Picture a beautiful Kansas sky in downtown Wichita. Then imagine how breathtaking it would be to see hundreds of synchronized drones creating various formations set to music, lighting up the sky up to 400 feet over the Arkansas River and the Keeper of the Plains. Make plans to see it with your own eyes this fall during this year’s Drone Light Festival at Exploration Place.

This mesmerizing show is set to come back for a third year and will take place over three nights. Scheduled for Oct. 3-5, the show will provide breathtaking views of 400 synchronized drones fully choreographed with music. 

What to expect

Building on three years of success, this year's sky-sized spectacle will feature 400 synchronized drones choreographed to iconic John Williams film scores such as Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Superman. Under the year's theme, "Cinematic Legends Take Flight," the show will be paired with a live string quartet. Every note and light will be timed to create an unforgettable fusion of music, movies and graphics that will leave you awestruck.

The drones will launch from the Mid-America All-Indian Museum grounds, highlighting the Keeper of the Plains. Each night, the show will include the special lighting of the Keeper of the Plains fire pots (weather permitting).

In addition to the drone light show, add extra magic by launching floating water lanterns and catching a candlelight concert in the Wichita Foundation Amphitheater. It's perfect for families, photo-lovers and anyone chasing a wow-moment night out.

How to attend

Gates will open at 6 p.m. and the drone light show begins at 9 p.m. Organizers encourage attendees to arrive early to the grounds to enjoy live music, demonstrations, games, local vendors, food, drink and other entertainment. It’s also a great opportunity to explore Exploration Place and experience their popular laser shows in the Dome theater, which is fully included in your admission to the event.

Individual tickets are $15 per member and $20 for nonmembers. You can purchase a carload pass which includes parking and admission for up to nine guests for $65 for members and $75 for nonmembers.

In the event of cancellation or delay, announcements will be made as soon as possible via email, social media and using the sitewide PA system. The show will be held unless Exploration Place makes the decision to cancel due to wind, lightning or other unsafe conditions. It is recommended to arrive 60 minutes before the show's start time in case there is a last-minute weather change. 

In addition to the Drone Light Festival, Exploration Place’s national traveling exhibit "Ice Dinosaurs: The Lost World of the Alaskan Arctic" will be on display. The museum has also broken ground on its 6.5-acre outdoor Destination Playscape, anchored by the Textron Aviation Flight Adventure, slated to fully open in Spring 2026, with a soft launch to members these fall. These new outdoor experiences build on the Wichita Foundation Amphitheater, which debuted on the riverfront in 2024.

You can discover Exploration Place and more than 50 additional museums and attractions, 1,200-plus eateries and much more when you visit the Heart of the Country.