Welcome to Riverfest weekend!

In today’s email:

• Feature Event: It’s Riverfest Time!

• Anniversary: Hopping Gnome’s 11-year

• Event Rundown: What’s ahead this weekend

• Music: This week’s concert rundown

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

FEATURE EVENT
Wichita Riverfest

It’s back, the 2026 Wichita Riverfest!

As a social media partner for the Wichita Riverfest this year, I'll be on hand everyday experiencing the event to the fullest. My goal is to take it all in and enjoy all my favorite events along with ones that are new to me.

There's so much going on that I had to put together an agenda of all the events I'm excited for most. If you're like me and big on itineraries (yes, I'm a nerd like that), I'm sharing mine. Come out and say hi starting this Friday.

But keep in mind, there’s so much more to do outside of what I’m able to fit in my schedule.

The staff at Festivals Inc, put together an incredible digital guide that shows the daily events. No longer do you need to download an app, just bookmark this link and it’ll tell you everything you need to know.

Looking for what food is available? We have a guide for that too which includes some local additions such as Honey & Rues and Sunshine Treats.

Otherwise, I hope to see many of you this weekend and all next week in downtown Wichita. Buttons are now available at Quiktrip or you can purchase them at the gate.

Remember that Sunday, May 31, kids 12 and under get in free with an adult for Family Fun Day. Then Thursday, June 4 is Throwback Thursday where all you need is an old button to get in.

SATURDAY
Hopping Gnome 11-Year Anniversary

We're celebrating 11 years of gnome beers!

Join us for anniversary beers on tap, live music by MJ12 on the patio, and food from Taters N Toppings, Argentina's Empanadas, and dessert by C&T Sweet Stop.

Lamphouse Photo Booth Co. will also be here with their vintage birdie booth, so grab your Gnomies and capture the moment.

Come celebrate with us and help us turn it up to 11.

EVENTS
This Week’s Events

■A unique screening of Shaun of the dead with Special guest
Wed. May 27 | 7 p.m. | The Hyde Out
Your favorite horror-comedy cult classic gets a wildly fun makeover hosted by the fabulous Madame Mae, with audience participation and spooky surprises that make this one seriously unforgettable night out!

■Keys for a Cure - Featuring Hi-Fi Dueling Pianos
Thu. May 28 | 7 p.m. | The Keg Sports Bar & Grill
Come sing along and cheer on the Hi-Fi Dueling Pianos as this lively, music-filled fundraiser night benefits those in our community facing cancer — your ticket truly makes a difference!

■Wichita Riverfest
Fri. May 29 - Sat. June 6 | Downtown Wichita
Kansas' biggest and most beloved outdoor party is back in downtown Wichita, bringing days of live music, food, activities, cultural experiences, and community fun you simply can't find anywhere else!

■Sundown Parade
Fri. May 29 | 6:30 p.m. | Wichita Riverfest
Cheer on the floats, bands, performers, and parade favorites as Riverfest kicks off in style with this beloved Sundown Parade celebrating the Spirit of America's 250th Birthday!

■Final Friday Downtown Food & Booze Truck Rally
Fri. May 29 | 5 p.m. | Wichita Boathouse
Wrap up your week with free family fun at the Wichita Boathouse, featuring local food trucks, live music, local vendors, yard games, and good vibes all evening long!

■RiverFlix
Fri. May 29 | 6 p.m. | Exploration Place
Grab your blankets and snacks and settle in for a magical family movie night under the stars at Exploration Place's beautiful Wichita Foundation Amphitheater — a perfect warm-weather tradition!

■ICT Sketch Comedy
Fri. May 29 | 9 p.m. | Flying Pig Improv
ICT Sketch Comedy returns for round two with an even sharper, funnier powerhouse cast ready to deliver a night of fresh, locally crafted comedy that had Wichita audiences buzzing after their debut!

■Adult Skate Night
Fri. May 29 | 9:30 p.m. | Carousel Skate Center
Lace up your skates and roll into the weekend with friends at Carousel Skate Center, where a live DJ, a full bar, and all your favorite nostalgic hits make for the perfect Friday night out!

■Fidelity Bank River Fun
Sat. May 30 | 7 a.m. | Century II
Whether you're a seasoned runner or bringing the little ones for the Tot Trot, the 50th annual Fidelity Bank River Run has a race for every age and fitness level — come celebrate this Wichita tradition!

■Kansas Grown Farmers Market - 21st & Ridge
Sat. May 30 | 7 a.m. | Kansas Grown Farmers Market
Start your Saturday morning right by shopping fresh local produce, meats, baked goods, honey, flowers, and handmade crafts from your friendly neighborhood growers and makers — plus live music and food trucks!

■Old Town Farm & Art Market
Sat. May 30 | 8 a.m. | Old Town Farm & Art Market
One of Wichita's most treasured Saturday traditions, the Old Town Farm & Art Market brings together growers, artists, makers, and music lovers for more than 30 years of community, fresh food, and local art!

■Kansas Grown Indoor Farmers Market - Andover Market
Sat. May 30 | 8 a.m. | Kansas Grown Farmers Market
Shop fresh and shop local at the Andover Kansas Grown Farmers Market, where friendly growers and artisans bring you the very best in local produce, baked goods, honey, flowers, and handmade treasures!

■Not Today Cancer! Cruisin' for a Cure Car Show
Sat. May 30 | 9 a.m. | Risen Savior Lutheran Church
Come admire beautiful cars, support local vendors, and enjoy family-friendly fun at this community car show benefiting Blood Cancer United – Kansas, because together Wichita says: not today, cancer!

■Turn it up to 11: Hopping Gnome Anniversary Party
Sat. May 30 | Noon | Hopping Gnome Brewing Co.
Help Hopping Gnome Brewing celebrate 11 wonderful years with anniversary beers on tap, live music from MJ12, tasty bites from Taters N Toppings, and sweet treats from C&T Sweet Stop — Wichita's local brewing community at its best!

■Wax Carved Ring Workshop
Sat. May 30 | 4 p.m. | Grit Studio & Collaborative
Unleash your inner artist at this hands-on workshop where you'll design and carve your very own one-of-a-kind ring in wax, which will then be professionally cast into beautiful sterling silver just for you!

■Celebrate Kayven: Dino-Mite Adventures
Sat. May 30 | 6 p.m. | Field Station: Dinosaurs
Head to Derby's Field Station Dinosaur Park for this free, heartwarming community celebration featuring fun activities, local organizations, and a whole lot of love for kids and families!

■Riverfest Board Games
Sun. May 31 | 11 a.m. | Century II
Pull up a chair and play the day away at Century II during Riverfest, where board game fans of all ages can discover, try, and enjoy a fantastic variety of games from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.!

■YBG Fashion Show
Sun. May 31 | 5:30 p.m. | Century II
YBG Studios presents its fifth independently produced fashion show in collaboration with Riverfest, bringing 50 models to the stage and transforming the runway into a full experience. This is more than a fashion show. It is a platform for representation, featuring models of all ages and backgrounds who reflect the culture and creativity of our city.

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

EVENTS
Live Music Sponsored by Mort’s Martini Bar