10 fun things to do in Wichita this weekend (August 3-5)
Just like that, we’re back in back-to-school season here in Wichita.
Where did the summer go?
Just because school is looming on the horizon doesn’t mean the fun times are over.
On the contrary!
There are lots of fun things to do in Wichita this weekend — feel free to use this listing to help plan your fun here in town:
NBC Baseball Tournament
1-11 p.m. Fri., 1-11 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun., Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, 300 S. Sycamore
The 84th annual National Baseball Congress World Series continues in Wichita this weekend, providing lots of baseball action to those who seek it. The tournament is one of the premiere tournaments in the country for college-aged amateur players. For a more complete schedule, visit www.nbcbaseball.com.
$10-$12 for day passes. www.selectaseat.com, 855-755-7328
Peter Frampton at Kansas Star
7:30 p.m. Fri., Kansas Star Casino, 777 Kansas Star Drive, Mulvane
He’s one of the most respected guitar players of all time, and he’s coming to the Kansas Star Arena – and bringing his talkbox. Peter Frampton, who seems to tour endlessly,is known for his live show, cemented by his 1976 double album, “Frampton Comes Alive” – the biggest selling live rock album ever at the time. Catch him at the casino’s arena on Friday night. Guests must be 21+.
$30-$40. www.ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000
The Mads at The Orpheum
7:30 p.m. Fri., Sat., Wichita Orpheum Theatre, 200 N Broadway
The Mads are back in town. Mystery Science Theater 3000’s Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff have a knack for making fun of some of the worst movies of all time, and this weekend,you can see them do that live in the same style as the Peabody Award-winning TV series. Beaulieu and Conniff will riff a film and a short, followed by a Q&A. There will also be a meet-and-greet before and/or after the show.
$27 per show, or $50 for a two-night bundle. www.wichitaorpheum.com, 316-263-0884
KEYN Summer Concert Series: The Astronauts
8 p.m. Fri., Wichita WaterWalk, 515 S. Main
The Astronauts are next up for the KEYN Summer Concert Series, an ongoing summertime event at the Wichita WaterWalk that includes food trucks and music. The high-energy dance band say they play “the best songs of the ’80s,” including Van Halen, Def Leppard and more. Food trucks open at 6:30 p.m.
Free. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Gospel Jubilee at Roxy’s
8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fri., Sat., Roxy’s Downtown, 412 E Douglas
Do you like gospel music? Then get to Roxy’s Downtown Friday or Saturday. They’re putting on a Gospel Jubilee that will feature BET Sunday’s Best Finalist Awari J, Kwest, New Lyric, Corey Jackson, Christin, Breathette Gunter, Angela Breathette and The Silvertones.
$25. www.roxysdowntown.com, 316-265-4400
‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ at Guild Hall Players
8 p.m. Fri, Sat., 7 p.m. Sun., St. James Episcopal Church, 3750 E. Douglas
Guild Hall Players is staging a production of this Tony Award-winning play, the prequel to the story of Peter Pan. The show explores the adventures of a ragtag band of pirates, a crate-full of lost boys and a female starcatcher-in-training.
$12 for adults, $10 for students/military/seniors. Reservations recommended. Tickets at the door subject to availability. To reserve, call 316-683-5686.
Back to School Bash at the zoo
8:30 a.m.-5p.m. Sat., Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd.
Looking to get one last zoo visit in before school returns? You’re in luck, because admission to the Sedgwick County Zoo is $3 all day on Saturday. Expect large crowds (last year’s attendance was more than 10,000). Guests are encouraged to bring school supplies to donate for children in the community but donations are not required to receive discounted admission. While you’re there, you can also learn about African painted dogs, the zoo’s themed learning opportunity for the day.
$3. www.scz.org, 316-660-9453
Wingapalooza at the arena
11 a.m. Sat., Intrust Bank Arena, 500 E. Waterman
If you love wings, you’re going to want to be at Intrust Bank Arena this Saturday for its annual Wingapalooza event. Attendees will be able to sample chicken wings from more than 20 restaurants, including Wing Stop, SAVOR, Wings and Things, Chick N Max, Fyre, Slim Chickens and more. There will also be local craft beer options and entertainment.
$20 in advance, $25 day of. www.selectaseat.com, 855-755-7328
CSB Taco Invitational
noon-8 p.m. Sun., Central Standard Brewing, 156 S. Greenwood
It may not be a Taco Fest, per se, but this event should satiate any taco-lover in Wichita this Sunday. Central Standard Brewing has assembled taco vendors and live musicians for what it’s calling the “Taco Invitational.” District Taqueria, Uno Mas, Dempsey’s/Bill Crites, Sweet Pea’s Love Machine and The Anchor will all be serving tacos (costs may vary). Mensaje Norteno and MariaElena will perform.
Free to attend. Food and drinks cost. www.centralstandardbrewing.com, 316-260-8515
Mike Epps at The Orpheum
8 p.m. Sun., Wichita Orpheum Theatre, 200 N Broadway
Catch comedian Mike Epps at the Orpheum Theatre on Sunday. Epps, who has starred in three seasons of the Starz series “Survivor’s Remorse,” won a 2016 NAACP Image award for “best supporting actor in a comedy role,” in addition to other awards. He has starred alongside Ice Cube and has featured in “The Hangover” series, among other roles.
$41-$56. www.wichitaorpheum.com, 316-263-0884
Contributing: Andrew Linnabary of the Eagle
This story was originally published August 3, 2018 at 11:21 AM.