2026 Riverfest Schedule

Friday, May 29, 2026

Medallion Hunt

Medallion Hunt Ends: Saturday, June 6

Sponsored by The Wichita Eagle. Gather your friends, dust off your sleuthing skills and join in The Eagle Medallion Hunt!  Daily clues on Kansas.com will lead you to a Sedgwick County location to find the hidden medallion.  Clues begin Friday, May 30 and will be available on Kansas.com around 8 a.m. each day.  See www.kansas.com/riverfest for details.

First-aid Station & Missing Children's Area

All day | Location: Northeast corner of Century II in the Box Office

Minor first aid needs can be found at this station. (This is also Lost & Found).

Admiral's Breakfast

7:30-9:00 a.m. | Hyatt Regency Wichita

Join past Admiral’s as we break bread for the first meal at Riverfest! Doors open at 7:30am, Breakfast from 8 – 9am.

FestQuest!

All Day

Fest Quest is back for 2026! By visiting at least eight of the below participating organizations, you will be eligible to win a $1,000 prize. Get FestQuest details here.

Food Court

11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. | Location: Century II near Kennedy Plaza

Find all your favorite festival food and drinks right here, and some irresistibly weird options, too!

On weekdays (Mon–Fri), come for the Business Lunch, 11 AM to 2 PM and get into the food court without a button.

Grand Opening Ceremony

11:30 a.m. - Noon | Food Court Stage

Join Wichita Festivals and Wichita community leaders in kicking off Riverfest 2026!

Kids Corner & Inflatables

5-10 p.m. | Location: South Gate entrance behind the old library

Bring the family and enjoy inflatables, bubble shows, balloon twisting, music and great outdoor family fun! Located by the South Gate entrance, behind the Old Library. All free with a Riverfest button, and no button is required for children 5 and under.

Sundown Parade

6:30-8 p.m. | Main & Market Streets

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 the 250th Birthday of the United States!” — and the lure of cash prizes! Free for everyone to view, with or without a button.

Deadline to Register to be in the parade: April 24, 2026.

Hot Air Balloons

6:30-8:30 p.m. 

Stand in awe of these majestic and colorful icons of the sky as they float above festival crowds. 

Not a ride. Subject to wind and weather conditions. Location: 500 block of South Wichita Street.

WEEE Entertainment Carnival

6-10 p.m. | Location: 500 block of S. Wichita St.

Showcasing rides with a Ferris wheel, Tilt-a-whirl, Viper, Kiddie Cars, and Oscar, the Octopus and Fish Ride, and many more rides.

Look for the bright lights of the carnival in the parking lot just southeast of the Hyatt Regency Wichita. Riverfest Button Required.

The carnival will have $33 per person unlimited ride wristbands available daily. View carnival pricing.

Concert featuring DJ3 and The Jacksons 

7:30 p.m. & 9:15 p.m. | Location: Crossroad Construction Kennedy Plaza Concert Stage 

The Jacksons recently celebrated 50 years as one of the most successful groups in music history.

Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael, five brothers from Gary, Indiana, known originally as The Jackson 5 and later The Jacksons, rose to fame for their combination of extraordinary musical talent and spectacular choreography. They earned the status of pop royalty in the music world, providing the launching pad for what would become Michael Jackson’s legendary solo career.

Textron Aviation Opening Night Fireworks

10:45 p.m. | Downtown Wichita

Enjoy breathtaking colors and sounds over downtown Wichita.

Fireworks will begin directly following the night’s concert. Fireworks will be fired from the area of Douglas & McLain.

Want to jam out to music with the Fireworks? Download the Pyrocast App or Tune into KEYN 103.7.

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Saturday, May 30, 2026

Medallion Hunt

Medallion Hunt Ends: Saturday, June 6

Sponsored by The Wichita Eagle. Gather your friends, dust off your sleuthing skills and join in The Eagle Medallion Hunt!  Daily clues on Kansas.com will lead you to a Sedgwick County location to find the hidden medallion.  Clues begin Friday, May 30 and will be available on Kansas.com around 8 a.m. each day.  See www.kansas.com/riverfest for details.

First-aid Station & Missing Children's Area

All day | Location: Douglas Street, at the east end of Douglas Street Food Vendors.

Minor first aid needs can be found at this station. Brought to you by UMB Bank.

Hot Air Balloons

7:00- 8:00 a.m. | 500 block S. Wichita St. 

Stand in awe of these majestic and colorful icons of the sky as they float above festival crowds.

Not a ride. Subject to wind and weather conditions. Location: 500 block of South Wichita Street.

Fidelity Bank River Run

7:00-11:00 a.m. 

Take your mark for the 50th annual Fidelity Bank River Run!

With 5 events, there’s a race for every age and competitive level. Get the full race schedule and registration info.

Lane Enterprises Tot Trot 

10:30 a.m. | Fidelity Bank River Run

A fun run for kids ages 2 to 7. 

Party on the Plaza 

7:00-11:00 a.m. | Kennedy Plaza 

Come experience the block party of the year at Riverfest! Whether you’re a runner, spectator or Riverfest enjoyer celebrate the Fidelity Bank River Run with an unforgettable party.

Artfest inside exhibition hall, Pancakes on the plaza, music, vendors and more.

Admirals' Pancake Feed 

7:30-10:00 a.m. 

Carb up post Fidelity Bank River Run! $7 for Adults / $5 for Children. Pancakes, bacon and juice flipped by the Admiral’s!

Riverfest Photography Contest 

All Day | Century II Exhibition Hall 

Cash prizes are up for grabs for the Riverfest Photography Contest!

Awards for 1st, 2nd and Best in Show. Join in the fun for free! With 7 different categories and multiple cash prizes per unique category, shutterbugs will have many chances to win!

Instructions on how to submit your photos are in the Riverfest Photo Contest Registration Form. Get snapping shutterbugs! Free to enter the contest.

