Opening Night Reception
Light It Up: A Night of Firsts, Flavor & Fire
Time: 6-9 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 2 at Exploration Place
We’re kicking off TBEX with a bang—and you’re on the guest list for an epic night of exploration (literally). Be among the first ever to step foot in the brand-new EP2 destination playscape at Exploration Place—before it opens to the world. Wander, sip, and snap your way through immersive spaces and Wichita-inspired design with food and drinks flowing.
As the sun dips, the party rolls riverside with live music under the stars, diverse flavors from local food trucks, and a jaw-dropping Keeper of the Plains firepot finale. It’s not just an opening night—it’s a Wichita welcome turned all the way up.
Bring your curiosity. And maybe your wide-angle lens.
*Please note: Closed-toed shoes are required for all TBEX attendees to access the Playscape.
Junior League of Wichita Water Play Cascades
Textron Aviation Flight Adventure
SOCIAL HANDLES
Exploration Place
Facebook: @ExplorationPlace
Instagram: @explorationplace
TikTok: @explorationplace
Funky Monkey Munchies
Facebook: @FunkyMonkeyMunchies72
Instagram: @funkymonkeymunchies
Argentina’s Empanadas
Facebook: @EatEmpanadas
Instagram: @argentinas_empanadas_
El Gusto ICT
Facebook: @ElGustoICT
Instagram: @elgustoict
Kusina Ni Cheska
Facebook: @Kusina Ni Cheska
Want Bierock
Facebook: @wantbierockcoandcoffeehouse
Instagram: @want_bierock
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Facebook: @FreddysUSAWichitaRock
X: @FreddysUSA
Instagram: @freddysusa
TikTok: @freddysusa
Una Vida Tequila
Facebook: @unavidatequila
Instagram: @unavidatequila
TikTok: @unavidatequila
Harvester Arts
Facebook: @harvesterarts
Instagram: @harvesterarts
Closing Night Reception
Go Wild: Elephants, Enchantments & a Grand Finale
Time: 6-10 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4 at Sedgwick County Zoo
We’re closing out TBEX at one of the largest zoos in the country—because we don’t believe in going out quietly. At the Sedgwick County Zoo, you’ll get exclusive after-hours access to see the stars of the year: four wildly adorable baby elephants.
Then, we’re giving you a sneak peek at Wild Lights—before the rest of the world gets in. While the full magic is still under wraps, you’ll journey through part of the glowing spectacle where mythical creatures and illuminated surprises light the way.
Memory cards full, hearts fuller.
Please use #TBEXWichita (preferably in sticker form) in your IG and FB stories so as many people as possible can see your incredible content.
SOCIAL HANDLES
Sedgwick County Zoo
Facebook: @SedgwickCountyZoo
Instagram: @sedgwickcountyzoo
TikTok: @sedgwickcountyzoo
Annika Wooton
Website: www.annikawooton.com
Instagram: @annikawooton
Harvester Arts
Facebook: @harvesterarts
Instagram: @harvesterarts
VIP Reception
Batter Up! A TBEX First That Hits It Out of the Park
Time: 6-9 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1 at Equity Bank Park
For the first time in TBEX history, you’re not just watching the game—you are the game. Step onto the field at Equity Bank Park for a VIP night where your stats light up the jumbotron, the bat’s in your hands, and the baseball magic is just getting started. From batting practice to behind-the-scenes tours, you’ll dive headfirst into Wichita’s proud baseball legacy.
It’s content gold wrapped in crackerjacks and swagger—your all-access pass to America’s pastime, Wichita-style. And yes, there are a few curveballs we’re not revealing just yet.
This one’s got highlight reel written all over it.
SOCIAL HANDLES
Wichita Wind Surge
Facebook: @WindSurgeICT
Instagram: @windsurgeict
TikTok: @windsurgeict
Can’t find what you need? Maybe try one of these pages instead: Pre-BEX Tours Oct. 1, Pre-BEX tours Oct. 2, Forum information, Conference logistics, Marketplace items. Still need more help? Don’t be afraid to reach out to James Kellerman at jkellerman@visitwichita.com.
