Searching for ideas on what to do in Wichita this weekend? Looking to plan ahead for something in the future? We got you covered with the Best Things Happening This Weekend In Wichita.
What’s Happening This Weekend In Wichita is made possible by the Wichita Event Calendar 
FEATURED EVENTS
■ Holiday Galleria | Oct. 6-7
Where: Century II
Holiday Galleria: A Day of Shopping, A Year of Giving is Junior League of Wichita’s annual upscale shopping event featuring more than 120 regional and national merchants. The 18th annual Holiday Galleria is scheduled for October 5-7, 2023, at Century II Expo Hall in downtown Wichita, Kansas. The objective of Holiday Galleria is to raise funds to fulfill Junior League of Wichita’s goal of building a better community. We would like to thank the sponsors, both past and present, who helped us to raise net proceeds of more than $1.7 million in our first 17 years.
■ Vietnamese Fall Festival | Oct. 6-7
Where: All Saints Catholic Church
please Join with us for an unforgettable experience at the Vietnamese Fall Festival happening this Friday and Saturday at All Saint Church! With over 120 delectable Vietnamese food, snacks and drink options to indulge in, and more than 40 local vendors, this event promises to be a gastronomic delight. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere filled with live music, karaoke, mesmerizing dragon dance performances, and even a thrilling firecracker display. Not to mention, we will be giving away exciting gifts and cash prizes during the concert night event on Saturday!
BEST THINGS TO DO
■ The Popcorner Is Turning 9! | Oct. 6-7
Where: The Popcorner East & West
Celebrate 9 years with us October 6-7, with some amazing specials! 9c paper To-Go snack bags of Classic White or Lite & White with any purchase of $9 or more (limit 2, regularly priced $2.29) $9 Large bags of flavored Gourmet Popcorn (limit 5, regularly priced $9.99-11.99) $9 Party Snack Packs filled with festive mini versions of some of our best-selling old-fashioned treats (limit 5, an $11.99 value) POP in this week to take advantage of these deals and look for a social media giveaway!
■ The Tallgrass Film Fest | Oct. 6-8
Where: The Tallgrass Film Association
It’s the biggest film festival in Kansas, bringing together writers, directors, filmmakers, actors and engaged audiences while showcasing the best local, regional, national and international independent films.
■ Prost Oktoberfest 2023 | Oct. 6-7
Where: Prost
It is about to be that time of year again!! Mark your calendars for this October for our annual Authentic German Oktoberfest! Dancing, Imported German Fest Bier, and festival German Food!
■ Halloween Hall Kickoff | Oct. 6
Where: Exploration Place
Special exhibit: Interactive Games with a Halloween Twist Get ready for a spook-tacular mix of tech-tastic activities that don’t rely on hocus-pocus to bring the magic and fun! This pop-up exhibit is filled with hands-on games where pixels meet pumpkins and Halloween becomes an active experience your kids will be raving about until well after the last jack-o-lantern goes dim. It’s time to get your ‘boo’-ty in motion on the game floor! Halloween Hall is included in museum admission
■ Vintage Shopping Weekend! | Oct. 6-8
Where: Hunt & Gather Vintage Market
Join us for our once-a-month vintage shopping event. We reset and restock our almost 5000 sq. ft. warehouse each month so there is always something new to look forward to! Many one of a kind vintage items with a little new sprinkled in so there is something for everyone! Our group of talented vendors, artists, and makers create a unique shopping experience unlike anything else in town. Come see what everyone is talking about!
■ Jack-o-lantern Spectacular | Oct. 6-7
Where: Botanica
Celebrate the spooky season at Botanica’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular! Join us the first two weekends of October to marvel at over 1,000 Jack-o-lanterns carved by volunteer groups in the Wichita community. Each evening, family and friends will be captivated by talented aerial acrobatics and have their pulse race during the Haunted Woodland Walk. DJ Carbon will keep the beats pumping and food trucks will be available for an evening snack. Kids will enjoy a petting zoo, carousel rides and so much more at this family-friendly event. Ranging from spooky to fun, everyone will find something to enjoy!
■ Adult Skate Night | Oct. 6
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.
