Mark your calendars; Your OP event guide for September

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:

Farmers’ Markets – 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Spend Saturday and Wednesday 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

Join us for the Stems Plein Air exhibit featuring paintings of beautiful landscapes created in the open air throughout the Kansas City area. View this gallery now through October 3 any time Tomahawk Ridge Community Center is open.

Friday, September 1
Discovery Kits at the Gardens – 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.

Monday, September 4
City Offices Closed for Labor Day – All Day

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

Wednesday, September 6
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 Janie Next Door.

New Volunteer Orientation – 10 a.m.

This event is for new Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens volunteers wishing to serve on a regular basis. We will discuss all volunteer opportunities and collect any required paperwork. Discover volunteer opportunities at opkansas.org.

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, September 7
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. This 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 a number of 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. 

Saturday, September 9
LongHouse Visitor Center Grand Opening Ceremony – 10 a.m.

Be among the first to immerse yourself in the beauty of the LongHouse Visitor Center at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Celebrate with elected officials, generous donors, Arboretum staff and volunteers as well as the community as we unveil our beautiful new space. 

Saturday, September 9 & Sunday, September 10
Free Admission Weekend at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens – 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission to the Arboretum is free September 9-10 in celebration of the grand opening of LongHouse Visitor Center. Explore the new visitor center as well as the Arboretum where you’ll enjoy more 300 acres of gardens, hiking trails, ponds and open prairie.

Monday, September 11
Planning Commission – 1:30 p.m.

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

City Council – 7:30 p.m.

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

Tuesday, September 12
Neighborhood Executive Committee – 5:30 p.m.

The Neighborhood Executive Committee develops and monitors the progress of the neighborhood programs. This meeting is held at Matt Ross Community Center.

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. Meetings of the civil service are commission open to the public and meets the second Monday of the last month each quarter at 6 p.m. at Sanders Justice Center.

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, September 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, September 14
Nature Storytime – 10 a.m.

Children ages 1-6 are invited to join Stepping Stones KC for music, movement and adventures outdoors at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens at 10 a.m. Participants must have a parent or guardian present. 

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.

Terra Luna – 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this unique, immersive journey through the Arboretum featuring Quixotic performers, courtesy of the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park.

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.

Friday, September 15
Terra Luna – 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this unique, immersive journey through the Arboretum featuring Quixotic performers, courtesy of the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park.

Saturday, September 16
Construction Debris Drop-Off – 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Overland Park residents will have an opportunity to drop off one pickup truckload of these materials at Dennis Garrett Public Works, 11300 W. 91st Street, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 16: decking, fencing, lumber, railroad ties, scrap metal, appliances, tires, and other construction and demolition debris. Bring proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill. 

Nature Storytime – 10 a.m.

Children ages 1-6 are invited to join Stepping Stones KC for music, movement and adventures outdoors at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens at 10 a.m. Participants must have a parent or guardian present. 

Moo-vie Night – 5-10 p.m.

Celebrate everything dairy at an outdoor moo-vie at the Farmstead. Enjoy dairy activities and food trucks ahead of the show. “A Bug’s Life” will begin at approximately 8 p.m.

Goat Yoga – 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Roll out your yoga mat with furry friends for goat yoga at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Certified fitness instructors guide 45 minutes of yoga instruction followed by 15 minutes of goat socialization and photo opportunities. Visit opkansas.org for more information and additional dates. Register online in advance for $30 per person.

Terra Luna – 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this unique, immersive journey through the Arboretum featuring Quixotic performers, courtesy of the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park.

Monday, September 18
City Council – 7:30 p.m.

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

Wednesday, September 20
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. 

Thursday, September 21
Terra Luna – 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this unique, immersive journey through the Arboretum featuring Quixotic performers, courtesy of the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park.

Friday, September 22
Terra Luna – 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this unique, immersive journey through the Arboretum featuring Quixotic performers, courtesy of the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park.

Saturday, September 23
Construction Debris Drop-Off – 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Overland Park residents will have an opportunity to drop off one pickup truckload of these materials at Dennis Garrett Public Works, 11300 W. 91st Street, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 23: decking, fencing, lumber, railroad ties, scrap metal, appliances, tires, and other construction and demolition debris. Bring proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill. 

Terra Luna – 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this unique, immersive journey through the Arboretum featuring Quixotic performers, courtesy of the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park.

Tuesday, September 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. They meet the last Tuesday of every month at City Hall.

Wednesday, September 27
Community Blood Drive – 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sign up to donate blood at the City of Overland Park’s Community Blood Drive, hosted in partnership with the American Red Cross. The Red Cross encourages donors of all blood types to attend, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative. For more information or to make an appointment to donate, visit redcrossblood.org.

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 meetings are held every fourth Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1. 

Thursday, September 28
Nature Storytime – 10 a.m.

Children ages 1-6 are invited to join Stepping Stones KC for music, movement and adventures outdoors at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens at 10 a.m. Participants must have a parent or guardian present. 

Friday, September 29
Mayor’s Golf Tournament – All Day

Be part of the tournament where civic, corporate, and community leaders will again enjoy a morning of golf and camaraderie to benefit arts and recreation in our community. Register as an individual or team to play in the Mayor’s Golf Tournament at Sykes/Lady Golf Club at artsandrec-op/org. The tournament tees off at 8 a.m.

Overland Park Fall Festival – 5-8 p.m.

The Fall Festival returns to Downtown Overland Park on September 29 and 30, 2023. Join us for a fun-filled extravaganza packed with hands-on activities, live entertainment, friendly vendors and delicious festival food.

Saturday, September 30
Overland Park Fall Festival – All Day

The Fall Festival returns to Downtown Overland Park on September 29 and 30, 2023. Join us for a fun-filled extravaganza packed with hands-on activities, live entertainment, friendly vendors and delicious festival food.

Construction Debris Drop-Off – 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Overland Park residents will have an opportunity to drop off one pickup truckload of these materials at Dennis Garrett Public Works, 11300 W. 91st Street, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 30: decking, fencing, lumber, railroad ties, scrap metal, appliances, tires, and other construction and demolition debris. Bring proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill. 

Electronics Recycling + Shredding Event – 9 a.m.-noon

Recycle your old electronics, and securely and sustainably dispose of documents at the Electronics Recycling Event and Shredding Event at Cottonwood Point Elementary School, 10521 W. 129th St., from 9 a.m. to noon. 

First Peoples Festival – 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

In celebration of the Medicine Wheel, American Natives from around the region will visit the Arboretum for the First Peoples Festival on Saturday, September 30 to acknowledge the contributions of all tribes, educate non-native people and encourage understanding between all groups. Enjoy music, dances, food, crafts and demonstrations for all ages. The intertribal celebration will pay tribute to first peoples’ cultures, both past and present.