(WICHITA, Kan.) — The 40th Annual Wichita River Festival is kicking-off its festivities this Friday which means that there will be plenty of fun things to do this weekend! It will be my first time going this year and I’m really looking forward to it! I will be going to different events all week and taking photos for our Fetchtoto.com photo gallery.
I’ve provided a list of events that I will be attending and taking pictures at. Hopefully I will see you out there and can take your picture with my pal Toto!
Also, make sure to get your 2011 Riverfest button for $5.00 at any local Walgreens, QuikTrip, Dillons and Walmart store. Your button will admit you to every venue and event at Riverfest. This is a great value that you can’t pass up!
1) Sundown Parade
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Date: Friday, June 3
Where: Downtown Wichita
Parade Route: Starts at Central & Market, Ends at 3rd & Waco
Top 5 Things To Do In Wichita This Weekend
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Why you should go: This is the kick-off for the Riverfest so you won’t want to miss it! Grab your lawn chair or blanket and find a relaxing spot to watch the parade in the streets of downtown Wichita. The parade will have lots of entertainment including marching bands, floats, clowns and more. This event will be one that the whole family can enjoy!
2) Koch Twilight Pops Concert featuring the Wichita Symphony Orchestra
Time: 8:30 p.m., Gates open at 5:00 p.m.
Date: Friday, June 3
Where: Kansas Star Music Park at West Bank
Why you should go: The McConnell Air Force Base will begin this event with a flyover from the 22nd Air Refueling Wing. This concert will include the Wichita Symphony Orchestra who will be performing under the direction of Dr. Jay Decker. The Orchestra will be playing some popular patriotic songs, as well as some Broadway classics. This event will be played on 97.1 BOB FM, so you can either bring your own radio to the downtown area or listen to the concert at home.
3) Capital Federal Fireworks
Time: 9:45 p.m.
Dates: Friday, June 3
Where: Along the Arkansas River (from Lewis to Exploration Place)
Why you should go: This performance will be like no other performance ever presented on the river before! Following the Koch Twilight Pops Concert, there will be a colorful array of fireworks that will be choreographed to a special musical arrangement. Make sure to tune your radio to 97.1 BOB FM and listen to the music while enjoying the beautiful firework show. This event will be sure to entertain the whole family!
4) Cessna Kids’ Korner, Exploration Place Park
Date & Times:
Friday, June 3, 5:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 4, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 5, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Exploration Place Park
Why you should go: Bring the children to this ongoing event where they can have fun playing in educational games, art projects, carnival rides and much more. There will also be plenty of performers to entertain the kids, including: face painters, magicians, dancers, clowns, and a DJ. Come enjoy the outdoors, great food, and entertainment that will be fun for you and the kids!
5) Riverfest Zipline
Date & Times:
Friday, June 3, 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 4, 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 5, 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Price Woodard Park
Why you should go: Are you seeking a little adventure this weekend? If you are, then you need to make sure to try the Riverfest Zipline at the Price Woodard Park! Get strapped in and prepare to be thrilled as you glide beside the Douglas Street Bridge in downtown Wichita.
6) Farmers Insurance Group Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides
Date & Times:
Friday, June 3, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 4, 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 5, 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Delano Park at Douglas & McLean Blvd.
Why you should go: If you aren’t afraid of heights and are looking for some adventure, then you should check-out the tethered hot balloon rides located in Delano Park. Go up 60 feet with friends or family and enjoy the spectacular scenery of downtown Wichita. Make sure to bring your Riverfest button to this event and enjoy the view!
7) Classic Rock Concert featuring The Marshall Tucker Band
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., Gates will open at 3:00 p.m.
Dates: Saturday, June 4
Where: Kansas Star Music Park at West Bank
Why you should go: If you enjoy classic rock music from the 70s, this concert is the one for you to attend this weekend. The concert will include bands Shyner and Street Survivor, and will feature The Marshall Tucker Band. The Marshall Tucker Band was one of the major Southern rock bands of the 70s and has had numerous hit songs, including “Heard it in a Love Song” and “Can’t You See”. Come relax and enjoy some great tunes from the past!
8) Arkansas River Coalition River Rides
