What to do in Wichita: Monster Trucks at the Arena, Tomato Fest, Bridal Expo
It’s crazy hot outside, but the fun must go on in Wichita.
On this weekend’s calendar: the annual Tomato Fest at the Kansas Grown Farmers Market (early to avoid the heat), Phlox fire dancers at Old Town Square (late to avoid the heat) and a bunch of indoor entertainment ranging from concerts to the Wichita Bridal Expo.
Here are some of the fun things happening in Wichita this weekend and into next week:
Tomato Fest
7 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sedgwick County Extension Center, 7001 W. 21st St.
The last Saturday in July has arrived, meaning it’s time for the annual Tomato Fest at the Kansas Grown Farmers Market. In addition to the market’s regular vendors, Saturday’s will also offer tomato recipes and samplings, food trucks featuring fried green tomato dishes, and a contest where tomatoes are judged in several different categories, from largest to ugliest. (People can drop entries off on the northwest side of the market starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday.) The day also will include fun activities like face painting and live music. Tomato Fest is from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Admission is free.
Wichita Bridal Expo
Saturday-Sunday, Century II Exhibition Hall, 225 W. Douglas
The Century II Bridal Expo returns this weekend and will allow bride- and grooms-to-be to gather information from more than 100 vendors. The expo is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Century II Exhibition Hall. A single day pass is $12, and a two-day pass is $15. Children 11 and under get in free. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at selectaseat/bridal.com.
Monster Truck Glow Party
12:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and at 2:30 p.m Sunday, Intrust Bank Arena, 400 N. Waterman
Intrust Bank Arena will be home this weekend to the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party, which will feature fan-favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks like Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Boneshaker, Bigfoot and Gunkster competing and battling in the dark. The evening also will include a dance party, laser light shows, Hot Wheels toy giveaways and an appearance by the robot Transaurus plus the Freestyle Motocross riders. Shows are at 12:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $20 to $32 with upgrades and add-on experiences available. Get tickets at www.selectaseat.com, by calling 316-755-7328 or in person at the Select-a-Seat box office inside Intrust Bank Arena.
Fire dancers in Old Town square
8:30 p.m. Friday, Old Town Square, Second and Mead
Phlox, which is a group of local fire performers, will return on Friday for its biggest Final Friday show of the year in Old Town Square, Second and Mead. The show, which will have a “Circus Freaks” theme, will start at around 8:30 p.m. and will include “flow art” methods like hoops, fans and fire breathing and will also feature music, LEDs and dance. The show is free to watch, but the performers accept tips.
Metal bands on tour
6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Hartman Arena, 8151 Hartman Arena Drive, Park City
Metal bands In this Moment and Motionless in White have teamed up for ”The Dark Horizon Tour,” which will arrive at Hartman Arena in Park City on Tuesday. In This Moment, based in Los Angeles, is headed by singer Maria Brink and has been performing since 2005. Motionless in White, from Pennsylvania, has an “industrial metal” sound and gothic feel. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 to $65 at hartmanarena.com
Southall in concert
7:30 p.m. Thursday, The Cotillion, 11120 W. Kellogg
Southall — the group formerly known as Read Southall Band — has a date with The Cotillion on Thursday. The country group from Stillwater, Oklahoma, first found fame on streaming platforms and is known for songs like “Borrowed Time,” Don’t Tell Me” and “Why.” The show starts at 7:30 p.m. with opening act Wight Lighters. Tickets are $22 at thecotillion.com
Recent concert announcements
Here’s a look at the recent additions made to Wichita’s concert calendar:
Gilda House, Sept. 7, Wave, tickets on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at waveict.com
Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute, Sept. 15, tickets on sale at waveict.com
Supergroup Worldwide, Sept. 23, TempleLive, tickets on sale at wichita.templelive.com
Wilco, Sept. 25, tickets on sale at waveict.com
Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood, Nov. 17, Orpheum Theatre, tickets on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at selectaseat.com
