Mark your calendars; Your OP event guide for November

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:

Pumpkin Composting

When not disposed of correctly, pumpkins can release harmful methane gas into the atmosphere as they decompose. Composting pumpkins promotes more sustainable waste management solutions.

Rather than adding pumpkins to the landfill, drop your pumpkins off at one of the composting opportunities throughout November.

Poetry Walk at Strang Park

Stroll through Strang Park while you enjoy poetry by Traci Brimhall, Poet Laureate of Kansas, on the theme of Memory Palace. Double-sided poetry boards with accompanying artwork by Kelly Yarbrough can be found along walkways surrounding the park. In partnership with the Johnson County Library, the Poetry Walk is available daily in November during park hours, 5 a.m.-10 p.m.

Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane – Nov. 23-Dec. 31

Experience the enchantment of the season at Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane from 5-10 p.m. beginning November 23. Bring some cocoa, cookies and blankets as you view the lights and hear the music from the warmth of your car in the Farmstead’s parking lot. The display is at the main entrance of Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.

Farmers’ Markets – 8 a.m.-noon

Spend Saturday mornings browsing aisles of fresh produce, meats, cheeses and specialty products at the Overland Park Farmers’ Market. The Farmers’ Market operates fall hours from 8 a.m. to noon.

Art at the Center

View artwork created by Johnson County Community College Fine Art and Design students in October and November any time Tomahawk Ridge Community Center is open.

Wednesday, November 1 

Discovery Kits – All Day

Every month the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens welcomes you to visit and learn. The education team assembles a monthly kit for your family to enjoy nature, learn about the season and be creative. Stop at the ticketing kiosk and ask for a kit on your way in. There is a suggested donation of $5 per kit.

Giggle Time Children’s Program – 10 a.m.

Gather your little ones for some giggling and wiggling and a fun-filled time at 10 a.m. at Tomahawk Ridge Community Center with a performance by Storyteller Priscilla Howe.

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, November 2
Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee – 6 p.m.

The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee is responsible for providing guidance and direction to the staff and consultants on Comprehensive Plan recommendations, serving as community advocates and stewards of the completed and updated plan. The committee meets at Matt Ross Community Center. 

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

The Legacy of Greenery Committee promotes landscaping throughout the city by advocating and encouraging the proper planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, flowers and turf. The Legacy of Greenery Committee meets the first Thursday of every month and sponsors many annual activities, including seedling giveaways, poster contests, and landscape excellence awards. The Legacy of Greenery Committee meets at City Hall.

REC Book Club – 7 p.m.

Read, exercise, and converse with other book lovers at Matt Ross Community Center’s monthly book club. 

Friday, November 3

Coffee Connections – 8-9 a.m.

Join City Staff and homeowners association leaders/volunteers for Coffee Connections to network, share ideas and discuss common neighborhood issues at the Myron E. Scafe Building from 8-9 a.m. Coffee and light snacks will be provided.

Night at the Arboretum – 5-9 p.m.

Roam the trails with your flashlight, and look at the stars after dark at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Night at the Arboretum is a chance to see the spookier side of the Arboretum, and it’s free with Arboretum admission.

Saturday, November 4
Mushroom Walk – 1 p.m.

Join mushroom enthusiast Alix Daniel to discover what fabulous fungi are growing at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. The forested trails are home to dozens of mushrooms. The species that may be fruiting changes constantly, and Daniel will share her knowledge of what’s “on view.” Please wear sturdy shoes and bring water, bug spray, and appropriate outerwear. Walk is rain or shine but will be canceled in case of thunderstorms or severe weather. Register online.

Monday, November 6

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, November 8

79th Street Corridor Plan Kick-Off – 4-6 p.m.

Please join us for a community-wide kick-off open house at Matt Ross Community Center to learn more about the details and purpose of the 79th Street Corridor Plan in an informal setting and provide initial feedback. For more information and to access the public survey please visit the project website.

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, November 9
Veterans Day Celebration – 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Please join T-Mobile, Black & Veatch and the City of Overland Park for a free event honoring veterans around Overland Park at the Black & Veatch campus, 11401 Lamar Avenue. Guests can see, learn about and tour helicopters and military equipment, and there will be an A-10 flyover. Veteran-friendly support organizations will share information for veterans, families and others, and the American Legion Band will play. The Overland Park Police Department and Fire Department will be on hand to visit with residents and share information about their important roles in the community.

Environmental Advisory Committee – 6 p.m.

The Environmental Advisory Council studies environmental issues while supporting and promoting new and existing programs and developing educational programs that benefit individuals and businesses in our community with respect to environmental issues. The Environmental Advisory Council meets at City Hall.

Environmental Advisory Council Officers Board – 8 p.m.

The regular meeting of the Officers Board is to be held at 8:00 p.m. at City Hall. The purpose of the Officers Board Meeting is to plan the agenda.

Monday, November 13
Planning Commission – 1:30 p.m.

Planning Commission meetings are held the second Monday of every month at City Hall in the Council Chamber.


Tuesday, November 14
Neighborhood Executive Committee – 5:30 p.m.

The Neighborhood Executive Committee develops and monitors the progress of the neighborhood programs. The Committee meets at Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty Street.

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, November 15
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 meetings are held every third Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1. 

Friday, November 17
Mayor’s Holiday Festival – 5-8 p.m.

Join the Mayor as he lights the tree in Thompson Park! Come listen to live music, take your picture with Santa, do some holiday shopping and so much more during this festive evening!

Sunday, November 19
Stained Glass Workshop for Beginners – 1 p.m.

Join us in making a stained glass hanging, featuring a mushroom design 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 sleeve shirt. Tara from Lost and Found Design will be teaching this workshop.

Monday, November 20
Public Works Committee – 5:30 p.m.

Public Works Committee meetings are held every fourth Wednesday of every month 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.

Thursday, November 23
City Offices Closed – All Day

City offices, including City Hall and Sanders Justice Center, will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Friday, November 24
City Offices Closed – All Day

City offices, including City Hall and Sanders Justice Center, will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Luminary Walk – 5-10 p.m.

Kick off your holiday season with a stroll through lights at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. View enchanting gnomes and fairy villages, enjoy musical performances and grab a complimentary hot cider in the Children’s Discovery Garden. Purchase tickets in advance on the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park website. 

Saturday, November 25
Luminary Walk – 5-10 p.m.

Kick off your holiday season with a stroll through lights at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. View enchanting gnome and fairy villages, enjoy musical performances and grab a complimentary hot cider in the Children’s Discovery Garden. Purchase tickets in advance on the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park website. 

Tuesday, November 28
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.

Electric Glow – 4:30-8 p.m.

Enjoy the beauty of the Luminary Walk electric displays, without the candlelit woods, Santa, musicians, cider, trains or crowds. Electric Glow limits capacity, making the event ideal for wandering through the gardens in a more relaxed atmosphere. Electric Glow costs $10 per person. Children five years and younger are free. Purchase tickets online in advance on the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park website.

Wednesday, November 29
Electric Glow – 4:30-8 p.m.

Enjoy the beauty of the Luminary Walk electric displays, without the candlelit woods, Santa, musicians, cider, trains or crowds. Electric Glow limits capacity, making the event ideal for wandering through the gardens in a more relaxed atmosphere. Electric Glow costs $10 per person. Children five years and younger are free. Purchase tickets online in advance on the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park website.

Thursday, November 30
Candlelight Stroll – 5-10 p.m.

Experience the glow of candles through the woods, dazzling light displays and live musical performances at this adults-only event. Purchase tickets in advance on the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park website.