Daily editionFriday, May 1st, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 1st of May.
Community
Prairie Fire Marathon is calling for 20 to 25 volunteers for Sunday's race in downtown, where helpers will ensure course safety + hand out water along the route.
The half marathon will begin at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K will start 20 minutes later.
KWCHRead more
Sedgwick County's Foster Grandparent Program recognized volunteers on Thursday, Apr. 30 at a ceremony that honored seniors for mentoring local families and strengthening community bonds.
KWCHRead more
On Sunday, May 3, 21st Street in the Nomar district will be closed to traffic from noon to 4 p.m. for Open Streets ICT, featuring live entertainment & activities including yoga, volleyball, and local food vendors.
KWCHRead more
Culture
The Origami in the Garden exhibit opens this weekend at Botanica with metal sculptures inspired by Japanese paper folding.
Artists Kevin and Jennifer Box, whose traveling show has drawn over 3 million visitors (through hands-on folding sessions), invite families and school groups to explore creative art.
KMUWRead more
Education
Sen. Josh Mallard proposed expanding Wichita State’s community garden using existing beds outside Wallace Hall with pre-installed sprinklers to reduce costs.
Senate members will vote on the resolution on May 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Rhatigan Student Center, room 233.
The SunflowerRead more
Wichita principal Hall built a team of three Black male teachers at Buckner Elementary (Dwaune Bradley, Michael Anderson, and Langston Gaither) to serve 5th-graders with strong role models that foster academic and behavioral growth.
The VoiceRead more
Sports
Racing legend Richard Petty will visit Wichita May 4-5 as part of Kyle Petty's charity motorcycle ride benefitting Victory Junction for sick children.
Riders and fans will gather at the Hyatt downtown on May 4 at 6 p.m., with NASCAR star Clint Bowyer expected to attend.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
Lorna Shore Concert
Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 · 6-8:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — $61.85 — Experience an electrifying show with Lorna Shore and special guests Paleface Swiss and Signs of the Swarm.
Sevendust ONE Tour
Monday, May 4th, 2026 · 6:00 – 8:20 PM — The Cotillion — Ticket prices vary — Experience hard rock legends Sevendust with special guests Atreyu, Fire From The Gods, and American Adrenalin.
Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
Saturday, May 9th, 2026 · 8:45-9:45 p.m. — Kansas Aviation Museum — Ticketed event — Experience the enchanting music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons performed by the Listeso String Quartet under candlelight.
Fit For A King Concert
Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 · 7-8:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — $36-$111 — Enjoy a night of heavy music with Fit For A King in Wichita.
PokeKon Fest
Saturday, May 16th, 2026 · 10 AM – 5 PM — Holiday Inn Wichita East I-35 by IHG — Ticketed event — A haven for Pokemon collectors featuring trade opportunities and fandoms across genres.
Shinedown Live Concert
Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 · 7-10 p.m. — INTRUST Bank Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying performance of Shinedown with special guests Coheed and Cambria & Black Stone Cherry.
Free Alzheimer’s Educational Conference
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 · 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita — Free entry — Gain insights on Alzheimer’s disease and connect with experts and the community.
Mac Saturn Live Performance
Friday, May 22nd, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — WAVE — Ticketed event — Experience a dynamic live show with Mac Saturn bringing fresh grooves to Wichita.
Outdoor Vintage Market at Paramount Marketplace Antiques
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 · 9 AM – 3 PM — Paramount Marketplace Antiques — Free admission — Discover unique antiques and vintage treasures at this lively outdoor market.
Love Norteñas and Huapangos Concert
Sunday, May 24th, 2026 · 9:00 p.m. — El Basurero Sports Bar — Age 18+ — Experience a night of adrenaline with Retoños Del Río and the electrifying beats of los Últimos Del Topo Chico.