Community Events

Get ready to experience Downtown Olathe like never before at Fourth Fridays! Each month, we bring the streets to life with incredible live music, mouth-watering food trucks, unique local vendors, and community! Last year, we went all out to make Fourth Fridays bigger and better, doubling the vendors and nearly tripling our food truck lineup—and this year, we’re raising the bar even higher! Expect returning favorite bands and new sounds to get you dancing, plus a lineup of can’t-miss food, drinks, and surprises around every corner.  Mark your calendars, grab your friends, and don’t miss out on the best night of the month in Olathe!   More information at: https://fourthfridays.olathe.org/  

Sleigh the Summer: A Christmas in July Event   ?? Date & Time: Saturday, July 26th, 2025 12 PM – 7 PM    ?? Location: Hometown Olathe Family Farms 11000 S Woodland St, Olathe, KS 66061   ?? Event Highlights:   Family-friendly Christmas in July fun Local vendors & small businesses Food, drinks, music & festive games Free entry for attendees Special giveaways, Santa-themed photo ops & summer holiday vibes! Event page link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AnVbAB9ke/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Live Local Music with a Local Food Truck   Saturday, July 26 | 5 – 9:30 p.m. | Free admission   $10 Food Voucher to the First 50!   Enjoy an evening of live music in the open air with local band The Simple Pieces and John Sanders Acoustic. Simple Pieces plays your favorites from the ’50s through today—featuring everything from jazz and Latin to easy listening, classic rock, and country. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Sing along, tap your feet, and soak up the summer vibes with friends and family. Plus, come hungry—Tina's Trucks a local food truck will serve up burgers and bites from 5-8 p.m. and Azura will hand out $10 vouchers to the first 50 attendees for use at the truck, July 26 only.   Join us - RSVP on Facebook!

Born from a love of both American roots and the timeless traditions of Celtic music, The Elders have been captivating audiences with their unique fusion of Americana and Celtic rock. Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, the band draws on a rich tapestry of folk, bluegrass, and Irish influences, blending them seamlessly with the energy and grit of rock ‘n’ roll. Composed of musicians who share a deep respect for the powerful storytelling traditions found in both American and Celtic music, their sound is an unmistakable mix of banjo, fiddle, electric and acoustic guitars, and pounding drums, driven by the infectious rhythms of both Celtic jigs and the rebellious spirit of Americana. Whether it's the high-energy, foot-stomping anthems or soulful ballads, The Elders create an experience that transports listeners to a place where the old world meets the new, where past and present collide in a celebration of roots music with a rock ‘n’ roll heart. From their Emmy-winning DVD to a celebrated induction into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame and a nationwide PBS concert special, The Elders captivate audiences with the unstoppable energy, heart, and harmony that keep them going strong. The Elders are Ian Byrne (lead vocals and percussion), Kian Byrne (vocals, drums, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, and mandolin), Norm Dahlor (vocals, bass guitar, acoustic guitar), Diana Ladio (vocals, fiddle), William "Liam" Latas (vocals, lead guitar, acoustic guitar), and Daniel Loftus (vocals, keyboards, bass guitar). Visit https://www.jccc.edu/midwest-trust-center/events/2025-2026/lutl-elders.html for more information.

Get ready to experience Downtown Olathe like never before at Fourth Fridays! Each month, we bring the streets to life with incredible live music, mouth-watering food trucks, unique local vendors, and community! Last year, we went all out to make Fourth Fridays bigger and better, doubling the vendors and nearly tripling our food truck lineup—and this year, we’re raising the bar even higher! Expect returning favorite bands and new sounds to get you dancing, plus a lineup of can’t-miss food, drinks, and surprises around every corner.  Mark your calendars, grab your friends, and don’t miss out on the best night of the month in Olathe!   More information at: https://fourthfridays.olathe.org/  

