What to do this weekend: Pet some kitties; Launch a lantern; See local, national bands
If you’re not planning to spend the whole weekend in Hutchinson enjoying the Kansas State Fair, there’s plenty to do closer to home.
Wichita’s weekend entertainment calendar is full of diversions that will entertain cat lovers, music lovers and people who just want to float a lantern on a lake.
Here’s a list of some of the weekend’s best bets:
Wichita Cat Show
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Cessna Activity Center, 2744 George Washington Blvd.
Calling all cat ladies and gents: This weekend, Cessna Activity Center will be home to the Wichita Cat Show, which will feature more than 100 cats representing 35 breeds. Visitors will be able to see and pet cats, shop for cat merchandise and even watch a cat costume contest. The show runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available at the door and are $12 for adults, $8 for children 5 and over and for seniors, and free for children 4 and under. Tickets also are available online in advance at kansas-katz.ticketleap.com/wichita-cats/
Three Dog Night concert
8 p.m. Friday, the Cotillion, 11120 W. Kellogg
Classic rock band Three Dog Night will be in Wichita on Friday for a concert at The Cotillion. The band, which originally formed in 1967 and is best known for hits like “Mama Told Me (Not to Come)” and “An Old Fashioned Love Song,” will perform after opening act Matt Bloom. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the concert is at 8 p.m. Tickets are $39 to $99 and are available at thecotillion.com
Water Lantern Festival
5-9 p.m. Saturday, OJ Watson Park 3022 S. McLean Blvd.
The Water Lantern Festival returns to Wichita on Saturday and will allow attendees to create their own unique light-up lanterns that they can launch into the water at OJ Watson Park. The family-friendly event, set for 5-9 p.m., will also include several food trucks, vendors and live music. Tickets include a wristband for entry with access to food trucks, a floating lantern kit, an LED candle, a commemorative drawstring bag and more. Adult tickets are $26.98 if purchased online through Friday or $40.99 at the event. Advance tickets are available at tickets.waterlanternfestival.com/wichita, where people can also find discounts for youth tickets and date-night packages.
Spelling bee for grownups
6 p.m. Friday, Wichita Brewing Co. Event Venue, 6160 E. Central
Wichita radio station KMUW is putting on a spelling bee for grownups on Friday called “You’re Spelling it Wrong.” Hosted by KMUW’s Fletcher Powell of KMUW’s “You’re Saying It Wrong” podcast, the event allows spectators and will include pizza and beer. It will be recorded and edited to air on KMUW in the future. The event starts at 6 p.m. at the Wichita Brewing Co. event venue. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $40 for a single seat at a mixed table of six that includes pizza and beer, and $35 for a contestant. People also can reserve tables for six, which include pizza and beer, for $200. Get tickets at www.kmuw.org/youre-spelling-it-wrong-a-spelling-bee-for-grown-ups
ICT Fest
Friday through Sunday, various Wichita venues
ICT Fest, a local music festival that’s been happening since 2004, returns this weekend. It continues through Sunday at a few venues around town: Nortons Brewing Company, Barleycorn’s, Wave and Kirby’s Beer Store. The bill features 45 different bands, and the bulk of the lineup will perform at the Wave venue on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, though donations are accepted, and the shows are open to all ages. For a complete lineup of bands, visit www.ictfest.com/ict-fest-2023/
Fiesta Hispana
Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean
Exploration Place is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with an event on Sunday called Fiesta Hispana. It will include crafts, games, music, dancing and food, and attendees also will be able to check out a fashion show, see some low rider cars and go through Exploration Place’s exhibits. The event runs from noon to 5 p.m., and admission is included with regular Exploration Place admission: $12 for adults, $10 for ages 3-11 and seniors 65 and over. For a complete schedule of events, visit exploration.org/event/fiesta-hispana/
Recent concert announcements
Here’s a look at the recent additions made to Wichita’s concert calendar:
Beth Leveal, Oct. 14, Mary Jane Teall Theater, Century II, tickets on sale at mtwichita.org
Monster Mash featuring Yae, The Cavves, Oct. 27, Wave, tickets on sale at waveict.com
Tyler Halverson, Oct. 28, Wave, tickets on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at waveict.com
Pop Evil, Oct. 29, TempleLive, tickets on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at wichita.templelive.com
Emo Orchestra featuring Hawthorne Heights, Nov. 1, Orpheum Theatre, tickets on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at selectaseat.com
Pony Bradshaw, Dec. 8, Wave, tickets on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at waveict.com
