Daily editionFriday, April 11th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 11th of April.
Culture
The Great Plains Renaissance and Scottish Festival will return to Sedgwick County Park on April 12 and 13 with jousting tournaments, medieval performances and fire-breathing acts for families.
Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and tickets will be available online.
KSNRead more
Early Bird Riverfest buttons are on sale today for $15 at Riverfest headquarters at 444 E. Williams St and online—offering adults entry to nine days of music, family fun, carnival, fireworks, and more.
Full-price buttons will be available starting May 2 at select QuikTrip outlets and Riverfest HQ—while Riverfest runs from May 30 through June 7.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Education
On Wednesday, Wichita South High held CSI Day, a hands-on session where students practiced emergency response techniques and leadership skills with guidance from local public safety agencies—Sedgwick County EMS, Wichita Police, Wichita Fire, and the Sheriff’s Office.
Students interested in criminal justice, fire science, or EMS gained real-world insights that may shape their career choices.
KSNRead more
Wichita State's Office of Student Accommodations and Testing has launched new policies to stop cheating after upgraded cameras caught more cases, leading to 19 reports so far.
The email to students lists rules including raising pant legs and undergoing metal scans for re-entry—measures designed to secure test integrity—and offers emergency blankets for cold students.
The SunflowerRead more
Government
The Sedgwick County waste tire collection event began on Thursday at the County West Yard and will run through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.—residents, farmers, and local government may recycle up to 50 tires each while business tires are not accepted.
KWCHRead more
State lawmakers approved three new license plate options when Governor Kelly signed House Bill 2201 on April 9.
Drivers may buy National FFA, Route 66 Association and blackout-style plates from KDOR beginning Jan. 1, 2026—each with its own fee structure—while fees support local programs.
KSNRead more
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed a bill that allows fireworks to be sold all year—ending the seasonal sales rule—and permits temporary vendors to sell fireworks from June 20 through July 7.
The law also names the Fallen Firefighters memorial in Wichita as the state's official memorial.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
20th Annual Spring Great Plains Renaissance Festival
Saturday, April 12th, 2025 · 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Sedgwick County Park — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate Wichita's spring tradition with jousts, acrobatics, and lively performances.
Golden Girls - The Laughs Continue
Sunday, April 13th, 2025 · 3:00 – 4:30 PM — Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center — Starting at $35 — Enjoy an outrageous new comedy featuring your favorite Golden Girls tackling modern dilemmas.
Chair Yoga at Haysville Senior Center
Monday, April 14th, 2025 · 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. — Haysville Senior Center — Free for members — Enjoy a supportive chair yoga practice enhancing strength, flexibility, and community.
Lyla Sage - Wild and Wrangled Release Party
Tuesday, April 15th, 2025 · 5-7 p.m. — Watermark Books & Cafe — Tickets required — Celebrate the launch of 'Wild and Wrangled' with themed drinks, games, and a chance to win prizes.
Beginner Chair Yoga at Club Hope
Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 · 10:30-11:30 a.m. — Club Hope Fitness — Free for cancer survivors, $10 drop-in — Experience gentle chair yoga to enhance strength, balance, and mental wellness.
Foundations of Yoga Workshop
Thursday, April 17th, 2025 · 5-6 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Explore gentle yoga sequences and rejuvenate your body and mind with expert guidance.
Yasmin Nur 'Slaughter' Album Release Party
Friday, April 18th, 2025 · 8 p.m. — Public at the Brickyard — All ages welcome — Celebrate the release of Yasmin Nur's debut album with live support from Silk and The Travel Guide.
30K Payday Bingo Event
Saturday, April 19th, 2025 · 9 AM – 2 PM — Bingo Casino South — $67.00 – $219.00 — Get ready for the biggest bingo event yet with a chance to win big!
Live Music by Zombii, The Cups, and Americana-na
Sunday, April 20th, 2025 · 9 p.m. — Kirby's Beer Store — Free admission — Experience an evening of vibrant live music from three local acts.
Chair Yoga Class
Monday, April 21st, 2025 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in — Strengthen your body and mind with chair yoga while enjoying a sense of community.