improvements.
Trick or treat at Olathe libraries
Trick-or-Treat will be offered at the Olathe libraries from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. Treats will be at service desks with signs. Libraries are located 260 E. Santa Fe and 16100 W. 135th St.
Donate your pumpkins in Overland Park
You can drop off unpainted, undecorated pumpkins and gourds from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 1-25 in the east parking lot of the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8909 W. 179th St.
Free children’s activity offered in Overland Park
Giggle Time children’s program will be at 10 a.m. Nov. 5 at Tomahawk Ridge Community Center, 11902 Lowell. Free. No registration. Music, stories, puppet shows.
Young performers can audition for ‘Descendants’ musical
Auditions for White Theatre Academy “Descendants: The Musical” will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf. Open to performers in grades 7-12. Rehearsals Dec. 22-Jan. 2, with performances on Jan. 2 and 3. To sign up for an audition, go to:
Artist can submit pieces in Roeland Park
The George R. Schlegel Gallery is seeking local artists for the Annual Artists Invitational in November and December at City Hall. Artists may submit one to three pieces in any medium for display. There will be a holiday reception and sales event Nov. 13.
Halloween event in Shawnee
Spookfest is from 10 a.m. to noon Friday at the Shawnee Civic Centre, 13817 Johnson Drive. Trick-or-treating, a bounce house, and cupcake decorating.
Go on a walk through Shawnee Town
Registration is open for a Lantern Walking Tour to celebrate Veterans’ Day from 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 15 at Shawnee Town 1929. The tour includes story telling of World War I veterans, hot cider and live music. Admission is $10 with pre-registration and $12 at the door. The event is free for active and former service members.
Weigh in on the future of Rail Creek Park
The Rail Creek Park Master Plan Team will host community workshops from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Oct 29 and 30, at Shawnee Fire Station 71, 6501 Quivira. Rail Creek, located at 6103 Woodland, has been envisioned as a bike-centric park with a variety of trails and play elements for all ages.
Help remove honeysuckle in Overland Park
Volunteers of all ages are needed to remove invasive honeysuckle from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 8 at Wilder Bluff Park, 24200 W. 55th St. Roles include cutting, treating, dragging, and trash pickup.
This story was originally published October 29, 2025 at 5:00 AM.