Don’t know about you, but we’re getting ready for the long Labor Day weekend!
Pool season is nearly over, so get your last splash in at your local pool.
Or, head over to De Soto Days for some carnival fun.
Our personal favorite? The Kansas City Renaissance Festival is celebrating its 50th season and opening on Saturday in Bonner Springs.
Let’s get to it!
*Obligatory caveat: all these events take place outdoors, so be weather-aware. Pack some water and monitor how you’re feeling. A heat advisory remains in effect through Saturday evening.
Soak in the De Soto Days Festival
De Soto Days Festival takes over downtown De Soto this Thursday through Monday — the largest ongoing event in the community since 1964.
Besides the popular parade, carnival and fireworks show, the festivities include a car show, family fun and games, and special entertainers like Mr. Stinky Feet and Olathe Dance.
Oh, and don’t forget the 5K-9 Family Run. It’s all free to attend.
Catch the last splash of summer at a local pool
Pool season is nearly over, but several city-run outdoor pools are open for one last splash before closing on or around Labor Day. Find the open swim hours for each pool open this weekend here:
- Tomahawk Ridge Aquatic Center in Overland Park
- Black Bob Bay in Olathe
- Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center in Shawnee
- Sar-Ko-Par Aquatic Center in Lenexa
- Gardner Aquatic Center
- Leawood Aquatic Center
- Prairie Village Pool Complex
- Merriam Community Center (outdoor pool)
- De Soto Aquatic Center
- Roeland Park Aquatic Center
- Fairway Pool
Groove to Friday Night Sound Bites in Lenexa
The Lenexa Public Market’s Friday Night Sound Bites series continues this Friday from 5:30 to 10 p.m., with local band Vinyl Revival playing live on the Lower Commons starting at 7 p.m.
The music comes with food from market merchants and a guest food truck, Original Big Momma’s.
The gathering at 8750 Penrose Lane is free to attend.
Mark 50 years of the KC Renaissance Festival
The Kansas City Renaissance Festival opens its 50th season on Saturday at its grounds in Bonner Springs and runs every weekend through mid-October.
Expect jousting tournaments, live stage entertainment, hundreds of artisans, food, taverns and family activities.
The grounds are open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the weekends, including Labor Day this coming Monday.
Tickets start at about $21 for kids and $30 for adults.
Shop for native plants at Lenexa Farmers Market
Stop by the Native Plant Sale on Saturday at the Lenexa Farmers Market.
The wide variety of landscaping options includes grasses, flowers and plants from local vendors, including City Roots Nursery in KCMO, Parsons’ Gardens in Olathe and Tallgrass Nursery in Spring Hill.
