De Soto Days Festival returns to downtown De Soto through Sept. 7, with a parade, carnival, fireworks and free admission.

The five-day celebration, which the Johnson County Post called "the largest ongoing event in the community since 1964," draws more than 10,000 people each year, according to the festival's sponsorship page. A volunteer team organizes the entire event.

This year's parade carries an Americana theme. The lineup also includes a car show, a 5K-9 Family Run and entertainers such as Mr. Stinky Feet and Olathe Dance.

Friday night's highlight is a fireworks show. The city of De Soto partnered with the festival to bring a rescheduled Fourth of July fireworks display at 9:45 p.m. Fireworks launch from Riverfest Park, but the park will be closed to spectators. The city advised finding a viewing spot downtown at the festival grounds.

A heat advisory is in effect through Sept. 5. Olathe opened a cooling center on Sept. 3 for anyone needing relief.

Lenexa Public Market: live music Friday

The Lenexa Public Market's Friday Night Sound Bites series runs Sept. 4 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at 8750 Penrose Lane. Local band Vinyl Revival takes the Lower Commons stage at 7 p.m.

Food is available from Public Market merchants and guest food truck Original Big Momma's. Admission is free.

Native Plant Sale Saturday

The Lenexa Farmers Market hosts a Native Plant Sale on Sept. 5 from 8 a.m. to noon at the civic campus parking garage, 17201 W. 87th St. Pkwy.

Vendors include Parsons' Gardens, an Olathe-based grower of native trees, shrubs and perennials, and Tallgrass Nursery out of Spring Hill. City Roots Nursery from Kansas City, Mo., rounds out the vendor list. Shoppers can browse native grasses, flowers and landscaping plants.

The farmers market accepts SNAP benefits and participates in a Double Up Food Bucks match program.

Weekend calendar

  • Through Monday, Sept. 7: De Soto Days Festival, downtown De Soto. Free admission. Full schedule at desotodays.com.
  • Friday, Sept. 4, 5:30–10 p.m.: Friday Night Sound Bites, Lenexa Public Market, 8750 Penrose Lane. Free.
  • Friday, Sept. 4, 9:45 p.m.: De Soto Days fireworks (view from downtown De Soto; Riverfest Park closed).
  • Saturday, Sept. 5, 8 a.m.–noon: Native Plant Sale, Lenexa Farmers Market, 17201 W. 87th St. Pkwy.