Riverfest 50/50 Raffle

All Day | Raffle details here

Plein Air: A Painting Competition Day 1 

9:00-11:30 a.m. | Botanica Wichita

Fresh air and painting too, that’s what Plein Air is all about!

Artists will celebrate the iconic views around Wichita at the 6th Annual Riverfest Plein Air Event. Open to all artists from novice to professional.

Check in 9:00am for canvas stamping.

Competition: 9:30am – 11:30am

Judging and Awards: 12:00pm

Painting Day 2 information can be found here. Judging Information can be found here.

Artfest Pop up Market

10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Century II Exhibition Hall 

Celebrate all things ICT with art, design & local shopping, right in the heart of downtown.

This 2-day pop up event will be inside the iconic Century II Performing Arts Center, Exhibition Hall.

Fiesta Del Rio Tolken Hunt 

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. 

Tokens:

¡Visite Fiesta del Rio y busque uno de nuestros 7 tokens! Cada persona que encuentre un token recibirá una tarjeta de regalo para un negocio hispano local. Los tokens estarán escondidos a simple vista.

REGLAS: No se permite cavar, No se permite trepar, No se permite dañar propiedad

******************************************************************

Visit Fiesta del Río and search for one of our 7 tokens! Each person who finds a token will receive a gift card to a local Hispanic business. Tokens will be hidden in plain sight.

RULES: No digging, No climbing, No damaging property

Fiesta Del Rio Performances

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Food Court Stage

Enjoy an array of performances from musical, folkloric, mariachi, and more!

Helicopter Rides

11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Combining the thrill of flying with sightseeing’s picturesque panoramas of our beautiful city. Brought to you by DWTA Helicopters. $50 cash only.

Kids Corner & Inflatables

11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. | Location: South Gate entrance 

Bring the family and enjoy inflatables, bubble shows, balloon twisting, music and great outdoor family fun! Located by the South Gate entrance, behind the Old Library. All free with a Riverfest button, and no button is required for children 5 and under.

Southwest National Bank Mercadito

11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. | Douglas Ave. 

This year we’re excited to invite Wichita’s local Hispanic artisans, creators, recyclers, treasure curators, food and beverage vendors to join in a feast for the eyes and a temptation for the wallet. This one-day market, filled with cultural products and handmade items from local artisans, will have attendees shopping ’til they drop.”

Mercadito: Este año nos complace invitar a los artesanos, creadores, recicladores, conservadores de tesoros y vendedores de alimentos y bebidas hispanos locales de Wichita a unirse a un festín para los ojos y una tentación para la billetera. Este mercado de un día, lleno de productos culturales y artículos hechos a mano por artesanos locales, hará que los asistentes compren hasta el cansancio.

 Presented by Southwest National Bank!

Food Court 

11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. | Century II near Kennedy Plaza 

Find all your favorite festival food and drinks right here, and some irresistibly weird options, too!

On weekdays (Mon–Fri), come for the Business Lunch, 11 AM to 2 PM and get into the food court without a button.

Fri/Sat: 11am – 11pm

Weekdays: 11am – 10pm

Bicycle Valet

11 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Location: Waco Extension, east side

Thanks to Bike Walk Wichita!

The Bike Valet location is at North Civic Center Place, on Douglas, (just east of Waco St.) in front of the Garvey Center.

Douglas Street Food Vendors

11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. | Douglas Street

Helicopter Rides

11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

Combining the thrill of flying with sightseeing’s picturesque panoramas of our beautiful city. Brought to you by DWTA Helicopters. $50 cash only.

Bicycle Valet

11 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Waco Extension (east side)

Secured bicycle parking. At Douglas Street and Civic Center Place.

Thanks to Bike Walk Wichita!

Riverfest 3 on 3 Basketball 

12:00-5:00 p.m. | Century II Convention Hall 

Ready to get your game on? 3 on 3 Basketball comes to Riverfest inside Century II! With categories for all ages. Win prizes or cash, have fun, and break a sweat. Every team member gets a Riverfest button and T-shirt.

Cowboy Bathtub Races

1-3 p.m. | Arkansas River

es, it is what it sounds like! Contestants will race in the Little Arkansas River in stock tanks (also known as “Cowboy Bathtubs”).

1:00 PM – Load-In & Day-of Registration available but spots are limited. The races start at 2:00 p.m.

Location: River Park Place: 727 N Waco Drive (West Side of The Building on the Dock)

(Rain Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026 at, load in 10:30am – 11am race time)

WEEE Entertainment Carnival

2:00-10:00 p.m. | Location: 500 block of S. Wichita St.

Showcasing rides with a Ferris wheel, Tilt-a-whirl, Viper, Kiddie Cars, and Oscar, the Octopus and Fish Ride, and many more rides.

Look for the bright lights of the carnival in the parking lot just southeast of the Hyatt Regency Wichita. Riverfest Button Required.

The carnival will have $33 per person unlimited ride wristbands available daily.

Kennedy Plaza Concerts

4:00-4:30 p.m. | Kennedy Plaza 

DJ Tynno Morales 4pm-4:30p

Los Del Bajio 4:45pm – 5:30pm

Mariachi Mexico en la Piel 5:45pm – 6:45pm

Los Reyes Locos 7pm – 8:45pm

El Fantasma 9:15pm – 11pm

Michelob Ultra Soccer Shootout

4:00-6:00 p.m. | Kennedy Plaza 

Try your hand (or foot) at winning FIFA tickets by scoring goals. Winners will be announced on the Main Stage at 7pm.

Must be 21+ to participate, must be present for announcements to receive tickets.

Wichita Wind Surge 1/2 Priced Tickets

6:05-9:05 p.m. | Equity Bank Park 

Enjoy a ballgame at Equity Bank Park, home of the Wichita Wind Surge, our Double-A Minor League Baseball team. Half priced tickets with a 2025 Riverfest button.

