Wichita on the Cheap

Living the Good Life for Less

Wichita First Friday Art Show

POSTED BY
Christian Alldredge

The First Friday Art Crawl has been an ongoing free event in Wichita for years and years. The Art Crawl allows the public to enjoy art and light refreshments at art galleries, museums, restaurants, and other venues all over Wichita. Other cities also have monthly art crawls, and over the years a tradition has developed of doing them on first Fridays. Now Wichita has too! The monthly event is a grassroots effort directed by artists and galleries with no overseeing organization. 

All participating venues are free and open to the public on First Friday. Hours may vary from location to location, but most are open 6-9 p.m. You’ll be amazed by the diverse art being made by Wichitans, and you might be surprised at how many galleries we have and how active the arts community is in Wichita. Of course, if you see something you love, buy it if you can! You’ll be purchasing directly from the artist, and in most cases, your new art piece will be one-of-a-kind.

A lot of the action happens in and around downtown, and that’s a good starting place when you’re looking for something to do on First Friday in Wichita. There are other First Friday locations outside of the downtown area, which often include the Wichita State University Student Center, Newman University’s Steckline Gallery, and Friends University Riney Fine Arts Center, to name a few.

To find a map of all participating First Friday venues and Q-line stops, visit the Downtown Wichita website here.

You can park near one of the participating venues, then hop the Q-line trolley (free) to go pretty much from one end of Douglas to another through downtown, Delano, and the Douglas Design District. The shuttle is available on Friday nights from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Listed below are all the locations of various places around the downtown area that may or may not participate in First Friday’s on a month to month basis. It’s always best to call and check with each place to get specific details about what events they’ll have.

First Friday

GALLERY LIST:

  • William J. Reals Gallery of Art – East: 
    • Address: 1010 N. Kansas, Wichita, KS, 67214. 
    • Website: https://www.kumc.edu/school-of-medicine/campuses/wichita/about/william-j-reals-gallery-of-art/current-exhibits.html
    • From the website: “The William J. Reals Gallery of Art at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita has had ongoing exhibits since 1985. The facility is named for William J. Reals, M.D., who served as dean from 1980 to 1990. The gallery was originally opened to showcase the photography of a medical student. The purpose and scope of the gallery have grown to include enhancement of the medical school and community outreach. The gallery is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.”

 

  • CityArts:
    • Address: 334 N. Mead Street, Wichita, KS, 67202.
    • Website: https://www.wichita.gov/CityArts/Pages/default.aspx
    • CityArts is a program/gallery owned and operated by the City of Wichita. Along with gallery space and exhibitions, CityArts also offers classes, workshops, and even kids art camps!

 

  • Harvester Arts:
    • Address: 215 N Washington Ave., Wichita, KS, 67202.
    • Website: https://harvesterarts.org/
    • From the website: “Harvester Arts launched in 2014 with the mission to build the creative capacity of the community through arts experimentation, public art projects, artist residencies, and professional development for artists. We believe creative action builds healthy communities. Our core values are centered around experimentation, capacity building, fostering critical thinking through arts experiences, and community engagement.”
  • Gallery 12:
    • Address: 412 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS, 67202
    • Website: https://www.wichitagallery12.com/
    • From the website: “Wichita’s first cooperative gallery, started by 12 artists in September of 1977.  For the first ten years, Gallery XII (now Gallery 12) was located at 2903 E. Douglas and then moved to its current location at 412 E. Douglas”

 

 

  • White Crow Cider Company:
    • Address: 1236 E. Waterman St., Wichita, KS, 67211.
    • Website: https://www.whitecrowcider.com/
    • From the website: “We are an urban cidery, making modern style cider. We wouldn’t make good farmers, so we don’t grow our own apples. We buy fresh pressed apple juice from Kansas orchards and supplement with juice from other states. We enjoy crafting ciders that are easy-drinking and approachable.”

