Riverfest 2023
It’s that time of year! Friday kicks off the 51st Wichita Riverfest that runs June 2nd through June 10th.
We want to give the quick lowdown on what to expect and how to maximize your fun this week at Riverfest.
Riverfest Buttons
Each year, Wichita has a new line up of musicians, festivities, and more. There is one thing that stays consistent: you need a Riverfest button to get in and enjoy.
Think of this button as your golden ticket to enjoy this festival by the river all week long. Adult buttons are $15 and children buttons are $5. This is your admission ticket for all nine days of the festival (including the concerts)!
Where to get your button:
- All QuikTrip locations
- Wichita Festivals Office (444 E William Street) from 9am to 5pm
- Riverfest Entrances at red Button Box
Yes, you need your button to get in.
Concerts
One of the best parts of Riverfest is the music!
Wichita pulls out all the stops and mixes in old school favorites, big names, and even some local flavor.
All concerts are 100% FREE with admission to Wichita Riverfest aka your Riverfest button.
You can upgrade to VIP as well for some of the concerts. Here is the low down on all of the concerts.
Friday 6/2
- Cash Hollistah w/ DJ Carbon – 7pm – 8:08pm
- Shaggy – 8:30pm – 10pm – VIP
Saturday 6/3
- Reid Haughton – 6:03pm – 7:30pm
- Wilderado – 8pm – 9pm
- Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors – 9:30pm – 10:45pm – VIP
Sunday 6/4 – Downtown Get Down!
- D’Aydrian Harding
- Kevin Harrison & The Brand – 7:45pm – 8:45pm
- Parker Millsap – 9pm – 10pm – VIP
Monday 6/5 – Gospelfest
- Blind Boys of Alabama – 7:45pm – 8:45pm
- Le’Andria Johnson – 9:15pm – 10pm – VIP
Tuesday 6/6
- Texas Hill – 7:45pm – 8:30pm
- Eli Young Band – 9pm – 10pm – VIP
Wednesday 6/7
- Desure – 6:30pm – 7:30pm
- Haymakers – 7:45pm – 8:30pm
- The Gin Blossoms – 9pm – 10pm – VIP
Thursday 6/8
- Ernest James Zydeco – 4:30pm – 5:30pm
- XV – 6pm – 7:30pm
- The Soul Rebels – 8pm – 10pm – VIP
Friday 6/9 – Fiesta del Rio!
- Edén Muñoz, Los Humildes Hermanos Ayala, Mariachi Americana, Pepeyo y Los Diamantes de Ojinaga, Los de la Sierra – VIP
Saturday 6/10
- Pete Gile – 5:30pm – 6:30pm
- Jenna & Martin Duo – 7pm – 8:20pm
- Parmalee – 9pm – 10:30pm – VIP
Fireworks
Fireworks are a staple of the annual fest. Many of the best pictures of Riverfest are the fireworks and the crowds of people gathered around our river to watch. There are two times to catch fireworks, neither of which you want to miss.
You’ll want to post up along the Arkansas River Bank between Kellogg and First St (pro tip – bring a lawn chair or blankey).
The display itself launches from the Douglas Avenue Bridge. Same details for both nights besides different launch times.
- Opening Night (Friday 6/2) – 9:45pm
- Finale (Saturday 6/10) – 10:30pm
Featured & Daily Events
There are a number of featured events as well as daily events. This list is not comprehensive. If you want that, head to the Wichita Riverfest website. This is just to give you a taste.
Featured events:
- Hot Air Balloons – Friday 6/2 from 6:30 – 8:30pm, Saturday 6/3 at 7am, Sunday 6/4 Time TBD
- Sundown Parade – Friday 6/2 at 6:30pm
- River Run & Tot Trot – Saturday 6/3 at 7:15am / 10:30am
- ArtFest – 6/3 – 6/4 from 11am – 6pm
- Classic Car Show – Saturday 6/10 from 11am – 5pm
Daily events or things to do:
- Food Court – is there anything better than festival food?
- Riverfest Carnival
- Kids Corner
- Drinks & Beer Garden
- Boats & Bikes at River Vista
- Wagon Master River Tours
Medallion Hunt
Lucky for you (and us), it is back baby.
The Riverfest Medallion Hunt has been a family favorite of my family for a long time. It’s an excuse to get up early, read the clue, do some googlin’ and get out to explore Wichita. We’ve never quite found it, but have been very close multiple times.
The Medallion Hunt consists of a medallion that is hidden somewhere in Wichita and if you find it before the deadline (and before other hunters), you win a prize. In this case, the prize is $1000.
Other Details
- Be aware of street closures over the next week or so.
- Don’t bring your pets.
Past Riverfest
Many things have come and gone from Riverfest. What do you miss the most?
- Raft or bathtub races
- Art and book fair
- Treasure Island
- Block Party
What is your favorite part of Riverfest?
