This Wichita chili fest offers all-you-can eat plus the bowl it came in
It’s finally chili weather, and people who are ready to enjoy it can attend this weekend’s Empty Bowls event and walk away not only with a new hand-made ceramic bowl but also with a belly full of food.
The event is just one of the fun mid-October activities happening this weekend in Wichita. Read on for more ideas about how to entertain yourself and your family:
Empty Bowls
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Woolsey Hall, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita State University
Empty Bowls Wichita, the annual fund-raising chili and soup cookoff that allows participants to keep their hand-made ceramic bowls, returns this weekend. The event happens on Saturday at WSU’s Woolsey Hall. Those who attend will first pick out a bowl then enjoy samples of soup and chili from local restaurants and chefs. Admission is $35, $15 for students and free for children 5 and younger. Tickets are available in advance at eventbrite.com or at the door starting at 10 a.m.
Fred Armisen live
8 p.m. Saturday, Crown Uptown, 3207 E. Douglas
“Saturday Night Live” veteran and comedian Fred Armisen is bringing his stand-up tour, “Comedy for Musicians but Everyone is Welcome,” to the stage at Wichita’s Crown Uptown Theatre on Saturday. Armisen, who’s also a writer, producer and musician, will perform at 8 p.m. Tickets are $58-$88 at ticketmaster.com
“Dracula” on stage
7 p.m. Friday, Century II Concert Hall, 225 W. Douglas
Ballet Wichita is bringing legendary vampire Dracula to life through dance on Friday. The remaining show will start at 7 p.m. Friday at Century II’s Concert Hall. (The first show was on Thursday.) People who attend are encouraged to dress in spooky gothic attire or wear their Halloween costumes. Otherwise, evening or cocktail wear is appropriate. The ballet is rated PG-13 for themes of violence and seduction. Tickets are $30 to $45, and there’s also a $150 ticket that includes a VIP pre-show dinner. Get tickets at givebutter.com/dracula-oct17.
Hay, Hooves and Halloween
2 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Old Cowtown Museum, 1865 W. Museum Blvd.
Wichita’s Old Cowtown Museum is celebrating Halloween with the return of its annual event Hay, Hooves and Halloween. It runs from 2 to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and will feature ghouls haunting the streets, dancing, costumes and zombie cowboys. It will also include candy for the kids. Costumes are encouraged. Admission is $7, $2 for Cowtown members and free for kids ages 4 and under. Cowtown’s usual free Sunday admission policy will not apply for the event. Tickets are available at bit.ly/hayhooves2025, by calling 316-350-3323 or at the visitor’s center the day of the event.
Art on the Trail
4-7 p.m. Saturday, Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 E. 29th St. North
The Great Plains Nature Center is offering its adults-only Art on the Trail event from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday. Attendees will be able to buy drinks from a mobile bar then walk through the nature trails at sunset watching artists create plein air paintings, sewing projects, moss art, jewelry and more. Admission is free, but the event is open only to ages 21 and older.
Flea Market weekend
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Equity Bank Park, 275 S. McLean
The Halloween installment of the monthly Wichita Flea Market will happen Saturday at Equity Bank Park. The event will include vendor booths featuring antiques, crafts, collectibles, toys, treats and more. People are encouraged to wear their costumes and enter costume contests with cash prizes. Attendees can also trick-or-treat from booth to booth. The market’s hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $4, free for ages 12 and under. Tickets are available at the door.