 

  • Art house 310:
    • Address: 310 S. Laura, Wichita, KS, 67211.
    • Website: https://arthouse310.com/
    • Studio/exhibition space that is open by appointment only. First Friday hours are 6-10pm.

 

 

 

  • Mulberry Art Gallery:
    • 2721 E. Central Ave., Suite #215, Wichita, KS, 67202.
    • Website: https://www.mulberrygallery.com/
    • From the website: “Mulberry is an art gallery in Wichita, Kansas with a strong focus on Black artists, artists of color, and artists historically underrepresented in regional venues. Mulberry aims to serve as a site for innovative creative exploration that will change that narrative and amplify these voices.”

 

  • Bohemia Healing Spa:
    • Address: 611 W. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS, 67213.
    • Website: http://www.bohemiahealingspa.com/
    • From the website: “Welcome to Bohemia Healing Spa, now with 2 locations.  One in the Historic Delano District, and now our second location in Wilson Estates Medical Park on N. Webb Rd. We are dedicated to health and healing, using natural and holistic methods of treatment, as well as advanced medical spa services.”

 

  • Riney Fine Arts Gallery (Friends University):
    • Address: 2100 W. University Ave., Wichita, KS, 67213.
    • Website: https://rineygallery.com/
    • From the website: “The Riney Fine Arts Gallery, located in the Riney Fine Arts building, is the main art gallery for Friends University and hosts several art exhibitions a year. The schedule is filled with a wide variety of artists who are sure to challenge you through their visual interpretations.”

 

 

  • Shift Space Gallery (WSU): 
    • Address: 334 St. Francis, Wichita, KS, 67202.
    • Website: https://www.wichita.edu/academics/fine_arts/adci/galleries/shiftspace/
    • From the website: “Established in 2005, ShiftSpace Gallery earned its name from its early days as a “roaming” gallery. In 2019, ShiftSpace is on the move once again, exchanging its Commerce Street address for a new spot at Groover Labs, at Third and St. Francis in Wichita’s Old Town district.”

 

MUSEUM LIST:

Listed below are all the locations of museums around the downtown area that may or may not participate in First Friday’s on a month to month basis. It’s always best to call and check with each place to get specific details about what events they’ll have.

  • Old Cowtown Museum:
    • Address: 1865 Museum Blvd., Wichita, KS, 67202.
    • Website: https://www.oldcowtown.org/Pages/default.aspx
    • From the website: “Many cities have museums – only Wichita has the one-and-only, never-to-be-duplicated-again Cowtown. Be wowed when you step onto Cowtown’s dirt roads and realize you’ve entered a world off the Chisholm Trail that is frozen in a 1865-1880 loop.”
  • Exploration Place:
    • Address: 300 N. McLean Blvd., Wichita, KS, 67202.
    • Website: https://exploration.org/
    • From the website: “…in our 12 dynamic exhibit galleries packed with hands-on science fun for the entire family.”
  • Kansas African American Museum:
    • Address: 601 N. Water St., Wichita, KS, 67202.
    • Website: https://www.tkaamuseum.org/
    • From the website: “The Kansas African American Museum is the premier place for the community to come and learn about Kansas African American history. “

 

  • Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum:
    • Address: 204 S. Main St., Wichita, KS, 67202.
    • Website: http://www.wichitahistory.org/
    • From the website: “
    • The Museum has been housed in Wichita’s original City Hall, a landmark building constructed in 1890 and is considered an exhibit in itself. A wide variety of the Museum’s exhibits showcase life in Wichita over the centuries, from the Wichita Indian tribe—whose name the town adopted— to the cowboys who drove their cattle here, to the dawn of aviation and the City’s role as the Air Capital of the World.”
  • Kansas Sports Hall of Fame:
    • Address: 515 S. Wichita St., Wichita, KS, 67202.
    • Website: https://www.kshof.org/
    • From the website: “Museum dedicated to preserving the history of sports in the state of Kansas.”

