There are so many things to do in Wichita this Fall. We have compiled a list of Wichita events this fall you will want to add to your calendar, plus Fall things to do in Wichita. Celebrate the changing of the leaves with some fall shopping, fall events, fall festivals, and more. It’s time for cozy sweaters, warm pumpkin-spiced drinks, and, best of all, Fall events & activities.
I love Fall for many reasons – the opportunities for outdoor activities, the smells of the season, and the chance to slow down and enjoy some quality time with family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to spend the day with your kids or you’re hoping to enjoy some live music, Wichita has something for everyone this Fall. Check out our list of events below!
If you like Fall Events, you’ll love these roundups too:
- Wichita-Area Fall Festivals
- Fall Bazaars and Craft Fairs around Wichita
- Pumpkin Patches and Fun Farms
- You-Pick Orchards Near Wichita
- Oktoberfests in Wichita
- Trunk-or-Treats and other Kid-Friendly Fall/Halloween Fun
- Hikes and Scenic Drives for Fall Color in Kansas
- Halloween Displays to Visit and Spooky Light Shows
- Wichita Halloween Events
Fall Events in & around Wichita
These are just a few of my favorite fall events that I think are worth putting on your calendar! There’s so much going on in Wichita this time of year, and I know it can be hard to decide what to do. Hopefully, this guide makes planning a little easier!
Be sure to check out my Community Calendar for even more fall fun, free events, and deals around town. And keep scrolling because I’m sharing some of my favorite things to do in Wichita during the fall, along with a few simple traditions you can enjoy at home.
I hope between the events and all these fun ideas, you find something your family will love and make some great memories together this fall!
August Fall Events in Wichita
Water Lantern Festival
- September 8, 2026
- OJ Watson Park
- Water Lantern Festival Website
- Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. This is a family-friendly event that everyone can share. Friends, families, neighbors, and many others you may not know can come together to create a peaceful, memorable experience.
- Ticket price range: $28-$56 (early purchase gets you a discount)
ICT Comic Con
- August 29 & 30, 2026
- Century II
- Full Article: ICT Comic Con
September Fall Events in Wichita
Sponsored Event
Exploration Place Drone Light Festival
Exploration Place’s Drone Light Festival is lighting up the Wichita sky with 500 drones, including exciting new pyrotechnic drones! Bring the family for a fun night of dazzling lights, entertainment, and unforgettable memories. All the details and deals in the link below.
Blood Orchard Vintage Market & Food Truck Rally: PickleFest
- September 5, 2026
- Cost:
- $10 Adults
- $5 Kids (5-12)
- Kids 5 and under are free
- Tickets are required
- Blood Orchard: 6346 S Broadway, Wichita, KS 67216
- Full Article: Blood Orchard Vintage Market & Food Truck Rally
- They will have vendors from 10 am to 3 pm, and the Southside food truck rally.
Kansas State Fair
- September 11 – 20, 2026
- Hutchinson, KS (Roughly 50 min from Wichita)
- The State Fair is always a favorite for many. There is a reason this event is deeply rooted in Kansas history, as nearly 150 years of tradition have molded this celebration into more than just a simple fair, but a world-class event. From headliner concerts to competitive exhibits and a complete carnival, there is a long list of entertainment throughout the week.
- Click HERE for the list of Discount Days and Sponsored days.
- Click HERE for Carnival Days and Deals.
- Click HERE for the Music and Free Entertainment.
- Click HERE to learn about Dillion’s Dollar Day.
Latinfest
- September 19, 2026
- Old Town Plaza
- Article: LatinFest Wichita
- Latin Fest ICT is a unique cultural festival celebrating diversity during Hispanic Heritage Month. There will be presentations, exhibitions, games, live performances, and authentic Latino food and merchandise vendors. Plus a diverse array of other performance groups, live bands, and more. You won’t want to miss this unique showcase of Latin music and dance.
