Wichita RiverFest, the largest community event in Kansas, returns May 29 through June 6 with nine days of concerts, fireworks, food and longtime family traditions as the festival celebrates its 54th year.
The festival officially opens Friday evening with the Sundown Parade from 6:30-8 p.m. The free parade — no button required — travels south on Main Street from Second Street to English before looping north on Market back to Second Street, giving spectators multiple downtown viewing areas.
Opening night also features a concert by The Jacksons, the legendary family group that rose to fame as The Jackson 5 before becoming one of the most successful acts in pop music history. Known for hits including “ABC,” “I Want You Back,” “I’ll Be There” and “Can You Feel It,” the group headlines the main stage Friday night before RiverFest’s first fireworks display at 10:45 p.m.
Fireworks are also scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, at 9:45 p.m. and Saturday, June 6, at 10:45 p.m., making them one of the festival’s biggest annual attractions.
Music remains a major part of RiverFest throughout the week.
Monday’s Gospel Fest features Brent Jones and Jonathan McReynolds, one of gospel music’s most popular contemporary artists known for blending worship music with soulful, modern storytelling.
Here’s the Gospelfest lineup
6:00 pm – Sons of God
6:20 pm – Dottie Thompson Children’s Choir
6:40 pm – TRU
6:50 pm – Community Choir
7:45 pm – Brent Jones
9:00 pm – Jonathan McReynolds
Thursday’s Zydeco Night wraps up with Keith Frank, the Louisiana accordion player and singer known as the “Zydeco Boss.” His high-energy Creole sound blends zydeco with R&B, hip-hop and Southern dance rhythms, giving festivalgoers a chance to experience a different side of Black music culture.
Friday night, June 5, leans toward younger audiences with rapper Sage the Gemini opening for Gym Class Heroes frontman Travie McCoy, whose hits include “Stereo Hearts” and “Cupid’s Chokehold.”
The festival closes Saturday night with fireworks and Hank Azaria and The EZ Street Band, a tribute celebration of Bruce Springsteen music.
Still, many longtime RiverFest fans say the festival is about much more than the concerts.
Some of the most entertaining events happen away from the main festival grounds — and several are completely free to watch without a RiverFest button, making them especially attractive for families watching their budgets.
The Cowboy Bathtub Races take place Saturday, May 30, while the Cardboard Regatta happens Sunday, May 31. Both events are free and held near River Park Place at Waco and the Arkansas River.
The Riverfest Fishing Derby follows Saturday morning, June 6, at the same location. Participants do not need to bring fishing gear or even a fishing license. Rods, reels, bait and hooks are provided free, and Kansas Wildlife and Parks staff will help beginners learn how to fish.
Families with children will also find plenty to do.
The Kids Corner and Inflatables area, located near the South Gate behind the old library building, features bubble shows, inflatables, balloon twisting, princess appearances, music, art activities and outdoor family fun throughout the festival. The activities are free with a RiverFest button, and children 5 and under do not need a button.
Nearby, the WEEE Carnival runs throughout RiverFest with rides including a Ferris wheel, Tilt-A-Whirl and several children’s rides. Unlimited ride wristbands cost $33 per session. Sunday, May 31, is Family Fun Day, when children 12 and under can enter RiverFest free with a paying adult.
Other festival attractions include the ArtFest Pop-Up Market inside Century II on May 30-31, featuring more than 100 artists, makers and local businesses. Organizers say vendor applications may still be open. A classic car show inside Century II takes place Saturday, June 6, while a youth entrepreneur event and three-on-three basketball tournament are also scheduled during the week.
Fiesta del Río on Saturday, May 30, highlights Hispanic culture with the Mercadito marketplace, cultural activities and Hispanic performers appearing throughout the evening on the concert stage.
Another longtime tradition returns Wednesday night with the Linwood Sexton Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Social, where festivalgoers can enjoy a free bowl of ice cream while supplies last.
Admission to RiverFest requires a 2026 festival button. Buttons cost $20 for ages 13 and older and $10 for children ages 5-12. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Buttons are available at festival entrances and local QuikTrip stores.
Budget-conscious visitors may also want to remember Throwback Thursday on June 4, when admission is free for anyone bringing a RiverFest button or cloisonné pin from any previous year.
Organizers encourage people to explore beyond the headlining concerts and discover the many smaller traditions, activities and experiences that have made RiverFest a Wichita tradition for generations.
