Mark your calendars; Your OP Event Guide for July 2024

Fill your schedule with exciting events happening in Overland Park! From family fun and creative workshops to Governing Body and committee meetings, the City’s event calendar is packed with endless opportunities to get involved in your community and make memories with friends and family:

Summer Camps – June-August
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead and the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens provide the perfect backdrop for young adventurers to explore, learn, and create lasting memories. From hands-on encounters with farm animals to interactive botanical explorations, summer camps this June-August promise to immerse kids in the wonders of nature and the joys of outdoor play. Learn more about camp opportunities here.

Farmers’ Market
Spend Wednesday and Saturday mornings browsing aisles of fresh produce, meats, cheeses and specialty products at the Overland Park Farmers’ Market. The Farmers’ Market operates from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Art at the Center
Art at the Center is a unique, not-for-profit gallery space featuring exhibitions from local artists. The gallery is free and open every day at Tomahawk Ridge Community Center.

Now-July 28: African American Artists Collective Kansas City Exhibit

Pollination Investigation
Love pollinators? So do we! That’s why we invited the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and Smithsonian Gardens to share their exhibit, “Pollination Investigation,” with us. The exhibit is on display at the LongHouse Visitor Center at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens daily through November. 

Monday, July 1
Community Development Committee – 5 p.m.

Community Development Committee meetings are held every first Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1.

Committee of the Whole – Farmers’ Market Improvement Project – 6 p.m.

The Committee of the Whole meets on an as-needed basis at City Hall in Conference Room 1.

City Council – 7:30 p.m.

Mayor and Council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall in the council chamber.

Tuesday, July 2
Discovery Day at the Arboretum – 9a.m.-noon

Craft time awaits on the first Tuesday of the month at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Little explorers are in for a treat as they immerse themselves in the enchanting world of nature and creativity. Each month, a new make-and-take project unfolds on Discovery Day. Crafting supplies are included, and the projects are available on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 100 participants. The first Tuesday of the month also happens to be Free Admission Day at the Arboretum, so entry into the gardens and this project are all free! The theme for July’s Discovery Day is Tree Bark Rubbings.

Thursday, July 4
City Offices Closed – All Day

As you spend time with family and friends over the holiday, please plan around closures and modified hours at City facilities on Thursday, July 4:

Modified Hours
  • Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, 13800 Switzer Rd. (Open 9 a.m.-2 p.m.)
  • Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8909 W. 179th St. (Open 9 a.m.-2 p.m.)
  • All outdoor City pools (Open 12-5 p.m.)
Closed
  • City Hall, 8500 Santa Fe Dr.
  • Sanders Justice Center, 12300 Foster St.
  • Recycling Center, 11921 Hardy St. 
  • Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St. 
  • Tomahawk Ridge Community Center, 11902 Lowell Ave.

Celebrating the Fourth at the Farm – 9 a.m.-noon

Join us for a fun-filled morning of festivities as we honor Independence Day at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with entertainment, contests and good old-fashioned American spirit. This event is free with Farmstead admission.  

Star Spangled Spectacular – 5-10:30 p.m.

Enjoy an evening of concerts, food and fireworks at Star Spangled Spectacular at Corporate Woods Founders’ Park. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, food, water, and coolers. Food trucks open and live music begins at 5 p.m. Fireworks will begin shortly after 10 p.m.

Saturday, July 6
Adaptive Splash – 9-11 a.m.

People with disabilities and their families can enjoy City pools before they are open to the public during Adaptive Splash (formerly known as Saturday Swim) on select summer Saturdays at Tomahawk Ridge Aquatic Center.

Sunday, July 7
Stained Glass Workshop for Beginners – 1 p.m.
Join us in making a stained glass hanging at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Learn beginning stained glass techniques with lead-free solder and flux. Supplies will be provided. Class size is limited. Due to the nature of working with a soldering iron and chemicals, this workshop is for adults 18 and older. Protective gloves, masks and eyewear will be worn. Please wear an apron or a long-sleeved shirt. Tara from Lost and Found Design will be teaching this workshop.

Overland Park Civic Band Concert – 7 p.m.

Experience an evening of classical and contemporary music in the open air at Indian Creek Recreation Center. Bring your friends and family, some snacks and a lawn chair or blanket for a free, fun evening of delightful tunes. Established in 1938, the Overland Park Civic Band is made up of talented musicians from across the Kansas City area. In case of rain, the band will perform the following Monday evening.

Monday, July 8
Planning Commission – 1:30 p.m.

The Planning Commission considers all applications for final development plans and plats, holds public hearings and makes recommendations for final action to the Governing Body for rezoning, special use permits and preliminary development plans. It also prepares the Comprehensive Plan and reviews the Capital Improvements Program. Planning Commission meetings are held the second Monday of every month at City Hall in the Council Chamber.