The stadium is located at Maple & McLean. Tickets are half price with your Riverfest button on May 30, May 31 and June 1.

Schooner Mate Annual Pinata Competition

7:30 p.m. | 

7:30pm, The Prairie Schooner Mates craft a piñata once again this year which will be used to decorate Fiesta Del Rio. The public will be able to cast their vote for their favorite piñata. The winner will be announced by the admiral and the Fiesta Del Rio Chair.

Competencia Anual de Piñata Schooner Mate – 7:30 pm. Haremos que los compañeros de schooner mates elaboren una piñata una vez más este año que se usará para decorar el día de FDR. El público podrá votar por su piñata favorita. El ganador será anunciado por el almirante y los presidentes de FDR.

Rave at WAVE

9-11:59 p.m. | WAVE

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 admittance with Riverfest button, Riverfest buttons sold on-site.

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Sunday, May 31, 2026

Medallion Hunt

Medallion Hunt Ends: Saturday, June 6

Sponsored by The Wichita Eagle. Gather your friends, dust off your sleuthing skills and join in The Eagle Medallion Hunt!  Daily clues on Kansas.com will lead you to a Sedgwick County location to find the hidden medallion.  Clues begin Friday, May 30 and will be available on Kansas.com around 8 a.m. each day.  See www.kansas.com/riverfest for details.

First-aid Station & Missing Children's Area

All day | Location: Northeast corner of Century II in the Box Office

Minor first aid needs can be found at this station. (This is also Lost & Found).

Riverfest Photography Contest 

All Day | Century II Exhibition Hall 

Cash prizes are up for grabs for the Riverfest Photography Contest!

Awards for 1st, 2nd and Best in Show. Join in the fun for free! With 7 different categories and multiple cash prizes per unique category, shutterbugs will have many chances to win!

Instructions on how to submit your photos are in the Riverfest Photo Contest Registration Form. Get snapping shutterbugs! Free to enter the contest.

Riverfest 50/50 Raffle

All Day | Raffle details here

Helicopter Rides

11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Combining the thrill of flying with sightseeing’s picturesque panoramas of our beautiful city. Brought to you by DWTA Helicopters. $50 cash only.

Rivalry on the River

10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Arkansas River

A fun and friendly competitive event between local high school teams competing in 7 micro challenges.

The event will consist of challenges of strength, speed, creativity, knowledge of Wichita, and team spirit. Teams should come prepared to get wet and messy! Lunch is also provided.

Student participants will win amazing prizes such as high value gift cards in addition to bragging rights for their school. Brought to you by Wichita Public Schools and Ascension Via Christi. Come cheer on your High School Alum!

Please sign the following waiver upon completion of entry form.

Family Bike Tour 

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | In front of Garvey Center 

The Family Bike Tour is a very casual pace. Tour Departs from Bike Valet, at Douglas and Civic Center Place (In Front of the Garvey Center). Hosted by Bike Walk ICT. 

Details: Ride is about 5 miles, roughly 40 minutes long, water bottle and helmet recommended. Visit the Bike Walk Wichita website for more details.

Plein Air: A Painting Competition 2 

11 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Old Cowtown Museum

Fresh air and painting too, that’s what Plein Air is all about!

Open to all artists from novice to professional.

Location: Old Cowtown Museum

Check in 11:00am for canvas stamping.

Competition: 11:30am – 1:30pm

Judging and Awards: 2:00pm

Cash prizes!

Cowtown Adventures

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Old Cowtown Museum 

Completely free event! Located in the historic Cowtown Museum. Free hotdogs and chips available with buttons!

Gun shows, characters of old town strolling around, historic buildings and activities to explore!

1865 Museum Blvd, Wichita, KS 67203

Kids Corner & Inflatables

11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Located by the South Gate entrance 

Bring the family and enjoy inflatables, bubble shows, balloon twisting, music and great outdoor family fun!

Located by the South Gate entrance, behind the Old Library.

All free with a Riverfest button, and no button is required for children 5 and under.

Board Game Gathering 

11 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Century II 

​Douglas Street Food Vendors

11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. | Douglas Street

Riverfest 3 on 3 Basketball 

12:00-5:00 p.m. | Century II Convention Hall 

Ready to get your game on? 3 on 3 Basketball comes to Riverfest inside Century II! With categories for all ages. Win prizes or cash, have fun, and break a sweat. Every team member gets a Riverfest button and T-shirt.

Admirals Button Swap and Sale

1:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Kennedy Plaza 

Looking for a particular Riverfest button? Drop by the Riverfest Merchandise Tent and purchase buttons from previous years to round out your collection.

Join other Riverfest enthusiasts to swap buttons and stories about past festivals.

FutureFest (S.T.E.A.M. City)

1-4 p.m. | Douglas and Main St. 

FutureFest (Formerly S.T.E.A.M. CITY) at the Riverfest 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.

First 20 entrants are free! Bring an interactive, engaging, & interactive element to grab attention of the youth!

Children are the future of Wichita, welcome to FutureFest. Wichita’s next generation can get exposed to all of the amazing talent right here in Wichita.

Located outdoors at Main & Douglas.

Children's Business Fair 
1-4 p.m. | Douglas and Main

1-4p.m., Douglas Street & Main Street. A hands-on experience empowering kids to develop life skills through entrepreneurship. By running their own business in a fun supportive marketplace, children gain confidence, financial literacy, problem-solving abilities, and a strong work ethic.

Keepers Challenge 

1-4 p.m. | Mid-America All-Indian Museum

Purpose The Keepers Challenge is a structured outdoor experience designed to strengthen connection, build trust, and encourage shared responsibility among family members. Through four element-based challenges — Air, Fire, Earth, and Water — participants practice communication, patience, courage, and teamwork in a setting that is both meaningful and accessible.

