At Overland Park Convention Center, we’re proud of our city. Overland Park doesn’t just boast the best small convention center in the country; it’s also home to a number of excellent restaurants, hotels, and attractions.
If you’re planning a wedding, conference, or trade show that spans several days, you want your guests to stay entertained. Before, after, and between activities, hosting a great event includes guiding guests to the highlights of the area, especially if they’re travelling from across the country.
Read on to learn about Overland Park and some of the many exciting and local things to do. In Overland Park, the fun doesn’t need to end when your event does.
Grab a Bite
Although our executive chef, David Ruiz, can whip up a variety of delicious food options for your attendees, they may be hungry before or after the event.
Luckily, Overland Park has a number of exceptional culinary institutions. While we can’t possibly go over all of them here, we can highlight a few of our favorites.
801 Chophouse
If your guests want a high-quality meal with the best ingredients, then we recommend 801 Chophouse. This steakhouse is less than a mile away from the Overland Park Convention Center, making it a convenient option for anyone interested in a top-shelf experience.
801 Chophouse aims to recreate the atmosphere of classic steakhouses for an unforgettable, nostalgic culinary experience. Whether your guests are interested in sampling a delicious cut of beef or a one-of-a-kind cocktail, 801 Chophouse is the perfect choice for even the most discerning steakhouse aficionados.
Jack Stack Barbecue
If you have guests coming in from out of town, then they can’t leave without trying some classic Kansas City barbecue. There are many BBQ options in the area, but few measure up to Jack Stack.
Jack Stack Barbecue is an institution in Kansas City, and for good reason. From their pulled pork mac + cheese to their beef brisket and burnt ends, you can’t go wrong.
Jack Stack Barbecue can even ship their beloved sauces across the country, so if your guests fall in love with Jack Stack’s bold flavors, they’re never too far away.
We recommend guests visit with an empty stomach and a shirt they don’t mind staining, because once they start chowing down, they won’t want to stop.
Jack Stack is also OPCC’s only outside food and beverage partner. So if you want to make sure guests get a taste of Overland Park, ask about Jack Stack for your event.
Blue Koi
Overland Park may lie in the heart of the Midwest, but our culinary scene has more to offer than steak and ribs! If your guests are looking for an authentic taste of China, they don’t have to hop on a plane; they just need to head to Blue Koi.
The first Blue Koi location opened the same year we did, in 2002. Ever since, it’s developed a devoted following from foodies in the area.
If your guests are hungry for seafood, they can try one of Blue Koi’s shrimp, scallop, or calamari dishes. They also have a variety of noodle, rice, and soup options, so everyone can find a dish they love!
Chicken N Pickle
If your guests want to get active or to burn some calories before they settle in for a meal, Chicken N Pickle is the perfect destination. We don’t have to tell you: Pickleball has taken the country by storm in recent years. So Chicken N Pickle had a brilliant idea—why not combine this sports phenomenon with a selection of beloved food items?
Of course, their namesake comes from their delicious chicken dishes, but they also offer burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, rib racks, and more. At Chicken N Pickle, guests can play a game and finish it off with a delicious meal. What’s not to love?
This is an excellent option for any conference planners who want an off-site activity for attendees. Consider Chicken N Pickle for a conference reception or team-building lunch.
Endless Entertainment in Overland Park
Overland Park and its surrounding areas feature some of the most delicious food options in the country, but that’s far from the only thing we offer! If you’re hosting a late-night event and you want to recommend some activities for your guests to enjoy while they wait for the festivities to begin, you can choose from practically endless entertainment options.
Whether your guests would like to soak in some culture or take part in some high-speed fun, we have the recommendations you need for the most entertaining things to do in Overland Park.
Topgolf
Perfect for golf pros and novices alike, Topgolf provides a luxury sports experience right in Overland Park. Guests won’t have to worry about expensive course fees or dragging a bag of clubs around—Topgolf is a plug and play experience.
All guests need to do is make a reservation and let Topgolf take care of the rest.
