Free events in Wichita, KS

Book lovers and collectors can browse the Friends of WAM Mini Used Book Sale, offering a wide selection of gently used titles for every age and interest. Find fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books, along with many first editions, signed copies, and other rare finds. Admission is free, and shoppers should bring money for purchases. Popular picks tend to sell quickly, so arriving early helps secure the best selection. All proceeds support WAM events and programs.

Head to Naftzger Park for the Audacy Summer Concert Series, a set of free Friday night concerts in Wichita. On August 7, enjoy a live performance by The Astronauts. Bring your friends and relax with summer live music, as all concerts are open to the public and admission is free.

Opening Day marks the start of the 36th year for Kansas Grown Farmers Market in 2026. Expect growers, producers and artisans with farm fresh produce, meats, eggs, honey, baked treats, jellies, barbecue sauces, salsas, fresh cut flowers and unique handmade crafts. Live music, a lineup of food trucks and an appearance by Troubles the Clown, a local favorite, add to the festivities. This market is recognized as the largest grower owned farmers market in Kansas.

Join this free 2nd Saturday bird walk to explore the birds that visit and live in Chisholm Creek Park. No birding experience is needed. Expect about 1 to 2 miles of walking on paved paths, and the walk will last around 90 minutes. Bring your binoculars and meet at the Great Plains Nature Center parking lot.

Young explorers can work toward becoming Junior GPNC Naturalists through a six-week series centered on the prairie. Designed for students in 3rd through 5th grade, each session is guided by a GPNC Naturalist and explores native plants, pollinators, birds, mammals, and other parts of the prairie ecosystem. Participation is free with registration. A parent or guardian must remain on the grounds for the full duration of the program. Space is limited to 20 students per date.

Safe Streets in Wichita is hosting a community-focused effort to equip students for the new school year. Donations of school supplies are accepted on site, and monetary contributions can be sent via Cash App to $KansasLeapAOL. The goal is to help children start school with the essentials they need.

Challenge your inner trivia whiz at a free, family friendly pop up market where each vendor booth turns into a classroom of fun. Browse local makers, artists, and small businesses while tackling trivia questions, mini games, and hands-on challenges, then collect stamps and compete for prizes as you move from booth to booth. Interactive activities run throughout, welcoming kids, teens, and adults to shop, play, and test their smarts together. It is school themed without the stress... no homework, no grades, just games, prizes, and plenty of great finds.

Celebrate the start of the school year at Riverside Tennis Center with a free, family-friendly tennis carnival. Children can discover the game through playful stations and challenges, moving at their own pace and visiting activities in any order. Highlights include Target Smash, Walk the Dog, an obstacle course, Card Shark, balloon tennis, racquet catch, a decorate‑a‑racquet craft, big ball mini matches, and a prize and photo stop. Upon arrival, participants check in to receive a ticket, complete the stations, then return the finished ticket at the front desk to collect a prize. This drop‑in format encourages kids to stay active while trying tennis in a welcoming setting. Pre‑registration is required, and space is limited. Admission is free.

Explore a free introductory Wing Chun kung fu class that celebrates movement and blends advanced physics with art. Originated by two women and later popularized by Bruce Lee, this practice encourages women to step back into a tradition they helped shape. Training is family-style, low key, safe, and uplifting, creating a supportive space for learning. Some describe a resonant, bone-deep energy after practice. RSVP by direct message to Grandmaster Tom Chi.

Participants meet at GracePoint, then head into the neighborhood to clean and refresh the front entrance areas of several schools, partnering with them to address a real need. Childcare is available for children from birth through PreK. This service day is part of a reimagined rhythm that balances times of worship and teaching with days devoted to serving the wider community beyond the building. No building, just people caring for their neighbors in practical ways.

On Sundays, Cowtown offers choose-your-price admission made possible by a generous gift from Colby Sandlian. Visitors can contribute any amount that works for them and enjoy their visit.

Free Sunday admission is available at the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum. Support from the Ruth Spooner Stone Charitable Trust, INTRUST Bank makes this possible. The museum occupies the original City of Wichita City Hall in downtown Wichita and presents dozens of exhibits with thousands of artifacts that illuminate local history. The Museum Store features books, gifts, and Wichita souvenirs. On other days, regular admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children, and members are always free. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Regular hours are offered Tuesday through Sunday.

Experience a free, weekly Monday evening barbershop singing session that builds toward a 75th Anniversary show. Participants learn three barbershop songs and have the chance to take the stage as part of the program. Staying past the scheduled wrap-up is welcome. An option to share contact information is available for updates.

Exploration Place offers volunteer gardening sessions on select Wednesdays to keep the gardens and outdoor spaces looking their best. Expect light work such as pulling weeds and sprucing up flower beds, with a chance to enjoy the outdoors and connect with fellow volunteers while caring for the campus. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that can get dirty, and bring a water bottle. Gardening tools and gloves are provided.

The Bee City Wichita committee meets at the Advanced Learning Library in the Keeney Stevens Board Room on the second floor. This gathering is free and open to the public. It begins with a short public comment period where community members can share ideas or feedback on the initiative, followed by committee-led updates and discussion. Virtual attendance is available through Google Meet. To request a speaking slot for a comment or proposal, email Nicole in advance at nicole@grasslandgroupies.org.

Enjoy free music bingo at Bronx Pizza and Pints.

Help care for the Native Pollinator Garden located by the parking lot near the large stone sign. Activities can include planting, weeding, watering, raking, and other hands-on tasks, with chances to learn about the plants and animals that make the garden their home. The garden always benefits from more plants, rocks, and care. This welcoming session is open to all abilities, skill sets, and levels of gardening experience. People of all ages may participate, and anyone 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.