Say Boo!
Written by Alexis Evans
Say Boo!
Pickin’ Pumpkins and Sippin’ Apple Spice at October Events
Written by Alexis Evans
As the days begin to cool off, the social calendar begins to fill with all of the epic October events. From pumpkin patches to film festivals to an airshow at McConnell AFB, make sure to save the date for these fantastic fall activities.
Walter’s Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin Patches
Mid-September through mid-November
Pumpkin patch please! Pull out your favorite sweater and get the family loaded up for pumpkin patch season. Wichita has at least seven pumpkin patches within driving distance for all your favorite fall moments, including Walter’s Pumpkin Patch (Burns), Marietta Farm (Andover), Gourdman’s Pumpkin Patch (Derby), Applejack Pumpkin Patch (Augusta), Klausmeyer Dairy Farm and Pumpkin Patch (Clearwater), and Cox Farm (South Wichita). All your pumpkin patch dreams can come true at one of these amazing spots. Be sure to check websites for hours and seasonal dates.
Orchards and Apple Picking
Are apples or pumpkins the superior fall symbol? If you prefer to spend your fall days picking the best and juiciest apples, a u-pick apple orchard is a great option. Meadowlark Farm in Rose Hill and Steffen Apple Orchard in Conway Springs are both lovely outing options for a crisp fall day. Be sure to check out one of these nearby orchards.
Tallgrass Film Festival
October 15–18
Join in on Tallgrass Film Festival, host to the largest independent film festival in the state of Kansas. This amazing yearly event is a fun draw for all film-lovers and is an amazing opportunity to engage in culture from around the world. Tickets are available now.
Wichita Asian Festival
October 17
The 45th Annual Asian Festival is here once more. Titled “Journey Across Borders” this year’s festival will be a celebration of a wide variety of cultural backgrounds with food, performances and pageants. With tickets starting at $5, this festival is an easy “yes” for an amazing and immersive experience.
Field of Screams
Haunted Houses
Some people prefer tricks over treats, and like to pursue the thrill of a haunted house. Luckily for those who love a spooky tingle, Wichita is home to five haunted experiences which have proven year after year to get a decent scare out of willing participants. These include 13 Sinister Souls, Wicked Island, Wichita Ghost Tour: Haunted Streets of the Air Capital, Field of Screams, and Forest of Terror. Check individual website listings for opening dates, hours of operation and admission prices.
Wild Lights at the Zoo
October 16–December 22
The Wild Lights of Sedgwick County Zoo will illuminate west Wichita once more starting this October. This gorgeous display is a can’t-miss opportunity. Bundle up the family, grab some hot chocolate and join the crowds for this fun and festive show. Visit the website for ticket options and weekly updates.
Bootanica
Bootanica
For a more immersive light experience, be sure to check out Bootanica. During the month of October, Botanica Wichita will host this delightful fall festival each weekend. Attendees can expect all the essential fall and Halloween activities, including pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, face painting, live music, and more. Visit the website for dates and ticketing information.
Oktoberfest
Is it October without an Oktoberfest? Though many venues are observing Oktoberfest in November, there’s still time to catch the Oktoberfest at Prost, October 1–3 and at the ICT Bloktoberfest, October 9–10. Both events will offer plenty of opportunity to celebrate the harvest the German way. These events promise live music, amazing food, excellent entertainment, and of course, plenty of bier.
McConnell Airshow
October 24–25
Join Wichita at McConnell Air Force Base for a jaw-dropping air show. Frontiers in Flight promises “thrilling aerobatic performers, vintage aircraft, military demonstrations, and interactive static displays.” This show, which is free and open to the public, is perfect for kids of all ages. This is an amazing opportunity to “see the sky come alive.”
