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

In today’s email:

• Anchored Down: By Taxes

• Locally Owned: Bookstores

• Event Coverage: Performing Arts Scene

FEATURE STORY
The Anchor seized by the state

For now, it appears that the Anchor will be closed after being seized by the state for not paying its taxes.

The long time downtown staple has gone through many ups and downs over the last couple years and this appears to be the biggest roadblock for the storied restaurant.

EDDYTORIAL EXCLUSIVE
Wichita By E.B. Trivia

Who doesn’t love the Sedgwick County Zoo? Did you know it’s one of the largest in the country?

COMMUNITY
Wichita’s Independent Book Stores

Last week was Independent Bookstore Day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate it. Wichita is blessed with many independent bookstores. So many that we made a little guide of the options here in town.

Al’s Old & New Books
1700 W. Douglas
Wichita’s oldest book store that has been around since the 1940s. Located in Delano, this local gem carries around 40,000 new and used hardcover and paperback books. The stock includes used, out-of-print and rare books. A special thing about Al’s is they stock new local authors and local history books.

Blush Bookstore
2121 E. Central.
One of the newer independent bookstores in town to open is Blush Bookstore in Revolutsia. What sets this one apart from others is the fact they specialize in romance fiction and romantic novelty items.

Book-A-Holic
601 N. West St.
8760 W. 21st St.
924 S. Oliver
The largest independent bookstore in Wichita with three locations around the city. This locally owned and family operated secondhand book store has been around since 1993.

Eighth Day Books
2838 E. Douglas
Located around College Hill, Eighth Day Books has a big collection of religious, philosophical and historical books in their inventory. This multi-level book store has been a staple of the city for years.

ICT Books
2243 S. Meridian Ave
If you’re looking for a bargain, this is the way to go. They are Wichita’s only used book and media warehouse where all books are $1.25. And they don’t take the word warehouse lightly as there are over 50,000 items in stock.

Left On Read
612 E. Douglas
Left On Read is a Black-owned bookstore and community space in downtown Wichita. We center books by Black authors and stories that speak to our lives—past, present, and possible. From curated reads to meaningful events, we hold space for connection, culture, and conversation.

Watermark Books & Cafe
4701 E. Douglas Ave
Under new ownership as of 2025, Watermark Books & Cafe’s mission is to be relentlessly customer focused, to create a vibrant book culture in Wichita, to provide a café for people to gather, and to support their staff. Be sure to follow them on social media as they host many events bringing authors from all over the country for meet and greets.

EVENTS
Cinco de Mayo

In case you missed it, Cinco de Mayo is this weekend which means a lot of places to celebrate!

Rest assured, these have all been checked out by yours truly, so you’re getting first-hand accounts and knowledge of someone who has a little child to please.

GIVEAWAY
Exploration Place Premium Membership

With summer around the corner, your family may need a place to let the kids run around and use up that energy. Why not take them to a place where they can also learn at the same time? One of my daughter’s favorite places is Exploration Place.

So, thanks to our newsletter, The Eddytorial, we are giving away one Premium Membership which includes access to the dome! To enter, just register below! Winner announced May 8 in our Thursday newsletter drop and the winner will have 72 hours to claim their prize before an alternative winner is drawn!

GUIDES
Upcoming Arts Calendar

I’ve been hard at work putting together the next iteration of event coverage in Wichita.

The performing arts scene is something that gets little love. Well, let’s change that. Get a sneak preview of what’s to come. This is just a preview and many changes are still coming.

EVENTS
What’s Coming This Weekend

Events have moved over to our Wednesday Wichita Weekender email. Make sure to check yesterday’s emails to see what events are coming this week!

Or you can view the online version here.

WATCH NOW
Wichita Dinner Table

This week we are joined by the City of Andover to discuss the newest event, HeritageFest.

And shout out to our new show sponsor Landmark Commercial Real Estate.

Available on Facebook, YouTube, Apple Podcast and Spotify.

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.

I spent one morning working a shift at Tanganyika Wildlife Park as a zookeeper. How did it go? (read more)

• Bye bye Fusion (more)

• Ralph Wulz Riverside Tennis Center (more)

• Revisiting Wok Hey (more)

• The Mediterranean Festival is this weekend (more)

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