What Up Wichita?
Want to know what’s going on in Wichita? We got you covered with The Eddytorial.

In today’s email:

• Community: Remembering Richard Bennett

• Riverfest: 2026 concert lineup announced

• Fundraiser: For Romeo

• Opening: Johnny’s Tavern

FUNDRAISER
Remembering Richard Bennett

The owner of the Little Dairy Queen at 849 S. Poplar, Richard Barrett, passed away in an announcement from the store he owned and operated for many decades.

Barrett who worked for Dairy Queen for 45 years was a Wichita legend who served thousands in the community and was hailed as one of the best bosses by many who worked for him.

Barrett retired in 2022, a year after celebrating his 90th birthday.

Following his passing, the new owners of The Little Dairy Queen will be holding a benefit for Barrett’s family.

On Saturday, February 21, from noon to 9 p.m., a portion of every order will be donated to Barrett’s family. There will also be a donation box available where 100% of donations will go to the family.

RIVERFEST
2026 Concert Announcement

Did you miss it? The 2026 concert lineup for Wichita Riverfest taking place May 29 to June 6 has been announced.

Remember a button which goes on sale in April gets you in to every single show, but you can always purchase VIP tickets to get you closer to the action.

FUNDRAISER
Romeo Padilla Benefit at iTZCALI

If you don't have lunch or dinner plans tomorrow, please consider iTZCALi Tapas and Tequila as they are doing a fundraiser benefitting Romeo Padilla who is battling stage 4 choriocarcinoma cancer.

ITZCALi is doing a buffet at $25 per person with proceeds going directly to Romeo's care.

The buffet is available over lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then at dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

WATCH NOW
Wichita Dinner Table

It’s the 15-year anniversary episode!

Available on Facebook, YouTube, Apple Podcast and Spotify.

GRAND OPENING
Johnny’s Tavern

Wichita’s newest sports bar and downtown destination is hours away from opening. Johnny’s Tavern has pegged Friday, February 20, as the big day when doors open to the public at 11 a.m.

Here’s a sneak peek inside.

NEWS
Blogs You Missed

Let’s catch you up on the blogs you may have missed over the past week from our website, Facebook or Instagram.

What happens when Gyoza Bar has a 125 pound tunafish shipped to the Midwest?

You get a live tuna cutting show, complete with a 14-course meal.

• A week in board games (more)

• Riverfest Concert announcement (more)

• Inside PROST (more)

• Douglas Social under new ownership (more)

• YBG Fashion show taking place at Riverfest (more)

EVENTS
Death By Chocolate

Exploration Place’s premiere event is coming soon: Death By Chocolate

Join us for Wichita’s premier indulgent night out, where chocolate, cocktails and creativity collide in an unforgettable evening of food, drinks and entertainment—all in support of STEM programming and education through Exploration Place.

Savor decadent desserts, gourmet bites and crafted cocktails from the region’s top restaurants, bakeries and mixologists. Enjoy live music, interactive experiences and exclusive access to the museum’s exhibits—all with a sophisticated, adults-only atmosphere.

Every sip and every bite help fuel hands-on science education and programs that inspire thousands of children across Kansas each year. Your ticket isn’t just a treat—it’s a way to spark curiosity and discovery for the next generation.

Join us for a night where indulgence meets impact.

COMMUNITY
Nominate A Teacher

My mother's number one rule when raising me was education is your way out. It's the path to help you succeed. I was lucky to have her push me and understand not all kids have that same person.

What I want to do is help excite these kids and pass on to them that people in this community are rooting them on. So I am working with various partners to send at least one classroom from a Title I school, a classroom with less resources and kids who really need our love, on an all-expenses-paid trip that includes transportation, admission, lunch provided from a restaurant (need to determine that still too) and perhaps an additional surprise to the Kansas Aviation Museum.

I've secured funding thanks to Wichita Public Schools Foundation for busing for at least one classroom and hope to get something so I can send a second classroom.

What I need from you is to find that teacher you think deserves to take their kids to the Kansas Aviation Museum in March.

This is the very last week to nominate a teacher.

EVENTS
What’s Coming This Weekend

Events can be found in our Wednesday Wichita email.

Check out the online version here.

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