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
■ Shop & Grub | Nov. 17
Where: Exploration Place Festival Plaza
Shop & Grub is a monthly outdoor market featuring various vendors selling vintage clothing, art, jewelry, accessories, home goods, wine, delicious food, and more. Free Admission for All Ages.
BEST THINGS TO DO
■ Wild Lights | Nov. 17-19
Where: Sedgwick County Zoo
Wild Lights is back with ALL NEW light displays and this year’s theme will leave you smiling like the Cheshire Cat. Wichita’s most unique fall event will return with larger-than-life Asian Lantern sculptures illuminating the Zoo with dazzling scenes of glowing wildlife, beautiful scenery, and Alice in Wonderland themed displays.
■ The Category Is: Decades In Fashion | Nov. 17
Where: Brick & Mortar
Join us for a glamorous and memorable occasion, where attendees come together to celebrate, support Positive Directions, and simply revel in a night of luxury and social abundance! Four houses will do more than compete on the runway, they’ll attempt to transcend an era and redefine what we know as “serving a look.” (look that up.)
■ Friends University Visual Art Club Fall Festival | Nov. 17
Where: Friends University
Friends university Art Club presents its first 2023 Fall festival. This event will take place at Friends University’s Rose Plaza in front of the Davis Administration building 2100 W University Ave, Wichita, KS 67213 and will be bustling with food, games, vendors, live music, photo stations and more! Bring your friends and family for some community and family friendly fun from 5:00pm-9:00pm. Bring a pre-carved pumpkin to enter into a carved pumpkin judging contest, the best pumpkin wins a prize.
■ Improv Show at Flying Pig Improv | Nov. 17-18
Where: Flying Pig Improv
Toot-tootle-doo! It’s time for Improv! This weekend is gonna’ be fun and we have two shows for you – Fri AND Sat nights. Easy (no reservations), cheap ($15), and centrally located (at Douglas & Hillside). There’s even parking in the back! Makes for a great date night, a wind-down from a busy week, or inspiration to just get out and do something fun for a change. Our troupe will use your suggestions to create never-before-seen games and scenes to delight you. So … Get in here!
■ Adult Skate Night | Nov. 17
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 on what to expect here.
■ Annual GFFT Gala 2023 Benefitting Genesis Foundation for Fitness and Tennis | Nov. 17
Where: Genesis (Rock Road)
Annual Gala Benefitting the Genesis Foundation for Fitness and Tennis, providing grants and programs for children and those in need in the Fitness and Wellness space.
■ National Finals Steer Roping | Nov. 17-18
Where: Kansas Star Casino
National Finals Steer Roping live at the Kansas Star Arena November 17th & 18th, 2023. Doors open at 6:30pm. Event starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are $30 each night plus taxes and convenience fees.
■ Old Town Farm & Art Market | Nov. 18
Where: 835 E. 1st St.
The intoxicating sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the holidays are awaiting you. Featuring Food Artisans, Farms, Ranches, Artists, Handmade Artisans, Live Music and Entertainment in an atmosphere unique to Wichita. We invite you to a holiday shopping experience, like no other. Open 10am-2pm on the first three Saturdays in November and December at Farm & Art Market Plaza. Surrounded by brick-lined streets and native limestone-accented buildings dating back to the 1800s, we couldn’t ask for a more classic holiday Market setting through Autumn.
■ Wichita Turkey Trot | Nov. 18
Where: Century II
Walk, run or skip your way to a FREE turkey at the 48th Annual Honeysuckle White Wichita Turkey Trot! The first 2,000 registrants in this year’s Turkey Trot, happening on Saturday, November 18th, get a coupon good for up to $35 dollars off a Honeysuckle White Turkey, plus a long-sleeve shirt, a medal, and a whole morning of entertainment just in time for the holidays to officially kick off. In addition to the 10-mile and 2-mile race options, there’s even a 250ft Tiny Turkey Trot for kids 6 and under, thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.
■ Wicked City Roller Derby – Hungry For A Rematch | Nov. 18
Where: The Cotillion
Wicked City Roller Derby vs. Kansas City Roller Warriors Jr’s Game @ 5pm Adult Game @ 6:30pm Hungry For A Rematch! Please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Kansas Food Bank.
■ Girls Day at Chateau | Nov. 18
Where: Chateau Gifts & Flower Preservation
You won’t want to miss this opportunity to shop with & support local women! Yahya Aura & Chateau Gifts teamed up to bring a day full of fun shopping with all women owned businesses. Join us along with El Gusto food truck, Sunflower Closet, Sultry Bead Work, Good Witch Bakery, Smileback Creations, Hungry Bunny Donuts, Santa Cecilia Jewelry, Mindful Crotchet Co, Aetheric Design, Monigold Vintage, & Petal Pink Gemz.
■ Friends of WAM Mini Used Book Sale | Nov. 18
Where: Wichita Art Museum
Calling all book lovers and collectors! The Friends of WAM will have a wide selection of gently-used books for all ages and interests, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and rare-finds. All proceeds from the Mini Used Book Sale benefit WAM’s events, exhibitions, and programs. We hope to see you there!
■ Kansas Grown! Farmers Market | Nov. 18
Where: Kansas Grown Farmers Market (West side and Derby)
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!