This experience is intentionally simple to facilitate, requires minimal materials, and can be adapted for a wide range of ages and abilities.

Cardboard Regatta 

1:30 - 5:00 p.m. | 727 N. Waco

NEW LOCATION in 2026! Build a river-worthy vessel in 90 minutes or less with cardboard, duct tape, pool noodles and a box cutter.

No team size limit, but at least one team member (ages 12 or older) must ride in the vessel. Register to save your spot today. Cash prizes for Most Spectacular Sink, Best Design, and Fastest Time! Vessel construction starts at 1:30 PM, Launch is at 3 PM.

Location: River Park Place: 727 N Waco Drive (West Side of The Building on the Dock)

ICT Mobile Golf

1:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Kennedy Plaza 

Come make a hole in one on Kennedy Plaza!

WEEE Entertainment Carnival

2-10 p.m. | Location: 500 block of S. Wichita St.

Stand in awe of these majestic and colorful icons of the sky as they float above festival crowds. Not a ride. Subject to wind and weather conditions. Location: 500 block of South Wichita Street.

Egg Toss Competition

4-5 p.m. | Douglas Street Food Vendors

Watch as local celebrities, Schoonie Mates and select community members test their egg tossing skills. Starting from a small distance and stepping farther with each throw! Will someone end up with egg on their face?

Will anyone be able to beat 3x winners from The Wichita Eagle power duo Chance Swaim and Matthew Kelly?

Funnel Cake Eating Contest 

5:30 p.m. 

Whoever can eat the most funnel cakes in 10 minutes and keep them down wins. 10 contestants will be picked from the crowd of willing community members!

Book Bus 

5:30-8 p.m. | Kennedy Plaza

Honk Honk! The Wichita Public Library is cruising down to Riverfest to deliver books to read, rent and giveaway!

At the Book Bus, you can also:

• Get a library card
• Browse a small collection of library materials, primarily children’s materials
• Return materials
• Connect to Wi-Fi

Dinosaur Meet & Greet 

6:45 - 8:00 p.m. | Kennedy Plaza 

Meet the Mighty T-Rex: Step into the prehistoric past and come face-to-face with one of history’s most fearsome predators! Join our dinosaur wrangler for an exciting, interactive exploration of the world of the Tyrannosaurus rex.

Family Movie Night 

8:00 - 10:00 p.m. | Kennedy Plaza 

Sit downtown and enjoy “Jurassic Park” on the big screens! This takes place on Family Fun Day, no Child Button Required.

The following items are approved to bring for your comfort during the movie:

• Chairs / Lawn Chairs / Cushions / Blanket / Strollers / Wagons

Complimentary popcorn provided by The Popcorner and AMC Theatres

Monday, June 1, 2026

Medallion Hunt

Medallion Hunt Ends: Saturday, June 6

Sponsored by The Wichita Eagle. Gather your friends, dust off your sleuthing skills and join in The Eagle Medallion Hunt!  Daily clues on Kansas.com will lead you to a Sedgwick County location to find the hidden medallion.  Clues begin Friday, May 30 and will be available on Kansas.com around 8 a.m. each day.  See www.kansas.com/riverfest for details.

First-aid Station & Missing Children's Area

All day | Location: Northeast corner of Century II in the Box Office

Minor first aid needs can be found at this station. (This is also Lost & Found).

Riverfest Photography Contest 

All Day | Century II Exhibition Hall 

Cash prizes are up for grabs for the Riverfest Photography Contest!

Awards for 1st, 2nd and Best in Show. Join in the fun for free! With 7 different categories and multiple cash prizes per unique category, shutterbugs will have many chances to win!

Instructions on how to submit your photos are in the Riverfest Photo Contest Registration Form. Get snapping shutterbugs! Free to enter the contest.

Riverfest 50/50 Raffle

All Day | Raffle details here

Kids Corner & Inflatables

5-10 p.m. | Located by the South Gate entrance 

Bring the family and enjoy inflatables, bubble shows, balloon twisting, music and great outdoor family fun!

Located by the South Gate entrance, behind the Old Library.

All free with a Riverfest button, and no button is required for children 5 and under.

Helicopter Rides

11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Combining the thrill of flying with sightseeing’s picturesque panoramas of our beautiful city. Brought to you by DWTA Helicopters. $50 cash only.

Bicycle Valet

5-10 p.m. | Location: Near the South Gate entrance, behind the old downtown library

Secured bicycle parking. At Douglas Street and Civic Center Place. Thanks to Bike Walk Wichita!

Gospelfest Market 

5:00-10:00 p..m. | Kennedy Plaza

We are excited to invite Wichita’s local African-American artisans, makers, up-cyclers, upscale crafters and curators of treasures to join in a feast for the eyes and temptation for the wallet.

Want to register your business? Click here for the PDF Form.

WEEE Entertainment Carnival

6-10 p.m. | Location: 500 block of S. Wichita St.

Stand in awe of these majestic and colorful icons of the sky as they float above festival crowds. Not a ride. Subject to wind and weather conditions. Location: 500 block of South Wichita Street.

Gospelfest Acts

5:50-10:00 p.m. | Crossland Construction Kennedy Plaza Concert Stage
5:50pm – Pastor and Event Host Speak
6:00pm – Sons of God
6:20pm – Dottie Thompson Children’s Choir
6:40pm – TRU
6:50pm – Community Choir
7:45pm – Brent Jones
9:00pm – Jonathan McReynolds

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Medallion Hunt

Medallion Hunt Ends: Saturday, June 6

Sponsored by The Wichita Eagle. Gather your friends, dust off your sleuthing skills and join in The Eagle Medallion Hunt!  Daily clues on Kansas.com will lead you to a Sedgwick County location to find the hidden medallion.  Clues begin Friday, May 30 and will be available on Kansas.com around 8 a.m. each day.  See www.kansas.com/riverfest for details.

