Attending one of Olathe’s many annual events is a great way to experience the community’s charm, history, and vibrant culture. Whether it’s a summer concert, a fall festival, or a winter holiday celebration, these gatherings bring residents and visitors together for unforgettable moments.
One of the most anticipated events is the Old Settlers Parade and Fair in September. As the oldest and largest celebration in Johnson County, it transforms downtown Olathe into a lively festival filled with carnival rides, food vendors, live entertainment, and craft booths. Families line the streets early to grab a good spot for the parade, which features marching bands, local organizations, and creative floats. After the parade, visitors can explore a variety of attractions, from homemade goods to live music performances on multiple stages.
For those who enjoy live music, Olathe Live! offers free concerts throughout the summer, creating the perfect atmosphere for an evening under the stars. Fall brings the excitement of pumpkin patches and sunflower fields, while winter kicks off with the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting, a heartwarming event that welcomes the holiday season.
No matter the season, attending an annual event in Olathe is a memorable experience that showcases the community’s welcoming spirit and local traditions.
Spring
- Taste of the Town – A premier food and beverage tasting event showcasing local restaurants, breweries, and wineries.
- Olathe BBQ Championship (March) – A Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned event where top BBQ teams compete.
- Olathe Live! Concert Series (Begins in May) – A free outdoor concert series at Stagecoach Park featuring local and national bands.
- Olathe Farmers’ Market (Opens in April) – A seasonal market featuring local produce, flowers, and artisan goods.
Summer
- Fourth Fridays (May – August) – A community gathering in downtown Olathe featuring food trucks, live music, art exhibits, and local vendors.
- Olathe Fourth of July Fireworks Show (July 4) – A spectacular fireworks display at the College Boulevard Activity Center.
- Mahaffie Stagecoach Summer Events (June – August) – Live history events at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm, including 1860s farm activities, stagecoach rides, and reenactments.
- Hometown Olathe Family Farm Weekly Events – A series of family-friendly events, including farm tours, seasonal activities, and fresh produce sales.
- KC Wine Co Weekly Events – Weekly wine tastings, live music, themed events, and seasonal festivals at KC Wine Co.
- Olathe Live! Summer Concert Series (June – August) – More free concerts in the park, featuring diverse music genres.
Fall
- Old Settlers Parade and Fair (September) – A historic multi-day event with a parade, carnival rides, live music, and local vendor booths.
- Olathe Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch Events (September – October) – Various farms in the area, like KC Pumpkin Patch, host fall festivities.
- Kansas Sunflower Festival (August – September) – While not in Olathe, nearby sunflower fields attract thousands of visitors for breathtaking views and photos.
- Garmin Olathe Marathon (September) – A Boston Marathon-qualifying race through the city.
Winter
- WinterFest at Mahaffie (December) – A holiday-themed event with Christmas caroling, Santa visits, and 19th-century holiday traditions.
- Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting (November/December) – The official start of the holiday season in downtown Olathe, with lights, music, and hot cocoa.
