Here’s 11 things to do in Wichita this week. Many are free
Theaters, museums, bars and music venues remain closed as Kansas works through phase one of reopening from pandemic closures that helped slow the spread of COVID-19. Yet, there’s plenty to do this week with a continued emphasis on virtual activities.
Free: Live Stream from Quarantine
Various locations, virtual
Photography studio Lasting Expressions and BoneHed Sound are hosting a Quarantine Concert Series every weekend in May. This week’s live stream concerts are: The Cartunes, 7 p.m. Friday; Joe Durt, 8 p.m. Saturday; Ten Day Wish, 7 p.m. Sunday. Watch the free concerts on Lasting Expressions Studios’ Facebook page, where you’ll see the full schedule.
Free: Silly Walk ICT Challenge
Anytime through May 17
Bike Walk Wichita is challenging Wichitans to capture a silly walk on video or through photos for a chance to earn a prestigious title. You can walk anywhere in the Wichita area though there are “silly walk zones” set up around the Keeper of the Plains and Riverside Park. You can make your own zone by downloading a silly walk sign from bikewalkwichita.org/silly-walk.
Inspiration for the challenge comes from Monty Python; Google “Monty Python’s Silly Walk” to see examples from the British comedy troupe. Share your videos and photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter no later than 7 p.m. May 17 and use #SillyWalkICT to be entered to win title of Best Walk, Walk with Most Likes, Best Synchronization, Best Prop and Best Attempt.
Yoga and Cocktails class
7 p.m. Friday, virtual
There’s still time to sign up for Friday’s Yoga and Cocktails class with Limitless Yoga Studio. Register at limitlessyogastudio.com and then drive to the studio, 357 S. Pattie, between 5-6:30 p.m. Friday to get the Zoom code and your carry out cocktails. The $15 fee includes a 24 ounce drink made by Xclusive Booze Truck; your choice of either a Twisted Flamingo (coconut rum and pineapple) or a Black Eyed Crow (vodka, lemonade and activated charcoal). Sign in with the code before 7 p.m. to enjoy a fun night of yoga and cocktails.
Free: Farmers markets
7 a.m. to noon Saturday, 7001 W. 21st St. N.
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, 835 E. First St.
Wichita has three farmers markets available right now. The virtual Funky Fresh Farmers Market, which replaced the indoor market held at Wave, offers delivery and parking lot pickup on Wednesday and Saturday. See what’s available and order at waveict.com.
Two open-air markets are the Old Town Farm & Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in and around the Farm & Art Plaza and the Kansas Grown Farmers Market from 7 a.m. to noon in west Wichita. The markets have vendors listed on their Facebook pages and websites (oldtownfarmandartmarket.com and kansasgrowninc.com) along with COVID-19 precautions. You can also order from many of the vendors in advance.
Free: 2nd Saturday Virtual Artisan Market
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, virtual
The Workroom is hosting its second consecutive virtual 2nd Saturday Artisan Market, replacing the monthly event that typically takes place on the block surrounding the Douglas Design District business. Instead of walking among booths featuring local and regional made goods and works, you peruse what artists and makers want to share on the Facebook event page. All items are for sale directly from the artists, who keep 100% of sales.
Free: Cabela’s Camping Classic family workshops
through May 13, virtual
Camp cooking, tent camping, paddle sports and hiking are among the topics covered in free family workshops Cabela’s outdoor store is offering. The on-demand programs are posted in the news and tips section at 1source.basspro.com.
Online ballet and conditioning classes
Various times, virtual
Wichita Ballet offers ballet and conditioning (strength and stretch) classes for all ages and levels through Zoom. There are adult classes from beginning to advanced and sessions for specific child age groups offered at a variety days and times. See the full schedule at balletwichita.com/institute, where you can register. Sign up for a weekly class ($48 for one month of one class a week) or pay a drop in fee of $15 per class. New students get 10% off with discount code BWCOVID19.
Free: Great Plains Nature Center live fish feeding on Facebook
3 p.m. Tuesday, virtual
Since you can’t go to the Great Plains Nature Center to watch the staff feed their aquarium fish, they are bringing this entertaining chore to Facebook for a live session at 3 p.m. every other Tuesday.
Free: Watermark Books’ Ishmael Beah virtual author event
6 p.m. Thursday, virtual
Wichitan Ted Ayres will guide a discussion with New York Times bestselling author Ishmael Beah for Watermark Books’ next Zoom conversation with authors. Ishmael’s newest novel, “Little Family,” follows young people living at the margins of society struggling to replace the homes they have lost with the one they have created together. The event is free but you need to register at watermarkbooks.com.
Free: Submit to the Museum of World Treasures’ “History From Home”
Deadline is May 15
While you’re spending more time at home, look around for objects you think are museum-worthy. The Museum of World Treasures is producing a digital exhibit and wants fans of the museum to participate. They are looking for photos of items that help tell your family history. Think family heirlooms, historic objects, photographs, clothing, recipes, family stories, art and beyond. Submissions will be eligible for future online exhibition. All entries must be submitted by May 15; a link to the online Google submission form is on the museum’s Facebook page. Email research@worldtreasures.org with questions.
Free: Celebrate Bike Month ICT
May is National Bike Month and it’s the 10th year that Bike Walk Wichita has organized a local celebration. The Bike Month ICT planning team is hosting Bike Month BINGO, a Strava Art Challenge and a Bike Commuter Challenge with prizes and virtual camaraderie. There’s a special website for the events: bikemonthict.org.
This story was originally published May 8, 2020 at 12:00 AM.