Sharing is caring!

Wichita River Fest is the biggest festival in the Wichita community. This massive event is the region’s largest, longest-running, and most anticipated festival. The Wichita Riverfest is an annual festival held in Wichita, Kansas, celebrating the city’s vibrant culture and community. When is Riverfest 2024? It will start May 30 – June 7, 2025. 

There’s no shortage of fun activities this year at the Wichita River Festival. This is the best deal of the year. For the price of a button, you get admission into concerts, an ice cream social (Free ice Cream), the Sundown parade, the food court, and so much more.

Did you know your Riverfest button gets you more than just admission? All week long, you can score Discounts and Deals at Local Attractions with Button!

One of my favorite Riverfest deals is Family Fun Day! It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the festival without breaking the bank. On this special day, kids 12 and under get in completely free—no button required—as long as they’re with a paying adult.

Wichita Riverfest is Celebrating its 53rd year on May 30 – June 7, 2025.

River Festival Button Prices

Riverfest buttons are your admission into the festival, good for all 9 days AND for all concerts.

• $20 for adults
• $10 for kids 6-11
• Kids 5 and under are FREE

Where to get your Riverfestival Button: You can purchase your button at a local Quick Trip or Online.

Riverfest 2025 Schedual of Events: 

Recurring Favorites

• Scroll down for the Music Lineup
• Riverfest Food Court
• Kids Corner Schedual.
• Carnival Schedual.
• Paddle, Boat & Kayaks
• Helicopter Rides 
• Wagonmaster River Tour 
• Medallion Hunt

Riverfest Top Events

Opening Weekend of Riverfest

RiverFest Sundown Parade

• Friday, May 30
  • Sundown Parade – 6:30 – 8 pm
  • Textron Opening Night Fireworks – 10:45 pm
    • Fireworks will begin directly following the night’s concert. The best viewing will be from Maple/Waterman to 1st Street along the Arkansas River. Brought to you by KEYN 103.7.

Riverfest River Run

• Saturday, May 31
  • River Run – 7 am – 11 am
  • Admirals’ Pancake Feed – 7:30 am
  • Tot Trot – 10:30 am
  • Artfest Pop Up Market – 11 am -6 pm

Riverest STEAM City

• Sunday, June 1
  • 1 – 4 pm

Monday Events at Riverfest

Bob Struble Gold Tournament

• Date: Monday, June 2
  • Bob Struble Gold Tournament – 8:30 am

Wednesday Riverfest Events

Riverfest Rodeo

• Date: Wednesday, June 4
• 5:30

Ice Cream Social

• Douglas Ave at 6:30

Midweek Fireworks

• River at 10:15

Thursday Riverfest Events

Riverfest Cajun Food Fest

• Date: Thursday, June 5
  • Cajun Food Fest – 5 – 8:30 pm

Touch a Truck

• Main Street at 5 pm

Friday at Riverfest

Fiesta de Rio at Riverfest

• Date: Friday, June 6
  • Fiesta del Rio All – Day

Closing Weekend at Riverfest

Riverfest Classic Car Show

• Date: Saturday, June 7 from 11 am – 5 pm

Riverfest Closing Fireworks

• Date: Saturday, June 7
  • Fireworks – 10:45
    • Capitol Federal is proud to sponsor the Riverfest Fireworks Finale, which will begin directly following the concert at approximately 10:45 PM. The fireworks will be shot from the west bank of the river between the Lewis Street Bridge and the Douglas Street Bridge. Viewing will be along the east side of the Arkansas River from Lewis/Waterman to 1st Street.

Riverfest 2025 Concerts

Riverfest Concerts in Wichita this year will offer a mix of music for all tastes, with performances from May 30 through June 7 at the Kennedy Plaza Stage. All concerts are free with the purchase of a Riverfest button, which grants access to nine days of festivities, including concerts, food vendors, river activities, and more.

