As fall starts up, there will be a ton of events and activities in and around Johnson County in the coming months to celebrate the change of the seasons.
From hay rides to singalongs to fall food, everyone will be able to find something that fits their tastes. Here’s a list of some of the upcoming fall events in Johnson County — not including Halloween-related events.
Friends of Shawnee Town Arts & Crafts Fair
- What: Live music, over 130 vendors showcasing their homemade items and free kids activities, the 47th installment of this event celebrates the changing season and uses the money generated to benefit the Shawnee Town 1929 Museum and its educational programs.
- When: Saturday, Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Shawnee Town 1929, 11501 W. 57th St., Shawnee
- Cost: $1
- Parking: Parking is available onsite, as well as neighboring locations like Splash Cove and First Baptist Church of Shawnee.
Overland Park Fall Festival
- What: A kickoff to a new season featuring live music, children’s entertainment, food trucks and family-friendly activities.
- When: Friday, Sept. 27 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Overland Park, 7935 Santa Fe Drive
- Cost: Free
- Parking: Downtown Overland Park public parking, Overland Park Elementary School, or park at Shawnee Mission West and take a free shuttle bus.
KC Fall Festival at KC Pumpkin Patch
- What: Dubbed “the ultimate fall experience,” KC Pumpkin Patch will host its annual fall event that will feature yard games, kids activities, duck races, festival food and more.
- When: Select days from Sept. 28 to Oct. 27.
- Where: KC Pumpkin Patch, 13875 S. Gardner Road, Olathe
- Cost: $17.45 to $18.45
- Parking: Onsite at the KC Pumpkin Patch
Fall activities at Kerby Farm Pumpkin Patch
- What: Located about 20-30 minutes away in Bonner Springs, Kerby Pumpkin Patch offers people a chance to pick out their own pumpkin, challenge themselves in a corn maze and take a hayride.
- When: Select days from Sept. 28 to Oct. 27.
- Where: Kerby Farm Pumpkin Patch, 15943 158th St., Bonner Springs
- Cost: $8 per person ages 3 and up.
- Parking: Onsite at the Kerby Pumpkin Patch
Shawnee Great Grillers
- What: An annual, locally-held state griller championship complete with judges, food trucks, kids activities and musical entertainment.
- When: Friday, Sept. 27 from 6 to 10 p.m.
- Where: Shawnee Town 1929, 11600 Johnson Drive
- Cost: Free
- Parking: On-street parking is available around the event site, at Splash Cove Pool, 5800 King, and at Shawnee City Hall, 11110 Johnson Drive. Additional parking can be found here.
Merriam Drive Live
- What: A classic rock event in the heart of downtown Merriam featuring tributes to The Beach Boys, Bob Seger, Journey and more, as well as food trucks, adult beverages and a cornhole tournament.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 5 from 2 to 8 p.m.
- Where: Downtown along Merriam Drive
- Cost: Free admission
- Parking: Merriam Marketplace, 5701 Merriam Drive, Waterfall Park, and DS Bus Lines.
Lenexa Chili Challenge
- What: People are invited to grab spoon (or fork) and try out some chili, hot wings and salsa samples. The event will also feature live music and a fireworks show.
- When: Friday, Oct. 11 from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Old Town Lenexa, Santa Fe Trail Drive & Pflumm Road.
- Cost: Free admission
- Parking: People are invited to park on any public street. There is limited space available in the Lenexa Old Town Activity Center parking lot. There will be no shuttles at the event.
Shawnee Indian Mission Fall Festival
- What: Wagon rides, live performers, interactive music, local artisans, food, living history re-enactments and more, the Shawnee Indian Mission’s annual fall event returns for its 36th year.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: Shawnee Indian Mission, 3403 W. 53rd St.
- Cost: Free
- Parking: Horizon Academy, north of the site. A free shuttle will be provided.