Tuesday, July 9
Goat Yoga – 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Get ready for some nature-infused yoga fun with baby goats at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead! Each session combines relaxing yoga poses with the mischievous presence of our goat pals who may decide to photobomb your warrior pose. Certified fitness instructors guide 45 minutes of yoga instruction and 15 minutes of goat socialization. Purchase tickets online in advance.

Neighborhood Executive Committee – 6 p.m.

The Neighborhood Executive Committee develops and monitors the progress of the neighborhood programs.

Board of Zoning Appeals – 7 p.m.

The Board of Zoning Appeals considers requests for relief from the requirements of the zoning ordinance and meets monthly, generally on the second Tuesday. The Board of Zoning Appeals meets at City Hall.

Wednesday, July 10
Site Plan Review Committee – 11:45 a.m.

The Site Plan Review Committee makes recommendations to the Planning Commission on matters relating to site planning and architectural details of development proposals. Items may be recommended for committee review by the City Council, the Planning Commission or city staff. The Site Plan Review Committee meets at City Hall. 

Public Safety Committee – 7 p.m.

Public Safety Committee meetings are held every second Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1.

Thursday, July 11
Arboretum New Volunteer Orientation – 10 a.m.

This is for new volunteers wishing to serve on a regular basis. We will discuss all volunteer opportunities, collect required paperwork and introduce you to the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens!

Nature Storytime – 10:30 a.m.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors with Nature Storytime at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, presented by Stepping Stones KC. Join us for a delightful blend of music, movement, and adventure as we explore the wonders of nature. These gatherings are targeted toward little nature lovers, ages 1-6. Registration and caregiver presence is required.

Wine Tasting on the Terrace – 6 p.m.

Relax and unwind as you enjoy wine and food samples from local vendors while surrounded by the beauty of the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Book your tickets to Wine Tasting on the Terrace hosted by the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park. 

Legacy of Greenery Committee – 6:30 p.m.

The Legacy of Greenery Committee develops strategies to increase, preserve and enhance the city’s tree canopy by promoting, planting and maintaining trees and shrubs in the city. The Legacy of Greenery Committee meets at City Hall on the first Thursday of every month.

Concerts in the Park: Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra – 7 p.m.

Singer-songwriter Nicole Springer opens for the Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra, an ensemble blending the rich rhythms of Latin Jazz with the vibrant influences of Afro-Caribbean and South American folk music. The locally-owned shops and restaurants of Downtown Overland Park will keep their doors open late for a special Sidewalk Sale this evening. Concert in the Park is a free summer concert series at the Thompson Park stage.

Saturday, July 13
Adaptive Splash – 9-11 a.m.

People with disabilities and their families can enjoy City pools before they are open to the public during Adaptive Splash (formerly known as Saturday Swim) on select summer Saturdays at Tomahawk Ridge Aquatic Center.

Build a Beaver Dam Class – 9:30 a.m.

Have you ever wondered how beavers make their dams? Join us in the muddy adventure in Building a Beaver Dam at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens! In this class, you will learn about beavers and then put your engineering skills to the test as you build your own beaver dam using materials found in the natural environment.

The Sketchbook Habit: Sowing Seeds of Creativity – 10 a.m.

Designed for beginners and seasoned artists alike, this series at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens focuses on cultivating the essential habit of maintaining a visual journal through sketchbook keeping. Build your skills by attending each session, or select fewer sessions as your schedule allows. Please register online.

Moss Art Workshop – 1 p.m.
Create your own nature-inspired green moss art. Presented by Nature Matters Kansas City. Create your art during class time and take them home to enjoy.

Sunday, July 14
Stained Glass Workshop for Beginners – 1 p.m.
Join us in making a stained glass hanging at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Learn beginning stained glass techniques with lead-free solder and flux. Supplies will be provided. Class size is limited. Due to the nature of working with a soldering iron and chemicals, this workshop is for adults 18 and older. Protective gloves, masks and eyewear will be worn. Please wear an apron or a long-sleeved shirt. Tara from Lost and Found Design will be teaching this workshop.

Monday, July 15
Committee of the Whole – 2025 Budget – 6:30 p.m.

The Committee of the Whole meets on an as-needed basis at City Hall in Conference Room 1.

City Council – 7:30 p.m.

Mayor and Council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall in the council chamber.

Wednesday, July 17
Site Plan Review Committee – 11:45 a.m.

The Site Plan Review Committee makes recommendations to the Planning Commission on matters relating to site planning and architectural details of development proposals. Items may be recommended for committee review by the City Council, the Planning Commission or city staff. The Site Plan Review Committee meets at City Hall. 

Finance, Administration + Economic Development Committee – 7 p.m.

Finance, Administration and Economic Development Committee business generally includes council rules, procedures and protocol, administrative services, finance, human resources, information technology and more. This committee meets on the third Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1.

Thursday, July 18
Goat Yoga – 5:30 p.m.

