What’s Happening This Week in Wichita (Sept. 19-24)

Searching for ideas on what to do in Wichita this week or what’s ahead? We got you covered with What’s Happening This Week In Wichita.

What’s Happening This Week In Wichita is made possible by the Wichita Event Calendar

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FEATURED EVENTS

■ Crave Culinary Festival | September 19-23
Where: Mark Arts
This five-day festival features an artistic fusion of food and friends benefiting Mark Arts. A variety of culinary and libation workshops will be held Tuesday through Friday evenings featuring local and national culinary experts. The festival culminates on Saturday, Sept. 23 with a Foodie Fair where guests can enjoy a keynote talk by food blogger Wichita by EB and sample food from local chefs and restaurants.

■ Drone Light Festival | September 21-23
Where: Exploration Place
Wichita’s drone light show returns as a festival to Exploration Place on September 21-23, 2023! The festival will provide breathtaking views of 300 synchronized drones (100 more than last year!), fully choreographed with music. We are planning some exciting enhancements to the experience, including new custom drone formations, floating Chinese water lanterns, projections on the Exploration Place buildings and a concert lit by more than 2,000 candles.

BEST THINGS TO DO

■ NewSpring in the Park | September 19
Where: Capitol Federal Amphitheater
Gather with us at the Capitol Federal Amphitheater in Andover Central Park for this free outdoor event! Family fun starts at 5 p.m. with Chick-fil-A and food trucks, a petting zoo, face-painting, carriage and wagon rides, and more. Then at 6:30 p.m., our concert featuring NewSpring Kansas Worship begins. A drone show will follow at 8:15.

■ 1 Million Cups | September 20
Where: Groover Labs
1 Million Cups is a free, weekly national program designed to educate, engage, and connect entrepreneurs. Every Wednesday morning at 8:45 a.m., one or two early-stage startups present their companies to a diverse audience of their peers, mentors, educators, and advisors.

■ Paws on the Patio: Beauties and Beasts Fun-raiser | September 20
Where: Tor Brewing
So many pets are being surrendered, causing havoc at our local shelter. Join us to help raise money for Beauties and Beasts, so they can save more Death Row animals from the shelter and place them in foster homes that will provide them the love and care they need to become happy, healthy, adoptable animals. We’re taking it outside to the patio so we can play with the foster puppies and dogs and create a dog paw art project to take home. This event is all about the Beauty and Beasts fosters. We request that you leave your pet at home.

■ Billy Wayne Davis Live | September 20
Where: Vorshay’s Cocktail Lounge
Billy Wayne Davis is a stand-up, writer, & actor who has performed in 41 states, 4 countries and Texas. He has appeared on Conan, Last Comic Standing, WTF w/Marc Maron, voiced characters on Adult Swim’s SquidBillies, hosted a documentary for CMT, opened for Sturgill Simpson’s Living the Dream Tour, and released 2 comedy albums, “Billy Wayne Davis” & “Billy Wayne Davis: Live at Third Man Records.”

■ Open Mic Comedy Night | September 20
Where: Mulligan’s Pub
Ready to laugh the night away? Come on down to Open Mic Comedy Night and get ready to have a good time! Sign up in person or online! Check in by 7:45pm, and the show starts at 8pm. We welcome comedians of all skill levels, so come out, show off your skills, and get ready for a hilarious night! No cover – what are you waiting for?

■ Maize Farm & Art Market | September 21
Where: Clair Donnelly Amphitheater
We have an incredible lineup of vendors offering a wide variety of fresh produce, yummy refreshments, fine art, handcrafted items for your home, jewelry, and much, much more! This is a gathering of community where folks can shop, support other locals, and have a great time. Don’t forget to invite your friends, family, and neighbors…it’s going to be so much fun!

■ Wichita Business Expo | September 21
Where: Century II
Wichita Business Expo is the region’s premier business-to-business trade show and networking event held each September. Expo demonstrates the Chamber’s commitment to supporting local businesses and the overall economic development of the community. Exhibitors will gain visibility and brand awareness, connect with the community and support the Chamber. Booth registration now open – visit the event link for pricing and details. Visiting the Expo on Sept 21? Show attendance is free for business professionals.

