Before we begin, happy early Thanksgiving to all the readers. THANK YOU for subscribing and supporting this blog.

In today’s email:

• This Week: Somewhere In Winter

• Celebrate: 10 years of Bliss Climbing

• Event Rundown: What’s ahead this weekend

• Music: This week’s concert rundown

• Community: Small Business “Shop Local” Guide

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THIS WEEK
Somewhere In Winter Begins

Starting Thanksgiving Day, the newest Wichita holiday tradition begins. It’s Somewhere In Winter.

This is the city’s first downtown holiday festival and outdoor ice rink experience that runs from November 27 to January 4.

Located at 250 N. St. Francis, otherwise known as the Coleman Lot across the street from Wave, entry to Somewhere in Winter is free to the public.

This new experience has a bit of something for everyone and it starts with the 60×90 foot ice rink flanked by a rotating slate of pop-up activations, food trucks and vendors, a holiday market curated by Old Town Farm & Art Market, live music, Santa, and igloos.

CELEBRATE
Ten Years of Bliss Climbing

Bliss Climbing & Fitness is turning 10! Since opening Wichita’s first full-service indoor climbing gym on Black Friday, 2015, we’ve loved every minute of building a community of climbers, movers, and adventurers. To celebrate this milestone, we’re inviting everyone to experience climbing at Bliss with $10 day passes all weekend long — starting Friday, November 28 and running through November 30.

Whether you’re a seasoned climber or trying it for the first time, there’s no better time to check out what Bliss is all about.

And don’t forget — the weekend wouldn’t be complete without our 10-Year Throwdown on Saturday, November 29, from 6 PM – midnight, featuring food, drinks, a mechanical bull, DJ Trāo, and more.

Celebrate 10 years of climbs, community, and good times — come climb with us! We welcome first time guest with no experience. Just climb on in!

GUIDES
Holiday Popups!

New ones are getting added regularly to our Holiday Pop-Up Bar list! This week’s addition is Mort’s Martini Bar. Catch some holiday spirit at one of these festive options!

Pop-up bars, much like pop-up shops, are limited time experiences. People have a small window of time to enjoy the themed events and honestly, I would say the best one are the holiday pop-up bars.

EVENTS
This Week’s Events

Wild Lights | Now through December 21
Details: Sedgwick County Zoo | 6pm - 9pm
Enjoy one-of-a-kind Asian lantern sculptures that light up the Zoo during the WILDEST nights in town.

Illuminations | Now through January 3
Details: Botanica | 5:30pm

Paramount Antique Mall & Marketplace Black Friday & Small Biz Saturday Weekend Sale | November 28-30
Details: Paramount Antique Mall
Kick off Black Friday and Small Business Saturday with huge store-wide savings, free gifts, prize giveaways, and over 300 small local vendors to shop at both Paramount locations during this three-day holiday shopping event.

Indoor Farmers Market | November 28
Details: Grit Studio & Collaborative | 9am
Discover fresh produce, artisan goods, baked treats, and handmade products all year long at this indoor farmers market — a welcoming, community-driven space that supports local growers and makers, rain or shine.

Holiday Night Market | November 28
Details: The Workroom | 5pm
SJumpstart your holiday shopping at The Workroom’s Black Friday Night Market, featuring unique local vendors, exclusive deals, and a festive evening of shopping and community.

Party Rockerz 21+ Drunk Disney Karaoke Black Friday Event | November 28
Details: Jerry’s Bar & Grill | 5pm
Unleash your inner child at Drunk Disney Karaoke Night — a 21+ Black Friday party packed with trivia, costumes, coloring, karaoke, prizes, and plenty of magical mayhem at Jerry’s Bar & Grill.

Nitro Circus: Off the Rails | November 28
Details: Intrust Bank Arena | 7pm
Nitro Circus delivers an adrenaline-charged spectacle of jaw-dropping stunts, world-class athletes, and nonstop energy across FMX, BMX, skate, scooter, and more — an unforgettable thrill ride for all ages.

Final Friday at the Dive Beach Bar | November 28
Details: The Dive Beach Bar | 8pm

Adult Skate Night | November 28
Details: Carousel Skate Center | 9:30pm
Adult Night is your ultimate Friday escape—featuring a live DJ, full bar, and nonstop hits from the '90s to today for a high-energy night of nostalgia and fun with friends.

ICT Artisan Expo | November 29-30
Details: Wichita Sports Forum | 10am

Jingle & Mingle | November 29
Details: Animal House FC | 9:30am
Join the Jingle & Mingle Market on Small Business Saturday, a festive local shopping event hosted by Animal House FC and The Charmed Cauldron, featuring talented vendors, handcrafted goods, and holiday cheer.

Old Town Farm & Art Market | November 29
Details: Old Town Farm & Art Market | 10am
Experience Wichita’s favorite Saturday tradition at the Old Town Farm & Art Market, where locals and visitors gather for fresh food, local art, live music, and lively street entertainment.

The Dinner Detective | November 29
Details: Wichita Marriott | 6pm

Festive ICT presents Hangover Brunch Soul Food Edition | November 30
Details: Sweet Spot | 11am
Close out the year at the Soul Food Edition of Hangover Brunch, a high-energy Sunday party filled with incredible eats, great music, and festive vibes powered by Greatness Vodka — the perfect end-of-year celebration for everyone. Grab your tickets now at FestiveICT.com

This is just a glimpse of what’s taking place!

EVENTS
Live Music Sponsored by Mort’s Martini Bar

COMMUNITY
Small Business Saturday

With the holidays around the corner, and of course Small Business Saturday this weekend, you may be looking to support some of the smaller shops in town. Or perhaps, you’re looking for something unique and off the beaten path. With the help of readers, we’ve put together our Wichita Holiday Small Business Guide. It’s a list of many unique or small or, in many cases, locally owned shops around town with a physical brick and mortar location.

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