Things To Do In Overland Park Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of summer, but it’s also a time to pause, reflect, and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
It’s the perfect time to cool off at local pools and splash pads, explore holiday weekend happenings around town, and and take time to reflect at memorials around the region.
Remembering Our Heroes
Korean War Veterans Memorial
More than 1.5 million U.S. service members served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. The Korean War Veterans Memorial honors their service and sacrifice in what has often been called America’s “forgotten war."
The memorial’s backdrop features 30 granite panels engraved with Korean War statistics, a Purple Heart dedication panel, and plaques representing each of the five military service branches. Eight of those panels include the names of 415 Kansas soldiers who lost their lives in the war.
As you enter the memorial, you’ll pass standing formations and rocks that represent the rugged terrain of the Korean landscape. At the center of the memorial stands Remembering, a bronze statue by Charles Goslin that depicts a soldier in the Vietnam War.
A visit to the Korean War Veterans Memorial offers a quiet moment to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and lasting legacy of those who served.
9/11 Memorial
While Memorial Day is dedicated to honoring military members who gave their lives in service, the Overland Park 9/11 Memorial offers another meaningful place for reflection.
The memorial honors the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and serves as a reminder of the courage shown by first responders, service members, and communities in the days that followed.
A 14-foot piece of steel from Ground Zero stands at the memorial, alongside a victim’s panel listing the names of those who died and a weeping wall fountain representing those who survived.
As you walk to the memorial, you’ll step across a piece of granite recovered from the World Trade Center after the attacks.
National WWI Museum And Memorial
Nearby in Kansas City, the National World War 1 Museum and Memorial is especially worth the visit on Memorial Day weekend.
Step inside and the artfully displayed sea of red poppies guide you into the main exhibition space, opening your eyes to the bloodshed and heroism that was displayed between 1914 and 1919.
From there you can view the vast collection of artifacts, step into a makeshift bunker and learn all about how the United States rose into the center stage.
Once outside, ride up to the top of the Liberty Memorial for a gorgeous 360 degree view of downtown Kansas City.
Veterans and active duty military personnel (and their spouses and dependents) receive free admission to the Museum with ID. For the general public, admission is half price from May 22 to May 25, 2026.
Celebrating the Start of Summer
Prairiefire Summer Music Series
Kick off the weekend at Prairiefire with a free concert on Thursday, May 21 from 7:00 to 10:00 PM.
Flashback KC will be taking the stage at the first Summer Music Series of the summer and singing everything from classic rock and roll to upbeat pop music.
Take in the music while you enjoy some of the best food and patios in Overland Park.
Plus, this is an open consumption event meaning you can walk around the block with your drink. The best part? The concert is completely free!
Public Pools & Splash Pads
Now that the summer sunshine is here to stay, Overland Park's public pools will open on Sunday, May 24, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Young's Pool, Tomahawk Ridge Aquatic Center and Stonegate Pool will all be open and ready for you to dive on in!
Not ready to get in the water? Check out the splash pads at Thompson Park, Roe Park and Sapling Grove Park and cool off with little ones!
Overland Park Farmers' Market
This season, the Overland Park Farmers Market is temporarily being held at Matt Ross Community Center while construction is completed at Clock Tower Landing.
During Memorial Day Weekend, shoppers can find farm-fresh produce, local goods, and specialty items at Matt Ross Community Center on Saturday, May 23 from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
The market’s new Downtown Overland Park location is scheduled to open June 6, offering an enhanced market experience and a new gathering space for the community.
Worlds Of Fun
Looking to add some adrenaline to your weekend plans? Head to Worlds of Fun!
This iconic amusement park offers a globe-trotting experience with thrilling rides and attractions.
For those seeking aquatic thrills, Oceans of Fun, the adjacent water park included with admission, opens for the season on Saturday, May 23.
It's the perfect spot to cool off with wave pools, slides, and splash zones.
By spending Memorial Day weekend in Overland Park, you have the chance to remember your heroes and enjoy the first taste of summer... all in one unforgettable weekend.
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