■ Wichita COOP Grand Opening | Oct. 7
Where: The COOP Wichita
Celebrate the grand opening of our 2ND LOCATION with us! We’ll have ELROI Food Truck, yard games, karaoke, prize drawings, and you can shop our wide variety of local goods and enjoy some fantastic coffee, boba and other fun drinks
■ 38th Annual SEAS Fall Bazaar | Oct. 7
Where: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church (and school) is filled to the brim with craft vendors of all kinds, raffles, baked goods, and marvelous bierocks, cherry crumble, and chicken soup for here OR to-go. Get there EARLY to avoid parking miles away and missing out on bierocks – they go fast! This isn’t MY event per say, but I attend this parish, volunteer with the event, and would love more exposure for it. I also think you’d enjoy yourself – bring the kiddos!
■ Woofstock | Oct. 7
Where: Sedgwick County Park
Come to the BIGGEST DOG FESTIVAL IN THE MIDWEST and give your dog the BEST DAY EVER!! We’ll have so many activities and goodies at Woofstock, like the Woof Walk & Breakfast (provided by IHOP), live music from Tequila Ridge and Dangie Music, a costume contest with prizes, agility & lure courses, a beer garden, the Dog Daze Bakery with treats for people & pets, a photo booth, vendor booths, and SO MUCH MORE! We’ll also have our Online Auction and a Pet Photo Contest (which is free to enter!)
■ Crafts, Planes, and Automobiles | Oct. 7
Where: Westport Airport
Craft fair, Car Show and Fly In all in one! Hot Dogs and Hamburgers available for a donation. Registration for the car show is free, however, donations are always appreciated. All proceeds go towards the continuing maintenance and restoration of historic aircraft.
■ El Gusto 1 Year Celebration | Oct. 7
Where: Nomar International Market
El Gusto has the pleasure of inviting you to our 1 Year Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 7. Mariachi Arraigo of American from Dallas, TX will be accompanying us from 4pm to 5pm at Nomar Fiesta. Please join us as we celebrate with cake and a beautiful performance you do not want to miss.
■ Public’s 11th Birthday! | Oct. 7
Where: Public at the Brickyard
11th Anniversary Celebration! Join us in celebrating our 11th year with Oktoberfest beers, music throughout the day and a late night party.
■ Nacho Mama’s Grand Opening | Oct. 7
Where: Nacho Mama’s
Join us for our Grand Opening filled with food, music and family this Saturday. Mariachi Los Reyes will be playing for 1130 to 1pm to kick off the festivities! See you at 11th and Bitting!
■ Nomar Fiesta | Oct. 7
Where: Nomar International Market
Come one, come all! This year Empower does not hold back for our 2nd annual Nomar Fiesta. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of our local Hispanic community. Here’s what to expect this year at the fiesta of the year! All of our local vendors will be serving up a variety of delicious Hispanic foods that will entice your taste buds. From tacos and burritos to empanadas and churros, there will be something mouthwatering for everyone! The all-day music entertainment will feature local Hispanic musicians who will be playing a variety of genres, including salsa, bachata, tropical rhythms, norteñas, y cumbias. Get ready to dance the day – and night – away! This year we’re adding a special spot for kiddos! Our kid’s corner will have plenty of fun activities to keep your little ones entertained, including art activities and games. If you’re a car enthusiast, be sure to check out the car show and show off your North End pride. We’ll have a variety of classic and modern cars on display.
■ BooFest | Oct. 7
Where: Exploration Place
Join us for a family-friendly party that embraces the fun and silly side of Halloween. Challenge your friends to interactive games in the Halloween Hall exhibit, trick or treat throughout the museum, take a spin around an old fashioned cupcake walk, cool off with a scoop of ice cream chilled by liquid nitrogen, breathe smoke like a dragon and be the star of kid karaoke in Kemper theater. Wear your costumes and invite your friends – BooFest is going to be a blast!
■ Pumpkins at the Park | Oct. 7
Where: Tanganyika Wildlife Park
We’re back with Pumpkins at the Park! That’s right – Pumpkins at the Park, Wichita’s largest Halloween event, returns this year for a spooky good time for the entire family EVERY Saturday in October, 6pm – 10pm! The nights in October are the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th.
■ Kansas Grown! Farmers Market | Oct. 7
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 | Oct. 7
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.
■ The Dinner Detective | Oct. 7
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.
■ 2023 Beautiful Minds Gala | Oct. 7
Where: Mark Arts
Get your tickets for the premier event to support mental health throughout the south central Kansas region! Amazing live auction, great food, awesome venue, and a cause that touches us all. Don’t miss out!
