Daily editionFriday, May 30th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 30th of May.
Community
Wichita River Festival will run from May 31 to June 7, with buttons available for daily entry—adults pay $20 and children 6–12 pay $10, while kids 5 and under enjoy free admission on select hours.
Road closures and bag checks will be in place to ensure safety during the event.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Environment
Botanica is launching its Reclaimed Water Project to use test water from the new water treatment facility to irrigate its 20 acres of gardens as Wichita remains in Stage 2 of its Drought Response Plan.
The project will run for 100 days of summer — using at least 42,000 gallons a day to save three to four million gallons overall.
KSNRead more
Government
Margaret Wheeler Shabazz—a Wichita native and longtime community advocate—has launched her candidacy for City Council District 6 today.
Her campaign focuses on affordable housing, mental health services, and lasting solutions to homelessness in Riverside, Midtown, and north-central Wichita.
KSNRead more
Health
Health experts warn that the federal spending bill passed on May 22, which may slash Medicaid funds, could force hospitals and clinics to cut services and shift costs—echoing the financial strain seen after Missouri’s 2005 Medicaid cuts.
Local providers in Kansas and Missouri are preparing for tougher times ahead as potential reductions risk higher out-of-pocket costs for vulnerable patients.
The BeaconRead more
Lifestyle
The Wilds pop-up returns to Public at the Brickyard at 129 N Rock Island in Old Town Wichita, turning its covered patio into a tropical oasis with unique drinks and food.
The pop-up—available with different weekday hours—will not last long so visitors should act quickly.
KWCHRead more
Sports
Major League Baseball has announced an investment in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League — a first move to boost women’s pro sports on multiple MLB platforms.
The league will launch its season on June 7th with a Wichita game at 6:30 p.m. — featuring former Wichita State star Sydney McKinney and Wichita native Kelsey Stewart-Hunter.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
Riverfest Concert: Flo Rida, Sir Charles III, DJ Cadence
Saturday, May 31st, 2025 · 6:30-11 p.m. — Kennedy Plaza Stage — Ticket required — Experience live music from Flo Rida and more at this festive outdoor concert.
Summer Computer Science Camp
Monday, June 2nd, 2025 · 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — WSU Tech South — Check website for cost — Learn the basics of coding with hands-on activities designed for grades K-12.
Goodwill Industries Cajun Food Fest
Thursday, June 5th, 2025 · 5-8:30 p.m. — Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center — $15 admission — Enjoy a delicious array of traditional Louisiana favorites at this annual Cajun celebration.
Flatland Cavalry Concert
Friday, June 6th, 2025 · 7-9:30 p.m. — WAVE — $75-$211 — Catch the Americana sounds of Flatland Cavalry live at Wave in Wichita.
RMHC Wichita Annual Gala Masquerade Ball
Saturday, June 7th, 2025 · 6:30-11 p.m. — INTRUST Bank Arena — $150 — Experience an enchanting evening of elegance with live music, auctions, and the chance to support families in need.
Booch & Blooms Market
Sunday, June 8th, 2025 · 12 AM - 5 PM — Apollo Fermentations — Free entry — Explore a vibrant market featuring dried wildflowers, house plants, and handmade pottery.
Vendor Registration Workshop with the City of Wichita
Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 · 3-4 p.m. — Wichita's WSU Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex — Free entry — Learn how to become a vendor and understand the City's bidding process and certification.
Braxton Keith Concert
Thursday, June 12th, 2025 · 7:00-9:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — Limited admission — Experience Braxton Keith's dynamic honky tonk sound with special guest Krislyn Arthurs.
Somewhere Fest 2025
Friday, June 13th, 2025 · June 13-14 — Somewhere Works — All ages — Experience a vibrant lineup of artists and a unique festival atmosphere in Wichita.
Bodybar Pilates and Acai Bowls Collaboration
Saturday, June 14th, 2025 · 10 AM – 12 PM — Hopping Gnome Brewing Company — Entry fee required — Enjoy a refreshing acai bowl and a craft beer while participating in a fun mat pilates class.