10 fun things to do in Wichita this weekend (June 30-July 2)

The Fourth of July is almost upon us, which means there are a whole bunch of patriotic-themed events on the schedule for the next few days.

For a definitive listing of fireworks shows in Wichita and other Fourth of July fun, click here.

Until then, use this guide to plan out your weekend in Wichita:

FREE: Final Friday

Friday evening, various galleries across town.

Tonight is Final Friday, which means that the city’s galleries will stay open late to the public. It’s always a ton of fun – and a free night of culture in Wichita. For first-timers, I’d recommend visiting CityArts, 334 N. Mead, or the Commerce Street Art District to get acquainted with how Final Friday works. For a full listing of Final Friday openings and my suggestions, click here.

Free.

FREE: Family Movie Night at Towne West Square

7-9 p.m. Fri., Towne West Square, 4600 W. Kellogg Drive

Tonight, if you’re looking for a night indoors, Towne West Square is hosting a free screening of “Sing,” in the movie room at the north entrance of the mall. The event is part of Towne West’s KidX Club, and families are invited to enjoy free hot dogs, popcorn and beverages while watching the movie.

Free. www.townewestsquare.com, 316-945-1326

DJ Carbon at Abode

8 p.m. Fri., Abode Venue, 1330 E. Douglas

Wichita’s DJ Carbon is hosting a summer dance party tonight at Abode Venue. The event, appropriately titled “Refresh,” will feature seasonal cocktails. Summer fashions are encouraged, from flowy dresses to bright prints or white linen pants.

$15.

FREE: Star Gazing at Augusta Shryock Park Splash Pad

9 p.m. Fri., Shryock Park, 1301 Ohio Street, Augusta

Gather the family and head to Augusta’s Shryock Park Splash Pad for an evening of stargazing. This free event is hosted by the Augusta Public Library and the Kansas Astronomical Observers. Lights will be out at the park Friday evening, and astronomers will be on site with telescopes and equipment to help families get the best possible view of planets and stars.

Free.

FREE: Old Town Farmers’ Market

7 a.m.-noon Sat., Old Town Farmers’ Market, First and Mosley

Of course, the Old Town Farmers’ Market is back and loaded with fresh summer produce. Get stocked up for your Fourth of July festivities by buying local meats and produce. From 10 a.m. to noon, there will be live music from Lalanea Chastain, Nikki Stockham and Nikki Moddelmog.

Free. www.oldtownfarmersmarket.com, 316-337-5770

Pumpkin lattes at Espresso to Go Go

8 a.m.-noon Sat., Espresso to Go Go, 120 E. 1st Street

If you’re already thinking ahead to autumn, Espresso to Go Go has you covered. This Saturday, the coffee shop is bringing back pumpkin lattes for one day only. The coffee shop makes its own pumpkin sauce with a mixture of spices, butter and pumpkin.

www.espressotogogo.com

Celebrate America at Old Cowtown

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., Old Cowtown Museum, 1865 W. Museum Blvd.

Old Cowtown Museum is offering an Independence Day celebration a little early – featuring vintage baseball, gunfights, carnival games and more fun activities. Watch as the museum crowns the King and Queen of Cowtown. There’s always Cowtown standbys, such as horseshoes, sack races, ice cream, hotdogs, hamburgers – and a beer garden.

Regular admission applies: $7.75 adults, $6.50 ages 62 and up, $6 ages 12-17, $5.50 ages 5-11, free for ages 4 and under. www.oldcowtown.org, 316-350-3323

Midwest Shakedown at Steel Bar

9 p.m. Sat., Steel Bar, 221 N. St. Francis

This show bills itself as “the most anticipated event in the eight years of comedy by Terrence Hayes, who is known as ‘The Most Hated Comedian’ in Wichita, KS for being real and controversial.” What could go wrong? Featuring comedy from Wildboy Ross and Bishop Antoine Guyton, and music from TTD, Tiezy, ICT BOY, Cing J. Ace Boogie, Flick Drank, D'Anda. 21+.

$5.

FREE: A Musical Celebration of Our Freedoms

6:30 to 10:30 p.m Sun., Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 600 N. Greenwich

This party, sponsored in part by Liz and Charles Koch, will be on the lawn of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, featuring a host of free fun. The Wichita Grand Opera Orchestra, Chorus and Soloists will perform a patriotic concert with Artillery of the Kansas National Guard. There will also be a biplane flyover with skydiver flag fly-in. The night will end with a fireworks display.

Free. www.holycrosslutheran.net, 316-684-5206

FREE: One Nation Under God: Patriotic Celebration

7 p.m. Sun., Central Christian Church, 2900 N. Rock Road

As part of its 25th anniversary of this free patriotic celebration, Central Christian Church will host performers Lindsay and Laurie Sutton. The show will also include performances from Wichita Collegiate High School student Tiffany Ruan, the Wichita State University cheer squad and the church’s Worship Arts team. After the show, there will be free Dilly Bars given out in the Central Court.

Free. www.ccc.org, 316-688-4400

This story was originally published June 30, 2017 at 12:53 PM with the headline "10 fun things to do in Wichita this weekend (June 30-July 2)."