Weekend stands out for stuff to do in Wichita
The first weekend in December is always booked solid, mostly with holiday revelry. But this one stands out for stuff to do in Wichita, and not only because Garth Brooks has included Intrust Bank Arena on his first tour in 13 years. The calendar overflows.
Like the first one Thursday night, the country superstar’s remaining five shows through Sunday are sold out. But there are online ways to procure tickets to see Brooks, who’s sharing the stage with his wife, Trisha Yearwood.
The Sedgwick County-owned downtown venue continues to have some challenges in booking non-country acts and then delivering crowds. But it’s an impressive demonstration of the drawing power of Intrust Bank Arena – as well as of the No. 1-selling solo artist in U.S. history, of course – that Brooks sold a record-breaking total 78,000 tickets in Wichita.
Meanwhile, the weather promises to be more cooperative this weekend for Illuminations at Botanica and the Arc’s Lights, as well as for the “Dickens of a Christmas” events Friday and Saturday at Cowtown. The Wichita Art Museum holds a Holiday Open House on Sunday.
The Wichita Symphony Orchestra will offer its first performances of Handel’s “Messiah” in 15 years on Saturday and Sunday. Friends University’s Candlelight Christmas Concerts are Friday through Sunday, with Newman University’s Christmas Concert also Sunday.
Audiences can pick among stagings this weekend of “A Christmas Story” at Wichita Community Theatre, “The Runaway Snowman” at Wichita Children’s Theatre and Dance Center, “Nuncrackers” at the Crown Uptown, “I Got Botox for Christmas” at Mosley Street Melodrama, and “The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical” and “The Santaland Diaries” at Roxy’s Downtown. The Beatles tribute band American English will play Saturday at the Orpheum.
And more festivities can be found in The Eagle’s GO! section or the calendar listings at Kansas.com.
Prepare to be entertained – and please try to face any Garth-related traffic hassles or restaurant congestion by remembering the warm, giving spirit of the season.
This story was originally published December 3, 2015 at 6:08 PM with the headline "Weekend stands out for stuff to do in Wichita."