■ September Third Thursday | September 21
Where: Warren Riverview Park
The City of Derby invites you to Third Thursday on September 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Madison Avenue Central Park! Enjoy art, music, food trucks and more. Be sure to stop by our other participating locations this month including the Derby Public Library, the Derby Historical Museum, First Man Brewery and the Hubbard Arts Center.

■ 2023 Anniversary Film Series | September 21
Where: Orpheum Theatre
Join us on Thursdays for our monthly Anniversary Film Series events as we celebrate the love of classic film and the big screen experience.

■ Power of Love: A Musical Tribute to Luther Vandross | September 21
Where: Odd Fellow Hall
Marlo Enterprises Presents The Power of Love: A Luther Vandross Tribute Show Five local musicians collaborating together to celebrate the sounds and memories of “The Voice” Luther Vandross. With love being his religion and his music expressing romanticism, this live music tribute will include 2 – 45 minute sets, Odd Fellow’s in house chef will cultivate a full menu based around this entertainers life, 2 bars will serve specialty themed cocktails as well as a full line of wine and spirits, tables and lounge sets dressed in candlelight will provide a comfortable and romantic aesthetic for your viewing pleasure.

■ Vine | September 22
Where: Botanica
You’re Invited to join us for our 25th Anniversary Vine event at Botanica. Walk around the main stage VIP upper meadow sampling high-end drinks and great wines while enjoying gourmet festival themed foods. This space will then become a VIP concert seating lounge for you and your friends to mix and mingle while enjoying Logan Mize on the main stage listening to good music and enjoying the vibe!

■ Brett Kreischer Live | September 22
Where: Intrust Bank Arena
A rare and incredible talent” (Interrobang) whose “success isn’t a surprise” (Variety), Bert Kreischer has become an award-winning entertainment juggernaut and a master of virtually every medium he tackles: standup comedy, TV, podcasts, a memoir and album, and soon his first feature film. He was Pollstar’s #1 2020 standup touring artist in the midst of a global pandemic, selling out arenas and the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and earning Pollstar’s Damn The Torpedoes: 2020-2021 Touring Artist award. Followed soon after by Variety’s 2021 Creative Impact in Comedy award.

■ Ancient Aliens LIVE: Project Earth | September 22
Where: The Cotillion
Ancient Aliens LIVE: Project Earth is an experiential extension of Ancient Aliens that explores the theory that extraterrestrials have visited Earth for millions of years. The ninety-minute live experience celebrates the long-running program Ancient Aliens on The HISTORY Channel and features leading Ancient Astronaut theorist Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, investigative mythologist William Henry, aerospace engineer and intelligence expert Travis Taylor, UFO investigator Nick Pope, and real-life Indiana Jones, David Childress, as they discuss thought-provoking extraterrestrial theories on fan-favorite topics from Ancient Egypt to the moon, paving the long road to Disclosure.

■ Flying Monkey Con 2023 | September 22-24
Where: Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview
For those that are curious about tabletop gaming – the event is free! A variety of vendors will be present. This is a great opportunity to learn about tabletop gaming! For competitors – Expect some fun as we are expecting high caliber play taking place. Competitive gaming includes Warhammer 40K, Age of Sigmar, Blood Bowl and Marvel Crisis Protocol.

■ 61st Annual Valley Center Fall Festival | September 22-24
Where: Valley Center
WEEE Entertainment Ride-A-Rama, Craft Vendors on Main Street, Food Court, Beer Garden, Saturday Morning Parade, Live Bands & Much More!

■ Adult Skate Night | September 22
Where: Carousel Skate Center
Join us for Adult Night every Friday! Must be 21 with a Valid ID. $10 Cover (skates included). Beer & mixed drinks available. Check out our feature at what to expect here.

■ Improv Show at Flying Pig Improv | September 22-23
Where: Flying Pig Improv
September is FULL of fun / funny / unexpected / one-of-a-kind improv shows at Flying Pig Improv!

■ Brincos Dieras Live | September 22
Where: Orpheum Theatre
Because you asked for it.. The most irreverent clown in all of Mexico and the United States is BACK to Kansas, BRINCO DIERAS! The Brincos Dieras clown show for the first time in this great venue accompanied by Tito El Ranchero who with his sympathy and spontaneity has captivated the public. And El Chulo with endless anecdotes and jokes. We call this event Elite Comedy Fest, which is guaranteed by Elite Entertainment. Since you won’t miss the laughs… YOU CAN’T MISS IT!!