First-aid Station & Missing Children's Area

All day | Location: Northeast corner of Century II in the Box Office

Minor first aid needs can be found at this station. (This is also Lost & Found).

Riverfest Photography Contest 

All Day | Century II Exhibition Hall 

Cash prizes are up for grabs for the Riverfest Photography Contest!

Awards for 1st, 2nd and Best in Show. Join in the fun for free! With 7 different categories and multiple cash prizes per unique category, shutterbugs will have many chances to win!

Instructions on how to submit your photos are in the Riverfest Photo Contest Registration Form. Get snapping shutterbugs! Free to enter the contest.

Riverfest 50/50 Raffle

All Day | Raffle details here

Helicopter Rides

11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Combining the thrill of flying with sightseeing’s picturesque panoramas of our beautiful city. Brought to you by DWTA Helicopters. $50 cash only.

Kids Corner & Inflatables

5-10 p.m. | Located by the South Gate entrance 

Bring the family and enjoy inflatables, bubble shows, balloon twisting, music and great outdoor family fun!

Located by the South Gate entrance, behind the Old Library.

All free with a Riverfest button, and no button is required for children 5 and under.

Bicycle Valet

5-10 p.m. | Location: Near the South Gate entrance, behind the old downtown library

Secured bicycle parking. At Douglas Street and Civic Center Place. Thanks to Bike Walk Wichita!

Star Lumber A Salute to The Military Program

6:00-7:30 p.m. | Crossland Construction Kennedy Plaza Concert Stage

Join us for an evening dedicated to our brave men and women of the Unites States Armed Forces. Free entrance with a valid military ID.

• Presentation of Colors 
• ​McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard Display
• American Legion Riders
• USAF Heartland of America Band Performance

WEEE Entertainment Carnival

6-10 p.m. | Location: 500 block of S. Wichita St.

Stand in awe of these majestic and colorful icons of the sky as they float above festival crowds. Not a ride. Subject to wind and weather conditions. Location: 500 block of South Wichita Street.

Raptor: USAF Heartland of America

7:30-8:15 p.m. | Crossland Construction Kennedy Plaza Concert Stage

Concert featuring Sons of Legion

8:45-10:00 p.m. | Crossland Construction Kennedy Plaza Concert Stage

Born from a chance encounter between two musicians from opposite coasts, Sons of Legion (SØL) is the embodiment of serendipity in sound. This dynamic duo chose to walk the same musical path, creating a unique blend that defies geographical boundaries and genre constraints.

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Medallion Hunt

Medallion Hunt Ends: Saturday, June 6

Sponsored by The Wichita Eagle. Gather your friends, dust off your sleuthing skills and join in The Eagle Medallion Hunt!  Daily clues on Kansas.com will lead you to a Sedgwick County location to find the hidden medallion.  Clues begin Friday, May 30 and will be available on Kansas.com around 8 a.m. each day.  See www.kansas.com/riverfest for details.

First-aid Station & Missing Children's Area

All day | Location: Northeast corner of Century II in the Box Office

Minor first aid needs can be found at this station. (This is also Lost & Found).

Riverfest Photography Contest 

All Day | Century II Exhibition Hall 

Cash prizes are up for grabs for the Riverfest Photography Contest!

Awards for 1st, 2nd and Best in Show. Join in the fun for free! With 7 different categories and multiple cash prizes per unique category, shutterbugs will have many chances to win!

Instructions on how to submit your photos are in the Riverfest Photo Contest Registration Form. Get snapping shutterbugs! Free to enter the contest.

Riverfest 50/50 Raffle

All Day | Raffle details here

Helicopter Rides

11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Combining the thrill of flying with sightseeing’s picturesque panoramas of our beautiful city. Brought to you by DWTA Helicopters. $50 cash only.

Kids Corner & Inflatables

5-10 p.m. | Located by the South Gate entrance 

Bring the family and enjoy inflatables, bubble shows, balloon twisting, music and great outdoor family fun!

Located by the South Gate entrance, behind the Old Library.

All free with a Riverfest button, and no button is required for children 5 and under.

Bicycle Valet

5-10 p.m. | Location: Near the South Gate entrance, behind the old downtown library

Secured bicycle parking. At Douglas Street and Civic Center Place. Thanks to Bike Walk Wichita!

1/2 Priced Wichita Wind Surge Tickets

All Day 

Show your button when buying tickets from June 2 – June 6 for half-priced tix!

Children's Performances and Entertainment

2:00-4:00 p.m. | Food Court Stage

Kim Noller Music & Roy Moye III – STEMusic

Kim Noller – 2pm

Roy Moye III – 3pm

Book Bus

4:00-8:00 p.m. | Kids Corner and Inflatables

Honk Honk! The Wichita Public Library is cruising down to Riverfest to deliver books to read, rent and giveaway!

At the Book Bus, you can also:

• Get a library card
• Browse a small collection of library materials, primarily children’s materials
• Return materials
• Connect to Wi-Fi

Bob Thompson Hiland Charity Ice Cream Sandwich Challenge 

6:00-6:30 p.m. | Douglas Ave.

Contestants will go “sandwich to sandwich” in this race competing for $2,000 in prize money to see who can eat the most ice cream sandwiches. Each challenger will be competing on behalf of their charity organization. Located at 225 W Douglas. Contestants are picked from Wagonmasters Goodlife grant & public entities, watch to see who will win!

Chase New Holland (CNHi) Buckaroo Buckarette Rodeo

5:30-8:30 p.m. | Tripodal at Century II 

For kids ages 2 to 10, celebrate the thrill of tiny-tractor races, barrel-bull riding, roping, panning for gold and other fun activities.

WEEE Entertainment Carnival

6-10 p.m. | Location: 500 block of S. Wichita St.

