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:
Guinotte Wise, a multifaceted artist, is set to showcase an exciting exhibit of sculpture and poetry. As a sculptor, Wise embraces the realm of found-object art, and his sculptures embody a unique fusion of creativity. Wise is also an accomplished writer with contributions spanning books, articles and poetry. The exhibit showcases the intersection of Wise’s sculpting skills and poetic expression, providing a peek into the many aspects of his artistic journey. You can view this exhibit from March 5-April 14, any time Tomahawk Ridge Community Center is open.
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 will be on display at the LongHouse Visitor Center at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens daily through November. Come explore the essential role of pollinators through bilingual panels in English and Spanish featuring bees, butterflies, bats, hummingbirds, flies, moths and more. Entry into LongHouse and the exhibit is free.
Monday, March 4
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, March 5
Discovery Day at the Arboretum – 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
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 while supplies last. 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!
Mayor’s State of the City Address – 4 p.m.
Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog will present his State of the City address on March 5 at the University of Kansas Edwards Campus. During his address, Mayor Skoog will share community updates from the past year and consider Overland Park’s future quality of life, land use, housing, environment, economic well-being and mobility through the lens of the City’s new comprehensive plan, Framework OP. The State of the City will be available on the City’s website after the speech.
Wednesday, March 6
Giggle Time Children’s Program – 10 a.m.
Join us for the return of a delightful children’s program on the first Wednesday of the month. Your little ones will giggle, wiggle and have a blast with diverse performances. From music and stories to puppet shows, each month features new and exciting entertainers. Giggle Time on March 6 features a performance by Jane Christison at Tomahawk Ridge Community Center.
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.
Community Development Committee – 7 p.m.
Community Development Committee meetings are held every first Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1.
Thursday, March 7
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 and sponsors many annual activities, including seedling giveaways, poster contests and landscape excellence awards.
Read, exercise, and converse with other book lovers at Matt Ross Community Center’s monthly book club. Meet other avid readers to discuss a predetermined book. This group meets the first Thursday of the month.
Monday, March 11
Ordinance Review Committee – 11:45 a.m.
The Ordinance Review Committee reviews ordinance amendment proposals with staff prior to consideration by the full commission. Ordinance amendments may be proposed by the City Council, the Planning Commission or City staff.
Planning Commission – 1:30 p.m.
The Planning Commission considers all applications for final development plans and plats, and 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.
Civil Service Commission – 6 p.m.
The Civil Service Commission reviews, approves and assists the police department in the promotion process for officers below the rank of Captain. The Civil Service Commission meets on the second Monday of the last month each quarter at 6 p.m. These meetings are open to the public.
Tuesday, March 12
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, March 13
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, March 14
Environmental Advisory Committee – 6 p.m.
The Environmental Advisory Council studies environmental issues of the city, supporting and promoting existing and new programs for environmental awareness, solid waste management, and more. This council meets on the second Thursday at 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 16
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – 10 a.m.
Are you ready for a shamrockin’ good time? Head to Downtown Overland Park’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade at the Clock Tower Plaza for festive floats, fun food and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Monday, March 18
Finance, Administration + Economic Development Committee – 5:45 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.
Committee of the Whole – 6:30 p.m.
The Committee of the Whole meets as-needed at City Hall in Conference Room 1.
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, March 20
Site Plan Review Committee – 11:45 p.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.
Night at the Arboretum – 5 p.m.
Embrace the arrival of spring during our celebration of the Spring Equinox. Learn about baby animals in the wild with Operation Wildlife and gaze at celestial wonders through telescopes provided by the Astronomical Society of Kansas City. Family-friendly activities kick off at 6 p.m., and the Arboretum closes at 9 p.m. This experience is free with regular Arboretum admission and is open to stargazers of all ages.
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, March 21
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.
Saturday, March 23
Bird Walk – 9:15 a.m.
Join our expert volunteers and avid bird enthusiasts at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens for an immersive bird-watching expedition through the lush landscapes of the Arboretum. With nearly 100 distinct bird species documented in this verdant sanctuary, the experience promises an array of sightings to delight and inspire.
Tuesday, March 26
Parks + Recreation Advisory Council – 6:30 p.m.
This 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, March 27
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, March 28
Arboretum New Volunteer Orientation – 10 a.m.
New volunteers wishing to serve at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens regularly will learn about all volunteer opportunities, complete required paperwork and learn about the Arboretum.
Enjoy samplings of brews and appetizers at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens at Biergarten Thursdays. Purchase tickets on the Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park website.
Saturday, March 30
Hop in DOP – 10 a.m.
Celebrate Easter with your little bunnies at the Hop in DOP Egg Hunt in Downtown Overland Park!