What to do in and around Wichita this weekend
The Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson is almost over, so if you want to go, you need to do it by Sunday.
If you prefer fun closer to home, check out the annual Water Lantern Festival at OJ Watson Park, see a band at the two-day ICT Fest or check out the adults-only “Paranormal Cirque II” under the big tent in the Towne East Square parking lot.
Here’s a guide to weekend fun in and around Wichita:
CLOSING WEEKEND AT KANSAS STATE FAIR
Through Sunday, Kansas State Fairgrounds, 2000 N. Poplar, Hutchinson
It’s already closing weekend for the Kansas State Fair, which runs through Sunday in Hutchinson. But those who haven’t made it there yet still have time to enjoy some of the top 2024 events.
Three big grandstand concerts remain: Pop Evil with Diamente Friday night, Riley Green with Ella Langley (the country duo that sings the hit “You Look Like You Love Me”) on Saturday, and The Oak Ridge Boys with Rockland Road on Sunday.
There’s also still time to catch the wood carver, comic hypnotist Ron Diamond and the pig races. Don’t forget to grab a Pronto Pup, a funnel cake or some other deep-fried delight while you’re there.
Admission tickets at the gate are $10 for adults, $6 for seniors 60 and up, $6 for children ages 6-12, and free for ages 5 and under. Grandstand tickets and a full list of events are available at www.kansasstatefair.com
WATER LANTERN FESTIVAL
5-9 p.m. Saturday, OJ Watson Park 3022 S. McLean Blvd.
The Water Lantern Festival returns to Wichita on Saturday and will offer attendees the chance to create light-up lanterns they can launch into the water at OJ Watson Park. The family-friendly event, set for 5-9 p.m., will also include food trucks, vendors and live music.
Tickets include a wristband for entry, a floating lantern kit, conversation cards, a drawstring bag and more. Adult tickets are $24.99 if purchased online by Friday or $55.99 at the event. Advance tickets are available at tickets.waterlantern festival.com/wichita, where people can also find discounts for youth tickets and date-night packages.
ICT FEST
Friday-Saturday, Kirby’s Beer Store, 3227 E. 17th St., and Odd Fellow Hall, 930 W. Douglas
ICT Fest, a local multi-genre music festival celebrating its 20th year, returns this weekend. It started Thursday and continues Friday at Kirby’s Beer Store and on Saturday at Odd Fellow Hall. The bill features a long list of bands each day, including Apathy Unit, The Cavves, Sunblush, Couchlock and Old Man Creaky Bones.
Admission is $10 on Friday and $20 on Saturday. For Saturday tickets and a complete lineup of bands, go to https://bit.ly/3XjOcvl
PARANORMAL CIRQUE II
Friday-Monday, Towne East Square parking lot, 7700 E. Kellogg
A giant circus tent has been appearing off and on in Towne East Square’s parking lot over the past few years. What’s going on underneath? A traveling R-rated circus that is “a crazy yet fun fusion between circus, theatre and cabaret.” The tent is back up in Wichita, and shows happen at 7:30 p.m. today; 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. on Saturday; 5:30 and 8:30 Sunday; and 7:30 p.m. Monday Attendees must be at least 17 with a photo ID. Ages 13 through 16 can attend if accompanied by a parent or adult guardian over 21. Tickets are $20 to $65 at orange.cirqueitalia.com/
PLAY ON A PLANE
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Kansas Aviation Museum, 3350 S. George Washington Blvd.
Wichita kids can play on actual airplanes at an event appropriately titled Play on a Plane, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Kansas Aviation Museum. Ticket holders can walk through some of the planes that will be there, including a KC-135, a Boeing 727 FedEx plane and a Boeing 737. People also will be able to peek through the window and into the cockpit of a B-52 D and enjoy family-friendly STEM activities. Admission is $8 a person or $15 a carload. Members get in free and are invited to arrive early at 9:30 a.m. Advance tickets are available at kansasaviation museum.org
ANIME FEST
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Century II Exhibition Hall
Anime fans will flock to Century II this weekend for Anime Kansas, an event that will include cosplay showcases, artist booths, panels and meetand-greets with voice actors. The event lasts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Century II. Day passes are $25 for adults on Saturday and $15 for on Sunday. Day passes for ages 5-14 are $10 each day. Weekend passes and VIP weekend passes also are available. Get tickets at selectaseat.com
FIESTA HISPANA
Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean
Exploration Place is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with an event on Sunday called Fiesta Hispana. It will include games, food, music, mariachi bands, folklorico dancers, a fashion show and low-rider cars. The event runs from noon to 5 p.m., and admission is included with regular Exploration Place admission of $12 for adults, $10 for ages 3-11 and seniors 65 and over, and free for ages 2 and under. For more information, visit exploration.org/event /fiesta-hispana/