Get ready for some nature-infused yoga fun with baby goats! Each session combines relaxing yoga poses with the mischievous presence of our goat pals who may decide to photobomb your warrior pose. Certified fitness instructors guide 45 minutes of yoga instruction and 15 minutes of goat socialization. Purchase tickets online in advance.

Saturday, July 20
Repair Café – 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
At the Repair Café held at Matt Ross Community Center, you’ll find tools and materials to help you repair clothes, furniture, small appliances, computers, lamps, bicycles, jewelry and more. You’ll also find people with a variety of repair skills to help out. Together with these volunteers, you can have your broken items repaired instead of needing to replace your broken items.

Nature’s Palette: Monoprinting for Kids – 9:30 a.m.

Unleash your child’s creativity with our engaging monoprinting workshop! In this hands-on class at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, children aged 5-8 will explore the fascinating world of monoprinting while drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature. Register online in advance.

Monday, July 22
Plan Your Park: Marty Park – 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Help us shape the future of Marty Park! Find out which features your community chose as their favorites and learn more about park amenities and orientation ideas. Visit with Parks staff and provide your feedback at the Overland Park Christian Church, located at 7600 W. 75th St.

Independent Citizen Advisory Board for Racial Profiling and Non-Biased Policing – 6:30 p.m.

Meeting quarterly, the Independent Citizen Advisory Board for Racial Profiling and Non-Biased Policing advises and assists in policy development, education and community outreach and communications related to racial profiling and other non-biased policing efforts of the Overland Park Police Department.

Wednesday, July 24
Site Plan Review Committee – 11:45 a.m.

The Site Plan Review Committee makes recommendations to the Planning Commission on matters relating to site planning and architectural details of development proposals. Items may be recommended for committee review by the City Council, the Planning Commission or city staff. The Site Plan Review Committee meets at City Hall. 

Public Works Committee – 7 p.m.

Public Works Committee business generally includes streets and highways, public works facilities, traffic signals and signs, infrastructure planning, right of way management, sidewalks and bikeways, public transportation, stormwater management and traffic management systems. Public Works Committee meetings are held every fourth Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1.

Thursday, July 25
Nature Storytime – 10:30 a.m.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors with Nature Storytime, presented by Stepping Stones KC. Join us for a delightful blend of music, movement, and adventure as we explore the wonders of nature. These gatherings are targeted toward little nature lovers, ages 1-6. Caregivers and siblings need only pay admission to the Arboretum. Registration and caregiver presence is required.

Mental Health Advisory Committee – Noon

The Mental Health Advisory Committee advises the Public Safety Committee and City Council on issues of mental health in the community.

Biergarten Thursdays – 6 p.m.

Enjoy samplings of brews and appetizers at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens at Biergarten Thursdays beginning at 6 p.m. June 27 will feature Scotty C’s Street Eats and KC Pretzel Boys. Register online at the Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park website.

Friday, July 26
Summer Movie Nights at the Arboretum: “Top Gun: Maverick” – 7 p.m.

Get ready for an epic summer at the Arboretum with our newest event, Summer Movie Nights! Gates open at 7 p.m. and the movie begins at dusk (around 8 p.m.). Bring your lawn chair or blanket!

Saturday, July 27
Georgia’s Chicken Run – 7 a.m.

Lace-up your shoes for the annual Georgia’s Chicken Fun Run/Walk at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead on Saturday, July 27. Check-in begins at 7 a.m. and races start at 8 a.m. Chicken trophies will be awarded to the top three runners in each category.

Build a Beaver Dam Class – 9:30 a.m.

Have you ever wondered how beavers make their dams? Join us in the muddy adventure in Building a Beaver Dam! In this class, you will learn about beavers and then put your engineering skills to the test as you build your own beaver dam using materials found in the natural environment.

The Sketchbook Habit: Sowing Seeds of Creativity – 10 a.m.

Designed for beginners and seasoned artists alike, this series at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens focuses on cultivating the essential habit of maintaining a visual journal through sketchbook keeping. Build your skills by attending each session, or select fewer sessions as your schedule allows. Please register online.

Stained Glass Workshop for Beginners – 1 p.m.
Join us in making a stained glass hanging at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Learn beginning stained glass techniques with lead-free solder and flux. Supplies will be provided. Class size is limited. Due to the nature of working with a soldering iron and chemicals, this workshop is for adults 18 and older. Protective gloves, masks and eyewear will be worn. Please wear an apron or a long-sleeved shirt. Tara from Lost and Found Design will be teaching this workshop.

Tuesday, July 30
Parks + Recreation Advisory Council – 6:30 p.m.

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Council advises and makes recommendations to the Governing Body and staff on residential parks and recreational needs and wants. It meets the last Tuesday of every month at City Hall.

Wednesday, July 31
Site Plan Review Committee – 11:45 a.m.

The Site Plan Review Committee makes recommendations to the Planning Commission on matters relating to site planning and architectural details of development proposals. Items may be recommended for committee review by the City Council, the Planning Commission or city staff. The Site Plan Review Committee meets at City Hall.