Looking for things to do in Wichita? Here are a few ideas
As more events and activities return to their in-person versions, remember health officials are still recommending protecting yourself and others from spreading COVID-19 by avoiding close contact, washing your hands often and covering your mouth and nose with a mask when around others.
Retro double features at Starlite Drive-In
Nightly at Starlite Drive-In, 3900 S. Hydraulic
Wichita Big Screen is partnering with Starlite Drive-In for a series of retro movie screenings starting this weekend. Each set of movies will show just one week (Friday through Thursday). Screen 1 is showing “Jaws 1” (1975) and “Jaws 2” (1978) and Screen 2 has “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” (2001) and “Beetlejuice” (1998). The original Jaws was released 45 years ago this weekend and is being shown in 4K restoration. Concessions and bathrooms are open and spaces are marked for social distancing. They are encouraging everyone to wear a mask and use bathrooms only if necessary. Admission on Friday or Saturday is $8 ages 12 and older, $4 ages 3-11 and free for ages 2 and younger. Save $1 per person when you go Sunday through Thursday. Tickets available at starlitefun.com and debit/credit accepted on-site.
Free: 13th annual Stearman Field Fly-in
7 a.m. to midnight Saturday at Stearman Field Bar & Grill in Benton
This all-day family-friendly event draws a variety of aircraft to Benton’s airport, about 20 miles northeast of downtown Wichita. Walk around the airplanes and take a closer look, and enjoy live local bands: The Scandalnavians from noon to 4 p.m. and Lucky People from 7 to midnight. The bar and grill will have a limited menu available throughout the day as well as an outdoor beer garden and concession stand.
Juneteenth ICT
Virtual celebration Friday and Saturday at https://www.facebook.com/JuneteenthICT/
Wichita’s celebration of Juneteenth - or Freedom Day when federal orders ending slavery were finally read in Galveston, Texas - is virtual this year. You can read “Juneteenth for Mazie” with Wichita school superintendent Alicia Thompson, watch a virtual parade, listen to concerts and learn about the history behind Tulsa’s Black Wall Street Mural from project manager Chris Rogers. Details and more events are listed at the Community Operations Recovery Empowerment website, coreofwichita.org
Free: Wichita Park & Recreation virtual fishing contest
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, virtual
You can be anywhere to participate in the city of Wichita Park & Recreation’s virtual fishing contest. Catch a fish on Saturday, June 20, then post a photo on your Facebook page. In the photo, you need to hold a sign with the date and time the fish was caught along with the category you’re entering from these choices: biggest fish, ugliest fish, best dressed angler, siblings, parent/child duo. Make sure the post is public, that you use the hashtag #ICTVirtualFishing and that you post before 8 p.m. to be eligible for prizes. Winners will be announced live on the O.J. Watson Park Facebook page.
Free: Drop-in Art Garden sculpture tour
10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd.
Ages 6 and above are welcome to join a free sculpture tour in the Wichita Art Museum’s Art Garden. A museum docent will explore the work of sculptors Henry Moore, Tom Otterness, Jun Kaneko and others. Meet inside the Boeing Foyer, the main entrance; no registration though the tour will be capped at 20 participants and social distancing is required. There are no indoor tours at WAM this summer, so if there’s inclement weather this event is canceled.
Exhibition opening for “Josh Johnico + Family”
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Mid-America All-Indian Museum, 650 N. Seneca
Mid-America All-Indian Museum reopened to the public on Tuesday and is hosting an exhibition opening for “Josh Johnico + Family,” which includes works by the Wichita painter and his children. Johnico looks at Native art as a way to keep Native American history alive while presenting the culture in a new way. He’ll be at the opening from 10 a.m. to noon selling prints and answering questions about his work. Museum admission is required for the event: $7 for adults, $5 for elders/military/students and $3 for ages 6-12, free for ages 5 and younger.
Father’s Day concert at the Arb
4 p.m. Sunday at Bartlett Arboretum, 301 N. Line in Belle Plaine
Socially-distanced outdoor concert etiquette will be practiced and expected at the first concert of the season on the Loblolly Stage at the 18-acre, 110-year-old Bartlett Arboretum, 20 miles south of Wichita. Gates open at 3 p.m. and music stars at 4 p.m. with “Fathers & Sons,” a collection of “DNA-inspired” musicians: Shelby and Nathan Eicher, Kentucky and Micah White and Darren and Aiden Wilcox. The patriarchs of those duos will then join arb steward Robin Macy for a several songs as the band Little Big Twang. Tickets are $10 at the gate; kids 12 and under free with an adult. Pack a picnic or purchase barbecue on-site.
Free: sunset yoga outside on the sculpture terrace
7 to 8 p.m. Monday at Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd.
Kelsea Wright of Limitless Yoga of Wichita is leading this all-levels flow class outside on the Dan and Frank Carney Sculpture Terrace at the Wichita Art Museum. Bring your own mat and water bottle. Social distancing will be followed, with a maximum of 90 participants.
Free: Chinese Garden of Friendships fifth anniversary party
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 25 at Botanica, 701 Amidon
Enjoy free admission to Botanica Wichita’s Chinese Garden of Friendship on Thursday as staff and volunteers celebrate five years since the garden opened. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., docents will be on hand to discuss the garden — including the koi pond and more than 150 plant varieties — and the artwork, from the dragon made with 200 ceramic pieces to the 64-foot Qingming scroll. Enter at the Chinese Garden gate; free tea tasting and cookies while supplies last.
This story was originally published June 19, 2020 at 5:01 AM.