Daily editionFriday, February 27th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 27th of February.
Community
McConnell Air Force Base announced the 2026 Frontiers in Flight Air Show featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, scheduled for Oct. 24–25 as details on additional performers will follow.
KWCHRead more
Business
Play & Party Co. is an indoor play venue offering multiple activity areas such as an LED gameroom and a play town that opened last June at Westlink Shopping Center near Central and Ridge.
Families can enjoy daily admission options and party rentals while children play.
KMUWRead more
Culture
Douglas Social bar rebranded to spotlight ICT creatives with a refreshed design + updated events to support local innovation.
The venue now serves as a creative hub for community talent.
KWCHRead more
The Cherokee Maidens & Sycamore Swing will perform Sunday, March 1 at Walker’s Jazz Lounge in a sold-out show after ending a seven-year hiatus, and former member Jennifer Melcher will join the trio.
KMUWRead more
Education
Kansas FFA is holding Give FFA Day—a 24-hour fundraising event to raise $50,000 for local agricultural programs and instructors—during National FFA Week.
Donations are accepted by text, online, or via QR code.
KWCHRead more
The Wichita school district is hosting a teen drug summit for middle schoolers later this week — the event aims to boost drug prevention efforts and offer local resources for students.
KWCHRead more
Engineers visited a Wichita elementary school on Feb. 26 to introduce students to engineering careers through hands-on projects — an effort meant to inspire interest in STEM.
KWCHRead more
Kansas lawmakers will hold a Senate Committee on Education hearing Tuesday on a bill that limits classroom device use and mandates printed textbooks in K-8, which would add costs for districts.
The proposal also allows parents to opt out of digital devices.
KMUWRead more
Tony Ballard’s nonprofit Masters and Mentors uses chess to teach at-risk youth decision-making skills, holding sessions in schools, community centers, and juvenile detention centers — it is seeking mentors and community partners to expand support.
The VoiceRead more
Real Estate
Mortgage rates dropped below 6% for the first time since 2022, saving buyers about $150 monthly on a $240,000 home—realtor Daniel Gutierrez at Keller Williams said lower rates may prompt more homeowners to list.
He noted homes were on the market longer, giving buyers more time to choose.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
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.
Carden International Circus Spectacular
Friday, March 20th, 2026 · 6:30-9:30 p.m. — Park City Arena — $9-$30 — Experience thrilling acts and family-friendly fun with pre-show activities including rides and face painting.
Wicked City Roller Derby vs. Natural State (Arkansas)
Saturday, March 21st, 2026 · 6-9 p.m. — The Cotillion — Kids 12 and under free with paying adult — Experience the thrilling matchup between local roller derby teams in an all-ages event.