Riverfest officials have announced several new events – and a few returning favorites – for this year’s festival. But no, the antique bathtub race is not one of them.
“Everyone is going back to the ancient bathtub races,” said Nancy Duling, president and CEO of Wichita Festivals. “And again, it’s like anything, it’s evolved over time…I haven’t seen an antique bathtub in a while.”
Although antiques are not part of this year’s festival, which begins May 31, Duling highlighted the cowboy bathtub race, an event in which participants race in stock tanks along the river. Duling connected this to Wichita Festivals’ goal of listening to the community.
“We’re just trying to be creative and make sure we have events that will appeal to everyone,” Duling said. “We’re really trying to make sure this is what our community wants.”
Here’s a look at the recently announced events.
Fisherman’s derby
Visitors can cast their lines for free in the Arkansas River during the Riverfest Fishing Derby. The Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks will stock the river and provide all necessary fishing equipment.
“All you have to do is just show up,” Duling said.
David Breth, recreational fishing education coordinator for KDWP, said he hopes the event encourages more residents to fish.
“If organizations are hosting these events, please contact us… that’s the only way we can achieve our mission of getting people fishing or getting people outdoors to recreate,” Breath said. “So it means the world to us to have this.”
The event, held between the Douglas and Lewis Street bridges, is for catch-and-release only. Thirty active fishermen can participate in half-hour blocks in the event, which will be held on Saturday, June 8 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Prizes are awarded for various types of catches, including largest fish, most unique and more. .
Garden party in Botanica
Riverfest is bringing back a pre-pandemic event, holding Gardenfest at Botanica, where visitors can explore the gardens for free. The first 100 children to attend can plant a flower and take it home.
Nikki Smith, director of community engagement and education at Botanica, said partnering with Riverfest was a “no-brainer.”
“People’s lives are enriched by nature, and in a larger city we are often removed from the process of growing plants,” Smith said. “By inviting guests and children to enter the garden, be inspired by the beautiful cultivated space, but also to get their hands dirty to feel what it feels like to stick a flower in the ground and to then be able to take it home… It simply inspires a new generation to love nature and encourages its continued growth in and around Wichita.”
Gardenfest opens Tuesday, June 4 at Botanica, 701 N. Amidon, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Rave at Wave
Outside of Riverfest’s typical venue bubble, a dance party will be held at Wave, 650 E. Second St. The Rave at Wave is intended to attract young adults, such as college students, and will feature “fast-paced, repetitive, exciting music and lights” of 9pm to midnight on Saturday, June 1.
“To create these partnerships, we have to go where these locations are, and so that’s the reason for operating outside of our footprint,” Duling said.
Photography competition
After a hiatus in 2023, Riverfest attendees will also see the return of the photography competition throughout the nine days of the festival.
“And again, that was something the public was asking for,” Duling said. “A community member came forward and said, ‘I’d like to make a donation for it.’”
The competition includes seven categories, with cash prizes offered for the winning works. More information about the categories and competitions can be found at https://bit.ly/4aCZFum.
Other activities
After the Drake White concert on Tuesday, June 4, visitors can stay seated and turn skyward to catch a midweek fireworks show. This will be added to the first and last nightly fireworks show of the festival.
Here’s a full list of the other new/returning events:
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Great American Kites – An aerial display of various creatures will paint the sky Saturday June 1 and Sunday June 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m
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HMS Pinafore Opera — Come see “HMS Pinafore,” a comic opera focused on sea life, in Century II. An additional ticket purchase is required for entry. Saturday, June 1 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, June 2 at 2:00 PM
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Wurlitzer Concerto – Inside Century II op On Wednesday, June 5, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, you will hear an organ concert with Brett Valliant. Free for those with Riverfest buttons.
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Bike Parade — Visitors on wheels have a chance to win bike styling prizes at the south entrance of Riverfest. The event begins Saturday June 8 at 11am
A full list of Riverfest events can be found at wichitariverfest.com/guide.
Duling noted that unlike previous years, this guide will be used in place of an app.
“(The app) would crash with everyone down there, so that’s why we’re creating the digital guide this year,” Duling said.
Riverfest starts Friday, May 31 with hot air balloons and ends with a fireworks show on Saturday, June 8.
Buttons can be purchased at wichitafestivals.com, at the Riverfest entrances or at any local QuikTrip, including those in Newton, El Dorado and Derby.