Orie’s Garlic Fest
- September 13, 2026
- 11 am – 3 pm
- Article: Orrie’s Garlic Fest
- FREE to attend
- Brickyard in Oldtown, Wichita
- This is an annual food festival that pays homage to—what else? Garlic! Celebrate the fragrant bulbs with local artisans, farmers, foodies, and musicians, and join in on the flavor-packed fun! Come hungry and leave with food, recipes, knowledge, and potent breath!
Autumn & Art
- September 11-13, 2026
- Wichita, KS, at Bradley Fair
- Full Article: Autumn and Art at Bradley Fair
- This festival is FREE to attend. You can walk around to see local, regional, and national artists who sell unique art at an outdoor festival. You can also listen to live music, grab a drink, and enjoy the beautiful Bradly Fair pond.
- It’s in its 16th year, and we’ve been writing about it since the very first event
Fiesta Hispana
- Sunday, September 13, 2026
- Exploration Place
- Full Article: Fiesta Hispana at Exploration Place
- FREE to attend, but does not include Exploration Place museum admission.
- Enjoy crafts, play games, savor delicious food, party on with music and dance. Indoor stage performances feature mariachi bands, folklorico dancers, matachines dancers, singers, fashion show, and more!
Walnut Valley Music Festival
- September 16-20, 2026
- Winfield, KS (roughly 50 min from Wichita)
- Full Article: Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, KS
- This is a celebration of acoustic music, especially bluegrass. It is affectionately known as “Winfield” throughout the world and attracts top artists from around the country, as well as a host of local and regional musicians. We went one year, and I dearly wished we could have camped out for the whole thing.
Crave Culinary Festival
- September 15 – 19, 2026
- Full Article: Crave Foodie Fair at Mark Arts: Culinary Festival
- This is a festival featuring clever culinary and libation workshops. The week’s festivities conclude on Saturday with a Foodie Fair where guests can sample food from local chefs and vote for the Foodie Fair Fan Favorite! Broaden your horizons and explore all that the culinary art world has to offer while benefiting the local organization, Mark Arts.
Open Streets ICT Douglas
- September 20, 2026
- Article: Open Streets ICT Douglas
- Wichita Parks and Recreation will host another Open Streets ICT – a FREE event in Wichita, KS. Over 100 vendors will be in attendance. Open Streets ICT brings Wichitans of all ages downtown for an active, fun, community-building afternoon on Wichita’s iconic Douglas Avenue.
Kingman Cessna Fest
- September 26, 2026
- 9 am – 3 pm
- Article: Fall Festivals Near Wichita
- Kingman, Kansas takes flight with the annual Cessna Fest Vendor Fair! Hosted by the City of Kingman Park Board, this exciting community event will fill B Street Red Barn and Main Street with unique local vendors, handmade treasures, and small-town charm.
Kansas Rail Fest
- September 26, 2026
- Great Plains Transportation Museum
- Full Article: Kansas Rail Fest
- This one-of-a-kind event celebrates the history of railroads in Kansas and beyond. They will have lots of activities for the whole family.
Final Friday Food Truck Rally
- September 25, 2026
- Wichita Boathouse
- Article: Wichita Final Friday Food Truck Rally
- A Friday evening of art, music, and food. Over 22 food trucks, live music, and over 15 local artists and small business vendors will be set up inside and outside of the Wichita Boathouse.
- Free to attend – bring spending money for use at food trucks
Drone Light Festival at Exploration Place
- September 25 – 27, 2026
- Exploration Place
- Article: Drone Light Festival
- The festival will provide breathtaking views of 300 synchronized drones, fully choreographed with music. The doors open at 6 pm, and the Drone show begins at 10 pm.