Stand in awe of these majestic and colorful icons of the sky as they float above festival crowds. Not a ride. Subject to wind and weather conditions. Location: 500 block of South Wichita Street.

Ice Cream Social 

6:30-8 p.m. | Douglas Ave. 

Enjoy a complimentary bowl of Hiland Dairy ice cream served by Wichita Wagonmasters. Bring your own toppings to complete your ice cream creation!

Portrait with the Admiral 

7-8 p.m. | Kennedy Plaza

Get a snapshot with Admiral Windwagon LII Ron McEwen, free with your Riverfest button.

Brought to you by Golden Plains Credit Union.

Concert featuring Cam Allen

7:30-8:15 p.m. | Crossland Construction Kennedy Plaza Concert Stage

Concert featuring Jake Owen

8:45-10:00 p.m. | Crossland Construction Kennedy Plaza Concert Stage

Jake Owen is a country music mainstay with a career boasting a collection of gold and platinum records, 10 No. 1 singles, and more than 2.5 billion U.S. on-demand streams. The chart-topping superstar and ACM Award winner is known for his laid-back style and hit recordings such as “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “Beachin’,” “Anywhere With You,” “Alone With You,” and “The One That Got Away.”

Fidelity Bank Midweek Fireworks

9:45-10:00 p.m. | Downtown Wichita

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! Fireworks will be fired from the Garvey Buildings over Downtown Wichita.

Want to jam out to music with the Fireworks? Download the Pyrocast App or Tune into KEYN 103.7.

Thursday, June 4, 2026

Throwback Thursday

All Day | Festival Grounds

Thursday is Throwback Thursday at Riverfest. For those who have any past or current Wichita Riverfest Button you will be admitted into the festival for free all day.

Medallion Hunt

Medallion Hunt Ends: Saturday, June 6

Sponsored by The Wichita Eagle. Gather your friends, dust off your sleuthing skills and join in The Eagle Medallion Hunt!  Daily clues on Kansas.com will lead you to a Sedgwick County location to find the hidden medallion.  Clues begin Friday, May 30 and will be available on Kansas.com around 8 a.m. each day.  See www.kansas.com/riverfest for details.

First-aid Station & Missing Children's Area

All day | Location: Northeast corner of Century II in the Box Office

Minor first aid needs can be found at this station. (This is also Lost & Found).

Riverfest Photography Contest 

All Day | Century II Exhibition Hall 

Cash prizes are up for grabs for the Riverfest Photography Contest!

Awards for 1st, 2nd and Best in Show. Join in the fun for free! With 7 different categories and multiple cash prizes per unique category, shutterbugs will have many chances to win!

Instructions on how to submit your photos are in the Riverfest Photo Contest Registration Form. Get snapping shutterbugs! Free to enter the contest.

Riverfest 50/50 Raffle

All Day | Raffle details here

Helicopter Rides

5-9 p.m. 

Combining the thrill of flying with sightseeing’s picturesque panoramas of our beautiful city. Brought to you by DWTA Helicopters. $50 cash only.

Kids Corner & Inflatables

5-10 p.m. | Located by the South Gate entrance 

Bring the family and enjoy inflatables, bubble shows, balloon twisting, music and great outdoor family fun!

Located by the South Gate entrance, behind the Old Library.

All free with a Riverfest button, and no button is required for children 5 and under.

Bicycle Valet

5-10 p.m. | Location: Near the South Gate entrance, behind the old downtown library

Secured bicycle parking. At Douglas Street and Civic Center Place. Thanks to Bike Walk Wichita!

1/2 Priced Wind Surge Tickets

All Day

Show your button when buying tickets from June 2 – June 6 for half-priced tix!

Gospelfest Market 

5:00-10:00 p..m. | Kennedy Plaza

We are excited to invite Wichita’s local African-American artisans, makers, up-cyclers, upscale crafters and curators of treasures to join in a feast for the eyes and temptation for the wallet.

Want to register your business? Click here for the PDF Form.

WEEE Entertainment Carnival

6-10 p.m. | Location: 500 block of S. Wichita St.

Stand in awe of these majestic and colorful icons of the sky as they float above festival crowds. Not a ride. Subject to wind and weather conditions. Location: 500 block of South Wichita Street.

Kids Corner & Inflatables

5-10 p.m. | Located by the South Gate entrance 

Bring the family and enjoy inflatables, bubble shows, balloon twisting, music and great outdoor family fun!

Located by the South Gate entrance, behind the Old Library.

All free with a Riverfest button, and no button is required for children 5 and under.

Cajun & Creole Fest

5:00-8:30 p.m. | Century II Exhibition Hall 

Welcome to the Cajun & Creole Fest at Wichita Riverfest! PLUS it is Throwback Thursday, bring any past Riverfest button and you will get admission into the festival for free!

Enjoy delicious Cajun & Creole food favorites right here in the ICT. Located at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center on Kennedy Plaza, right by the music.

$18 meal includes*:

• Chicken and Andouille Jambalaya
• Red Beans and Rice
• Bread with Margarine Chip
• Bread pudding

*Tickets available on-site the evening of the event; While supplies last.

Kids Touch-A-Truck

5:00-8:30 p.m. | Main St., Douglas to Waterman

Load up the family for a hands-on experience with amazing emergency vehicles, dumpster trucks, construction machinery, news vehicles, and more! Join in on the fun with a behind-the-scenes look at how these trucks work.

Note: This event can be loud, with horns and other industrial noises. Please bring earplugs if desired!

