Downtown Wichita will be one big basketball party this weekend
It’s NCAA Tournament weekend in Wichita, and most of the fun in town will be centered around Intrust Bank Arena. Fan parties galore set up around the venue will feature food, drink and fun,
Here’s a guide to the parties, plus a few ideas for fun things to do if you’re not headed downtown this weekend.
Party like a hoops fan
Thursday through Saturday, around Intrust Bank Arena
Looking for a way to get involved in all the basketball hoopla in Wichita this weekend? Even if you’re not planning to attend any basketball games, you can still party in the fan zone that will be set up around the Intrust Bank Arena. Many of the parties will start on Wednesday and continue through Saturday and will be at places like Naftzger Park, Union Station Plaza and various parking lots near the arena. Several local restaurants and breweries will be serving food and drink. For a complete guide to parties, visit kansas.com
Free family art fun
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Wichita Art Museum
The Wichita Art Museum will be putting on one of its free Family Artventure events on Saturday. This one is centered around the exhibit “Anila Quayyum Agha: Interwoven/” From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., families will able to create their own artwork masterpieces then take in an “Essence of Asia” dance performance that includes lion dancers and a Japanese drum group. Those who attend also will be able to see Speedcubing competitors racing to solve Rubik’s Cubes.
Black Jacket Symphony
7 p.m. Saturday, Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway
The Black Jacket Symphony, a group that recreates the sounds of classic albums note for note, will be back in town this weekend with a performance of The Beatles’ “Abbey Road,” which includes “Something” and “Here Comes the Sun.” The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $35-$40 at www.selectaseat.com, by phone at 316-755-7328 or in person at the Select-a-Seat outlet inside Intrust Bank Arena.
Party like it’s an earlier era
Friday and Saturday, Wave, 650 E. Second St.
Those who’d like an escape from the 2020s can travel back in time this weekend at Wave. On Friday, the venue will put on a 2000s Rave. Tickets are $21. Then, on Saturday, the venue will put on a “Back to the 80s” night. It will be hosted by DJ Merlin Brando, who will be spinning hits from Madonna, Prince and more. People are encouraged to dress the era for a costume contest. Tickets are $8. Friday’s party is open to all ages, but Saturday’s is for ages 21 and over. Tickets are available at waveict.com
Last tour
8 p.m. Saturday, TempleLive, 332 E. First St.
Geoff Tate, the former lead singer of Queensryche, will be in town on Saturday for a tour that he says will be his last. Geoff Tate’s Operation Mindcrime, his progressive metal band, will hit the stage at 8 p.m. at TempleLive, the music venue inside the Scottish Rite Temple. The show is open to all ages. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 at ticketmaster.com
Pancakes for Pups
9-11 a.m. Saturday, Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside
Help pups while you feast on pancakes at a flapjack fundraiser from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday that will raise money for the Kansas Humane Society. A ticket will include unlimited pancakes, sausage links and a beverage. All of the proceeds will benefit the humane society. Tickets are $10 for ages 12 and over, $5 for ages 4-11, and free for children 3 and under. Gluten-free meals are available. Dogs aren’t allowed at the event, but those who attend will be sent home with pup goodie bags. Register by midnight tonight at give.kshumane.org