Wagonmaster’s Downtown Chili Cookoff
- September 26, 2026
- Downtown Wichita
- Article: Wichita Wagonmasters Chili Cookoff
- FREE admission. $5 tasting kit
Great Plains Renaissance Festival
- September 26 – 27, 2026
- Article: Great Plains Renaissance Festival
- Sedgwick County Park in Wichita
- It’s time to go medieval at the ultimate costume party for knights and knaves who want to celebrate. This Scottish Highland weekend takes place at Sedgwick County Park, and if you purchase your early, you receive a major discount and receive a FREE child entry ticket -huzzah!
Prairieland Beer and Music Festival
- September – This years date has not been released or they might not be having it this year.
- Hyde Park, KS
- Article: Prairieland Beer and Music Festival
- Hosted by the Kansas Craft Brewers Guild, this event includes over 100 beer samples from 40+ breweries from Kansas and surrounding states. This year’s festival will be held in Hyde park to enjoy the shade from a tree canopy. In addition to the unlimited brew samples, this event also plays host to several talented bands for a full afternoon of entertainment.
October Fall Events in & around Wichita
Sponsored Event
Greater Andover Days
- October 2 – 4, 2026
- Andover, KS (Roughly 15 min from Wichita)
- Full Article: Greater Andover Days Full Article
- This festival includes a carnival, food court, beer garden, fireworks, kids fest, parade, and so much more. This is a personal favorite of our families.
Featured Event
2026 McConnell Air Show & Open House
Date: October 24 & 25, 2026
A Wichita favorite is happening this year! This big event happens every other year, and it’s happening this yearfA! See all the details in the link.
Prost’s Oktoberfest
- October 1-3, 2026
- Prost in Wichita
- Article: Prost Octoberfest
- Wichita’s German restaurant Prost is throwing its annual Oktoberfest at its biergarten at the Revolutsia development in Wichita, Kansas. Pull on your lederhosen and enjoy an authentic German festival including polka music, a special food menu, a stein hoisting contest, kids activities, and, of course, German bier on tap!
Taste of Newton
- October 15, 2026
- On Main Street in Newton, KS. (Roughly 30 min from Wichita)
- Full Article: Taste of Newton
- This event features restaurants and culinary businesses that have the opportunity to showcase their talents by supplying samples of their cuisine.
- You are free to attend, but you will have to purchase your food.
ICT Blocktoberfest & Beer Fest
- October 9 & 10, 2026
- Naftzger Park, Wichita
- Raise a glass to a lively two-day festival! Some activities are free to attend while others require a ticket, but you can always count on crowd favorites like the Wiener Dog Races, the Dad Bod Contest, and, of course, plenty of beer.
- Full Article: ICT Blocktoberfest & Beer Fest
Prairie Fire Marathon Fall Event
- October 11, 2026
- Starts at 7:30 am
- Serious runners take the pavement in this exciting race. This is the premier urban marathon.
- Price: $50 – $125 (discount for early signup)
- Prairie Fire website
Tallgrass Film Festival
- October 15 -18, 2026
- Article: Wichita Tallgrass Film Festival
- It is the largest independent film festival in Kansas and showcases the best of independent films from around the world. Tallgrass has been called one of the best “under-the-radar film festivals in America” and an “undiscovered gem” by national media. Filmmakers from around the world participate.
Svensk Hyllningsfest Swedish Festival in Lindsburg, KS
- Date: October 15 & 16, 2026
- Since it only happens every two years, the next Svensk Hyllningsfest is scheduled for October 2027
- A full schedule of musical acts, food, and more.
- Svensk Hyllnignsfest website
Wichita Asian Festival
- October 17, 2026
- Century II Convention & Exhibition Hall
- Article: Wichita Asian Festival
- You can enjoy many cultural performances, a pageant representing various ethnic backgrounds, and over 40 food and craft vendors.
Related Articles:
Farms and orchards where you can pick your own produce
Sunflower fields in South Central Kansas
Best Hikes and Drives for Fall Color around Wichita, Kansas
Fall Family Traditions in Wichita: Fun & Affordable Ways to Celebrate the Season
Fall is one of my favorite times of year in Wichita! But some of my favorite fall traditions are the simple ones. A trip to the pumpkin patch, a picnic at the park, or making a special snack together can turn into something your kids look forward to every year.