■ Daddies & Daughters & Dinosaurs | Oct. 7
Where: Field Station: Dinosaurs
We’re tossing out traditional Dad/Daughter events held in stuffy gyms and banquet halls and hosting the #1 prehistoric promenade this side of the Hell Creek Formation! Create memories by celebrating with science, fun activities, a desert bar, gift bags, and more! *This event is intended as a fun, exclusive event for Dads and their Daughters, but the modern family may vary and we welcome it. Moms, Dads, Grandpa, Grandma, Aunts, Uncles, Brothers, Sisters and even Sons are welcome to attend this event.
■ Leanne Morgan Live | Oct. 7
Where: Century II
The enthusiasm for Leanne continues to grow unabated. Morgan has sold out the first leg of her ‘Just Getting Started Tour’, with over 50,000 tickets sold and counting. In addition, her new special, Leanne Morgan: I’m Every Woman, placed in the Top 10 shows on Netflix within the first week after the special’s debut. Her fans were recently out in full force in her hometown of Knoxville, TN where she performed two sold-out arena shows with over 11,000 tickets sold. This is followed up by a sold-out show in Nashville, TN at the iconic Grand Ole Opry.
■ Shocker Madness | Oct. 7
Where: Charles Koch Arena
Fans are invited to a free evening of fun at Charles Koch Arena featuring a sneak preview of the WSU men’s and women’s basketball team and a performance by hip-hop artist Tech N9ne. The event will also include announcements for individual Shocktoberfest awards and the winning team over the overall trophy.
■ Sunday Funday Pop Up | Oct. 8
Where: Central Standard Brewing
Come Sunday Funday with us for our 7th(!) pop up and as we say goodbye to summer and welcome fall for a block and park party at Central Standard Brewing! We’re closing down the street in front, expanding into the park and taking over part of the patio to make room for all of our amazing vendors this season. We’ll have four DJs for back to back sets to keep the vibes high, delicious homemade sweets, homemade and hand rolled taquitos with vegan options for your savory, handmade and curated goods from local and regional vendors for you to shop, AND $5 sangrias all day, award winning beer, aqua fresca and local coffee for you to sip! Can’t wait to see you.
■ Drag Brunch | Oct. 8
Where: Roxy’s Downtown
Join Divinity Masters and her guests the 2nd Sunday of each month for a feast of fabulous food, frivolous frolicking, and fantastic entertainment. Sundays are not a “drag” around Roxy’s with this lady and her guests in the house. Your admission price includes your brunch item, a $3 waitstaff tip for food, taxes and ticket fee for the performance.
■ Rock’s Dugout Sportscards and Memorabilia Show | Oct. 8
Where: Northrock Lanes
Over 50 tables of dealers selling ,buying and displaying sports cards and sports memorabilia.
■ Prairie Fire Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, and Friendly 5K | Oct. 8
Where: Downtown Wichita
Run the streets of Wichita with the Prairie Fire Marathon/Half-Marathon/5K on October 8, presented by Davis-Moore Auto Group! Take off from Downtown Wichita and head through College Hill, Riverside and more of beautiful Wichita. A fast and flat course, the Prairie Fire races are great for runners of every experience level. If you’re a runner looking to add to your race experience, the Prairie Fire Marathon is also a Boston Qualifier. Or join the cheering sections at WAVE, Nafzger Park, Douglas & Hillside or in Riverside on the morning of the 8th to cheer on all our runners and show them all our Midwest hospitality in Wichita!
View All Events On Our Calendar
What are this month’s happy hours and restaurant specials? We’ve got you covered here!
THIS WEEK’S FALL FESTIVALS
October 6 – 7
Hutch Fest
Where: Hutchinson, KS
Celebrate the return of Hutch Fest with some of our community’s favorite events, live music, and food – all wrapped into one weekend. Featured events include: the Hutch Rod Run, LIVE music, the Salt City 5K/10K Race, the Hutch Fest Kids Zone, and Hutch Brewfest — a craft beer festival.
October 6 – 8
Clearwater Fall Festival
Where: Clearwater, KS
The Clearwater Fall Festival began as a centennial celebration. It has been going on since 1985! They have held a celebration every year except the 2021 covid year. They have since renamed the festival Clearwater Fall Festival. It is a hometown celebration that they are proud to hold every year!
October 6 – 7
Goddard Fall Festival
Where: Goddard, KS
The Goddard Fall Festival is an annual event held in October each year and includes games, vendors, great food and entertainment for all ages. The main events kick off with a parade Saturday morning along Main Street where most activities take place. The festival has been a long standing tradition of “festive fun” for the community. We hope you will join us for this year’s festival “Back to the Future”.
October 7
Stafford Oktoberfest
Where: Stafford, KS
Stafford Oktoberfest started in 1990. The festival is always the first Saturday in October. Oktoberfest as been the long standing tradition for the community to use as more than celebration of homecoming.
