Wichita is turning 155, and everyone’s invited to an ice cream social
Wichita and Sedgwick County are both turning 155 this year, and its citizens can celebrate at an ice cream social on Sunday.
That’s just one of several fun activities happening in and around Wichita over the weekend. Here are details on it and other:
Happy birthday, Wichita
1-5 p.m. Sunday, Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum’s Heritage Square, 115 E. William
Wichita and Sedgwick County are both turning 155 this year, and the city can celebrate from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday at an ice cream social in the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum’s Heritage Square. People are invited to enjoy ice cream and activities then take a stroll through the museum. Admission is free to members. Non-members can get free admission if they bring a homemade or store-bought birthday card. Wichita’s official birth date was July 21, 1870, and Sedgwick County’s was three months before that.
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 and will celebrate “Christmas in July.” This month’s market will include more than 180 vendor booths featuring antiques, crafts, collectibles, toys, treats and more. There will also be a scavenger hunt with hidden candy canes, and participants will have a chance to win cash prizes or free tickets to future Wichita Flea Market shows. The Grinch and Santa Claus will make appearances on Saturday, and Princess Elsa and Santa will be there Sunday. The market’s 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 or at www.selectaseat.com
Another Asian night market
5-11 p.m. Saturdays through Sept. 6, 3441 E. Harry
The owner of Wichita’s two Feng Cha boba tea shops is the organizer of a new Vietnamese Night Market that starts this weekend and will run every Saturday night through Sept. 6. The debut market will happen from 5 to 11 p.m. on Saturday in the parking lot of the vacant NuWay building at 3441 E. Harry. Feng Cha will be serving its boba tea, and local eateries such as Dolphin Restaurant and Sharky’s Island Bites will have booths. Several other local food vendors will also be there selling Vietnamese street food items like bao buns, banh mi sandwiches, dumplings, egg rolls and fresh sugarcane juice. The market also will include face painters and vendors offering jewelry, clothing, gifts and kitchenware. Admission is free.
Vintage shopping opportunity
Friday and Saturday, Next Level Hoops, 5260 N. Toler Drive, Bel Aire
A market called Junkin’ Market Days will be in Wichita this weekend and will offer shabby chic home decor, antiques, rustic furniture, jewelry, clothing, candles and food items. It will run from 2 to 7 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at Next Level Hoops in Bel Aire. Admission is $5, free for children 12 and under. Get tickets at www.junkinmarketdays.com and enter the coupon code “BOGO” for a buy-one-get-one ticket offer.
Bird Fair
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Sedgwick County Extension Center, 7001 W. 21st
The Wichita Bird Fair and All Pet Fair, which happens from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Sedgwick County Extension Center, will give visitors a chance to meet exotic birds and their breeders and shop from vendors who will be selling cages, nests, seed stands and artwork. Birds on display will include finches, macaws, parrots and more. The event also will include vendors of small reptiles. Admission is $5 cash at the door.
Pokemon party
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview, 400 W. Douglas
Pokemon fans will gather this weekend for the Wichita Area Poke fest, which will happen Saturday and Sunday at the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview. The event will include comics, sports cards, character appearances, vendors, face painting, balloon artists and more. It will also include a trade party on Saturday night with free appetizers and a cash bar. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Admission is $5 for adults, free for those 12 and under with a paid adult.