Thursday, May 28th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 28th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ KaZoo Wild Adventure Passport is available to encourage zoo visits from May 24 to Sept. 7 at all seven AZA-accredited zoos, including Sedgwick County Zoo. Guests aged 3+ can download a passport at any location and enter a grand prize drawing on Sept. 14. KWCH
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Black Bird Burger, the sequel to Red Bird, is set to open in east Wichita in June or early July. The restaurant will serve wagyu smash burgers and feature a full bar (including beer, cocktails, and wine) at the former Wendy's and Chick N Max space on E. Central. Wichita By E.B.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Wichita's annual Riverfest will run from Friday, May 29 to Saturday, June 6 in downtown (featuring concerts by The Jacksons, Hank Azaria and others). Normal parking rules apply with paid parking on weekdays and Friday-Saturday and free access on Sundays. KWCH
- ➤ Wichita band FRACTVRED is releasing its new album 'Songs To Die To' today on digital platforms with vinyl and CD versions to follow. The quartet will perform live at The Brickyard at 8 p.m. with fellow acts Atria, Wabash & Lake and Madi Laughlin. KMUW
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Some local wheat farmers began harvesting early on Wednesday due to warm weather accelerating crop maturity — a shift that may boost market supply in the coming weeks. KWCH
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ USD 259 began its summer food program on May 27 to offer free meals to students during the summer break at schools and community centers. The district expects that the program will meet growing food needs throughout the break. KWCH
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Faith leaders and community members met at Wichita city budget town hall to push for proposals addressing affordable housing, homelessness and gun violence. Justice Together is collaborating with councilmembers to propose a new sales tax measure to fund these initiatives by next year’s end. KWCH
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Kansas legislative leaders approved Gov. Kelly's request to extend the emergency declaration until June 7 to continue monitoring three residents who voluntarily remain at home after a potential hantavirus exposure from a symptomatic traveler on a flight. KMUW
- ➤ Governor Kelly toured Kansas’ first new mental health hospital in 100 years on Wednesday, May 27, showcasing renewed investment in mental health services; state officials noted the facility is designed to improve local care. KWCH
- ➤ Wichita health officials warn tick activity is rising — prompting advice to wear long sleeves and use repellent to avoid bites — as local pest control stresses managing rodent populations to reduce yard risks. KWCH
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Developers broke ground on a $160M lagoon resort near 63rd & Rock Road on Wed, May 27, starting with a crystal lagoon built in a freezing climate. The project is expected to create 800 jobs and attract 250,000 visitors annually. FOX Kansas
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Wichita Riverfest
Recurring daily — Wichita Festivals, Inc. — Entry fee varies — Kansas’ biggest outdoor party filled with activities, contests, shows, and food awaits in downtown Wichita.
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3 on 3 Basketball at Riverfest
12-3 p.m. — Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center — Prizes available — Get your game on with 3 on 3 basketball for all ages at Riverfest.
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Chair Yoga at Maize Rec
1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Discover the benefits of Chair Yoga in a supportive community setting while increasing strength and flexibility.
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Larry Fleet Live Concert
7-11 p.m. — The Cotillion — $26.25 to $35.67 — Experience the soulful blend of country and rock with Tennessee's own Larry Fleet and special guest Wynn Williams.
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Trakas Banda y Rave Featuring DJ Exile The Jedi
7:30-8:00 p.m. — WAVE — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying fusion of Banda and modern electronic dance music in a vibrant setting.
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Wee Wet Wigglers Swim Program
6:15-6:45 p.m. — Winfield Aquatic Center — Registration not yet open — Dive into water exploration and develop essential swimming skills in a parent-assisted class.
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Midwest Advisors Summit
1-7 p.m. — Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita — $150 — Explore actionable financial strategies and network with industry peers at this engaging summit.
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Wicked City Roller Derby vs RockTown
6-10 p.m. — The Cotillion — Kids 12 and under free with a paying adult — Enjoy an exciting roller derby match featuring local talent and a family-friendly atmosphere.
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Minecraft Creative Workshop
1-3 p.m. — The Art Park — Cost info not provided — Unleash your creativity making Minecraft-themed crafts and drawings.
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Hello, Dolly!
7:00 – 9:30 PM — Music Theatre Wichita — Rated G — Enjoy a heartwarming musical about love and joy featuring the sensational matchmaker Dolly Levi.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.
~ Winston Churchill
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