 

COFFEE SHOPS/Restaurants :

Listed below are all the locations of coffee shops/restaurants around the downtown area that may or may not participate in First Friday’s on a month to month basis. It’s always best to call and check with each place to get specific details about what events they’ll have.

  • Sunflower Cafe:
    • Address: 500 S. Topeka, Wichita, KS, 67202
    • Website: https://www.sunflowerespresso.com/
    • From the website: “Sunflower Espresso Cafe is a coffee shop and coffee bus serving coffee and espresso both hot and iced and signature breakfast items”
  • Doo-Dah Diner:
    • Address: 206 E. Kellogg, Wichita, KS, 67202.
    • Website: https://doodahdiner.com/
    • From the website: “Locally owned and operated casual breakfast and lunch diner with a laid-back vibe. Serving up gourmet versions of classic comfort food with a little sass added. “
  • Placeholder Coffee:
    • Address: 120 E. 1st Street N., Wichita, KS, 67202.
    • Website: https://www.placeholdercoffee.com/
    • From the website: “Placeholder Coffee is a coffee shop located on the ground floor of The LUX. They serve espresso drinks, kombucha, tea, yogurt parfaits, oatmeal, granola, pastries, and more.”
  • Il Primo Espresso Cafe at the Epic Center:
    • Address: 301 N. Main St (First Floor), Wichita, KS, 67202
    • Website: https://www.visitwichita.com/listing/il-primo-espresso-caffe-epic-center/32356/
    • From the website: “
    • We are the first Coffee House in Wichita and serve THE BEST coffee in town. Our team of baristas are carefully trained and serve perfect espresso drinks. And that’s not all…. come in and try something new! Check out our meeting space for your next event.”
  • Espresso to Go Go: 
    • Address: 102 St. Francis St., Wichita, KS, 67202.
    • Website: https://www.unicorntogo.com/
    • “Coffee shop specializing in espresso and cold-brew coffees. Espresso To Go Go is located at the northeast corner of St. Francis Street and Douglas Avenue. This local coffee shop features a disco ball and overlooks Naftzger Park. “
  • Paradise Donuts:
    • Address: 616 E. Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67202.
    • Website: https://www.facebook.com/ParadiseDonutsKS/
    • “Paradise Donuts serves donuts, cinnamon rolls, apple fritters, breakfast burritos, biscuits and gravy, sausage rolls and meat pies. They also serve coffee.”
  • Egg Cetera:
    • Address: 242 N. Mosley St., Wichita, KS
    • Website: https://eggceteraict.com/
    • From website: “We specialize in American breakfast with a style inspired in Hispanic cuisine.”

 

RESTAURANTS/BARS:

 

  • Jenny Dawn Cellars – Urban Winery
    • Address: 703 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS, 67202.
    • Website: https://jennydawncellars.com/
    • From the website: “In the heart of downtown Wichita in historic Union Station, Jenny Dawn Cellars (JDC) is the only African American female-owned urban winery in Kansas. All JDC wine is crafted and bottled on-site, using grapes, fruit, and juice sourced from the finest growers in Kansas and California.”

 

  • Cafe Bel Ami
    • Address: 229 E. William St., Wichita, KS, 67202.
    • Website: https://cafebelami.biz/
    • From the website: “Fine dining restaurant specializing in outstanding French Mediterranean cuisine. Attire is business casual”

 

  • AVI Seabar & Chophouse
    • Address: 135 N. Waco St., Wichita, KS, 67202
    • Website: https://www.aviwichita.com/
    • From the website: “AVI Seabar & Chophouse is Wichita’s premier destination for Sterling Silver steaks, fresh seafood delivered daily, handcrafted sandwiches and salads and a wine and spirit selection second to none.”