Whether you want to explore Wichita or enjoy a cozy afternoon at home, here are some fun, affordable fall traditions and activities to start with your family.
Visit a Wichita Area Pumpkin Patch
Make an annual trip to a local pumpkin patch! Let everyone pick out their own pumpkin, snap a family photo in the same spot each year, and enjoy some fall fun together. From hayrides and corn mazes to playgrounds and pumpkin picking, each patch offers something different. Check out my Wichita Pumpkin Patch Guide below for admission prices, activities, and helpful tips to plan your visit!
Make My Favorite Fall Snack
This is such a fun fall treat to make with the kids! It’s the perfect mix of sweet and salty, with crunchy Chex cereal, pretzels, a buttery brown sugar glaze, and plenty of candy. Make a big batch for a cozy movie night, a fall party, or package some up to share with friends and neighbors.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Oven Temperature: 275°F
Ingredients
The Crunchy Base
- 4 cups corn or rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzels or pretzel sticks
- 1 cup salted peanuts or cashews
The Sweet Glaze
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ? cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
The Fun Mix-Ins
- 1 cup candy corn
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces
- 1 cup M&M’s
- 1 cup caramel popcorn
- Or really anything you have!
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 275°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the Chex cereal, pretzels, and nuts in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup or honey, vanilla, and salt.
- Pour the glaze over the cereal mixture and gently stir until everything is coated.
- Spread the mixture on your baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Let the mixture cool completely before adding the candy corn, Reese’s Pieces, M&M’s, and caramel popcorn.
A Few Helpful Tips
- Let the baked mixture cool completely before adding the candy so the chocolate doesn’t melt.
- Store the snack mix in an airtight container to keep it crunchy.
- Make individual treat bags for a fall party, classroom celebration, or a little surprise for friends.
- You can swap out the candies or nuts for your family’s favorites!
My favorite part? You can make this a little family tradition every fall. Let the kids help pick out the candy, make a big batch together, and enjoy it during your favorite fall movie!
Attend a Local Fall Festival
Wichita and the surrounding communities have so many fall festivals to enjoy! Make it a tradition to visit your favorite each year or try a new one.
Look for festivals with free admission, live music, kids’ activities, food trucks, pumpkin decorating, and local vendors.
Money-saving tip: You don’t have to do every paid activity. Choose one special treat or activity and enjoy the free entertainment, too.
Fall Movie Night
My absolute favorite is Riverflix at Exploration Place! They show FREE outdoor movies along the Arkansas River with a view of the Keeper of the Plains. It really doesn’t get much better than that! My second favorite is the Starlite Drive-In, where you can enjoy a movie from the comfort of your car. Fall is the perfect time to pack some snacks, grab a few blankets, and enjoy a movie night with the family. Check out my movie deals guide below for even more affordable ways to catch a movie around Wichita!
Visit a Wichita Farmers Market for Fall Treats
Make a fall morning out of visiting a local farmers market. Browse the seasonal produce, look for pumpkins and apples, and pick out something special to make together.
You could let each child choose one ingredient for a family recipe or pick up a pumpkin to decorate at home.
Even if you’re just browsing, it’s a fun way to enjoy the season and support local growers.
Have a Fall Picnic
Pack sandwiches, apples, drinks, and a few treats, then head to a Wichita park for a fall picnic.
Bring a blanket, let the kids play, and enjoy the cooler weather. You can even pack hot chocolate or warm apple cider in a thermos.
Best Fall Picnic Areas:
- Riverside Park: Beautiful shade trees, open grassy areas, picnic tables, and a playground. You can also visit the FREE Kansas Wildlife Exhibit!
- Sedgwick County Park: Enjoy a picnic by the lakes, take a walk, or let the kids play on the playgrounds.
