Wichita Riverfest: Opening weekend’s can’t-miss events, free activities and more

The Wichita Riverfest returns this week, bringing the city nine days of music, festival food, competitions and other fun-filled family entertainment.

Here’s a look at some of the opening weekend event highlights.

Friday, May 29

Sundown Parade, 6:30 p.m. Enjoy this year’s Sundown Parade, inspired by the Riverfest’s 2026 theme, “The Spirit of the 250th Birthday of the United States!” The parade travels from Main and Second Street south to English, then east to Market, before heading north back to Second Street.

The Jacksons Concert, 9:15 p.m. Formerly known as The Jackson 5, The Jacksons will take the Kennedy Plaza Stage for the Riverfest’s opening night concert. The brothers are known for hits “I Want You Back,” “ABC” and “I’ll Be There.”

Opening Night Fireworks, 10:45 p.m. Immediately following The Jacksons, enjoy fireworks over downtown Wichita as they’re fired from the area of Douglas and McLean. Tune to KEYN 103.7 or download the Pyrocast App for music synchronized to the show.

Saturday, May 30

River Run, 7 a.m. The 50th annual River Run kicks off day two with races for all ages and fitness levels, including a 10K, 5K, family fun run and a Tot Trot for ages 2 to 7.

Cowboy Bathtub Races, 2 p.m. Watch as contestants race along the Little Arkansas River in stock tanks, or Cowboy Bathtubs. Day-of registration starts at 1 p.m. at River Park Place, 727 N. Waco, but spots are limited.

El Fantasma concert, 9:15 p.m. Alexander García, the Mexican singer-songwriter known as El Fantasma, headlines the Saturday concert. He’s famous for his corridos, ballads that tell stories set to a song.

Sunday, May 31

Family Fun Day, all day. Children under 12 can attend Sunday’s Riverfest events for free if accompanied by a button-wearing adult.

Family Bike Tour, 11 a.m. Bring your family and your bike (or your trike, scooter, wheelchair, wagon or stroller) for a family bike tour starting at Civic Street and Douglas. There are prizes for the best-styled bikes.

Cardboard Regatta, 1:30 p.m. Gather your team and spend up to 90 minutes building a “river-worthy vessel” with only cardboard, duct tape, pool noodles and a box cutter. The boats will launch at 3 p.m. from River Park Place and compete for cash prizes.

Family Movie Night: Jurassic Park, 8 p.m. Head downtown and watch “Jurassic Park” at Kennedy Plaza Concert Stage. Families are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets, and complimentary popcorn will be provided.

Daily Events

Food Court. If you have a craving for festival food, the food court is where you’ll want to be. It’s open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. The food court is ticketless, cashless and includes vendors selling corn dogs, funnel cakes, gyros, barbecue and more.

Kids Corner & Inflatables. Head to the South Gate entrance, behind the old library, for kid-friendly fun. Offerings include bubble shows, balloons, princesses and music. Opening weekend, it’s open 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Button-Free Fun

While most events require a button, Riverfest offers some free fun for everyone. These free activities include:

Sundown Parade. Starting at 6:30 p.m. May 29, the parade travels from Main and Second Street south to English, then east to Market, before heading north back to Second Street.

Firework Shows. Enjoy fireworks over downtown Wichita for free from outside the Riverfest gates. Displays are scheduled for 10:45 p.m. May 29, 9:45 p.m. June 3 and 10:45 p.m. June 6.

Hot Air Balloons. Weather permitting, watch hot air balloons as they take the skies over downtown 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 29, 30 and 31, and 7 to 8 a.m. May 30.

KAKE Touch-A-Truck. Take your kids for a hands-on experience with dump trucks, emergency vehicles and more. The event is planned for 5 to 8:30 p.m. June 4 along Main Street, from Douglas to Waterman.

Food Court. Access to the food court is free 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Wichita Riverfest Admission

For guaranteed admission into all Riverfest events, you’ll need a Riverfest button.

Buttons are $20 for adults and teens and $10 for ages 6 to 12. Kids 5 and under are free.

You can buy your buttons at QuikTrip stores in the Wichita area, along with select QuikTrips in Newton, El Dorado, Park City and Derby. Buttons can also be bought at the Wichita Festivals Inc. office at 444 E. William St. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Once on site, Riverfest buttons can be purchased in giant red SiteBox shipping containers at all entrances except Gate 2.