10 fun things to do in Wichita this weekend (Nov. 2-4)

Now that Halloween is over, it’s Christmas season, right?

Wrong.

While I will concede that the many social-media posts proclaiming the start of Christmas season yesterday were likely jokes, I’m a fall truther.

There’s plenty to look forward to in November, especially Thanksgiving.

But until then, take the time to enjoy this lovely fall weather we’re having — and this weekend will afford you the opportunity to do just that.

This annual music festival at the Fisch Haus is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2018. The festival celebrates all forms of new and experimental music inside the classic Commerce Street gallery space. Scheduled performers include Mark Foley, Susan Mayo, Trevor Stewart, Birdlike Machines and the Last Great American Rock Band.

$5 suggested donation. www.fischhaus.com, 316-200-5200

7:30 p.m. Fri. and 2 p.m. Sun., Duerksen Fine Arts Center — Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount

Wichita State University’s Opera Theatre will present the Kurt Weills opera, “Street Scene,” this Friday and Sunday. The opera depicts life in Manhattan’s East Side in 1946, combining traditional opera and musical theater. The 1947 opera, based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning play, features poet Langston Hughes as its lyricist. The performances will be in a concert setting, as a semi-staged production. The show is rated PG-13.

$20 general admission, $18 faculty/staff/seniors/military, $10 students and children. www.wichita.edu/fineartsboxoffice, 316-978-3360

7:30 Fri. and Sat., Kansas Star Arena, 777 Kansas Star Drive, Mulvane

Looking for some old-fashioned Wild West entertainment this weekend? The Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping contest will run this Friday and Saturday at the Kansas Star Arena. Competing for a prize pool of $425,000, the top 15 steer ropers in the world will perform.

$25. www.ticketmaster.com, 1-800-745-3000

8 p.m. Fri., Crown Uptown Theatre, 3207 E. Douglas

Critically-acclaimed dance company Ailey II will be performing at the Crown Uptown this weekend. Traveling year-round, the young dance company of 12 will bring “off-the-charts energy” to their audience members. The show features emerging dance talents selected by artistic director Troy Powell. Doors open at 7 p.m.

$30-$45. www.crownuptown.com, 316-612-7696

Come Together Benefit Concert

noon-4 p.m. Sat., Central Standard Brewing, 156 S. Greenwood

This Saturday at Central Standard, there will be a lineup of interesting music and other activities, all to benefit the International Rescue Committee in Wichita. Between 12:30 and 4 p.m., enjoy a full slate of music (culminating with special guest performers from the Democratic Republic of Congo between 3:15-4 p.m.) and food from Bricktown Brewery and Il Vicino. There will be a community mural-painting event as well, designed by Josh Tripoli.

$7 suggested donation.

Canines at Cowtown

1-5 p.m. Sat., Old Cowtown Museum, 1865 W. Museum Blvd.

Dogs at Cowtown? It’s OK this Saturday, as the museum will be open for a special fundraiser benefiting the Paw It Forward Foundation. RedRock Photography will be taking family portraits with your dog for $10 per adult (kids and dogs are free). Choose from a gallery of photos for $5 each, proceeds from which are going to the foundation.

$10 adults, free for children 10 and under and dogs. www.vetwichita.com, 316-262-5321

Day of the Dead at Zinta Inspired Language

4-8 p.m. Sat., Zinta Inspired Language, 2040 S. Rock

Zinta Inspired Language is hosting a Day of the Dead celebration as a way to educate people about the meaning of the traditional Mexican celebration. There will be food, live dance performances, games, raffles and more. The entry fee is a donation of individual snacks, to benefit the Pando Foundation (boxes of granola bars, fruit snacks, Cheez-Its, etc.). Zinta is an organization that teaches languages (including Spanish, English, French and Portuguese).

Donations accepted. www.zintalanguage.com, 316-932-2361

Contributing: Sydney Riedl of the Eagle