 

  • Knolla’s Pizza
    • Address: 111 W Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67202.
    • Website: https://knollaspizza.com/
    • From the website: “Locally owned pizza restaurant in the heart of downtown Wichita. Voted best pizza in Wichita 8 years in a row.”
  • Caesar’s Table
    • Address: 125 N. Market St., Wichita, KS 67202.
    • Website: https://caesarstable.com/
    • From the website: “Serving homemade comfort food in a full buffet style, our chefs take pride in offering a wide variety of foods that are sure to satisfy any appetite. Whether our guests would like to enjoy our soup and salad bar, our daily special sidebar, or our full buffet, Caesar’s Table is the ideal place to have lunch with friends, family or co-workers.”
  • Siena Tuscan Steakhouse
    • Address: 104 S. Broadway St., Wichita, KS, 67202.
    • Website: https://sienawichita.com/
    • From the website: “Located inside the beautiful Ambassador Wichita, is the upscale, Italian-style steakhouse, Siena Tuscan Steakhouse. Executive Chef Steven Leitzel is passionate about local sourcing, fresh ingredients and innovative dish preparation. Siena offers an ambiance that will make you forget you are in Kansas.”

 

  • The 401 Pub at the Hilton Garden Inn
    • Address: 401 E. Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS, 67202
    • Website: https://qrcgcustomers.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/account10226523/9601926_1.pdf
    • From the website: “401 Pub and Garden Grille are located on the first floor of the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel at the southeast corner of Douglas Avenue and Topeka Street. Happy Hour is every day from 5-7 p.m. Late-night Happy Hour is every day from 10 p.m. until close.”
  • Vorshay’s Cocktail Lounge:
    • Address: 417 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS, 67202.
    • Website: https://www.vorshayscocktaillounge.com/
    • From the website: “
    • Straight out of ICT , Located in the historic downtown Marple Theater space. This beautiful high-end, intimate cocktail lounge, has candlelit tables, velvet chairs and love seats, with a moody atmosphere.”

 

  • Norton’s Brewing Company
    • Address: 125 N. St. Francis St., Wichita, KS, 67202
    • Website: https://nortonsbrewing.com/
    • From the website: “At Nortons Brewing, we’re doing more than brewing unique craft beers. We’re redefining expectations. The Team’s innovative recipes and bold brewing techniques will assault your palate.”
  • 86 Cold Press:
    • Address: 600 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS, 67202
    • Website: http://www.86coldpress.com/
    • From website: “86 Cold Press offers healthy cold pressed organic juices made from fresh fruits and vegetables.”
  • Third Place Brewing:
    • Address: 630 E. Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS, 67202
    • Website: https://www.thirdplacebrew.com/
    • From website: “Third Place Brewing is an inviting place to enjoy a handcrafted beer with friends and enjoy watching sports in a comfortable environment.”

 

