The format hasn’t changed much this year, the festival Kicks off Friday night with the Sundown Parade and ends 9 days later with a big bang fireworks exhibition.
In between, there’s the food court daily, the Wee carnival (tickets extra) and tKids corner with great activities for children, all included with your button.
The concerts remain the big nightly draw, but a big difference is Sun., June 1 there isn’t a closing night concert, instead it’s family movie night. In fact all day Sunday is Family Day, see more below.
For a complete lineup of activities, check the guide included with your button, or you can find it all online at wichitariverfest.com.
As always, we’ve gone over the schedule and here are our picks.
Every Day Activities
Kid’s Corner
Bring the family and enjoy inflatables, bubble shows, balloon twisting, princesses, art, music and great outdoor family fun! All free with a Riverfest button, and no button is required for children 5 and under.
Kid’s Corner is located by the South Gate entrance, behind the old library.
Weekdays 5-10 p.m.
Weekends 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fri June 6 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Wee Carnival
This is the paid version of games and rides for children. It requires a button to enter the area, but ride tickets are extra.
Saturdays and Sundays 2-10 pm.
Weekdays 6-10 p.m.
Fri., June 6, 2-10 p.m.
River Vista Paddle Boats
Enjoy a spin on a paddle boat at Boats & Bikes facility at River Vista! 150 N. McLean Blvd. Free with a button
Weekday 6-8:30 p.m.
Fridays 5-8 p.m.
Weekends 3:30 – 8 p.m.
Special Day Activities
Sundown Parade
Fri., May 30, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Grab front row seating to watch entrants strut their creative stuff with floats, bands, flags, performers, and all your favorite parade traditions.
The parade route will offer excellent viewing of the parade entries inspired by this year’s theme, “The Spirit of Wichita Riverfest!” — and the lure of cash prizes! Free for everyone to view, with or without a button.
Artfest Pop Up Market
Sat., May 31, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun., June 11am -6pm
Original art, crafts, jewelry, some clothes, packaged foods and more, all handmade. If you’re a vendor and want to participate, go to: https://www.hautehandmadepopup.com/participate
Children’s Entrepreneur Market
Sun., Jun 1, | 1 – 4 p.m.
Douglas Street between Main and Water
A hands-on experience empowering kids to develop life skills through entrepreneurship. Registration is still open at
Fireworks Displays
This year there are three fireworks displays.
Don’t miss the Textron Aviation Opening Night Fireworks, Fidelity Bank Fireworks on Wednesday, and Capitol Federal Fireworks Finale!on is still open.
Fri., May 31, 10:45 p.m.
Wed., Jun 4, 10:15 -10:30 p.m.
Sat., June 8
Concerts
Flo Rida
Sat., May 31
Flo Rida is one of today’s most vibrant and recognizable superstars, a true international icon and history-making hip-hop hero. Since bursting out of the gate over a decade ago with the RIAA 7x platinum certified hit, “Low (Feat. T-Pain).”
9:30 p.m. Flo Rida
8 p.m. Sir Charles III
6:30 p.m. DJ Cadence
Gospelfest
Mon., June 2
More than 30 years after being introduced to Gospel music fans as a member of the legendary group Commissioned, Marvin Sapp is still making chart-topping, relevant hits that are a part of every Gospel music lover’s playlist.
Widely known and celebrated for his massive cross-over hit “Never Would Have Made It,” Marvin Sapp is a multiple-award winning Gospel artist and one of the most beloved voices in this vital genre.
6:15 – 6:30pm: New Lyric
6:40 – 6:50pm: Arise
6:55 – 7:05pm: Jermance C. Milton & Breaking Ground
7:15 – 7:30pm: Alvin Mason
7:40 – 7:50pm: Arayia Holder
8:10 – 8:30pm: Christ United
9:00 – 9:45pm: Marvin Sapp
Allen Stone
Thurs., June 5
8:30 -10:30 p.m.
Allen Stone, a soul/R&B luminary, has enraptured global audiences with his electrifying performances and soulful melodies, embodying the essence of classic soul legends. His genre-defying style, blending funk, gospel, folk-rock, and soul, has garnered critical acclaim and a devoted following. Stone’s journey to musical stardom commenced in Chewelah, Washington, where his upbringing immersed him in gospel music as a pastor’s son.
Family Fun Day
Family Fun Day is a new activity this year, thanks to the sponsor City of Wichita. It’s a day full of activities designed with the family in mind. Best of all, all children ages 12 and under are admitted for free. Everyday and a few special day events are available on this day without a button. However, here are a few family-oriented activities scheduled just for this day.
Here’s a highlight of the planned family oriented events
Cornhole Tournament noon to 4 p.m.
Wind Surge Game, 1-4 p.m.
– tickets half price
Future Fest,1-4 FutureFest (S.T.E.A.M. CITY). 1 – 4 p.m.
FutureFest is a place where young people can appreciate the ‘coolness’ of Wichita Companies and get introduced to skills and potential occupations they may never have considered otherwise. Located outdoors at Main & Douglas.
Put-Put ICT, 1-8 p.m.
Stay on Par at Riverfest with a 9 hole round of Put-Put with ICT Mobile Golf.
Cardboard Regatta, 1:30 – 5 p.m.
For children to watch, but not to participate in.
All Saints Dragon and Lion Dance Team Performance, 5-6 p.m.
All Saints Dragon and Lion Dance Team is a non-profit youth organization part of a local Vietnamese Catholic church. The team is made up of young members varying in age, from beginners to experienced performers. Lion dancing is performed by two people wearing a colorful lion costume, which consists of a paper mache, sheep fur, and silk fabric. Plus dragons, that are like a puppet on poles Together, they create an energy that is both dynamic and uplifting, driving away bad luck and inviting blessings and abundance. More Events
Robot costume contest 6-8 p.m.
In conjunction with The Wild Robot family movie night you have the chance to win amazing prizes! Dress in your best robotic get-up and enjoy the movie! Winners will be announced before the movie starts! Under 6 and 7-12
Family Movie Night 8 p.m.
The Wild Robot (2024)
The Wild Robot is a 2024 American animated science fiction film produced by DreamWorks This animated film follows Roz, a service robot shipwrecked on an uninhabited island who must adapt to its surroundings, build relationships with the local wildlife, and become the adoptive mother of an orphaned goose, Brightbill (Connor).
Thank you!