October 7
Frontier Day
Where: Douglass, KS
Annual Town Festival, celebrating 154 years of Douglass and going back to our roots! Come one, Come all let’s show the kids what Frontier Day’s was like when we were kids! The town coming together and celebrating as one!
October 7
RedFish Festival
Where: Harper, KS
A day full of fun festivities! Vendors, Bed Races, BBQ Contest, Food, Music, Games, Inflatables, Crafts and FUN!!
October 7
OZtoberfest
Where: Wamego, KS
Mark your calendars for October 7 for a fun, fall, family celebration known as OZtoberFEST! Join us in downtown Wamego for a variety of activities including our OZ Costume Contest, Toto look-a-like contest, an Outdoor OZ Market, Classic Car Show, Wizard’s Beer & Wine Garden, Munchkinland, Munchkin Junction and many more OZsome activities.
October 7
Peabody Fall Festival
Where: Peabody, KS
Peabody Fall Festival is a community event that takes place in Peabody, KS on the 1st Saturday in October each year. The event includes a horseshoe tournament, dog show, disc golf, wiffle ball, washers tournament and more.
October 7 – 8
Udall Fall Festival
Where: Udall, KS
The Udall Fall Festival has been an annual tradition on the 1st weekend in October. It is put on by a dedicated group of volunteers. Such events include a pie eating contest, car show, cornhole tournament, washers tournament, 6×6 volleyball tournament, horseshoe tournaent, 3×3 basketball tournament, and more.
October 7
Frederick Remington Festival
Where: Whitewater, KS
Whether you are looking for some friendly competition, yummy treats, unique crafts, or just some good ol’ fun and memory-making; Whitewater, Kansas is the place to be the first weekend in October.
AROUND THE CORNER
■ Haunted Hops | Oct. 12
Where: Botanica
Join us for the first Haunted Hops at Botanica on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Take a stroll through the haunted gardens while sipping on more than 15 spooky-themed craft beers and hard ciders provided by local and regional breweries. There will also be signature cocktails, mocktails and seasonal brews available throughout the gardens. Guests can sample small bites while enjoying live music by Annie Up and DJ Carbon. For football enthusiasts, there will also be several spaces around the gardens to watch the Chiefs vs. Broncos game.
■ TsunamiCon 2023 | Oct. 20
Where: Wichita Holiday Inn
TsunamiCon is Wichita’s premiere tabletop gaming convention, presenting a variety of gaming opportunities and related geekery right here in America’s heartland. We gather annually in the great city of Wichita for a number of fun and exciting events throughout the weekend, including a variety of tabletop games and RPGs, featured events, demos, special guests, organized play, live entertainment, panels, contests, giveaways and more.
■ Wicked Pairings | Oct. 20
Where: Exploration Place
Join us for a night of mischief and fun as we take over the museum, blending sinister and sweet into a Halloween party like Wichita’s never seen. Wicked Pairings is a delightful celebration of drinks and desserts, exclusively for those 21 and over.
LIVE MUSIC
Visit this week and the schedule for the weeks ahead at our Live Music Calendar – Sponsored by Mort’s Martini Bar.
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PERFORMING ARTS
Century II Performing Arts Center
■ October 7 | Leanne Morgan
■ October 12 | Wichita Wurlitzer Phantom of the Opera
■ October 14 | Beth Leavel
Crown Uptown Theatre
■ October 13-29 | Rocky Horror Show
■ October 27-28 | Wizard of Oz
Kechi Playhouse
■ Sept. 8 – Oct 1 | Snow Night
Mosley Street Melodrama
■ September 15 – October 28 | Nightmare on Mosley Street
Prairie Pines Playhouse
■ November 17 – December 23 | Holiday Show 2023!
Roxy’s Downtown
■ September 15 – November 4 | The Golden Girls
Wichita Orpheum Theatre
■ October 6-8 | Tallgrass Film Festival
■ October 12 | Charlie Berens
■ October 13 | Snow White By Grand Kyiv Ballet
■ October 14 | Amy Grant
■ October 18 | October ARTS MIXR
Did you know the ICT Food Trucks Schedule is back? Visit ICTFoodTrucks.com to see what trucks are out this week!
Food truck owners are also invited to add their schedules for free!
Have an event in Wichita you’d like to have considered for Best Things Happening This Weekend Wichita, please visit this form to submit your event.
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For a Complete Schedule of What’s Going on in Wichita, visit our Event Calendar