  • Bite Me BBQ:
    • Address: 132 N. St. Francis St., Wichita, KS, 67202.
    • Website: http://www.biteme-bbq.com/#region1
    • From website: “Bite Me BBQ’s signature smokehouse menu includes smoked meat sandwiches, appetizers, BBQ dinners, and drinks in a casual dining atmosphere.”
  • Cheezies Pizza:
    • Address: 601 E. First Street, Wichita, KS, 67202.
    • Website: https://www.cheeziespizza.com/locations/wichitadowntown
    • From website: “Founded in 2009, CheeZies Pizza strives to offer the highest-quality pizza at the very best price every day. CheeZies Pizza features large single-topping and specialty pizzas, calizones, breadsticks. oven-baked sandwiches, and chicken wings.”
  • The Kitchen: 
    • Address: 725 E. Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS
    • Website: https://thekitchenwichita.com/
    • From website: “The Kitchen is located directly behind the Rock Island Depot at Union Station. Offering fresh, clean and seasonal options made from scratch in a casual atmosphere. Daily specials are available.”
  • Pourhouse ICT: 
    • Address: 711 E. Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS, 67202.
    • Website: https://www.pourhouseict.com/
    • From website: “PourHouse ICT serves lunch, dinner, and drinks. The menu includes bar classics such as burgers, smoked pretzels with beer cheese, Scotch eggs, wings, fried pickles, fish and chips, bangers and mash, sandwiches and more. Pourhouse features 12 Walnut River beers on tap as well as wine and mixed drinks. Patio seating is available. Located at the historic Union Station Plaza.”
  • Wichita Cheesecake Company:
    • Address: 801 E. Douglas Ave. #110, Wichita KS
    • Website: https://www.wichitacheesecakecompany.com/
    • From website: “Wichita Cheesecake Company is a premier family-owned baking company specializing in quality-crafted traditional and signature cheesecake creations.”
  • Emerson Biggin’s:
    • Address: 808 E. Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67202
    • Website: https://emersonbiggins.com/
    • From website: “Emerson Biggin’s is located in the Old Town Entertainment District. Catch the big game on any day of the week at this traditional sports bar and restaurant. “
  • Public at the Brickyard:
    • Address: 129 N. Rock Island St., Wichita, KS, 67202.
    • Website: https://publicbrickyard.com/
    • From website: “Public at the Brickyard is a family-owned eatery located in the Old Town Entertainment District. Well-known for its live music, food and drink, and one-of-a-kind outdoor bar experience there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Public at the Brickyard serves craft beer and a seasonal multi-cuisine menu featuring locally grown produce.”
  • District Taqueria:
    • Address: 917 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS
    • Website: http://www.districttaqueria.com/
    • From website: “District Taqueria is an urban taco bar serving street-style Mexican food. The bar serves a selection of inspired beers and cocktails.”
  • Larkspur Bistro & Bar:
    • Address: 904 E. Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67202
    • Website: http://www.larkspuronline.com/
    • From website: “Larkspur Restaurant and Bar is now Larkspur Bistro and Bar. Larkspur’s menu is a unique blend of Mediterranean, French, Italian & American entrées and delectable appetizers prepared well and served beautifully, even artfully inspired.”

 

  • Wasabi Hinkaku
    • Address: 912 E. Douglas Ave, Wichita KS
    • Website: https://www.wasabiks.com/
    • From website: “Wasabi Hinkaku offers authentic and delicious tasting Sushi and Japanese cuisine in Wichita, KS.  Wasabi Hinkaku’s convenient location and affordable prices make our restaurant a natural choice for dine-in, take-out meals in the Wichita community. Our restaurant is known for its variety in taste and high quality fresh ingredients. Come and experience our friendly atmosphere and excellent service.”

 

  • Playa Azul Mexican Restaurant:
    • Address: 111 N. Washington Ave, Wichita, KS
    • Website: https://www.360wichita.com/Restaurants/Mexican/PlayaAzul.html
    • From website: “Welcome to Playa Azul Authentic Mexican Restaurant, where we pride ourselves in serving great Mexican Food with the highest standards of quality and cleanliness. Our every day goal is to provide our guest an outstanding and unique experience while enjoying some of the best traditional dishes of the central area of Mexico. Serving lunch and dinner.

 

  • River City Brewery
    • Address: 150 N. Mosley St., Wichita, KS
    • Website: https://rivercitybrewingco.com/
    • From website: “Founded in 1993 and located in the Old Town Entertainment District, River City offers six different styles of microbrews and seasonal beer. “

 

  • Mort’s Cigar and Martini Bar
    • Address: 923 E. 1st St., Wichita KS
    • Website: https://www.mortswichita.com/
    • From website: “Mort’s Cigar and Martini Bar is located in the Old Town Entertainment District and serves over 160 martinis, as well as a full liquor bar and beer. In the spring and summer months, you can find live bands on the patio six nights a week. In the fall and winter, there are live single and duo acts inside. Enjoy a cigar on the heated outdoor patio all year round.”

 

  • Roxie’s on the River:
    • Address: 245 N. Waco, Wichita, KS
    • Website: https://www.facebook.com/roxiesontheriver/
    • From website: “Breakfast and lunch menu with items such as biscuits and gravy, cheeseburgers, a salad bar, a variety of sandwiches, tacos, chilli with cornbread, sloppy joes, cookies and more. Located in the Farm Credit Bank Building with both indoor and patio seating.”

