Daily editionSaturday, February 21st, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 21st of February.
Community
Sedgwick County Zoo will expand with a new Savanna exhibit that moves giraffes, rhinos and other African species to a specially designed habitat.
The project may also include a hotel, restaurant and event space as current exhibits are repurposed for rental income.
KWCHRead more
Local Lumber Yard Steakhouse in Zenda opened its doors to accept recovery supplies (hay, feed, wipes) for neighbors affected by wildfires; additional drop-off points include Wheat State Mercantile in Pratt and Jerry’s Bar and Grill in Turon as officials begin the recovery phase.
KWCHRead more
Culture
Wichita car enthusiasts can mark their calendars for several upcoming 2026 shows—from the Veteran Honor Car Show at American Legion Post 4 on May 16 to Midwest Chevelle Regionals at Wichita State from June 5–6—with free and family-friendly options also scheduled.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Education
On Friday, Feb. 20, the ARISE ensemble performed for third to fifth graders at Spaght Elementary during a Black History Month assembly.
They shared African American spirituals to help children connect with a legacy of strength and resilience.
KWCHRead more
A teen from the local Boys and Girls Club was named a finalist in a nationwide contest on Feb. 20.
The recognition highlights local talent and sets the stage for more opportunities ahead.
KWCHRead more
Wichita middle school students at Gordon Parks Academy will soon travel to New York City to document their journey following civil rights photographer Gordon Parks.
The school is seeking sponsors to help fund the trip and broaden the students' horizons.
KWCHRead more
Real Estate
Sedgwick County homeowners will see a median property value increase of 10.8% on March 1 due to a hot housing market after the pandemic.
County commissioner Ryan Baty warned that rising valuations may lead to higher taxes unless local mill rates are lowered — a change expected soon.
KMUWRead more
Accidents
Volunteer firefighter Jaime Peralta is on a ventilator in Wichita’s burn unit after being injured Tuesday in the Ranger Road fire, and firefighters used Truck 2’s aerial bucket on Thursday morning to help his 10-year-old son see him through a hospital window.
FOX KansasRead more
Wichita Events
School's Out - Dodgeball Is In
Thursday, February 26th, 2026 · 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Rose Hill Recreation Commission — Fun and engaging — Gather with dodgeball enthusiasts for a friendly competition.
2000s Nostalgia Party
Friday, February 27th, 2026 · 9 PM – 12 AM — The Cotillion — $15.33 to $21.09 — Celebrate the early 2000s with iconic hits and nostalgic vibes.
Black Business Tour
Saturday, February 28th, 2026 · 10 AM – 4 PM — Cargill Protein Headquarters — Free entry — Explore and support Black-owned businesses in a vibrant community ride-along experience.
2026 Wichita Kansas Inspection Authorization Renewal Seminar
Friday, March 6th, 2026 · 7:30 a.m. — Colonel James Jabara Airport — Registration required — Complete your 8-hour training requirement for Inspection Authorization renewal with expert presentations and provided lunch.
Nekrogoblikon Concert
Sunday, March 8th, 2026 · 7-8:30 p.m. — WAVE — Ticket prices vary from $65 to $120 — Experience the unique sounds of Nekrogoblikon in a lively concert atmosphere.
FILTER Live with FINGER ELEVEN and LOCAL H
Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 · 6:30-7:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — Ticket price unavailable — Experience a night of diverse industrial rock music as FILTER showcases new material alongside special guests.
Million Dollar Quartet
Thursday, March 12th, 2026 · 12 AM — Forum Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying story of the legendary jam session that brought together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins.
Mort's Martini Bar Live Rock Music Night
Friday, March 13th, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — Mort’s Martini and Cigar Bar — Entry fee varies — Rock out to the best tunes from the 90s with a dash of 80s and 00s flair.
Wichita St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl 2026
Saturday, March 14th, 2026 · 1-8 p.m. — Emerson Biggins — $7.99+ — Experience the top bars of Wichita with St. Paddy's drink specials and a festive after party.
The Firebird Concert
Sunday, March 15th, 2026 · 3-6 p.m. — Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center — $29-$85 Adults, $10 Students — Experience a compelling mix of myth and magic through Wagner, a world premiere, and Stravinsky's fiery masterpiece.