A list of when, where Riverfest favorites — from fireworks to River Run — will happen
It’s been three years since the Wichita Riverfest was able to put on its full nine-day run.
But when it opens on Friday, several of the old favorites that last year were either abbreviated or cut will return.
Here’s a guide to when and where the longtime festival favorite events are happening in 2022:
Fireworks: The festival will again have opening and closing night fireworks that will start following the pops concert on Friday and at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 11. Best viewing will be along the Arkansas River from Maple and Waterman to First Street.
Sundown Parade: The parade, which last year was a static event people drove past, will return to normal this year and last from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday. The route runs south on Main starting on Second Street then heads east on English then back north on Market to Second Street, where it ends.
Twilight Pops Concert: The Wichita Symphony Orchestra will perform the “William Tell Overture” and more from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Friday on the Kennedy Plaza Stage.
River Run: The annual race happens from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday. For complete race information and registration, runners should visit RiverRunWichita.com
Kids’ Corner: The event will include bouncy houses, games, arts and science projects and more and will be set up at A. Price Woodard Park from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Monday through June 9; and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and June 10-11. The inflatables will be set up near the Tripodal sculpture northwest of Century II and will be open the same time as Kids’ Corner with the exception of Wednesday, when they’ll be closed.
Carnival: The big carnival that used to be set up outside of the Riverfest is now part of the Riverfest and will return from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and June 10-11; and 6 to 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday. It’ll be in a lot at 511 S. Water and will include a big Ferris wheel and more. Admission to the carnival is free, but people will have to buy ride tickets on site.
Hot Air Balloons: Weather permitting, the balloons will glow and possibly fly from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday and from 7 to 8 a.m. Saturday. They’ll be set up and launched in the 500 block of South Water.
Ice Cream Social: it’s back and scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday on Douglas Avenue in front of Century II. Fans can line up for free bowls of Hiland Dairy ice cream and toppings and watch an ice cream sandwich eating contest.
Cajun Food Fest: This popular eating event returns from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Century II Exhibition Hall and Kennedy Plaza. The dinner includes chicken etouffee, red beans and sausage served over rice, and homemade bread pudding with bourbon custard sauce. The meals cost $10 at the event.
Wagonmasters River Tours: The Wagonmasters will once again be offering pontoon boat cruises on the Arkansas River from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 5 to 8 p.m. Monday through June 10; and noon to 5:30 p.m. June 11. The tours depart under the Douglas Avenue Bridge on the north side of Douglas, east of the Arkansas River, and are free with a Riverfest button.
Paddle boats: People can once again take paddle boats out onto the Arkansas River from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; 3:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; 5 to 8 p.m. Monday-June 9; and 1 to 8 p.m. June 10-11. The boats will launch from the Arkansas River Boats & Bikes facility at River Vista, 150 N. McLean.
Helicopter rides: For $40 a person, festival fans can fly overhead in a helicopter. The copters will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m. on Sunday; 5 to 9 p.m. Monday-June 9; 2 to 9 p.m. June 10; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 11.
Riverfest Classic Car Show: Car lovers can check out a huge collection of classic cars inside the Century II Expo Hall from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 10, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 11.
Medallion Hunt: The Eagle Medallion Hunt launched on Thursday, and a new clue will be offered daily through June 9 or whenever the medallion is found. A $1,000 cash prize is up for grabs. For for full details, visit kansas.com/riverfest
For more information and a full schedule: Visit wichitariverfest.com or download the Wichita Riverfest App
This story was originally published June 3, 2022 at 4:47 AM.
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