Chinese Garden of Friendship opens at Botanica

Chinese Garden opens

The Chinese Garden of Friendship’s grand opening is from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Friday at Botanica, 701 Amidon. The garden, which features moon gates, foo dogs, roof beasts and a 87-foot dragon, is a tribute to Wichita’s sister city in China, Kaifeng. The ribbon cutting and ceremony will include dance performances and tours of the new garden in addition to tea and speeches from Botanica director Marty Miller and Mayor Jeff Longwell. The event kicks off a weekend of activity that includes arts and crafts for children (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday) and tai chi and tea in Lotus Hall (1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday). Events are included with the price of admission, which is $7 for adults, $5 for ages 3-12 and free for ages 2 and under. More information:www.botanica.org.

Weezy at Intrust Bank Arena

The first hip-hop show is coming to Intrust Bank Arena. Lil Wayne, who’s known for songs such as “Lollipop,” “The Block Is Hot,” and “How to Love” plays the arena, 500 E. Waterman, at 7 p.m. Thursday . Also on the bill: Trey Songz, Kid Ink, Ty Dolla Sign and Fetty Wap. Tickets are $49.50, $65, $89.50 and $129.50 at selectaseat.com or 1-855-755-7328.

Time for Ballet in the Park

It’s the season for parks, and what better way to enjoy it than with Ballet in the Park, presented by Ballet Wichita. This year the group will be performing “Snow White” in several cities from June 11-14: 7 p.m. Thursday, Main Street Park, Mulvane; 7 p.m. June 12, Sedgwick County Park; 11 a.m. June 13, Garvin Park, Augusta; 7 p.m. June 13, Udall City Park, Udall; and 2 p.m. June 14, Riggs Parks, Haysville. Admission is free, and the performance lasts 45 minutes. For more information, go to balletwichita.com.

Ardua Harris

This story was originally published June 3, 2015 at 5:57 PM with the headline "Chinese Garden of Friendship opens at Botanica."