High above Overland Park, Topgolf allows players to practice their drives while sipping on cocktails and soft drinks. They also offer some delicious food options, like flatbread pizza and mini donuts. This is the perfect all-ages attraction for families looking for fun things to do in Overland Park.
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Maybe your guests are looking to embrace their wild side. OPCC may be in the middle of a city, but guests can still experience the joys of nature at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. With over 1700 animals to see, guests can get a glimpse into the beauty of all 7 continents—right here in Kansas City.
There are also a variety of events, rides, and shows to enjoy during a visit to the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, so whether guests need to kill just a few hours or want to spend their entire day, this ideal destination offers flexibility.
Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
If guests are looking for things to do in Overland Park, they may enjoy something a little more refined. They can immerse themselves in some culture at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art.
Overland Park and Kansas City have a variety of beautiful museums, but Nerman stands out as a destination for contemporary art.
Nerman makes an excellent choice for anyone interested in learning about up-and-coming artists on the scene. Visitors can view over 400 permanent installations at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, so guests can easily spend an entire day exploring and learning.
Overland Park Farmers Market
When deciding between the many things to do in Overland Park, why not choose something that really highlights the community itself?
The Overland Park Farmers Market brings together farmers and vendors from all over the area.
The Overland Park (OP) Farmers Market has received prestigious awards, including being named the “Best Farmers Market in the Nation” in 2022 and the “Best Farmers Market in the State of Kansas” by Tripping.com and Cooking Light Magazine in 2016
Not only do they offer seasonal fruit, vegetables, and produce of the highest quality, but attendees can also find fresh staple items, like jams, honey, and cooking oils.
These make perfect souvenirs for any guest looking to bring back a memory from their time in Overland Park. When guests visit the Overland Park Farmers Market, they can learn a bit more about our community…and grab a snack while they do.
We have a special connection to the OP Farmers Market. Chef David Ruiz works with them directly, so he can bring fresh, local food to every plate at OPCC.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
Are your guests looking for an experience that’s a little more high-octane? Consider the brand new Andretti Indoor Karting & Games! This indoor entertainment center, opening November 12th, offers some of the most exciting things to do in Overland Park.
Boasting 84,000 square feet of fun, Andretti has virtual reality experiences, bowling, and a 2-story laser tag arena. But the real star of the show is the kart racing. Guests can race their friends on electric karts, zooming over a multi-story track.
By the time their heart-pounding experience at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games is complete, your guests may just need a nap! Fortunately, there are plenty of lodging options in Overland Park.
A Place to Rest Your Head
With so many exciting things to do in Overland Park, your guests will need a place to put their feet up after it’s all said and done.
With plenty of incredible accommodations in the area, guests can rest up after a busy day or get ready for your upcoming event at one of these excellent hotels.
Sheraton Hotel
If you’re looking for a hotel close to the event center to recommend to your guests, you can’t get closer than the Sheraton Hotel.
The Sheraton is actually attached to our event center. In Kansas City and Overland Park, there are plenty of excellent hotels, but only one shares a building with OPCC.
But the Sheraton’s proximity isn’t the only advantage. This luxurious hotel provides a relaxing atmosphere perfect for recharging after a long day.
Hilton Garden Inn
The Hilton Garden Inn is another close accommodation option. Within a few short steps of OPCC, the Hilton Garden Inn has free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, and a fitness center, making it an ideal choice for guests who want to catch up on work or stay active once they get back to their hotel.
Courtyard Marriott
The Courtyard Marriott is also adjacent to our convention center. This pet-friendly hotel offers a variety of amenities, like onsite laundry, and even a barber for last-minute touch-ups. And because it’s just a short walk from OPCC, guests won’t have to worry about running late to your event.
Plan Your Next Event in Overland Park
If your guests are coming in from out of town, show them what makes Overland Park a true entertainment destination.
To learn more about all the fun things to do in Overland Park, take a look at our Eat Play Stay page. This has more information about the dining, lodging, and entertainment options around Overland Park.
To get started planning your event at the best event venue in Kansas City, contact our team or receive a free estimate online.
