Free concert in Thompson Park
You’ll find public art woven throughout our community in Overland Park. You can enjoy outdoor sculptures, attend concerts in the park, visit rotating exhibits in our public art gallery and participate in community events like the Overland Park Fall Festival.
“Public art creates excitement, inspires a feeling of belonging and makes art more accessible to everyone,” says City of Overland Park Arts and Events Supervisor Julie Bilyea. “Whether it’s a sculpture that helps to beautify a public space or a music performance that engages an audience, it can be a powerful experience that reveals a sense of place and enriches lives.”
The Friends of Overland Park Arts, a not-for-profit organization designed to promote and support the arts locally, supports the cultural interests in Overland Park.
In addition to funding the acquisition and installation of public art, one of Friends of Overland Park Arts’ goals is to encourage children and teenagers to discover art early in life. They introduce performing arts to young children through the Nutcracker Tea Party, partner with the InterUrban ArtHouse to bring the arts to underserved schools and support the Shooting Stars scholarship program for high school seniors.
“You’ll also find art incorporated into programs at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead and the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens,” says Bilyea. “Art adds personal expression and a little extra fun to enhance the guest experience at these wonderful places to visit.”
Visit overlandparkarts.org to learn more about the arts in Overland Park.
DON’T MISS THESE UPCOMING EVENTS
Visit opkansas.org/Events.
June 8, Drew Six Concert in the Park
June 16 – July 30, African American Artist Collective Exhibit
June 21, Summer Solstice at the Arboretum
July 4, Celebrating the 4th on the Farm
July 4, Star Spangled Spectacular
July 13, Michael Shaun Brown Concert in the Park
Stems: A Garden Soirée
Since 2008, The Arts & Recreation Foundation has been putting on the party of the summer at the beautiful Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens at the peak of its summer beauty. Whether you come as a guest of a corporate sponsor or come for a not-to-be-forgotten date night, you’re sure to delight in the ambiance and surroundings.
From the moment you arrive, you know this party is something special. Tastings of all kinds – from sliders to wontons, antipasto to crepes – are available at destinations among the gardens. Fine wines, craft beers and specialty mixed drinks complement the food. Around every turn, there’s more fun to be had. Don’t miss the balloon and caricature artists and stay for the fireworks. Our hand-painted Stems wine glasses, a signature of the event, are back with a vibrant new design.
Proceeds from the event ensure that The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park can continue to support and develop Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and city art installations.
Visit stemssoiree.org for ticketing information.
Gather at Longhouse, a Venue with a View
LongHouse is a one-of-a-kind destination venue surrounded by stunning views of beautiful gardens, woodlands and ponds at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. With distinctive facilities available for indoor and outdoor gatherings, you are sure to find a space to make your event extra special.
From our banquet hall and meeting rooms to the great lawn and scenic outdoor settings, LongHouse is the perfect event space for weddings, corporate events, parties, quinceañeras, bridal or baby showers, family reunions, educational programs and a host of other celebrations.
The new venue is scheduled to open later this year, and it will have everything you need for your special event: modern amenities and versatile spaces, natural light and expansive windows, elegant tables and chairs, state-of-the-art media, ample parking and a dedicated team of customer service-oriented event organizers.
We look forward to creating unforgettable memories with you and your guests. Visit opkansas.org/LongHouse to learn more.
The City of Overland Park and the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park partner to provide our thriving community with cultural enrichment, world-class events, impactful education and inspiring art.
