Wichita Festivals Inc. has announced nine additional events spread over their nine-day festival, from Great American Kites, Opera, Rave at Wave and more. Riverfest will be packed with activities for all ages.
As Riverfest expands with nine new events, it also strengthens its ties with the community and local partners. One exciting partnership is with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) for the inaugural Riverfest Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 8. This event will be held at the river between the Douglas and Lewis Street bridges, typically off-limits for fishing, to anglers from all over. KDWP supplies all the necessary fishing gear, and participants do not need a fishing license to join. Additionally, KDWP will be stocking the area with fish, and catching one could earn you a prize.
Riverfest is thrilled to reveal another exciting partnership: the Rave at Wave. This late-night event will feature house and EDM music from 9 p.m. to midnight, creating an electrifying atmosphere with captivating lights and beats.Gather your friends for a night of dancing and fun!
“We want to ensure people have a diverse range of multiple events that they can get excited about this year. The team here at WFI is proud to be partnering with amazing organizations like KDWP, Opera Kansas, Botanica and more,” said Nancy Duling, CEO of Wichita Festival Inc.
All New 2024 Events:
Great American Kites
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2
South of Lot D and the Carnival
Come enjoy the beauty and wonder of kite flying. Create memories as you watch the amazing giant kites paint the sky with color and magic. These kites produce an unforgettable display of aerial creatures and some of the most whimsical kites you will ever see. Free with your button.
HMS Pinafore Opera
Brought to you by Opera Kansas. Two performances will be hosted on Saturday, June 1, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 2, at 2 p.m., Century II Mary Jane Teall Theatre. Can a simple sailor, lowly-born overcome convention and society to win the hand of the captain’s daughter? H.M.S. PINAFORE has been a staple of the light opera canon since its opening in 1878. Opera Kansas brings a Midwestern flair to Gilbert & Sullivan’s English operetta with its reimagined setting on the prairie. Wind wagons, anyone? Additional ticket purchase with Riverfest Button.
Rave at Wave
9 p.m.-Midnight, Saturday, June 1
650 E 2nd St North
Riverfest Rave at Wave will feature fast-paced, repetitive, electrifying music and lights! Bring your friends and enjoy a night of dancing and fun at the Riverfest Rave at Wave! Free with your Riverfest button.
Gardenfest at Botanica
4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Tuesday June 4
701 N. Amidon
Festival attendees will be admitted free of charge with their Riverfest 2024 button to stroll over 17 acres of botanical gardens, nestled in the heart of the Riverside neighborhood. Explore the history and unique aspects with over 50 elegant sculptures, flowing streams, fountains, and waterfalls that create a visually stunning atmosphere. The first 100 children to attend will have an opportunity to plant a flower and take it home to watch it grow, courtesy of Johnson’s Garden Centers and Botanica.
Fidelity Bank Fireworks
9:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 4
A 3rd night of fireworks! This is our midweek show for our fireworks lovers. Fidelity Bank is proud to sponsor the fireworks, which will begin directly after the Military Salute and concert. Stay in your seat at the concert that night as there will be a surprise in the sky with our new fireworks show!
Wurlitzer Concert
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 5
Experience the enchanting melodies of an organ concert at the Exhibition Hall inside Century II, presented by Wichita Wurlitzer and featuring the talented organist, Brett Valliant. Admission is free with a festival button.
Riverfest Fishing Derby
8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Saturday, June 8
This is a partnership with Kansas Wildlife and Parks. Riverfest attendees with a button will get to fish on the east side of the river, between Douglas and Lewis Street bridges. Plus, Kansas Wildlife and Parks will be stocking the river! There are prizes for various catches like the biggest fish, most unique, and more. You don’t need to bring anything – all the fishing equipment is provided. Kansas Wildlife and Parks will teach you how to use all the provided fishing gear. You can bring your fishing equipment if you’d like. This event is free with a button.
Bike Parade
11 a.m. Saturday, June 8
Enter at the South Gate Entrance
Calling all bikes, trikes, scooters, wagons, wheelchairs, and strollers, and to get gussied up in the hopes of winning prizes for best bike styling! Let your imagination run wild and decorate your bike and yourself for the competition. Sponsored by Foley Equipment.
Riverfest Photography Contest
Cash prizes are up for grabs for the Riverfest Photography Contest! Awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be presented. As well as an honorable mention in each category. Join in the fun! With 7 different categories and multiple cash prizes per unique category, shutterbugs will have many chances to win! Free to enter with a button and you’ll be given a lanyard to designate you’re in the photo contest once you register. Instructions on how to submit your photos are in the Riverfest Photo Contest Registration Form. Get snapping shutterbugs!
About Wichita Festivals, Inc.
Wichita Festivals, Inc. is a non-profit corporation with the purpose of creating diverse community celebrations within the Wichita community. The primary events produced by Wichita Festivals, Inc. are Riverfest (May 31–June 8, 2024), and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 13–15, 2024). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Nancy Duling at (316) 267-2817 or nancy@wichitafestivals.com.
For Media Inquiries:
Nancy Duling, President & CEO 316.737-2883; nancy@wichitafestivals.com