What to do in Wichita this weekend: Entertain visitors with shows, holiday fun
If you have relatives in town for Thanksgiving, it won’t be difficult to keep them entertained. Several events, both holiday themed and otherwise, are on the calendar for Thanksgiving weekend in Wichita.
Here are some options:
‘Stomp’ at Century II
8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Century II Concert Hall, 225 W. Douglas
The popular percussive performance “Stomp” returns to Century II this weekend as part of the Broadway in Wichita series and will include some surprises. Parts of the show have been updated, and there will be an addition of two new routines that will include props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans. Shows are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the Concert Hall. Tickets are $41-$81 and can be purchased wichitatix.com.
All aboard the Christmas Express
Fridays through Sundays starting Friday through Dec. 19, OJ Watson Park, 3022 S. McLean Blvd.
Friday marks the start of the annual Watson’s Christmas Express at OJ. Watson Park, 3022 S McLean Blvd. The event includes readings of Chris Van Allsburg’s “The Polar Express” followed by crafts and a train ride to see Santa. There will also be S’mores and hot chocolate for participants to enjoy while sitting around a campfire. The event happens every Friday through Sunday until December 19. People can sign up online for a VIP pass that includes all of the Christmas Express events for $16. General admission also is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and activities may be purchased a la carte. The train ride is $10, unlimited S’mores and hot chocolate are $3, and a “fast pass” to skip lines is $5. VIP passes, event times and more information can be found at wichita.gov.
Rap at the Cotillion
8 p.m. Saturday, the Cotillion, 11120 W. Kellogg
Grammy nominated rapper and comedian Yung Joc and rapper Lil Scrappy will perform at the Cotillion, 11120 W Kellogg St., this weekend as a part of their “ATL Invasion” tour. Yung Joc is best known for his 2006 chart-topping song “It’s Goin’ Down.” Lil Scrappy is best known for his 2006 single “Money in the Bank.” Both rappers are cast members on the popular VH1 series “Love and Hip Hop.” The show will start at 8 p.m. on Saturday but the doors will open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at thecotillion.com. Table reservations are limited and can be made by calling 316-722-4201.
Old-fashioned Christmas
Friday through Dec. 21, Prairie Pines, 4055 N. Tyler Road
Christmas starts at Prairie Pines, 4055 N. Tyler Rd., on Friday, when visitors can have an “old-fashioned Christmas” experience. They’ll be able to choose and cut their own pine trees or pick a pre-cut tree to take home. They can also visit the Old Barn Christmas Shop and choose from more than 1,000 ornaments and other Christmas decorations. There will also be horse-drawn or tractor-drawn wagon rides, a children’s train ride and visits to Santa (both on select weekend hours.) Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 20, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 21 and 3 to 6 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 19. For more information, visit www.prairiepines.com
FEZtival of Trees
Friday through Sunday, Midian Shrine Temple, 130 N. Topeka
The Midian Shrine Temple has one more weekend left in its annual “FEZtival of Trees,” which is back for its seventh year. The temple will be decorated with 20 to 30 fully-decorated trees that will be raffled off along with the presents under them. There will also be activities such as selfies with Santa, a sweet shop and a marketplace. The festival will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5, and raffle tickets are $1 each.
Rock the Dome
7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean Blvd.
Rock the Dome is back at Exploration Place, which over the weekend will be offering a cosmic light show set to the music of Pink Floyd in its 60-foot, 360-degree dome theatre. The light show will be set to music from three of Pink Floyd’s albums: “Dark Side of the Moon,” “The Wall” and “Wish You Were Here.” VIP tickets are $30 and include early entry with priority seating, a snack assortment themed for the three featured albums, free popcorn with unlimited refills and a commemorative VIP badge. General admission tickets are $15; members get 15% off. Shows are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. For VIP tickets holders, the doors open at 6 p.m., and for general admission, doors open at 6:30 p.m. The show is recommended for ages 17 and older. Tickets can be purchased at exploration.org.
Celebrate Chanukah
4:30 p.m. Sunday, Bradley Fair, 21st and Rock Road
Bradley Fair will be home on Sunday to a Chanukah celebration put on by Chabad of Wichita called “Night of Light.” The celebration will have activities like a Menorah lighting ceremony, live music, traditional food samplings, chocolate gelt, crafts for the children and more. The celebration starts at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday in Bradley Fair. Admission is free. RSVP at Chabad Wichita.com/BradleyFair. The first 25 people to RSVP will get a free LED menorah necklace.
This story was originally published November 26, 2021 at 5:03 AM.