 

  • Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates:
    • Address: 235 N. St. Francis, Wichita, KS
    • Website: https://cocoadolce.com/
    • From website: “Cocoa Dolce serves artisan chocolates. All candies, chocolates and drinks are handcrafted in-house in small batches without preservatives. No batch of chocolate is kept for longer than four weeks. All ingredients, from caramel to marshmallows and peanut butter, are handmade with love in the heart of Kansas.”

 

  • Adios Nachoria at Wave:
    • Address: 650 E. Second St., Wichita, KS
    • Website: https://www.facebook.com/adiosnachoriaatwave/
    • From website: “Mexican restaurant specializing in creative Nachos. Located at the indoor-outdoor concert and event venue Wave in Old Town.”

 

  • Pumphouse:
    • Address: 825 E. 2nd St., Wichita KS
    • Website: https://www.pumphousewichita.com/
    • From website: “Originally established in 1931 as a filling and service station, the Pumphouse is a family-owned and operated sports bar and restaurant. On the weekend, Pumphouse features a DJ or live musical performance. The menu includes appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, sides and salads. Outdoor seating is available.”

 

  • Lotus Leaf Cafe:
    • Address: 251 N. Washington Ave, Wichita KS
    • Website: https://lotusleafwichita.com/
    • From website: “Lotus Leaf serves clean and sustainable food, incorporating super foods into the menu and accommodating a variety of dietary lifestyles. Outdoor seating is available.”
  • Blue Fin:
    • Address: 255 N. Washington, Wichita, KS
    • Website: http://bluefinsakebar.com/
    • From website: “Sake bar and sushi restaurant in Old Town.”
  • B&C Barbeque:
    • Address: 355 N. Washington Ave, Wichita KS
    • Website: https://bbqwichita.com/
    • From website: “B&C Barbeque offers a casual lunchtime dining experience with an all you can eat BBQ buffet line, including beef brisket, pulled pork, ham, links and more.”
  • Old Chicago:
    • Address: 300 N. Mead St. Wichita KS
    • Website: https://oldchicago.com/
    • From website: “Tap room featuring Italian favorites such as pizza, calzones, lasagna and more with world-class craft beers. Happy hour, late night and daily drink specials. Outdoor seating is available.”
  • New Lemongrass Taste of Vietnam:
    • Address: 300 N. Mead, Wichita KS
    • Website: https://www.lemongrasswichita.com/#/
    • From website: “New Lemongrass: Taste of Vietnam offers a variety of pho and other delicious Vietnamese soups such as the vermicelli super bowl, the lemongrass bowl, the solo bowl, and many more. “
  • YO-B Yogurt and Burgers:
    • Address: 303 N. Mead St. Wichita KS
    • Website: https://www.facebook.com/yobwichita
    • From website: “YO-B is a family friendly restaurant located in Old Town Square. The restaurant offers self-serve frozen yogurt, burgers, fries and more. Outdoor seating is available.”
  • Todd Brian’s Brick Street Cafe & Tavern:
    • Address: 315 N. Mead St, Wichita, KS
    • Website: https://www.toddbrians.com/
    • From website: “Menu includes traditional American, burgers, Cajun/Creole sandwiches and seafood. A variety of craft beers, martinis and other drinks are available.”
  • Hana Cafe:
    • Address: 325 N. Mead, Wichita, KS
    • Website: https://www.facebook.com/hanacafeict
    • From website: “Hana Cafe is Old Town’s oldest sushi bar and Japanese/Korean restaurant since 1996. Enjoy delicious sushi, Asian dishes, specialty cocktails or sake!”

Find out more DEAL and FREE activities in and around WICHITA HERE

 

 

First Friday Art Crawl
When
Monthly on the 1st Friday @ 6:00 pm-9:00 pm (starting October 4, 2019)
Cost
FREE
What
First Friday Art Crawl
Where
Various Locations

Various Locations

Wichita, KS

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