Daily editionWednesday, May 6th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 6th of May.
Community
Kansas families with school-aged children can visit many attractions for free this summer, including one adult guardian, from July 9 to Aug. 2, as announced by Lt. Governor David Toland.
Eligible attractions will be listed in June (after applications open now) for those joining the program.
KWCHRead more
Kansas mom Lynda Jensen, who received a lung transplant 12 years ago, will spend her first Mother's Day with her donor's family when both families meet in Wichita (celebrating 12 years of road-trip bonding).
KWCHRead more
Culture
Bradley Fair is hosting a free Summer Concert Series on Thursday evenings in June at Bradley Fair Plaza, featuring live music and food trucks, with a special fireworks finale on July 2.
Families can gather at 6 p.m. for activities and may upgrade to VIP seating (available for $20).
Wichita By E.B.Read more
French Tea Room in Wichita will host a Mother's Day celebration on Sunday, May 10 with a special high tea and treats for moms and families.
KWCHRead more
The Beacon won two Kansas Press Association awards for its 2025 coverage on local business and healthcare, recognizing the work of Thomas White, Blaise Mesa and Calen Moore — their reporting highlighted key issues in the community.
Congratulations went to the teams for this achievement.
The BeaconRead more
Education
Students gathered today at Wichita State for an early-morning watch party of a live-streamed CubeSat launch designed by Shockers.
Jonathan Folkerts, who worked on detector testing and hardware, led the countdown + marked the event with local pride.
The SunflowerRead more
Government
Wichita City Council unanimously approved a lease agreement for the city’s first Safe Haven Baby Box Tuesday + the box will be installed at Fire Station #9 at 350 S. Edgemoor Street to help mothers safely surrender newborns and trigger an alarm for prompt assistance.
KWCHRead more
Wichita City Council is reviewing a $675,000 five-year request to upgrade the public library’s outdated online systems + the upgrade would add a mobile app and self-checkout as digital circulation now makes up 52% of checkouts.
KWCHRead more
Health
A wellness center for first responders is planned to offer mental health and support services, and officials say the location will be confirmed soon (additional details are pending).
KWCHRead more
Lifestyle
Dillons is hosting its Senior Day event today and offers 10% off eligible in-store grocery and household essentials for customers (aged 55 and older) who request the discount at checkout.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Sports
Local standout Woody was named conference player and freshman of the year plus coach Bredbenner and his staff were honored as American Conference Coaching Staff of the Year in announcements released May 5.
KWCHRead more
Wichita State University officials addressed the cut of the men’s and women’s golf programs on May 5, citing budget constraints that led to the decision.
They said student athletes will be briefed as the school outlines its next steps.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
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.
Girls Basketball Camp for K-2nd Grade
Tuesday, May 26th, 2026 · 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. — Trinity Academy — $38 — Focus on essential basketball skills with Trinity coaches in a fun environment.
Wichita Riverfest
Friday, May 29th, 2026 · Recurring daily — Wichita Festivals, Inc. — Entry fee varies — Kansas’ biggest outdoor party filled with activities, contests, shows, and food awaits in downtown Wichita.