September Fun
Written by Alexis Evans
September Fun
Written by Alexis Evans
Open Streets ICT — Douglas
September 20, 12–4 p.m.
Open Streets ICT is back, this time taking over the beloved and historic Douglas Avenue. From Grove to Waco streets, Wichitans can engage in their local community, participate in events, visit vendors and businesses, and take part in what is becoming a transformative Wichita tradition. Designed to “bring Wichitans of all ages and fitness levels together to promote active lifestyles, foster social engagement, and create vibrant public spaces,” this event is the perfect way to say goodbye to summer and hello to fall.
wichita.gov/702/Open-Streets-ICT
Autumn & Art Fine Art Fair
September 11–13
Did someone say fine art fair? The annual Autumn and Art Fair, held at Bradley Fair, is a wonderful opportunity to view high-quality art in a boutique setting. Free and open to the public, this event also features free entertainment and food and drink options for your browsing pleasure. Featuring over 95 artists from across the country, this event will surely be a time worth remembering.
Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff
September 26, high noon
Nothing says fall is coming like a community wide chili-cookoff. Come rain or shine, the Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff is a fantastic long-standing community event, which celebrates everything good about the Midwest. This year’s event promises cookoff teams from Kansas and the surrounding state, with attendance expected to be upwards of 10,000. Get out for some amazing eats and fun community hangs.
wagonmasters.org/chili-cookoff
“Come From Away” at Roxy’s Downtown
August 28–September 26
In commemoration of the events occurring on and following September 11, 2001, this Tony-award winning musical has moved audiences worldwide with its story of compassion, community, and the human experience of leaning on each other in times of deep crisis. As the country prepares for the 25th anniversary of 9/11, “Come From Away” helps audiences remember through this “deeply human, uplifting production (that) reminds us of the resilience, generosity, and unity that emerged from one of the most challenging moments in modern history.”
Spill the Tea: Wichita Tea Fest
September 12, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Tea lovers rejoice, the Wichita Tea Fest is right around the corner. Join in on this community event wholly dedicated to tea, wellness, holistic health and the arts. In this inaugural event, hosted by Planted Tea Shop, “this free, family-friendly event celebrates the connection between nature, creativity and community.”
plantedteashop.com/pages/tea-fest
Great Plains Renaissance Festival
September 26–27, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Get out your corsets, your swords and your chainmail, the Great Plains Ren Fest is here once more. Rolling into Sedgwick County Park at the same time as the autumn leaves, this excellent Renaissance Festival promises “jousts and jests, knights and knaves, bagpipes and blacksmiths, fire breathers, pirates, fairies, and more!” Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time attending a Renaissance Festival, you’re sure to find something to entertain.
Zoobilee
September 12, 6 p.m.–midnight
The Sedgwick County Zoo is once more preparing for Wichita’s Wildest Fun-raiser, Zoobilee. Get ready to celebrate and support our beloved zoo with “a WILD night full of local cuisine, refreshing libations, and live entertainment that brings the Zoo to life after dark.” Come ready to bid on exclusive experiences and items while roaming the wilds of the zoo.
Somewhere Fest at WAVE
September 25–26
Wichita’s favorite music festival, Somewhere Fest at Wave, is back! This excellent yearly festival is “the best opportunity to see world class talent in the heart of Wichita.” This year’s biggest artist is the one and only DJ Diesel, aka Shaquille O’Neal. Be sure to snag your tickets soon.
Orie’s Garlic Fest
September 13
If you don’t identify as a vampire, this is the event for you! This celebration of all things garlic is Wichita’s ode to a harvest festival, featuring an “eclectic mix of small businesses to peruse, ranging from local farms and ranches to food businesses to handmade artisans.” You can’t miss with any of the amazing food, artists and vendors who will be on display at this fun festival.
