This week in Wichita: What’s going on Dec. 25-31
Wichita Kwanzaa Celebration
Saturday marks Umoja, the first day of Kwanzaa. To celebrate, the African American Council of Elders and the Wichita NAACP branch are putting on a special community celebration in which attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite ingredients to add to the Kuumba (or creativity) salad. The first 25 children will also receive a gift in the form of Juwanda Ford’s book “Together for Kwanzaa.”
Details: 3-6 p.m. Sat., Madison Ave. Clubhouse, 1005 N. Madison Ave. Free
Rock the Dome at Exploration Place
Jam out to Pink Floyd’s music the way it was always meant to be experienced: in the form of psychedelic light shows. The Exploration Place’s dome theater is offering light shows based on “Dark Side of the Moon,” “Wish You Were Here” and “The Wall.” The show is for ages 17 and older.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean Blvd. $12. 316-660-0616, www.exploration.org
The Travel Guide album release party at Barleycorn’s
Indie rock fans can experience a bit of local talent this weekend at the album release party for The Travel Guide, a local group that compares itself musically to At the Drive-In and thematically to Modest Mouse. You can expect to hear tracks from their new album “Trading a Dream” at this 21-and-over show.
Details: 10:30 p.m. Sat., Barleycorn’s, 608 E. Douglas. $7. 316-866-6792, www.barleycornswichita.com
Last chance for The Arc’s Lights and Illuminations
As the holiday season winds down, so, too, does the opportunity to see holiday light displays around Wichita. The Arc’s Lights, where you can drive through an arc of more than 1 million lights on St. Paul, ends on Monday.
Details: 5:30-9 p.m. Fri.-Mon. (until 10 p.m. Fri. and Sat.), starts at intersection of Douglas and St. Paul. Free. 316-943-1191, www.arc-sedgwickcounty.org
If you’d rather take in the lights on foot instead of by car, Illuminations at Botanica is the way to go. Walk through the light-filled gardens, listen to music and enjoy hot drinks and snacks before it ends on Thursday.
Details: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sat.-Thu., closed Christmas Day, Botanica, 701 N. Amidon. $8, $7 for members, $6 for ages 3 to 12, free for children under 3; advance tickets can be purchased at Botanica or QuikTrip; botanica.org, 316-264-0448
“The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical” is almost over
This rowdy redneck comedy musical is ending its run at Roxy’s on Saturday, so you better get your tickets while you can for the final performance. Enjoy dinner and drinks as you take part in all the cat fighting and Keg Nog that North Florida’s Armadillo Acres trailer park has to offer.
Details: Dinner at 6:45 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Sat., Roxy’s Downtown, 412 1/2 E. Douglas. $15 dinner, $25 show. 316-265-4400
New Year’s Eve runs
Jump-start your New Year’s exercise resolutions with three holiday runs. The first is the Resolution Run 5K on New Year’s Eve. If you’re 21 or older, you have the option of doing the Beer Run, where your stein will be filled with Bud Light at each refill station along the way.
Details: 5 p.m. Thu., El Dorado 4-H Building, 206 N. Griffith St., El Dorado. $45 until Wed., $50 on Thu. www.hangoverhalf.com
Get a literal running start to your 2016 with Run in the New Year 5K. The run starts just before midnight, so bundle up in your warmest running gear and get ready to attend this unconventional New Year’s Eve celebration.
Details: 11:45 p.m. Thu., Wichita Boathouse, 515 S. Wichita. $45 until Wed., $50 on Thu. www.hangoverhalf.com
Scott Shaffer at The Loony Bin
Hailing from Kansas City, Scott Shaffer has made a name for himself with his witty, intelligent comedy. He has performed alongside countless comedy stars like Aziz Ansari, Amy Schumer and Bobcat Goldthwait. Shaffer’s performance is part of the Home for the Holidays show at the Loony Bin, which will also feature local comedians and music from Damien Styles.
Details: 7:30, 10 p.m. Sat., The Loony Bin Comedy Club, 215 N. St. Francis. $12. 316-618-4242, www.loonybincomedy.com
Winter Art Mania at Wichita Art Museum
Those who want a family-friendly event between Christmas and the new year can find it at Winter Art Mania at the Wichita Art Museum. Take the little ones to the museum to create artistic masterpieces with the whole family and take a mini-tour of the museum while you’re at it, all for the low price of free.
Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat.-Sun., Wichita Art Musuem, 1400 W. Museum Blvd. Free. 316-268-4921, www.wichitaartmuseum.org
This story was originally published December 25, 2015 at 7:32 AM with the headline "This week in Wichita: What’s going on Dec. 25-31."