One of Wichita’s big farmers markets starts a spring preview this weekend

It’s starting to feel like spring outside, and though the farmers market season in Wichita won’t officially launch for another month, the Kansas Grown market at 21st and Ridge is offering a weekly “winter outdoor market” every Saturday through March, starting this weekend.

That’s just one of the fun events happening in town over the weekend. Following is a list of more activities to choose from:

Farmers market preseason

8 a.m. to noon, Saturdays through March, 7001 W. 21st St.

Wichita’s farmers markets don’t officially open for the season until April, but the Kansas Grown Farmers Market is taking advantage of the arrival of warmer weather by moving its market back outside starting on Saturday. Its series of winter outdoor markets will happen from 8 a.m. to noon through March, weather permitting, at the Sedgwick County Extension Center. Both the Kansas Grown Farmers Market and the Old Town Farm & Art Market at 835 E. First St. open for the spring season on April 5.

Night Ranger

8 p.m. Friday, The Cotillion, 11125 W. Kellogg

Sister Christian, oh, the time has come for “An Evening with Night Ranger.” The 1980s rock band will perform a concert at The Cotillion on Friday. The group, which still includes lead singer Jack Blades, is also known for hits including “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” and “When You Close Your Eyes.” Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. It’s open to all ages. Tickets are $39-$119 at thecotillion.com

Bluegrass band

8 p.m. Saturday, Wave, 650 E. Second St.

Mountain Sprout, a band based in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, that has a bluegrass sound, will be featured on Saturday at Wave, the music venue at Second and St. Francis. It will be the band’s first concert of the year, and it starts at 8 p.m. on the venue’s indoor stage. Tickets to the all-ages show are $15 at waveict.com

Death by Chocolate

6:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean

Exploration Place’s big fundraiser — Death by Chocolate — returns on Saturday for its annual installment. (Attention, parents: The museum will be closed on Saturday because of the event.) Tickets are $150 a person, but attendees will get to indulge in desserts, craft cocktails and savory appetizers provided by more than two dozen Wichita restaurants and bakers. The event also includes access to all the exhibits and will have dancing and karaoke. It runs from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the museum, and tickets are available at exploration.org/event/death-by-chocolate

Market and food truck rally

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Blood Orchard, 6436 S. Broadway

Blood Orchard at 6346 S. Broadway is putting on its monthly vintage market and Southside Food Truck Rally this weekend. The event lasts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and will include shopping for vintage, rustic, shabby-chic and handmade items from local vendors. It also will include food by several local food trucks, and people can try beer from the orchard’s on-site brewery, Blood Orchard Brewing Co. Admission is free.

Fun with fungi

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sunflour Cafe & Collective, 6120 W. Central

The second annual Mushroom Festival at Sunflour Cafe & Collective in Wichita happens from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. It’s an “All things mushroom pop-up” event at the cafe and vendors will be selling edible mushrooms and mushroom-themed baked goods, home decor and apparel. It’s free to attend.

This story was originally published February 28, 2025 at 5:03 AM.