Singer-songwriters Beth Watts Nelson and Kelly Hunt join forces to perform original songs that sound as if they have been unearthed with the patina of decades in the songbook of Americana. Beth Watts Nelson Recently ending a 20-year career as a choral director in public schools, Beth Watts Nelson can now be found pursuing her muse in various projects throughout the Kansas City area. Her newest group, Little Miss Dynamite, combined the acoustic forces of some of KC’s finest musicians (Betse Ellis, Brandon Day, and Caleb Gardner) to release their debut album, “Grow Up” in May 2024. Nelson also sings and plays the clawhammer banjo in the fiery old-time string band, Catgut, and is a founding member of the Konza Swamp Band, a long-standing pillar of the local bluegrass scene. Her sweet and soulful duo, Beth and Brandon, plans to release an EP this year. As a solo/duo performer with a voice that cuts straight to your soul, while playing a vintage Martin guitar or clawhammer banjo, she evokes smiles and tears – often at the same time. Kelly Hunt Memphis-raised singer-songwriter Kelly Hunt paints stories as old and offbeat as her Depression-era tenor banjo and parlor guitar, reimagining traditions of folk and old-time music with innovative vigor. Interweaving poetic lyrics, lilting melodies, and intriguing arrangements, Hunt casts a spell. Her 2019 debut album, “Even the Sparrow,” was a finalist for the International Folk Music Awards “Album of the Year.” Her sophomore album, “Ozark Symphony,” was recorded with Grammy-winning musician and producer Dirk Powell and released on Compass Records in 2023.  

ack Alley Brass Band – bringing the spirit of New Orleans to the streets of Kansas City! Since they started in 2018, Back Alley Brass Band has been making serious waves on the live music scene. Recently voted “Best Jazz Entertainment – 2025” in Kansas City, the band has become one of the most sought-after groups for every kind of event. They were also named “Best of KC” by The Pitch in 2024. The high-energy players have a powerful sound that makes this the perfect band to perform at public events, private parties, clubs, and any event where a crowd wants to have a great time The musicians: Trumpets: Justin Crossman, Tom Lawlor, Joe Lu Saxes: Eric Rothmier (Alto), Alex Toepfer (Tenor) Trombones: Matt Hubbel, Matt Fillingham, Chacko Finn Rhythm: Patrick Yeh (Sousaphone), Jeremey Reynolds (Drum Set), Hunter Sprong (Auxiliary Percussion)

The Commemorative Air Force's Heart of America Wing presents: OPEN HANGAR DAYS The first Saturday of every month: May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2, September 6 10am - 2pm, rain or shine! Join us for this FREE and FUN FAMILY event! WW2 Museum Jeep Rides Kid’s Activities Airplanes   https://www.cafhoa.org

Billboard charting Sons of Serendip is a unique genre-bending ensemble using emotionally stirring interpretations of pop music, arranged with a unique blend of vocals, harp, piano, and cello. Tickets start at $25. Visit https://www.jccc.edu/midwest-trust-center/events/2025-2026/serendip.html for more information.

This cinematic experience combines breathtaking in-game visuals with live music, making it a must-see event for fans of “The Witcher” and epic orchestral performances alike.

What’s better than Prairie Paws’ biggest fundraising event of the year? Hosting it in a stunning new venue! Join us Friday, September 12th for the Bow Meow Gala, now at The Warren Place in Gardner, KS. Enjoy an elegant evening featuring live string music, delicious BBQ from The Rub, and plenty of opportunities to support shelter pets in need. ?? Early Bird Tickets: $40 – Grab yours before prices go up! ?? Reserve a Table: $300 – Hosting a group? Purchase a full table to ensure you can sit together. Expect great conversation, exciting games & prizes, and an unforgettable night celebrating the lifesaving work of Prairie Paws. Don’t miss out—get your tickets today! ?? Date: Friday, September 12, 2025 ?? Location: The Warren Place, Gardner, KS

After 20 years of touring the grown-up stages, Chuck, Steve, and Eddie expanded their horizons to play for parents (like themselves) who want MORE from children’s music. Their songs cleverly mix alternative, hip-hop, rock, country, and other genres to create music that is fun AND teaches you things! Tickets are free; reservations are recommended. Visit https://www.jccc.edu/midwest-trust-center/events/2025-2026/artsed-kids-jam-big-bang-boom.html for more information.

Homes will be open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.* and admission is free. Free Parade guides will be available for pickup at the KCHBA (I-435 & Holmes) beginning Tuesday, April 22 and at all Parade homes during the dates of the event (while supplies last).

MTC brings together four choreographers and four local dance companies for the ultimate festival of contemporary and modern dance.  Tickets start at $25. Visit https://www.jccc.edu/midwest-trust-center/events/2025-2026/new-dance-partners.html for more information.