- O.J. Watson Park: Pack lunch and enjoy the lake and playgrounds. Park admission is FREE, but other attractions cost extra. Experience OJ Watson.
- College Hill Park: A great spot for a fall picnic with beautiful trees, grassy areas, and a playground.
- Pawnee Prairie Park: Perfect for families who love nature! Enjoy a picnic, explore the trails, and visit the playground.
- Oak Park: A quieter picnic spot along the Little Arkansas River with mature trees, picnic tables, and a lily pond.
- Visit a Local Lake: Make a day trip and check out one of the lakes near Wichita.
My tip: Pack lunch, bring a blanket, and let the kids pick a park to explore. It’s an easy way to enjoy a fall afternoon in Wichita without spending a dime!
Take a Fall Walk at a Wichita Park
One of the easiest fall traditions is also completely free! Pick a favorite Wichita park and visit it each year when the leaves start changing.
Sedgwick County Park, Riverside Park, and Pawnee Prairie Park are great places to enjoy a family walk, explore nature, and take fall photos.
Make it a little more fun by creating a scavenger hunt. Have the kids look for colorful leaves, acorns, squirrels, and other signs of fall.
My Family Fall Bucket List This Year
Fall is one of my favorite times to make memories with my girls! We have a few traditions we look forward to every year, plus some new things we want to try. Here’s our family’s fall bucket list for this year.
– Spend a day at Klausmeyer Farm & Pumpkin Patch. This one is on our list because it looks like a one-stop shop for fall fun! Between the petting zoo, carnival games, hayrack rides, and playground, there’s plenty to keep the girls busy. I love finding a place where we can spend a few hours together, pick out pumpkins, and make a whole day of it.
– Watch Wicked: For Good at Riverflix. Riverflix at Exploration Place is my absolute favorite place for an outdoor movie. Watching a FREE movie along the Arkansas River with the Keeper of the Plains in the background is pretty hard to beat! I’m especially excited to see Wicked: For Good with my girls. We’ll bring blankets, pack some snacks, and make a night of it.
– Go to Greater Andover Days. This is one of our family traditions! We go every year, and it’s something we always look forward to. I love having events like this on our calendar that the girls can grow up going to year after year.
– See the McConnell Air Show. My daughter loves airplanes, so I can’t wait to take her! Since the air show only comes around every two years, we haven’t been in a while. I’m excited for her to see the planes up close and watch them fly overhead. It’s going to be a fun family day!
– Make our favorite fall snack mix. Of course, we have to make our Sweet & Salty Fall Snack Mix! It’s an easy recipe the girls can help with, and it’s perfect for movie nights or sharing with friends. I included the recipe in this article so you can make it with your family, too.
– Pack a picnic and enjoy a Wichita park. Fall is the perfect time to grab a blanket, pack lunch, and head to one of our local parks. We might pick a favorite like Riverside Park or try somewhere new. The girls can play, we can enjoy the cooler weather, and it doesn’t have to cost us anything.
– Have a movie night at the Starlite Drive-In. This is another Wichita favorite! We’ll bring blankets, pillows, and our favorite snacks and settle in for a movie from the car. There’s just something extra fun about a drive-in movie on a cool fall evening.
– Take our annual fall family photo. I love the idea of taking a picture in the same spot each fall and looking back at how much the girls have grown. We don’t need a fancy photo shoot—just a pretty Wichita park, colorful leaves, and a few pictures together.
– Try one new fall activity. We have our favorite traditions, but I also want to leave room for something new! Maybe we’ll visit a pumpkin patch we haven’t been to, check out a different fall festival, or find a new local treat. Sometimes those last-minute plans turn into the best memories.
That’s our list! We probably won’t get to everything, and that’s okay. I just want to enjoy the season, spend time together, and make some fun memories with my girls. I hope our list gives you a few ideas or Cheap.
