Good morning, Wichita.

Wichita Riverfest began yesterday at the downtown riverfront offering live music, art exhibits and family-friendly activities.

Attendees will enjoy more events as the festival continues through the weekend.

In rural Kansas towns, daily whistles signal meal times and storm alerts, uniting communities like St. John and Greensburg with a cherished routine that recalls earlier days + offers a familiar link to local heritage.

Five Kansas public universities propose raising in-state tuition 3.5% to 6% next academic year while Emporia State University keeps rates steady to boost enrollment; the adjustments come after state funding cuts & rising costs amid a 4.1% inflation increase, and officials want to maintain quality & affordability.

Earlier this month, more than 140 Sedgwick County firefighters trained at AllMetal Recycling in north Wichita, practicing emergency care for vehicle accidents using life-sized simulations and new tools (including Res-Q-Jacks).

The exercise helped crews refine techniques for quickly stabilizing patients.

Gov. Laura Kelly and state leaders toured the new South Central Regional Mental Health Hospital under construction in south Wichita on Wednesday; the $100M facility will offer 104 secure beds for inpatient mental health and forensic care and is slated to complete in late 2026 with patients arriving in early 2027.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Minecraft Creative Workshop

1-3 p.m. — The Art Park — Cost info not provided — Unleash your creativity making Minecraft-themed crafts and drawings.

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.

Kansas Concert

5:30-9:00 p.m. — Park City Arena — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a live performance by Brother Cane, the rock band from Alabama.

30K Payday Bingo Event

9 AM – 2 PM — Bingo Casino South — Ticket required — Experience one of the biggest bingo events of the summer with over $30,000 in cash prizes and an exciting game atmosphere.