In today’s email:

• Feature Event: Snow Ball Formal

• Get Your Bikes: Open Streets 2026 announcement

• Christmas: Restaurants Open on the Big Day

• Event Rundown: What’s ahead this weekend

• Music: This week’s concert rundown

Want to have your event in next Wednesday’s email drop?

FEATURED
Snow Ball Formal

The Snow Ball is a winter formal for both dogs and people. Dress you and your dog in your finest outfits, get a picture on the red carpet, and submit your dog for the best dressed contest. Don’t forget get some grub from the food truck and stop by the bar for any of our beer, wine, or cocktails.

All people must be 16 years or older to enter.

All Dogs must be registered and have proof of vaccination against Rabies, Bordetella, and Distemper.

NEXT WEEK
Restaurants open on Christmas Day

As usual, the biggest question this time of year isn’t, “What do you want for Christmas?” It is “Can you tell me the Wichita restaurants open on Christmas Day?”

You’ve come to the right place! Here’s this year’s list!

This will be a working blog, so save this link and check back often to see what updates are made. As the big day looms closer, I know many more restaurants will officially confirm they will be open.

THIS SEPTEMBER
Trace Adkins kicks off Kansas State Fair

The Kansas State Fair has announced Trace Adkins is bringing his 30th Anniversary Tour to the Kansas Star Casino Grandstand on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., the opening night of the 2026 Fair!

GUIDES
Holiday Popups!

New ones are getting added regularly to our Holiday Pop-Up Bar list! This week’s addition is a new one at the Wichita Marriott that started this week! 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

Somewhere in Winter | Now through January 4
Details: 250 N. St. Francis

Disco Christmas – Late Night Shopping | December 18
Details: Paramount Antique Mall | 6pm

Point Nine Wine Dinner | December 18
Details: Point Nine | 6pm
Join us for an exquisite five-course December Wine Dinner featuring exceptional pairings from renowned wineries like Duckhorn and Sonoma Cutrer.

Cowtown Christmas Soiree | December 18
Details: Old Cowtown Museum | 6:30pm
Enjoy a magical holiday evening at Old Cowtown Museum, beginning with a formal Victorian dinner and including merriment, entertainment and more!

Cookies and Cocoa with Santa | December 19
Details: Kansas Aviation Museum | 10am
Come and have cookies and cocoa with Santa! Free photos, crafts and fun! This occurs during our Little Aviators Fridays, so adults are just $5 and kids 12 and under are FREE!!

Stranger Things 80s Dance Party | December 19
Details: Wave | 9pm

Adult Skate Night | December 19
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.

Ballet Wichita Presents the 51st Annual Nutcracker Ballet | December 20-21
Details: Century II
Experience the magic of the season with Ballet Wichita’s 51st annual production of “The Nutcracker,” featuring live music by the Ballet Wichita Symphony. A beloved holiday tradition, this enchanting performance brings Tchaikovsky’s iconic score and a cast of talented dancers to life in a dazzling celebration for all ages.

Old Town Farm & Art Market | December 20
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.

Cookies with Santa at Point Nine | December 20
Details: Point Nine | 3pm
Join Chef Santa for a sprinkle-filled workshop! Bring your little bakers to Point Nine to decorate their own jolly batch of cookies, meet the Big Guy, and create a lasting holiday memory. Due to the hands-on nature, all participants (adults and children) require a ticket for entry.

Wichita Flea Market | December 20-21
Details: Century II
The Wichita Flea Market is back in the Century II Exhibition Hall December 20 & 21. Shop small through 200 booths that include antiques, crafts, vintage items, collectibles, primitives, reclaimed items, comics, artwork, jewelry, toys, and so much more in this monthly flea market operated by a local Wichita Family.

Pretzels and Smoothies with The Grinch | December 21
Details: East Jamba Juice & Auntie Anne’s | 1pm
🎉 🥨 Jamba & Auntie Anne’s are thrilled to announce their partnership with Party Rockerz ICT. Join the Party Rockin Grinch for a Sweet & Salty GrinchmasCome for the smoothies and pretzel twists, stay for the shenanigans! Enjoy meet & greets + photo opps and a WHO-LOTTA fun holiday dance party FREE family fun.

Merry Grinchmas! | December 22
Details: Kansas Aviation Museum | 10am
Hang out with the green guy himself at the Kansas Aviation Museum! Crafts, photos and scavenger hunt fun! Just $5/adults and free for kids 12 and under! KAM Members get in FREE!

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

EVENTS
Live Music Sponsored by Mort’s Martini Bar

NEXT YEAR
Open Streets ICT dates announced for 2026

One of Wichita’s favorite community traditions is gearing up for another exciting year—Open Streets ICT is back for 2026!

Mark your calendars and get ready to walk, bike, skate, and play your way through three incredible Open Streets ICT events next year:

• Sunday, April 19, 2026 – WSU & Shocker Neighborhood

• Sunday, May 3, 2026 – Nomar District

• Sunday, September 20, 2026 – Douglas Avenue

Each event will transform Wichita’s streets into car-free, open spaces filled with local food vendors, live entertainment, fitness activities, and family-friendly fun. Open Streets ICT promotes active living, community connections, and vibrant public spaces—and best of all, it’s free and open to everyone!

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