■ Bronx Pizza & Pints One Year Anniversary Party | Nov. 18
Where: Bronx Pizza & Pints
WOW, it’s been a YEAR since we’ve opened! what a whirlwind of a year, but we couldn’t have done it without YOU! Come celebrate ONE YEAR OF BUSINESS with us on November 18th
■ Lights of Life Tree Lighting | Nov. 19
Where: Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice
We are excited to bring back Wichita’s tallest holiday tree- the Lights of Life! Starting in November, the Lights of Life tree brightly stands over 80-foot tall (the largest holiday tree in Wichita!) and illuminates downtown Wichita with over 3,200 festive lights. All of this is done to celebrate the holidays and in remembrance of family, friends and members of our community who have gone before us.
■ Wichita Symphony Orchestra: Spirituals and Symphonies | Nov. 19
Where: Century II
Guest conducter Andre Raphel showcases the orchestra’s capacity for contrasting textures and colors. More than mere arrangements, Adolphus Hailstork artfully uses traditional spirituals to craft original works alive with rhythmic and jazzy energy contrasted with contemplative bluesy peace. Born on the Oklahoma prairie in a log cabin, Roy Harris writes music that reflects the landscape and the American spirit. At times dark and foreboding yet imbued with a sense of can-do optimism, his Third Symphony captures a nation where the Great Depression lingered and the threat of war lay ahead. Called by some “the Great American Symphony,” this work commands our attention.
■ First Draft Improv at Margarita’s Cantina | Nov. 19
Where: Margarita’s Cantina
Come experience improv in Wichita, Kansas with First Draft Improv, Wichita’s favorite* four-person improv troupe with a two-word name! This is our first show after our first show, and we can’t wait to bring more made-up fun to the stage in the form of short-form games, and VERY serious, high-brow long-form improv. Don’t miss out on the show that many** are calling “Wichita’s best way to spend a Sunday night, that doesn’t involve a sports ball.”
■ Wine & Words Book Fair | Nov. 19
Where: Alzavino Wine Tavern
Who didn’t love going to your school’s book fair when you were little? Or maybe you renewed that love when you took your kiddos to their book fairs? We’re tapping into those fond memories with our first grown-up version of a book fair, Wine & Words. Grab a glass of wine and shop for your newest book or grab gifts for your favorite book lover. We’ll have an incredible selection of books from different genres for all ages, along with additional book related items for purchase.
■ Frozen Sing-Along and Meet & Greet | Nov. 19
Where: Exploration Place
Step into the enchanting world of Arendelle and join us for an experience filled with music, laughter and the heartwarming tale of sisters Elsa and Anna as we watch the beloved film Frozen on the big screen in Kemper theater at Exploration Place. Throughout the movie there will be fun surprises, interactive cues, a special appearance by Olaf and vocal performances by Elsa and Anna themselves.
■ Sweet Potato Fest | Nov. 19
Where: Firefly Farm
Sweet potato season is coming soon and we’re prepping for a party!
■ Friendsgiving | Nov. 19
Where: Mort’s Martini Bar
Let’s eat, drink & be thankful! Grab your pals & come join us for Friendsgiving! We are doing this potluck style, we will be providing plenty of turkey & a few other items! Whip out that secret recipe & bring a side or dessert if you can!
■ Ceremony of Lights | Nov. 19
Where: Friend’s University
Meet us in front of the Davis Tower to enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, special holiday performances from the Singing Quakers and Friends University Brass Band, a reading of the Christmas story and a special appearance from Santa Claus! The lighting of the Davis Tower is a time-honored tradition that symbolizes the start of the holiday season for the Friends University campus and the Wichita community. This event is free and open to the public.
View All Events On Our Calendar
What are this month’s happy hours and restaurant specials? We’ve got you covered here!
Christmas Tree Lighting Events in the Wichita Area? We’ve got you covered on that too!
AROUND THE CORNER
■ The Nutcracker at Century II | Nov. 25-26
Where: Century II
Metropolitan Ballet brings to you the magic of Christmas to Century II Performing Arts Center in its production of The Nutcracker! A timeless classic for the entire family to enjoy and is brought to you by many local dancers and a few exquisite guest artists.
■ Wichita State Mens BBall vs. Norfolk State | Nov. 25
Where: Charles Koch Arena
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
■ November 19 | Masterworks Spirituals and Symphonies
■ November 21 | The Hip Hop Nutcracker
■ November 25-26 | The Nutcracker
Crown Uptown Theatre
■ November 18 | Steve Hofstetter
■ November 19 | Faster Pussycat
■ November 29 – December 2 | Junie B In Jingle Bells, Batman Smells
Kechi Playhouse
■ TBD
Mosley Street Melodrama
■ Nov. 10 – Dec. 23. | Derbysville: Town of Misfit Toys
Prairie Pines Playhouse
■ November 17 – December 23 | Holiday Show 2023!
Roxy’s Downtown
■ November 24 – December 23 | A Cabaret Christmas
Wichita Orpheum Theatre
■ November 18 | Elvis Rock N’ Roll Tribute Starring Joseph Hall as Elvis
■ December 3 | Chris Isaak
■ December 7 | Joe Gatto
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