2025 Riverfest Concert Lineup

• Friday, May 30: Everclear (9:15–10:30 PM) and Marcy Playground (7:30–8:45 PM)
• Saturday, May 31: Flo Rida (9:30–11:00 PM), Sir Charles III (8:00–9:00 PM), and DJ Cadence (6:30–7:30 PM)
• Tuesday, June 3: Paramount (8:30–10:00 PM) and The Nailbiters (7:30–8:15 PM)
• Wednesday, June 4: Jamey Johnson (9:00–10:00 PM) and Jason Callahan (7:30–9:00 PM)
• Thursday, June 5: Allen Stone (8:30–10:30 PM), Mudbugs (5:15–6:45 PM), and Scott Fowler (7:00–7:45 PM)
• Friday, June 6: La Arrolladora Banda El Limón (9:30–11:00 PM), La Fiesta Norteña (7:45–9:00 PM), and DJ Tinno Morales (6:00–7:30 PM)
• Saturday, June 7: Chris Janson (9:00–10:30 PM) and Jaelen Johnston (7:30–9:00 PM)

Riverfest buttons are available for purchase at participating QuikTrip locations, the Wichita Festivals office, and online. Adult buttons are $20, child buttons (ages 6–12) are $10, and children under 5 are free. Buttons are required for entry to all Riverfest events, including concerts.

Does it Cost Extra to attend Concerts at Riverfest?

• No. Admission to all concerts is included with your festival button.

For a complete schedule and more information, visit the official Riverfest website. Click HERE to visit the River Festival website. 

According to the Riverfest website, in 1970 at the City’s Centennial celebration, the goal was to bring the entire community together, to build community pride, and focus on Wichita’s beautiful natural resource, the Arkansas River. In 1971, board members selected May 27, 1972, to hold the Wichitennial River Festival. Activities included a bathtub race, maypole winding, and an antique auto parade. Around 2,000 buttons were sold at the festival for $1 each. The Coleman Company and KG&E were a couple of the early corporate supporters in 1973. 1974 was an important year for the festival because a group of leaders had the idea of establishing an organization for the festival made up of young business leaders. This same year, the Festival was extended to 10 days and featured the Sundown Parade, the Twilight Pops Concert, and fireworks. The festival officially became the Wichita River Festival in 1979.

The Wichita Riverfest is an annual festival held in Wichita, Kansas, celebrating the city’s vibrant culture and community. Here are some key details about the Wichita Riverfest:

1. Duration:
   • The Wichita Riverfest typically spans several days, offering a variety of events and activities for attendees.
2. Location:
   • The festival takes place in and around the downtown area of Wichita. Various venues and spaces are utilized for different events and attractions.
3. Events and Activities:
   • The Riverfest features a diverse range of events and activities, including live music performances, food and drink vendors, art exhibitions, cultural showcases, parades, fireworks displays, and family-friendly activities.
4. River Events:
   • As the name suggests, the festival often includes events along the Arkansas River, such as boat races, paddleboat rides, and other water-related activities.
5. Concerts and Entertainment:
   • Live music is a significant part of the festival, featuring performances by local and national artists across various genres. Concerts may take place on multiple stages throughout the festival grounds.
6. Food and Beverages:
   • A variety of food vendors offer a diverse selection of cuisines, allowing attendees to enjoy different culinary experiences. There are also options for refreshing beverages.
7. Fireworks Display:
   • The festival often opens and concludes with a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the night sky and providing a festive and celebratory atmosphere. – FREE to watch
8. Cultural and Community Engagement:
   • Riverfest is an opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate local culture, and engage in a wide range of activities that showcase the spirit of Wichita.
9. Family-Friendly Atmosphere:
   • Many events and attractions are family-friendly, making the festival suitable for people of all ages. There may be designated areas for children with activities and entertainment tailored to younger attendees.

The Wichita Riverfest highlights the city’s social calendar, offering a mix of entertainment, culture, and community engagement. If you plan to attend, check the specific details and schedule for the year you are interested in. Enjoy the festivities!

Wichita Summer Checklist 

Citywide Garage Sales 

Happy Hours and Specials in Wichita