Mudbugs 

5:15 - 6:45 p.m. | Kennedy Plaza

Most people are surprised to learn that The Mudbugs Cajun & Zydeco Band members aren’t from the swamps of Louisiana but from the plains of South-central Kansas. Their love of the French language, Cajun food, fiddle and accordion, mixed in with good times and family are what brought them together. The Mudbugs are led by Carter Green on fiddle/vocals, Greg Ewing on accordion/vocals, and Erin Millson vocals and triangle. Adam Ewing plays the 5-string electric upright bass, Brian Cochran on electric guitar, Juliah Ewing on frottoir and Jaime Green on drums. The Mudbugs are a family affair with two married couples and one set of Ewing brothers.

Wagonmasters River Tour

5-8 p.m.| Douglas Street Bridget (north side of Douglas)

Enjoy a relaxing, narrated cruise along the Arkansas River in Downtown Wichita. Cruises depart under the Douglas Street Bridge on the north side of Douglas, east side of the Arkansas River. Free with your Riverfest button.

Concert featuring Second Line by Josue Estrada

7:15-8:15 p.m. | Crossland Construction Kennedy Plaza Concert Stage

Join in the Cajun and Creole energy with a Second Line!

Concert featuring Keith Frank

8:45-10:00 p.m. | Crossland Construction Kennedy Plaza Concert Stage

Keith Frank is an American singer, accordion player, and producer. Dubbed the “Zydeco Boss,” Frank is one of the most well-known figures in zydeco music, especially in the nouveau zydeco sound, which was influenced by other genres such as R&B and hip-hop.

Check out some of Keith’s amazing songs like Casanova, Deny, and Dreams Come Alive.

Friday, June 5, 2026

Medallion Hunt

Medallion Hunt Ends: Saturday, June 6

Sponsored by The Wichita Eagle. Gather your friends, dust off your sleuthing skills and join in The Eagle Medallion Hunt!  Daily clues on Kansas.com will lead you to a Sedgwick County location to find the hidden medallion.  Clues begin Friday, May 30 and will be available on Kansas.com around 8 a.m. each day.  See www.kansas.com/riverfest for details.

First-aid Station & Missing Children's Area

All day | Location: Northeast corner of Century II in the Box Office

Minor first aid needs can be found at this station. (This is also Lost & Found).

Riverfest Photography Contest 

All Day | Century II Exhibition Hall 

Cash prizes are up for grabs for the Riverfest Photography Contest!

Awards for 1st, 2nd and Best in Show. Join in the fun for free! With 7 different categories and multiple cash prizes per unique category, shutterbugs will have many chances to win!

Instructions on how to submit your photos are in the Riverfest Photo Contest Registration Form. Get snapping shutterbugs! Free to enter the contest.

Riverfest 50/50 Raffle

All Day | Raffle details here

Helicopter Rides

5-9 p.m. 

Combining the thrill of flying with sightseeing’s picturesque panoramas of our beautiful city. Brought to you by DWTA Helicopters. $50 cash only.

Kids Corner & Inflatables

5-10 p.m. | Located by the South Gate entrance 

Bring the family and enjoy inflatables, bubble shows, balloon twisting, music and great outdoor family fun!

Located by the South Gate entrance, behind the Old Library.

All free with a Riverfest button, and no button is required for children 5 and under.

Bicycle Valet

5-10 p.m. | Location: Near the South Gate entrance, behind the old downtown library

Secured bicycle parking. At Douglas Street and Civic Center Place. Thanks to Bike Walk Wichita!

1/2 Priced Wind Surge Tickets

All Day

Show your button when buying tickets from June 2 – June 6 for half-priced tix!

Book Bus

4:00-8:00 p.m. | Kids Corner and Inflatables

Honk Honk! The Wichita Public Library is cruising down to Riverfest to deliver books to read, rent and giveaway!

At the Book Bus, you can also:

• Get a library card
• Browse a small collection of library materials, primarily children’s materials
• Return materials
• Connect to Wi-Fi

DJ Showcase 

5:15-6:15 p.m. | Crossland Construction Kennedy Plaza Concert Stage

Winners of the DJ Showcase battle it out on the mainstage!

Battle of the Bands Performance 

6:30-7:30 p.m. | Crossland Construction Kennedy Plaza Concert Stage

Battle of the Bands winner will be chosen to play the Main Stage June 5! Come see the winner rock the stage!

Concert featuring Sage the Gemini

8:00-8:45 p.m. | Crossland Construction Kennedy Plaza Concert Stage

Concert featuring Gym Class Heroes

9:15-10:45 p.m. | Crossland Construction Kennedy Plaza Concert Stage

Travie McCoy, the charismatic frontman of Gym Class Heroes and a celebrated solo artist, is reinvigorating his career in 2025 with the relaunch of Gym Class Heroes as a solo project. Rising to fame in the 2000s, Gym Class Heroes reshaped alternative hip-hop with genre-defying hits like “Cupid’s Chokehold” (3× Platinum) and “Stereo Hearts” (5× Platinum). McCoy’s unique ability to blend introspection, humor, and swagger in his lyrics made him a standout, while his solo career, highlighted by the global hit “Billionaire,” showcased his versatility and creative growth.

Kicking off this reboot, McCoy is leading Gym Class Heroes into a bold new era, preparing to release highly anticipated new music and embark on tours around the world. The project will combine reimagined classics with fresh, innovative tracks that explore themes of resilience and transformation. Culturally impactful collaborations, electrifying performances, innovative storytelling, and a fearless approach to his craft promise a dynamic and diverse sound that reflects McCoy’s artistic evolution while honoring what made Gym Class Heroes a beloved name in music.

In 2025, Travie McCoy is not just revisiting his past achievements—he’s reimagining them for a new generation. Through dynamic performances, groundbreaking collaborations, and a renewed focus on storytelling, McCoy is proving that his creativity and genre-crossing artistry remain as impactful as ever. Fans can look forward to an exciting year of music that bridges the familiar with the fresh, solidifying McCoy’s role as a trailblazer in the music world.

