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Wichita Life

Jun 8, 2026

🌾 Turbo Tubs are here to stay

Together With

Good morning, Wichita!

Riverfest is officially over, what did you think? Let us know what you liked, what you didn’t like, what you’d like to see or any other feedback and we will pass it along!

Did you attend Riverfest this year?

Let’s get to it!

-Landon

Out with the Surge, In with the Tubs

I was in the room when the Wind Surge first announced their name several years back. At the time, people were excited, but feelings were definitely mixed. I still do like the name, but I can understand people not loving it.

For all the haters, it looks like our local baseball team will soon have a new permanent name for you:

It is moving from an ‘alternate identity’ to a full blown rebrand in 2027 and I am here for it.

It comes with a new train (literally) and a ton of momentum.

If you’re unsure what the heck a turbo tub still is, I want you to remember the bathtub races of Riverfest of old and throw in the Troll that lives near the Keeper as a Captain.

Oh and that brings me to the next piece, as a partnership between Wichita Festivals (the nonprofit who puts on Riverfest) and the Turbo Tubs, bath tub races will be returning to Riverfest in 2027!

What do you think of the Turbo Tubs as a permanent name?

Together with Advanced Orthopaedic Associates

There are times when you need to visit the ER.

But there are also times when there are better options, like AOA Now Orthopaedic Immediate Care from Advanced Orthopaedic Associates.

If you experience a sudden bone, joint, or muscle injury such as a sprain, strain, broken bone, sports injury, or sudden joint pain, their team can help you get the care you need without the long waits or high cost of the emergency room.

Walk-ins are welcome, and you will be seen by orthopaedic specialists who can evaluate your injury, order imaging if needed, and help coordinate follow-up care in one visit.

AOA Now is open seven days a week, making it a convenient option when injuries happen outside normal doctor’s office hours.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Opening

Moving

  • Left on Read (We love the Kellys!) - Moving from Gallery Alley to the cottage building at Revolutsia - Moving in July

  • RBS IT - Moving from Douglas & Washington to 8440 E 29th St N

Margaritas Update

Concept Rendering

While I can’t answer what the update for Margarita’s Cantina (supposed to be moving into the former Kitchen space at Union station), there is a small update on the old Margarita’s building.

Mark, Brian, and Bryant Suellentrop are giving it some upgrades and then looking for a tenant.

Knowing the quality of work the Suellentrop’s are used to, it will be a great addition to the College Hill area.

NONPROFIT

GED Program

One of my favorite things about Wichita: people getting second chances and then turning them into something bigger. Huge congrats to the 57 graduates from the Goodwill / NexStep Alliance GED program proving it’s never too late to bet on yourself. Ask Fred VanVleet.

Together with The Podcast Room

Have you always wanted to start a podcast, but don’t know where to start?

Let’s stop you right there.

Call Troy at The Podcast Room and let the Trussell Media Studios team take care of you.

All you have to do is show up and chat. What better time than the new year to start a new habit?

LOCAL

Performing Arts

I am not very talented when it comes to the arts, but I can appreciate how difficult it is and how talented these individuals truly are.

Here is a look at the Wichita Symphony 2026 - 2027 season.

Music Theatre Wichita kicks off their season pretty quickly on June 17th with Hello, Dolly!

If you haven’t heard of Music Theatre Wichita, I implore you to look into them because they are the most talented people in the city world. Truly Broadway level talent right here in Wichita.

Sports City

Wichita is a sports city.

To further cement that, Wichita has submitted a bid to host the NCAA Tournament opening games. It sure was a blast last time.

Penguin & Otter Swim Expansion

One of Wichita’s favorite spots is getting even better.

Tanganyika Wildlife Park is opening its new Penguin & Otter Swim Expansion this month and celebrating with a ribbon cutting on Friday, June 12 at 10am. Stop by for a first look at the new space, check out the exhibit, connect with others, and help celebrate a fun local addition.

Blippi

We may have 3 young kids, but somehow haven’t hit the Blippi phase..yet. But if you are in the Blippi Era, mark your calendar for November 7th at the Orpheum.

Calendar Contest

If it is your dream to be featured in a calendar..

NO, not like that!

The Sedgwick County Zoo is hosting a 2027 SCZ Calendar Photo Contest and entries open on June 14th!

#1 Basketball Camp in Kansas

If you are looking to help your child to the next level, check out the Just a Kid from Wichita Basketball camp where kids will learn from some of the best athletes from Wichita, DJ Fisher (sports agent for 20+ years), and learn not just skills, but what it takes to make it to the next level in today’s game.

Collidoscope

One of Wichita’s newest exhibits opens this weekend at the Wichita Art Museum. “Collidoscope: de la Torre Brothers Retro-Perspective” brings vibrant, larger-than-life work from the de la Torre brothers to town, and the kickoff celebration events this weekend (plus programs throughout the summer) are all free and open to the public.

New Voice of the Shockers

Wichita has officially announced the replacement for Mike Kennedy who has been the voice of the Shockers for 46 years, let’s give a warm welcome to Denning Gerig.

2026 Women in Business

Do you recognize any of these Wichita women in business?

90s Country Market 🤠

Our friends at Cartridge and Quest are bringing the vibes to the Driveway Farmers Market at That House on Jefferson this Saturday (6/13) with nothing but 90s country playing all morning.

Fresh artisan sourdough, local produce, you-pick flowers, lemonade, and a good excuse to get out.

📍 514 N Jefferson, Wellington

🕗 8am–12pm

Noxious Weed List

I’m not going to pretend like I know what Amur honeysuckle OR Kansas Noxious Weed is, but Amur honeysuckle has been added to that list.

Wichita Collegiate School

Congrats to Matthew Carolan on becoming the eighth head of school at Wichita College School.

Wichita Life Polos

Click the banner above to view the full event calendar

Monday 6/8

Tuesday 6/9

Wednesday 6/10

LIVE MUSIC

Don't see your concert or show here?

SPORTS

That's it for today! Send this to someone who would loves (or hates) the Turbo Tub name.

Thanks!

- Landon

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