■ Parkrun at Exploration Place | September 23
Where: Exploration Place
Join in on a free, fun and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it’s up to you! Exploration Place parkruns are fun, free events organized by volunteers for the benefit of everyone. Join us on Festival Plaza (park at Exploration Place and then follow the signs). The path goes along the river, over the Keeper bridge and back to the museum. We highly encourage all levels of walkers and runners. parkrun is for everyone!!

■ Junk in the Trunks Annual Outdoor Market | September 23
Where: Junk in the Trunk Emporium Antiques
Our Annual Market! Lots of Booths! Ranging from Antiques, Vintage, Decor, Clothing, Jewelry, Crafts, and hand mades, and lots more!! No admission for shopping. Please share with your friends! The bigger party, the better!!

■ Fall Fest Outdoor Market & Craft Fair | September 23
Where: Derby Middle School
Derby North Middle School will host its Fall Fest Outdoor Market and Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 23 in the school parking lot. Currently, nearly 40 vendors representing a wide variety of products are signed up to participate. Suggested $1 donation to enter the market. Funds go to supporting DNMS Student Council.

■ Girls Day at GROW | September 23
Where: GROW
Grab your best gal pals to have the ultimate girls day with us at GROW on Saturday, September 23rd! Shop new arrivals with Yahya Aura, Fashionably Great, & GROW, grab a delish lunch with Roxie’s on the River, and sip on some incredible mock/cocktails or coffee at Botanic. Roxie’s on the River has the yummiest Mexican food and treats like cinnamon rolls so be sure to come hungry! Fashionably Great & Yahya Aura are going to have new arrivals & some special sales as well.

■ Kansas Grown! Farmers Market | September 23
Where: 21st & Ridge Road
Enjoy over 100 local vendors supplying the market with delicious fruits, vegetables, meats, farm fresh eggs, hand harvested honey, baked goods, jams, jellies, salsas, fresh cut flowers, pet treats, unique artisan crafts, and more. Experience a true taste of local visiting with friendly growers, producers and artisans. Live music, cooking demonstrations, sample tastings, food trucks and local favorite Troubles the Clown are just some of the many features to see at our farmers’ market!

■ Old Town Farm & Art Market | September 23
Where: 835 E. 1st St.
Weekly destination for thousands of area residents and a must-see for visitors to the city. Wichita’s downtown Farm & Art Market since 1991! – Food, Arts, Artisan Goods, Live Music, Street Entertainers, and so much more.

■ Hispanic Heritage Festival | September 23
Where: Lincoln Park

■ Oktoberfest at the Gnome | September 23
Where: Hopping Gnome Brewing Co.
Hosting our first Oktoberfest event at the Gnew Gnome! We’ll be tapping the Oktoberfest and lots more activities all day long!

■ Tack Fall Flute Festival | September 23
Where: Wichita Northwest High School
Flutists of all ages & abilities welcome. Including band directors, doublers and music ed majors.

■ Kechi Kite Festival | September 23
Where: Field on South Anderson (Kechi)
Kechi Chamber of Commerce will host the Kechi Kite Festival. Admission is free. Wings of the Wind Kites and Toys will have kites available to use and for sale.

■ Delta Steak Feed | September 23
Where: OutWest Bar & Grill
Grab your plates and silverware then head to OutWest. We’re excited to work with the Wichita Chapter of Delta Waterfowl to host the 2023 Steak Feed. Fill your belly then enjoy live music from OutWest’s favorite cowboy!

■ Gathering at the Gazebo & Art Walk | September 23
Where: W.W. Hay Village Historic Park
Join us at Gathering at the Gazebo and Art Walk on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 4:30 – 8:30 PM at W.W. Hays Village Historic Park at 200 S. Main St., Haysville, KS. Get ready for a fun evening of music, art, authors, and wine (samples & and purchasing available) from Wyldewood Cellars Winery, food trucks, and kid’s chalk art!

■ The Artichoke’s 41st Annual Fish Fry | September 23
Where: Artichoke Sandwich Bar
The Artichoke’s 41st Annual Fish Fry is on! At 5 p.m. we’ll be serving up our delicious fish dinner with live outdoor entertainment. Bring a lawn chair, we can’t wait to see all of our favorite people! $5 cover includes fish fry* & entertainment!

