Halloween celebrations, classic cars, free trick-or-treating, live theater, glowing gardens and a major cultural festival highlight a busy weekend across Olathe and the Kansas City area. Here’s what’s happening October 30 through November 1, including plenty of free activities close to home.
OLATHE, Kan. — Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Whether you’re planning a Halloween outing with the kids, a date night, an afternoon of shopping or simply looking for an excuse to get out of the house, there are plenty of options around Olathe and the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Halloween falls on Saturday this year, bringing costume parties, trick-or-treating and spooky attractions throughout the region. But not everything involves ghosts and goblins. There are also classic cars, live theater, farmers markets, colorful light displays and a celebration of Latin American culture.
Olathe Today has put together a weekend guide featuring activities for families, couples and anyone looking for something different, beginning right here in Olathe.
RIGHT HERE IN OLATHE
CLASSIC CARS AND HALLOWEEN FUN AT CAFFEINE & CHROME
Saturday, October 31 | 9 a.m. to noon
Gateway Classic Cars, 1202 S. Lone Elm Road, Olathe
Admission: FREE
Classic cars and Halloween come together Saturday morning at Gateway Classic Cars’ Caffeine & Chrome celebration.
Car enthusiasts are invited to bring vehicles of all makes and models, with Halloween decorations encouraged. Visitors can browse the cars, enjoy coffee and pastries while supplies last, and participate in a family-friendly trunk-or-treat atmosphere.
Costumes are encouraged but not required.
Whether you’re a serious collector or just enjoy looking at beautiful old automobiles, this is an opportunity to see some interesting vehicles without spending money on admission.
FREE HALLOWEEN BINGO AT RED CROW BREWING COMPANY
Saturday, October 31 | 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Red Crow Brewing Company, 1062 W. Santa Fe St., Olathe
Admission: FREE to play
Looking for something a little different on Halloween?
Red Crow Brewing Company is hosting a family-friendly Halloween bingo event with prizes.
Doors open for participants at 11 a.m., with bingo scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m.
The brewery recommends reserving a table in advance through Eventbrite. Guests who make reservations must also confirm the number of people attending with the organizer to keep their tables.
Food and beverages are available for purchase.
This could be a fun option for families or groups of friends who want to enjoy Halloween without spending the day at a haunted attraction.
TRICK-OR-TREAT AT BOTH OLATHE PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Saturday, October 31 | During library hours
Downtown Library, 260 E. Santa Fe St., Olathe
Indian Creek Library, 16100 W. 135th St., Olathe
Admission: FREE
Young trick-or-treaters can stop by either Olathe Public Library location on Halloween.
Both libraries will have treats available at service desks displaying Trick or Treat signs.
The event is geared toward preschool and elementary-age children and offers a simple indoor Halloween stop for families.
Children can also explore the library while they’re there.
For families wanting a daytime activity before heading into neighborhood trick-or-treating, this is an easy option close to home.
HALLOWEEN TRUNK-OR-TREAT AT TWO TRAILS PARK
Saturday, October 31 | Starting at 6 p.m.
Two Trails Park, 1000 N. Ridgeview Road, Olathe
Admission: FREE
The Truth Church is hosting a Halloween-night trunk-or-treat with decorated vehicles, candy, games, cotton candy and hot chocolate.
This year’s theme celebrates America’s 250th anniversary, with participating trunks representing different states.
Children will receive a passport they can collect stamps in as they visit the decorated vehicles.
Families are encouraged to wear costumes, and advance registration is not required.
The event is weather permitting, so check the organizer’s announcements before heading out if conditions look questionable.
LIVE THEATER: THE LION IN WINTER
Friday and Saturday, October 30-31 | 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 1 | 2 p.m.
Olathe Civic Theatre Association, 500 E. Loula St., Olathe
Admission: Ticketed
If you’re looking for entertainment that doesn’t involve Halloween, Olathe Civic Theatre Association opens its production of The Lion in Winter this weekend.
Written by James Goldman and directed by Kipp Simmons, the play follows the complicated family of England’s King Henry II as relatives compete for power and the right to inherit the throne.
It’s a combination of family drama, sharp humor and political intrigue, with plenty of scheming and arguments along the way.
The production continues on selected dates through November 15, but this weekend offers three opening performances.
AROUND JOHNSON COUNTY
HALLOWEEN PARADE AT MERRIAM COMMUNITY CENTER
Friday, October 30 | 11:15 a.m. to noon
Merriam Community Center, 6040 Slater St., Merriam
Admission: FREE
Merriam is hosting a family-friendly Halloween parade featuring costumes, candy, games and photo opportunities.
Children can dress in their favorite costumes and trick-or-treat around the community center.
The event is particularly well-suited for younger children and families who want an organized Halloween celebration during the daytime.
Parents and other family members are welcome to participate.
LAST OUTDOOR FARMERS MARKET OF THE SEASON IN LENEXA
Saturday, October 31 | 8 a.m. to noon
Lenexa Civic Campus Parking Garage, 17201 W. 87th St. Parkway
Admission: FREE
Saturday marks the final outdoor farmers market of the 2026 season in Lenexa.
Shoppers can browse locally grown produce, baked goods, meats, prepared foods, flowers and handmade products.
The final market includes live music by Folk in the Flow from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Featured artists include jewelry makers, woodworkers and creators of 3D-printed items.
