Johnson County is a family-friendly community with great schools, businesses, parks and restaurants. Whether you call Overland Park, Leawood or Olathe home, you likely love where you live and enjoy your community.
As you plan out the next few months, there are some fun Johnson County events you should consider. From fall festivals to food fairs, you can find something that everyone in your family will enjoy. And, while you’re at it, you can try some of the best Johnson County restaurants near your event.
Here’s a rundown of the most popular Johnson County events alongside some restaurant recommendations for each city.
Overland Park Events and Restaurants
Overland Park is a community of families, business, parks and restaurants. Many folks in KC choose to start and raise their families in this suburb. The location is perfect — running right up to the Kansas City line, but also removed enough to be a peaceful, quiet place. Throughout the year, there are plenty of Overland Park, KS, events to attend.
Event: Overland Park Farmer’s Market
Restaurant to Try: The Peanut
It may surprise you to learn that Overland Park, specifically the triangle between Metcalf, I-35 and 75th Street, is one of the more diverse areas in Kansas City. One of the events in Overland Park where this diversity shines is the Overland Park Farmer’s Market, where you can find a vast array of fresh vegetables, fruits and other food. The Farmer’s Market is held each Saturday. It begins in early spring and runs through the end of summer each year.
While you are there, check out The Peanut, a bar and grill next door that has become a beloved Kansas City institution. It’s the perfect place to follow up a Saturday morning at the market, especially if there’s a good football game on.
Event: Music in the Parks
Restaurant to Try: Jack Stack Overland Park
The Overland Park Civic Band performs a series of concerts through June and July at various parks around the city. This series of events in Overland Park, KS, is a great way to get the whole family out for a nice summer night.
The Indian Creek Recreation Center typically hosts a couple nights of Music in the Parks. Head north on Metcalf a few blocks, and you’ll find one of Kansas City’s best barbecue restaurants — Jack Stack. After a fun summer night at the park, you can fill up on delicious smoked meats and delectable sauces.
Event: The Star Spangled Spectacular
Restaurant to Try: Garozzo’s
There are so many Fourth of July events. In Overland Park, the Star Spangled Spectacular is the main attraction. There is a live musical performance, food trucks and, of course, fireworks. The event begins at 5 p.m. and the fireworks start at 9:45.
You can fill up on the food trucks at this Overland Park event. Or, if you prefer, you could try an Overland Park restaurant before the fireworks begin. If that’s the case, you can’t go wrong with Garozzo’s. This historic, family-run Italian restaurant is only a few minutes from the park. You’ll find that Garozzo’s is some of the best Italian food Kansas City has to offer.
If you’re still looking for fun Overland Park events to attend, check out these options:
- Enchanted Faire at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
- Downtown Overland Park Art Fair
- Various Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead events
- Various Arboretum & Botanical Gardens events
Olathe Upcoming Events and Places to Eat
Head southwest from Overland Park and you’ll find yourself in the homey suburb of Olathe. Olathe is a growing community with a lot to offer. These Olathe upcoming events are a good place to start exploring the area and experiencing the culture.
Event: City-Wide Olathe Events
Restaurant to Try: K-Macho’s
Olathe hosts a handful of unique events throughout the city during the year, including the “Olathe Live!” summer concerts, a fishing derby, the Lake Olathe Triathlon, and Too Cool to Drool.
Hungry? Head south on Ridgeview Road to K-Macho’s Mexican Grill and Cantina. This fun, upbeat Mexican restaurant has delicious tacos, fajitas and more.
Event: Olathe Charities 5K
Restaurant to Try: Austin’s Bar & Grill
Get out and be active for a good cause! The Olathe Charities 5K is definitely worth marking down on your Olathe events calendar. 5ks like this are great for runners (or walkers) of all types. It’s about having fun and supporting good causes in your city.
When the race is done, fill up with classic American bar and grill food at Austin’s, a local institution with three locations. The menu has a lot to offer, so you can find a salad, sandwich or burger.
Olathe also hosts other events, including:
Leawood Upcoming Events and Restaurants
Finally, we’ll head to Leawood to finish off our guide to Johnson County events. Leawood is a beautiful community right up against the state line. It has wonderful neighborhoods, businesses and restaurants. There are a couple Leawood upcoming events worth checking out.
Event: A Taste of Leawood
Restaurant to Try: Vendors
Calling all Kansas foodies: add this to your Leadwood upcoming events calendar. A Taste of Leawood shows off the best kitchens in Leawood. It is held in September, and thousands of people attend. As for a restaurant to try along with this event, well, you should try as many different vendors at this food fair as you can.
Event: Eggstravaganza
Restaurant to Try: Martin City Brewery Pizza and Tap Room
Bring the whole family for this day of Easter fun in Leawood. Eggstravaganza is hosted at Leawood City Park and has been running for more than 20 years. As an added bonus, this Leawood, Kansas, event is free!
After you’re done hunting, head over to Martin City Brewing Company’s Mission Farms location for a delicious pizza and, for the parents, beer. Martin City is the fastest-growing local brewery, and they also have great food.
Also, consider checking out Leawood’s Sunset Music Fest in the summer.
There are several Johnson County events throughout the year that will be fun for the whole family. We hope you can find a good time and good bite at one of these events.