From live music and fireworks to fine art and indy films, festivals in Wichita and the surrounding areas offer a rich assortment of activities and entertainment. If you’re eager to take part in the fun, browse our list of popular annual events. Just scroll down – they’re all in date order to make it easy for you to plan ahead. Enjoy!
Also, don’t miss our big, big list of small-town Fall Festivals Near Wichita.
Belle Plaine Tulip Time Festival
April 8 & 9, 2017
This festival just south of Wichita has got the cure for spring fever. The annual weekend event attracts thousands of visitors to Belle Plaine every year to enjoy activities, live entertainment, events, and lots of blooming tulips. A $3 button supports the Tulip Festival each year and gives you access to the tram, which takes you from stop to stop through the festival.
Great Plains Renaissance Festival
April & September
At the Great Plains RenFest you’ll find medieval delights like jousting, folk singing, jesters, falconry, and fried turkey legs bigger than your forearm. These days, the RenFest also now includes the Wichita Highland Games and Celtic Festival, so you’ll get bagpipes and kilts too!
Be sure to get your tickets early, because you’ll save money!
Spring Renaissance Festival: April 22 and 23, 2017
Fall RenFest: Usually in September
Derby Kite Festival
(tentative May 20, 2017)
Photo: Derby Recreation Commission
Free family fun with kite flying, DJ entertainment, food vendors and kite vendors. Festivities are in High Park, 2801 E. James. Information is online or 316-788-3781
Wichita Riverfest
June 2 to 10, 2017
Photo: Wichita Festivals
Fireworks, a parade and an impressive lineup of live entertainment are only part of Wichita Riverfest. The event on the Arkansas River includes 10k River Run, family walk and the Wichita Symphony. Other features are cardboard boat regatta, car show, food vendors and marketplace. A button offers entry to all the events. Buttons are $10 for teens and adults and $3 for kids ages 6 to 12. Kids 5 and younger enter for free. Buttons are sold at the gate, and at participating businesses and the Wichita Festivals office, 444 E. William St. See our list of Riverfest button discounts.
Chalkfest
Saturday, August 5, 2017
One of our favorite festivals of the year, Wichita’s Chalkfest gives you the opportunity to be an artist and to watch amazing artists working with nothing but chalk. It’s a FREE event in Old Town Square, designed to raise awareness and support for EmberHope.
ICT Fest
ICT Fest is an annual outdoor music festival featuring dozens of local and regional bands in many genres, including noise rock, punk, and electronic. The festival is usually held in early September in the heart of Wichita’s historic Delano district.
Derby BBQ Festival
Saturday, September 9, 2017
Photo: Bill Fales
Entry is free for the festival, which is 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at High Park, 2801 James St. For $5, while limited supplies are available, you may taste competition BBQ and vote. Activities and entertainment include live music with Llew Brown Band, beer garden, food vendors, car show and photo booth. Kids enjoy playing on inflatables and a petting zoo. Other features are a bacon contest and kids’ chocolate chip cookie competition. Information is online or 316-788-1519
Walnut Valley Festival
September 13-17, 2017
Bluegrass and other acoustic styles are showcased at the family-friendly event in Winfield. The festivities include featured performers, an art fair, workshops and folks with their own instruments playing tunes around the fire. Ticket prices and information are on the website.
Autumn and Art at Bradley Fair
September 15-17, 2017
The fine arts are on display with 99 artists from around the nation showcasing their work on Bradley Fair Parkway in Wichita. Enjoy live music as you browse art displays. Wine, beer and soft drinks are for sale, and food booths feature fare from local restaurants. For kids, art activities are offered. Entry is free. Information is on the website or 316-267-2817
Winfield Art in the Park Festival
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Painting, photography, sculpture and other fine art is on display 10 a.m. to 5 p p.m. at Island Park in Winfield. Information is on the website 620-221-2161
Tallgrass Film Festival
October 18-22, 2017
Featuring 191 films from 33 countries over five days in venues around Wichita, the Tallgrass Film Festival includes appearances by guest filmmakers, free educational events, parties, awards, and more. See the complete schedule of film screenings and festival events at stubbornlyindependent.com.
Steampunkesque Mulvane
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October
Visit historic downtown Mulvane for some Steampunk-inspired fun. Free and inexpensive activities begin Friday evening at 7 p.m. continues on Saturday at 10 a.m., and finishes up Sunday at 3 p.m. Free entertainment includes Phlox Kansas LED performance Friday night, Marvelous Marauders Saturday morning, and Voci Duello concert Sunday at noon. Check out the Facebook event page for more. Thanks to Kimberly for telling us about this festival!
Wichita Asian Festival
October 2017
The Asian Festival is a celebration of the cultures and customs of about 15 different Asian countries. Held in October of each year, the FREE festival offers live performances, authentic cuisine, a pageant, vendors and more in downtown Wichita’s Century II Convention Center.
