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Tents along the lake at the Lenexa BBQ Battle

Special Events

Looking for a fun event beyond the soccer festivities? There are many special events open to the public throughout Johnson County this summer, from Independence Day celebrations to live music to art exhibitions. Find an event taking place near you in the list below.

  • Art Events in Johnson County: Experience art in Johnson County with these art exhibitions, live performances and other art events from the Arts Council of Johnson County.

  • Celebration in the Park: Celebrate the Fourth of July in Leawood on July 4 at 6 p.m. in City Park, featuring live music, food, activities such as rock climbing and face painting, and fireworks.

  • A Day in the Park: Scheduled on National Trails Day (June 6) this free event kicks off the summer with free admission to Shawnee Mission Park Beach, and free one-hour boat rentals as the Shawnee Mission Park Marina (advance reservations are highly encouraged for boat rentals).

  • Flags 4 Freedom: Each year, Downtown Merriam and the surrounding area transform into perfect rows of patriotic pride as Flags 4 Freedom volunteers place United States flags. Stop by during the week around the Fourth of July and then celebrate with a Patriotic Concert on July 4 at 2 p.m. at Merriam Marketplace.

  • First Fridays in Spring Hill: Head to Historic Main Street in Spring Hill for food trucks, music, vendors and fun on the first Friday each month from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

  • Friday Night Sound Bites: Enjoy live music and food trucks on Friday nights at Lenexa Public Market (Note: There will be no Friday Night Sound Bites on June 12 and 26).

  • Great Lenexa BBQ Battle: The official Kansas State Championship BBQ competition is held at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park in Lenexa. For $5, the public can join in the fun on June 26.

  • Independence Day Parade in Leawood: Celebrate America's 250th Independence Day on Tomahawk Creek Parkway in Leawood. Enjoy lively floats, community groups, music and plenty of hometown pride.

  • Juneteenth Celebration at Arts & Heritage Center: This free family-friendly event on June 6 at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center provides an opportunity to honor the history and celebrate Juneteenth with art, music, food and more.

  • Lenexa Community Days Parade: Lenexa's annual Independence Day parade on July 4 draws thousands to Old Town Lenexa and features a variety of floats.

  • Lenexa Freedom Run: Runners and walkers can participate in Lenexa's annual Independence Day race on July 4 in Old Town Lenexa, which includes a 5K and 10K.

  • Meadowbrook Park Festival: Now in its fifth year, this June 5 event, which benefits the JCPRD Public Art Program, will feature local artists and makers, live music and food trucks.

  • PARKED! Music, Food Trucks & Fireworks!: Celebrate the Fourth of July early in Shawnee at this free event on June 26 at Stump Park featuring food trucks, a live band, vendors and fireworks.

  • Public Garden Tour: A tour of six private gardens in Johnson County, showcasing diverse styles, ideas and inspiration for every gardener. The tours will take place June 12 and 13.

  • Rhythm & Roots: Enjoy live music at this free community concert series in De Soto. Rhythm & Roots features regional bands, food trucks, a local makers market and a laid-back atmosphere that brings neighbors and visitors together. Concerts take place on the second and fourth Fridays throughout the summer and are open to all ages.

  • Star Spangled Spectacular: Overland Park's Independence Day celebration, featuring concerts, food and fireworks, takes place at Corporate Woods Founders' Park on the evening of July 4.

  • Wonders of Discovery: This all ages event at the Pollinator Prairie in Olathe on June 19 will feature exhibits on Kansas native plants, gardening for wildlife, pollinators such as native bees and bats and other nature-related displays.

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