■ The Dinner Detective Wichita | September 23
Where: Wichita Marriott
The Dinner Detective, is America’s largest interactive murder mystery comedy dinner show! The Dinner Detective Wichita will offer a unique entertainment experience that will immerse you in a world of mystery, where everyone is a potential suspect and an active participant in solving the crime. Solve a hilarious and engaging mystery while you feast on a fantastic dinner. Just beware! The killer is hiding somewhere in the room, and you may find yourself as a Prime Suspect! Our show is very different from traditional murder mystery dinner shows. We will hide non-costumed actors in the audience that are pretending to be part of the crowd. This results in a much more social and interactive evening than with other shows. The show combines one of our captivating storylines with improvisational comedy, keeping you engaged and on your toes throughout the entire event. From the moment you arrive, you will become part of the action, interacting with a talented cast of actors hidden amongst the guests, searching for clues, and unraveling the intricate web of a thrilling whodunit.

■ Ballet In the Park: “Thumbelina, A Fairy’s Tale” | September 23
Where: Capitol Federal Amphitheater

■ NHL Preseason Game – Blues vs Coyotes | September 23
Where: Intrust Bank Arena
The National Hockey League is returning to Wichita. Come watch the St Louis Blues take on the Arizona Coyotes at INTRUST Bank Arena. Tickets starting at $10.

■ 6th Annual Movie at the Farm | September 23
Where: Klausmeyer Farm and Pumpkin Patch
Our Annual FREE Movie Night at the Farm Event FEATURING: HOCUS POCUS! Gates open at 7:00pm movie starts at 8:00pm! Plenty of time to grab our farm favorite KETTLE CORN and enjoy a movie on our lawn at the farm. We have plenty of outdoor space!

■ Show & Shine | September 24
Where: Central Riverside Park
It’s that time again! The Riversiders Car Group weekly show and shine @ Central Riverside Park. It’ll be at the crossroads of Nims and Murdock across from the parking lot. Bring your lawn chairs and come on down to show off your ride and hangout with other casual car enthusiasts. Hope to see you there!

■ Midwest Super Show | September 24
Where: Century II
Car Show with some beautiful classic cars, trucks, motorcycles from across the country. come check out some of the unique vendors that will be there.

■ Fall Blues Crawl | September 24
Where: The Brickyard | Industry | Morts | Barleycorns
Join us for our Fall Blues Crawl to celebrate our 40th anniversary! Doors open at 3, the bands start at 4. Crawl with us and be entertained by the best live musicians.

View All Events On Our Calendar

September Happy Hours and Restaurant Specials

AROUND THE CORNER

■ Greater Andover Days 2023 | September 28 – October 1
Where: Andover Central Park
Greater Andover Days is held in Andover on September 28 – October 1. Join us for food trucks, live entertainment, children’s activities, yard games, car show, jeep night, art show, corn hole tournament, golf tournament, bingo, pickleball tournament. parade, fireworks, and the list goes on! Buttons and wristbands are on sale now – September 28 for $3 at a variety of locations including Andover Public Library, Andover City Hall, South Central Mental Health, Dillons in Andover, Andover State Bank, Andover Area Chamber of Commerce, K. Westphal Jewelers, Andover Senior Center. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Andover Senior Center.

LIVE MUSIC

Visit this week and the schedule for the weeks ahead at our Live Music Calendar.

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PERFORMING ARTS

Century II Performing Arts Center
■ September 19-24 | SIX: The Musical
■ October 7 | Leanne Morgan
■ October 12 | Wichita Wurlitzer Phantom of the Opera
■ October 14 | Beth Leavel

Crown Uptown Theatre
■ September 30 | Gunhild Carling with Big Band

Kechi Playhouse
■ Snow Night | September 8 – October 1

Mosley Street Melodrama
■ Nightmare on Mosley Street | September 15 – October 28

Prairie Pines Playhouse
■ Holiday Show 2023! | November 17 – December 23

Roxy’s Downtown
■ September 15 – November 4 | The Golden Girls

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FOOD TRUCKS

Did you know the food truck schedule is back? Check out this weekend’s list of food trucks right here!

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