Saturday, June 6, 2026

​Medallion Hunt

Medallion Hunt Ends: Saturday, June 6

Sponsored by The Wichita Eagle. Gather your friends, dust off your sleuthing skills and join in The Eagle Medallion Hunt!  Daily clues on Kansas.com will lead you to a Sedgwick County location to find the hidden medallion.  Clues begin Friday, May 30 and will be available on Kansas.com around 8 a.m. each day.  See www.kansas.com/riverfest for details.

First-aid Station & Missing Children's Area

All day | Location: Northeast corner of Century II in the Box Office

Minor first aid needs can be found at this station. (This is also Lost & Found).

Riverfest Photography Contest 

All Day | Century II Exhibition Hall 

Cash prizes are up for grabs for the Riverfest Photography Contest!

Awards for 1st, 2nd and Best in Show. Join in the fun for free! With 7 different categories and multiple cash prizes per unique category, shutterbugs will have many chances to win!

Instructions on how to submit your photos are in the Riverfest Photo Contest Registration Form. Get snapping shutterbugs! Free to enter the contest.

Helicopter Rides

11 a.m. - 9 p.m. 

Combining the thrill of flying with sightseeing’s picturesque panoramas of our beautiful city. Brought to you by DWTA Helicopters. $50 cash only.

Riverfest 50/50 Raffle

All Day | Raffle details here

Kids Corner & Inflatables

5-10 p.m. | Located by the South Gate entrance 

Bring the family and enjoy inflatables, bubble shows, balloon twisting, music and great outdoor family fun!

Located by the South Gate entrance, behind the Old Library.

All free with a Riverfest button, and no button is required for children 5 and under.

Bicycle Valet

5-10 p.m. | Location: Near the South Gate entrance, behind the old downtown library

Secured bicycle parking. At Douglas Street and Civic Center Place. Thanks to Bike Walk Wichita!

1/2 Priced Wind Surge Tickets

All Day

Show your button when buying tickets from June 2 – June 6 for half-priced tix!

Riverfest Gravel Grinder 

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Topgolf Wichita

It’s a 20-mile ride and a 40-mile race. Online registration is open! Space is limited so deadline to register is subject to change.

If you miss the deadline of June 3, 2026 you can still register on-site 6 AM to 7 AM day of the event (June 6). Awards to the Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women in the 40-Mile Open Category.

Start time is at 8:00am – for both races.

New Starting Location: Top Golf Wichita: 2976 N Greenwich Rd, Wichita, KS 67226

College Days: WSU, WSU Tech, NIAR

12:00-3:00 p.m. 

Wichita State, NIAR, and WSU Tech join College Days!

Urban Disc Golf Putting Competition

2:00-6:00 p.m. | Tripodal

Try the 12 hole Disc Golf Urban Putting Course, hosted by Air Capital Disc Golf Club! All Skill Levels Welcome!

Best of 2 scored rounds, but unlimited play is yours! All levels welcome! Multiple prize categories.

Come anytime between 2-6pm (one round of 12 holes takes about half an hour).

Free with a button. Feel free to bring your own putters or some can be provided for you.

Riverfest Native Expo "A Powwow Experience" 

4:00-7:00 p.m. | Crossland Construction Kennedy Plaza Concert Stage

Welcome to the Riverfest Native Expo “A Pow-Wow Experience” We are extremely excited to have this newly added attraction in the lineup for Riverfest 2026 events. On June 6, 2026 from 4-7 P.M on Kennedy Plaza festival goers will have a unique opportunity to experience  the beautiful Native American Culture through dance, storytelling, and performing artistry. Bring the entire family because you and your clan will have an EXCLUSIVE invite to participate in some of the dancing with real Native performers!

Wichita’s own World Champion Wichita War Dancer will be leading the event that will be both educational and entertaining. He has invited Native American performers from all across Native territories representing numerous Native American tribes. This is the kind of event that will create long lasting RiverFest memories for all ages. Be ready to experience the vibrancy of colors, movement, history and family fun!

Bring your chairs and enjoy the show!

Concert featuring Rudy Love and the Encore Band

7:30-8:30 p.m. | Crossland Construction Kennedy Plaza Concert Stage

Concert featuring Hank Azaria & The EZ Street Band - A Springsteen Celebration

9:00-10:30 p.m. | Crossland Construction Kennedy Plaza Concert Stage

Hank Azaria & The EZ Street Band is a labor of love for Azaria, a lifelong Springsteen fan. “I’ve never worked harder preparing for any role than I did in perfecting a singing vocal impression of Bruce,” said Azaria.

Azaria is an acclaimed actor and voice artist, perhaps best known for his decades of work on The Simpsons. Now he’s using his voice in a new and different way—having a blast entertaining people in a live concert setting. Azaria spent months creating an impression of Bruce’s distinctive speaking cadence and singing voice to conceive the tribute show. As he told Rolling Stone, “I think of it as a theatrical performance. I’m staying in character as Bruce even though I’m telling stories about myself. It’s a performance piece, but I’m not a Bruce impersonator.”

The tribute performance itself is a joyful, full-tilt rock ’n’ roll event, and Azaria’s physicality and flair are a true homage to Bruce. He channels many familiar components of Bruce Springsteen’s iconography: intimate, irreverent storytelling, connection to family, preternatural stamina, camaraderie with the band, and a palpable love for performing. Azaria has delivered a show we want to root for—invigorating, upbeat, and ambitious.

Check out some performances of “Prove it All Night” & “Thunder Road.“

Capitol Federal Fireworks Finale 

10:45-11:00 p.m. | Kennedy Plaza 

Experience this dynamic pyrotechnic performance and enjoy breathtaking colors.

Capitol Federal is proud to sponsor the 2026 Riverfest Fireworks Finale which will begin directly following the concert at approximately 10:45 PM.

Fireworks will begin directly following the night’s concert. Fireworks will be fired from the area of Douglas & McLain.