Annual party that threatens Death by Chocolate makes its sweet return on Saturday
March has arrived, bringing with it several annual events, from Exploration Place’s Death by Chocolate to the Kansas Swap Meet for Charity.
Here’s a closer look at some of the fun things happening in Wichita this weekend:
Death by Chocolate
Exploration Place’s big fundraiser — Death by Chocolate — will return to the museum at 300 N. McLean on Saturday for its annual installment. (Attention, parents: The museum will be closed on Saturday because of the event.) Tickets are $150 a person, and attendees will be able to indulge in desserts, craft cocktails and savory appetizers provided by more than 40 Wichita restaurants and bakers. The event is open to ages 21 and over. A ticket also includes access to all the exhibits, a sneak preview at the museum’s new outdoor playscape, and karaoke. It runs from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the museum, but people who buy a $250 VIP ticket will get in at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available at exploration.org/event/death-by-chocolate
Fun with fungi
The third annual Mushroom Festival at Sunflour Cafe & Collective (the business at 6120 W. Central that is transitioning into a new identity as Scoop & Brew) happens from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday and will feature curated vendors, live music, a pop-up bar, mushroom cultivators and mushroom art. It’s free to attend.
It’s First Friday
It’s First Friday in Wichita, and several local art galleries will be putting on free opening-night events. Among them will be the Reuben Saunders Gallery at 3215 E. Douglas, which will feature a show called “Femme.” It’s a group exhibition that includes 14 artists and is being presented in honor of Women’s History Month. The opening night reception will last from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, and the show will be up through March 28. A full list of First Friday show openings can be found at downtownwichita.org/discover/things-to-see-and-do/first-friday
Traveling exhibit
The Mid-America All-Indian Museum, 650 N. Seneca, will open a traveling art exhibition on Saturday called “Ripple in Traditions.” The show, which will be on display through June 6, features works that explore generational stories and cultural practices. It was curated by an Indigenous woman-led arts organization from Tulsa and includes film, paintings, digital art, ceramics and jewelry. The show will be on display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is $9 for adults; $7 for seniors 55 and older, members of the military, students over the age of 13 with an ID; $5 for children 6-12; and free for children 5 and under.
Swap meet for charity
The 51st annual Kansas Sunflower Swap Meet for Charity will fill Century II’s Exhibition, Expo and Convention Halls and with more than 100 vendors selling various auto parts, and all proceeds from the meet will go to Wichita’s AbilityPoint. The meet lasts from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $18 at www.selectaseat.com, by phone at 316-755-7328.
Van Halen tribute
A tribute band called Jump — America’s Van Halen Experience will perform on Saturday at The Cotillion, 11125 W. Kellogg. The Ohio-based band is devoted to performing songs from the David Lee Roth era of the group, and the show will include hits as well as deep cuts from the band’s first six albums. The show is open to all ages. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the music starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $26.86-$50.84 at thecotillion.com