Even if you aren’t planning to buy groceries, it’s an opportunity to enjoy live music, browse the vendors and support regional growers and small businesses before the outdoor season ends.
KANSAS CITY METRO HIGHLIGHTS
LIBERTY’S BEACON LIGHT SHOW AT THE NATIONAL WWI MUSEUM
Friday through Sunday, October 30-November 1 | 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
National WWI Museum and Memorial, 2 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, Missouri
Admission: FREE
One of the most visually impressive free attractions this weekend takes place at the National World War I Museum and Memorial.
Liberty’s Beacon transforms the landmark into a giant canvas using projection mapping, moving images, color and music.
The installation celebrates the museum and memorial’s 100th anniversary.
Each show lasts approximately eight to 10 minutes and repeats every 15 minutes throughout the evening, with the final presentation beginning at 10:30 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to watch from the North Lawn.
Bring a blanket, enjoy the Kansas City skyline and watch the memorial come alive with light.
HALLOWEEN TRICK-OR-TREATING AT GLOWILD
Friday and Saturday, October 30-31 | 6 to 9 p.m.
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, Missouri
Admission: Ticketed
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is adding Halloween activities to its popular GloWild lantern festival.
Families can explore large illuminated displays while collecting treats at more than 10 candy stations along the festival route.
Costumes are encouraged, and the combination of glowing lanterns and Halloween activities makes this one of the more unusual family attractions of the weekend.
The zoo’s Autumn Fest activities also conclude November 1, offering games and seasonal activities on operating days.
DARK FOREST AT POWELL GARDENS
Friday and Saturday, October 30-31
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. | Trail opens at 7 p.m.
Powell Gardens, 1609 NW U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, Missouri
Admission: Ticketed; advance purchase required
For something atmospheric and a little spooky, Powell Gardens is wrapping up its Dark Forest experience this weekend.
Created in partnership with Kansas City performance collective Quixotic, the attraction takes visitors along a one-mile woodland trail filled with theatrical performances, lighting effects, music and unexpected discoveries.
Rather than a traditional haunted house, Dark Forest combines art, nature and suspense.
The experience is intended for a PG-13 audience and is not recommended for young children.
Final trail entry is at 8:45 p.m.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be available at the door.
HALLOWEEN TRAIN RIDES IN KANSAS CITY
Saturday, October 31 | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Kansas City Northern Miniature Railroad, 6060 NW Waukomis Drive, Kansas City, Missouri
Admission: $2 per ride or 10 rides for $15
For families with younger children, the Kansas City Northern Miniature Railroad is hosting its Halloween Train celebration.
The miniature railroad will feature costumed crew members, and visitors are encouraged to dress for the occasion.
It’s a relatively inexpensive way to enjoy a Halloween outing, especially for children who love trains.
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL AT THE NELSON-ATKINS
Sunday, November 1 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St., Kansas City, Missouri
Admission: FREE
One of the standout cultural events of the weekend is the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s Día de los Muertos Festival.
The annual celebration honors loved ones who have died while highlighting the art, music and traditions of Latin American cultures.
Visitors can enjoy folkloric dance performances, live music, artist demonstrations, traditional food and hands-on art activities.
The event is appropriate for families and offers a meaningful way to learn about a cultural tradition celebrated in communities around the world.
Admission to the museum and festival is free, although advance registration is encouraged. Parking in the museum garage costs $20 for most visitors.
WORTH THE DRIVE TO LAWRENCE
HALLOWEEN TRICK-OR-TREATING ON MASSACHUSETTS STREET
Saturday, October 31 | 5 to 8 p.m.
Downtown Lawrence, Massachusetts Street
Admission: FREE
Downtown Lawrence is bringing Halloween to Massachusetts Street as participating businesses welcome costumed trick-or-treaters.
Families can stroll through the historic downtown shopping district, visit stores and collect treats.
The activity offers a different experience from traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating, with restaurants, shops and the lively atmosphere of downtown Lawrence all within walking distance.
It’s also an opportunity to make an afternoon of the trip by visiting some of the area’s independent bookstores, boutiques and restaurants.
HAUNTED HARBOR AT CLINTON LAKE
Saturday, October 31 | 1 to 3 p.m.
Clinton State Park Marina, 1329 E. 800 Road, Lawrence
Admission: FREE event; $5 state park vehicle permit required
For a Halloween event with a different setting, the marina at Clinton Lake is hosting Haunted Harbor.
Instead of simply walking from house to house, children can trick-or-treat around decorated trucks and boats.
The afternoon also includes music from a DJ and a costume contest scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
It’s a fun alternative for families who enjoy the lake and want a Halloween outing away from the usual crowded shopping centers.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR WEEKEND
With Halloween falling on Saturday, many of the weekend’s attractions will be busiest that day.
Families looking for free activities close to home have several choices, including Caffeine & Chrome, the Olathe libraries and the evening trunk-or-treat at Two Trails Park.
For adults or families seeking something different, Olathe Civic Theatre offers live entertainment, while Liberty’s Beacon provides an unusual nighttime experience at one of Kansas City’s most recognizable landmarks.
And for anyone interested in exploring local culture, Sunday’s Día de los Muertos celebration at the Nelson-Atkins offers music, dance, art and traditions that bring generations together.
Event schedules, registration requirements and ticket availability can change. Check directly with organizers before attending, particularly for outdoor attractions or events that require reservations.
Have an event Olathe Today should include in a future weekend guide? Send us the details.
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