MTW launches 2025 season with ‘Waitress,’ and tickets are still available

This weekend in Wichita will be filled with a diverse selection of stage shows, including the start of Music Theatre Wichita’s new season. It starts with a performance of “Waitress” at Century II Concert Hall, and tickets are still available.

People also will be able to catch a show by a Grammy-nominated bluegrass group, a performance by The Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City, even a “water circus” under the blue-and-white big top in the Towne East Square parking lot.

Here’s more on events happening around town this weekend:

“Waitress” weekend for MTW

Today through Sunday, Century II Concert Hall, 225 W. Douglas

Tickets are still available to performances of “Waitress,” the season-opening show for Music Theatre Wichita. The musical stars Kennedy Caughell as Jenna, a waitress with a talent for pie making who is struggling through several life issues. Local singer Injoy Fountain also has a part and will play a cantankerous waitress named Becky. The music for “Waitress” was composed by pop star Sara Bareilles. Shows started on Wednesday and runs through Sunday at Century II’s Concert Hall. Remaining shows are at 8 p.m. tonight, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $25-$94 and are available at mtwichita.org, by phone at 316-265-3107 or at the Century II box office.

Grammy nominees in concert

4 p.m. Sunday, Bartlett Arboretum, 301 N. Line St., Belle Plaine

Sister Sadie, a Grammy-nominated, all-woman bluegrass band led by 2024 International Bluegrass Music Association Fiddler of the Year Deanie Richardson and banjo virtuoso Gena Britt, will perform Sunday at the Bartlett Arboretum as part of the venue’s weekly Treehouse Concert Series. The performance will take place on the arboretum’s outdoor stage, and people are encouraged to bring folding chairs or blankets for seating. The afternoon will feature a variety of food and drink vendors, or guests can bring their own picnics. Gates open at 3 p.m., and the performance begins at 4 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the gate by cash or card.

KC chorus in town

2 p.m. Sunday, First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway

The Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City, an LGBTQIA+ choral ensemble, will perform Sunday at First United Methodist Church in Wichita. The concert will kick off the group’s 40th anniversary year. To get tickets, which are $25, visit firstwichita.org and select “give online” then enter $25 for the donation amount, and in the dropdown choose “Heartland Men’s Chorus.”. In-person tickets can also be purchased in advance at the church office or at the door the day of the show. Parking will be available behind the church off Topeka Street, with additional spots along Broadway or across the street at City Life Church.

Flea Market weekend

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Century II Exhibition Hall, 225 W. Douglas

The Wichita Flea market returns Saturday and Sunday at the Century II Exhibition Hall. The market will include more than 200 vendor booths featuring antiques, crafts, collectibles, toys, treats and more. There will also be a scavenger hunt with hidden American flags where participants will have a chance to win cash prizes or free tickets to future Wichita Flea Market shows. Princess Jasmine will appear Saturday from noon to 1 p.m., and Batman will visit at the same time on Sunday. The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $4 for one day or $5 for both days. Kids 12 and under get in for free. Tickets are available at the door, on the Century II website, or through free Facebook giveaways.

Solstice Spirit Fair

10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, The Cotillion, 11120 W. Kellogg

The Summer Solstice Spirit Fair, an event that runs Saturday and Sunday at The Cotillion, is a “holistic and metaphysical event” timed to coincide with the Summer Solstice, which happens today. It will include vendors, gift-buying opportunities, healers, spiritual advisers, palm readers and holistic health advisors. The event is open to all ages and runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Two-day passes are $14.88, single-day passes are $11.22, and children ages 10 and under get in free with paid adult admission. Get tickets at thecotillion.com

Cirque Italia’s Water Circus

Friday-Sunday, Towne East Square parking lot, 7700 E. Kellogg

Cirque Italia brought its traveling water circus to Wichita last summer and is bringing it back this weekend for a 2025 installment. Shows will happen under a white-and-blue tent set up in the Towne East Square parking lot from Friday through Sunday. Though the event has no relationship to Cirque Du Soleil, it features clowns, pirates and flying acrobats performing on a custom-designed “water stage” that holds 35,000 gallons of water. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday; 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday; and 7:30 p.m. Monday. The performance is family friendly, and tickets are $15-$65 at silver.cirqueitalia.com