Wichita events: Great Plains Renaissance Festival, Earth Fest this weekend

Renaissance Festival at Sedgwick County Park

Dust off your medieval costume. It’s time for the 12th annual Spring Great Plains Renaissance Festival. Watch competitors do battle as part of the Wichita Highland Games. Learn about Scottish and Celtic history and culture. The festival also features knights, pirates, magicians, sword fighting, kids activities, musicians, a cosplay contest, arts and crafts booths, medieval food selections and more. It’s from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Sedgwick County Park, 6300 W. 13th St. An advance adult ticket is $8.50 and it includes one free kid’s pass at www.greatplainsrenfest.com. Tickets at the gate are $12 for adults and $5 for kids (ages 12 and under).

Children’s Choir fundraiser featuring Samuel Ramey

The Wichita Community Children’s Choir is having its Fanfare fundraiser at Church of the Magdalen Parish Hall, 12626 E. 21st St. N, with opera star Samuel Ramey as special guest. The gala kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Friday with music from the Friends University jazz department. During the evening, Ramey will perform, as will the Children’s Choir. Dessert will be served. Tickets are $20 per person or $160 per table of eight, and they’re available at the door or by calling 316-617-3497.

Earth Fest at Herman Hill Park

Earth Day is Wednesday, and you can start the celebration early at Earth Fest VII: Let’s Clear the Air from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Herman Hill Park, 101 E. Pawnee. The free family-friendly event will include solar cooking demonstrations, music, giveaways, raffles, e-waste recycling, food and more. Call 316-268-4361 for more information.

Civil War Day at Cowtown

Take a trip back in time during Cowtown’s Civil War Day. Get a glimpse into the lives of soldiers, watch re-enactments, listen to guest lecturers, see the play “Lee and Grant at Appomattox” and hear music from Prairie Creek Elementary. It happens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at 1865 Museum Blvd. Admission is $7.75 for adults, $6.50 for seniors (62 and older), $6 for ages 12-17, and $5.50 for ages 5-11. More information: http://oldcowtown.org.

Ardua Harris

This story was originally published April 15, 2015 at 9:41 PM with the headline "Wichita events: Great Plains Renaissance Festival, Earth Fest this weekend."