Here’s where Wichitans can take their moms for fun this Mother’s Day weekend
It’s Mother’s Day weekend, and if you’re looking for places to entertain mom, Wichita is here to help. Both the Sedgwick County Zoo and Botanica are letting moms in free on Sunday, and a popular brewery will even be throwing a big Mother’s Day party.
But Mother’s Day isn’t the only event happening in Wichita this weekend and into next week. Several well-known singers and a famous comedian also will take various Wichita stages, and families can gather at Mark Arts to learn about Asian art.
Keep reading for suggestions about how to spend Mother’s Day weekend in Wichita:
Celebrate Mother’s Day
Sunday, Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd., and Botanica, 701 N. Amidon
If you want to celebrate mom over Mother’s Day brunch this weekend, lots of Wichita restaurants will be putting on special meals, and you can see a full list of them on Dining with Denise on Facebook or at www.kansas.com/dining. If you also want an after-brunch activity, a couple of other Mother’s Day events are happening around the area:
Mother’s Day at the Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd.: Moms get in free on Sunday at the Sedgwick County Zoo — where two new baby elephants have been drawing crowds recently. To get free admission, moms must be accompanied by someone paying to get in. Zoo members will get in free with a membership card and photo ID. The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. (It’s also one of the places putting on a Mother’s Day brunch.)
Mother’s Day at Botanica, 701 N. Amidon: The local gardens will admit moms for free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Wichita Area Garden Council will be putting on a garden show and expo, and a multicultural festival by the Wichita Asian Association will take place on the grand lawn. Local food trucks will also be set up. Regular admission applies to everyone but moms.
If your mom loves beer…
Noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Central Standard Brewing, 156 S. Greenwood
Another Mother’s Day party is scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday at Central Standard Brewing, 156 S. Greenwood. The brewery will be celebrating the big day with tacos and margaritas, chocolate fountains, a piercing station, a permanent-jewelry vendor and lots of sweet treats. Admission is free.
Return of Tunes on the Terrace
5:30 p.m. Tuesdays in May, Botanica, 701 N. Amidon
Botanica has launched another round of Twilight Tunes on the Terrace, its outdoor concert series. The first show was on Tuesday, and more will follow every Tuesday in May. The May 13 concert will feature Llew Brown Band, followed by Jared Brown and the Red Dirt Misfits on May 20 and Annie Up on May 27. The patio will open at 5:30 p.m. on concert nights, and live music will last from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Those who go will also be able to buy food and beverages from Molino’s restaurant during the show. Tickets are $14 for nonmembers, $10 for members and $8 for premier members. Get them at botanica.org/twilight-tunes-on-the-terrace
Last chance for Orpheum shows
Friday, Saturday and Thursday, Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway
The Orpheum Theatre in downtown Wichita will close in June for a renovation that should take at least a year, and only a few more events will be staged there before it shuts down. Two of them are this weekend: On Friday, Grammy-nominated Christian singer Jeremy Camp, known for hits like “I Still Believe,” will perform at 7 p.m. Tickets are $27-$99. Then, on Saturday, comedian Paula Poundstone will bring her stand-up show to the Orpheum’s stage. It starts at 7:30 p.m, and tickets are $49-$63. After that, the only other event scheduled at the Orpheum before it closes is a showing of “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar,” which will screen at 7 p.m. on Thursday as part of the Orpheum’s 2025 anniversary Film Series. Tickets to all the events are available at www.selectaseat.com, at 316-755-7328, or in person at the Select-a-Seat box office inside Intrust Bank Arena.
Americana at The Cotillion
8 p.m. Sunday, The Cotillion, 11120 W. Kellogg
Grammy-nominated Marcus King Band, known for Americana hits like “Ramblin’ Man” and “Sucker,” will bring the “Marcus King Band Goes to School” tour to Wichita’s Cotillion on Sunday. The show will feature opening act Dogpark. Doors for the all-ages event open at 7 p.m., and music starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $39.50 to $59.50 at thecotillion.com
Art Together: Explore Asia
10 a.m. Saturday, Mark Arts, 1307 N. Rock Road
Mark Arts will be putting on another one of its monthly Art Together events starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday. This month, the family-friendly event will focus on Asia and will include storytelling, performers and hands-on craft projects lead by Miss Wichita Asian Festival contestants, who will help people make items relevant to their cultures, including South Korean Sogo drums and Vietnamese paper fans. There will also be an Indian Henna tattoo station. Admission is free.