What to do in Wichita this weekend: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, create art, rock out
Yes, St. Patrick’s Day isn’t officially until next Friday, but nearly all the big St. Patrick’s Day events in Wichita are happening on Saturday of this weekend. Read on for a list of activities and for other ideas on ways to spend your weekend.
St. Patrick’s Day fun
Saturday, various venues
St. Patrick’s Day — Friday, March 17 — is still a week away, but all the St. Paddy’s partying is set to happen this week. From the big Delano parade to special parties in local bars, here’s where to celebrate in Wichita this weekend:
Delano Paddy Day Parade: The big Delano parade, now under new leadership, starts at noon on Saturday and will travel west from McLean to Seneca. The free event also will include a kid zone, a teen zone, live music, a beer garden and food trucks
Wagon O’Masters Paddy Party: The Wichita Wagonmasters are also getting in on St. Patrick’s Day fun this year with a new event that will happen from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at Naftzger Park, 601 E. Douglas. The event will include a Gaelic Grill offering burgers, brats and hot dogs, a beer garden, music from DJ Carbon as well as by The Sassanachs, bagpipes, a beard contest, a raffle and more. Admission is free.
Fake Paddy’s Party at The Artichoke Sandwichbar: This Wichita institution at 811 N. Broadway is putting on its 39th Fake Paddy’s Party starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday. The bill includes musical acts Nelson Franklin from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and Alan & Grant from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. The party will also spill outside to the parking lot, where a DJ will spin tunes in a heated tent from 1 to 7 p.m. The Artichoke will be selling bangers and mash, mulligan stew and green beer.
Fake Patty’s Day at PourHouse ICT: This bar at 711 E. Douglas will start its party at 11 a.m. Saturday and will offer discount Irish beers and shots all day.
Opening Day at Brickyard: This roofless bar at 129 N. Rock Island is opening for the season on Saturday and is inviting people to head over after the parade to enjoy Irish drink and food specials, including corned beef hash. Bagpipers will stop in, and Jeremy Spring will perform live.
Fake Patty’s Day at O’Malley’s Irish Pub: This pub at 2405 W. 31st St. South will put on its 14th annual St. Patty’s Day Party starting at 11 a.m. Saturday and running through close early Sunday morning. It will include bagpipers, beads and Irish drink specials. There’s no cover.
‘Rumours’ live
8 p.m. Friday, Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway
Black Jacket Symphony will be at Wichita’s Orpheum Theatre on Friday, where it will recreate Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 album “Rumours” live in its entirety, and it will also play several more of the iconic band’s greatest hits. Black Jacket Symphony, known for recreating and performing more than 40 classic rock albums, will take the Orpheum stage at 8 p.m. on Friday. Tickets are $25-$35 at selectaseat.com, by calling 316-755-7328 or in person at the Select-a-Seat box office inside Intrust Bank Arena.
Art Together at Mark Arts
10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Mart Arts, 1307 N Rock Road
Mark Arts in Wichita is putting on a new installment of its “Art Together” series, this one called “In Motion.” The event, which is meant to help families learn to create and appreciate art, happens from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday and will include a 10 a.m. story time, a 10:30 a.m. art making project and an 11 a.m. presentation by Happy Feet Soccer, who will get all ages moving with exercises and games. Admission is free.
OJ Watson Park opening
8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday, 3022 S. McLean
Spring is around the corner, and one of Wichita’s biggest and most popular parks is opening for the season this weekend. OJ Watson Park in South Wichita will celebrate its opening from Friday through Sunday, and people can enjoy fishing, miniature golf, kayaking, pony rides, train rides and more. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.
Flea Market returns
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Wichita Hoops Academy, 5260 Toler Drive, Bel Aire
It’s already Flea Market time again, and this time, it’ll be at Wichita Hoops Academy in Bel Aire. The monthly shopping event will include 200 booths featuring jewelry, artwork, comics, reclaimed items, collectibles, antiques and more. It’s from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, and this weekend’s market will include a Shamrock Hunt that offers prizes. Tickets to the market are $3 for a one-day ticket and $5 for a two-day ticket. Children 12 and under are admitted for free.
Casting Crowns
7 p.m. Thursday, Hartman Arena, 8151 N. Hartman Arena Drive
Contemporary Christian band Casting Crowns, which started 24 years ago as a church worship group in Florida, will be in Wichita with “The Healer Tour” on Thursday. The group, known for hits like “Who Am I,” is traveling with opening acts We are Messengers and Ben Fuller. The show starts at 7 p.m. at Hartman Arena in Park City, and the doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $28-$68 at www.hartmanarena.com.
This story was originally published March 10, 2023 at 5:02 AM.