10 fun non-Riverfest things to do in Wichita this weekend (June 9-11)

It’s the closing weekend of Riverfest, and there are tons of things going on at the festival to check out.

Don’t neglect the big closing-night festivities on Saturday, which include a concert by OK Go and, of course, the Capitol Federal Fireworks Finale.

But there are going to be thousands of people at Riverfest anyway. What happens to all those other events planned around town?

Here are 10 fun things to do this weekend that don’t involve Riverfest.

FREE: Shakespeare in the Park

7 p.m. Fri., College Hill Park, 304 Circle Drive; 7 p.m. Sat., Hap McLean Park, 6801 N. Hydraulic, Park City; 7 p.m. Sun., Andover Sports Park, 1008 E. 13th, Andover

The Wichita Shakespeare Company will open its 2017 Shakespeare in the Park series with a production of “Henry V” this weekend. The series will run through June 25 and will come to various Wichita parks in that time. Director Abri Geist-Dennis’ cast features Trevor Farney in the title role.

Free. www.wichitashakespearecompany.org

FREE: Ballet in the Park

7 p.m. Fri., Forest Park, 900 N. Taylor, El Dorado; 11 a.m. Sat., Garvin Park, 1898 Washington Lane, Augusta; 4 p.m. Sat., Udall City Park, 210 W. Lewis, Udall; 2 p.m. Sun., Riggs Park, 706 Sarah Lane, Haysville; 5 p.m. Sun., Clearwater City Park, 600 E. Ross, Clearwater

How about that for performance times and dates? Ballet Wichita’s summer Ballet in the Park performances of “The Wizard of Oz” are coming to area parks – though none in Wichita proper. The 45-minute production features more than 40 regional dancers. Bring a blanket and chair.

Free. www.balletwichita.com

FREE: Dancing in the Square

7:30-9:30 p.m. Fri., Old Town Square, Second and Mead

Ever wanted to learn to swing dance? How about tango? Two-step? A Step Ahead Dance Studio is hosting its third Dancing in the Square event Friday evening, a free outdoor dance class that regularly attracts large crowds. Dancers of all experience levels are welcome, either solo or with a partner.

Free. www.astepahead.biz

Brian Regan at the Orpheum

8 p.m. Fri., Wichita Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway

Acclaimed standup comedian Brian Regan is coming to the Orpheum this Friday after rescheduling his appearance here earlier this year. Regan is a frequent Comedy Central contributor, and he recently announced he will produce two specials for Netflix.

$45. www.selectaseat.com

Wichita Grand Opera’s ‘Noah’s Flood’

8 p.m. Fri., Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 600 N. Greenwich; 6 p.m. Sun., McPherson Opera House, 219 S. Main, McPherson

In what is perhaps the most unique Wichita Grand Opera performance to date, the company is taking its show on the road – to Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Benjamin Britten’s “Noah’s Flood,” popularized in the film “Moonrise Kingdom,” is a biblically-themed opera that will feature more than 100 performers, including child singers and dancers to a professional cast.

$35. www.wichitagrandopera.org

Ape Awareness at the zoo

8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fri., Sat., Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd.

One of my favorite zoo events every year, Ape Awareness lets zoo patrons become far more aware of apes than they were before. Guests of all ages can learn about the three species of ape that live at the zoo: gorillas, chimpanzees and orangutans. Zookeeper talks are scheduled throughout the day – to find out when they will be speaking, visit www.scz.org.

Regular admission applies; $15.95 for adults, $11.95 for ages 62 and older and $11.95 for ages 3-11. Wear a Riverfest button to get a $2 discount. www.scz.org

FREE: Yoga on the Lawn

9-10 a.m. Sat., Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd.

Because who doesn’t love a good Saturday-morning yoga session? Kelsea Wright from Limitless Yoga Studio will teach a free all-levels flow class for ages 16 and older. Twisted Java Coffee Bar will have coffee for sale, as well as sweets from Sugar Coated. The class is held in the museum’s Art Garden. Bring a yoga mat, towel and water bottle.

Free. www.limitlessyogakansas.com

Breakfast of Heroes at Exploration Place

10-11:30 a.m. Sat., Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean Blvd.

No superhero’s morning is complete without a hearty breakfast. Exploration Place is hosting a breakfast for children and their families in conjunction with the museum’s “Hall of Heroes” traveling exhibit. Guests are encouraged to dress up as superheroes. Admission includes breakfast, the exhibit tour and activities for one child and one adult. Other children or adults can be added for $15. Make reservations at 316-660-0620 before 5 p.m. Friday.

$20 for members, $25 for nonmembers. www.exploration.org

Wichita Gladiator Dash

11 a.m.-late Sat., Sedgwick County Park, 6501 W. 21st St.

Those looking for an athletic challenge might want to check out the annual Gladiator Dash, a physically intensive run through land, water and 10 obstacles. If you finish the race, you get an “I Survived” medal, which should be reason enough to try it out. If that doesn’t win you over, try the food, beverages and party afterward. There aren’t many spots left, so register soon.

$59. www.wichitagladiatordash.com

Full moon photography at the observatory

9 p.m. Sat.-midnight Sun., Lake Afton Public Observatory, 25000 W. 39th St. South, Goddard

Looking to snap some great shots of the full moon this Saturday? Come on out to the observatory to take crystal-clear shots of the moon through the observatory’s telescope on either a DSLR or a smartphone. If you don’t have a camera, one will be available to use – bring a flash drive to download your photos and take them home. Between 9 and 11 p.m., you can enjoy the observatory’s visual programs, exhibits and outdoor telescopes. Around 11 p.m., the telescope will be configured for photography.

$8 adults, $4 youths, $20 for a family. www.lakeafton.com

This story was originally published June 9, 2017 at 9:02 AM with the headline "10 fun non-Riverfest things to do in Wichita this weekend (June 9-11)."