Memorial Day weekend has arrived, meaning it’s time to get wet in Wichita
It’s Memorial Day weekend, which means summer is starting and the city pools are about to open. While kids wait for Monday’s opening day, though, they (and their parents) can find plenty of other fun things to keep them busy around Wichita.
Here’s a look at some of the best bets for weekend entertainment:
Boat rentals are back
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Boats and Bikes at River Vista, 150 N. McLean
Boats & Bikes at River Vista, a Wichita State University-owned rental company that has bicycles, kayaks, pedal boats, scooters and more for use on and around the Arkansas River, will celebrate the opening of its summer season on Saturday. It’s at 150 N. McLean, and its summer hours are noon to 9:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; noon to 10 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays (except during the Wichita Riverfest, when it serves as the launch site for pedal boats.) Rentals range from $10 to $30 an hour, depending on the equipment. Season passes also are available. Rental season lasts through late October. For more information, visit www.wichita.edu/boatsandbikes
Wichita Pride kickoff concert
6 p.m. Saturday, Chicken N Pickle, 1240 N. Greenwich
Wichita Pride is celebrating its 20th year with events throughout June and will get things started with a kickoff concert at 6 p.m. Saturday at Chicken N Pickle, 13th and Greenwich. The show will include performances by Keo & Them, Rail G, Indigo Sol, Bri McBride, Sunblush and Yae. Miss Wichita Pride 2024 Lester Yamaya will host the show. Admission is a $10 pride button, available at the venue. For details on the many planned Pride events, including a June 27 pageant and a June 28 parade, visit wichitapride.org
Memorial Day Carillon
Noon-1 p.m. Friday, Sedgwick County Historical Museum, 204 S. Main
The annual Bloomfield Carillon Memorial Day weekend concert will take place from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday at the Sedgwick County Historical Museum, 204 S. Main. The bells will be played from the fifth floor of the museum by JuleAnn Troutman. For the best sound, listeners are advised to sit outside the museum. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for those who want to listen inside. Admission to go inside is $5 for adults, $2 ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and under.
Pools opening
Monday, all Wichita city pools and splash pads
Memorial Day weekend always means that it’s time for the local swimming pools to open up for the season again, and on Monday, the city pools will do just that. All six city pools — Aley, College Hill, Harvest, McAfee, Minisa and Orchard — will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Monday. Daily admission to city pools is $3 for children and adults. Season passes also are available. Check www.wichita.gov/ParkandRec/Aquatics/ to find the summer hours for each of the local pools, which will be open through Aug. 10. The city’s 12 splash pads also all open on Monday and will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission to the splash pads is free. For a list of splash pads, visit www.wichita.gov/587/Splash-Pads
Lao New Year celebration
Friday-Sunday, Lao Buddhist Temple, 2550 S. Greenwich
The Lao Buddhist Temple of Wichita will be the site this weekend of a Lao New Year celebration that will feature a parade, cultural performances, street food, vendors selling clothing and gifts, and live music. The event, which is open to anyone, is both family-friendly and pet friendly. It’s from 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday, from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday at the temple. Admission is $5.
Tornado Bait party
Saturday at the Shamrock, 1724 W. Douglas
The Shamrock Lounge’s 23rd annual Tornado Bait Party, which the bar puts on as a customer service event, happens on Saturday and will include performances by Howard Mahan at 2 p.m., when the party starts, and by The George Sanders Band at 5 p.m. Burgers will be served starting at 6 p.m. Admission is free.