Riverfest 2024
It’s that time of year! Friday kicks off the 52nd Wichita Riverfest that runs May 31st through June 8th.
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 $20, children (6-11) buttons are $10, and children 5 or younger are free. This is a slight increase from past years.
This is your admission ticket for all nine days of the festival (including the concerts)!
Where to get your button:
- Online (although delivery is not guaranteed by Friday)
- 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 5/31
- Digital Underground with C&C Music Factory and Tag Team – 7:30 – 10:30pm – VIP
Saturday 6/1
- Hunter Hayes with Tawna Goforth and Kyle Killgore – 7 – 10pm – VIP
- Rave at Wave – 9pm – 12am
Sunday 6/2
- Monterey Jack with Harrison Steele – 7 – 10pm – VIP
Monday 6/3
- GospelFest Concert with VB Praise, Pastor Washington and the Girls, and DJ Fluid & Band – 5:30 – 10pm – VIP
Tuesday 6/4
- Drake White with Tequila Ridge – 7:30 – 9:45pm – VIP
Wednesday 6/5
- Starship with Mickey Thomas and Foghat – 6:30 – 10pm – VIP
Thursday 6/6
- Danielle Nicole with Pretend Friend Duo – 6:30 – 10pm – VIP
Friday 6/7
- Banda Cuisillos with Fiesta del Rio, Banda Cuisillos, Yahari and more – 4 – 11pm – VIP
Saturday 6/8
- Kool & The Gang – 5:45 – 10pm – 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 THREE times to catch fireworks this year.
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 5/31) – 10:45pm
- Tuesday Night 6/4 – 9:45pm
- Finale (Saturday 6/8) – 10:45pm
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 5/31 – Sunday 6/2
- Sundown Parade – Friday 5/31 at 6:30pm
- STEAM City – Sunday 6/2 at Noon
- ArtFest – 6/1 – 6/2
- Classic Car Show – Saturday 6/8 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
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.
Lucky for you (and us), it is back baby.
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.
Other Details
- Be aware of street closures over the next week or so.
- Don’t bring your pets.
- Use the map linked at the top or the page to plan your parking if you want to avoid the ParkMobile app option. There are plenty of free options towards Kellogg. (thanks – u/cardiacclam)
Tips for Riverfest
If you’ve never been, here are a few tips we crowd-sourced on how to make the most out of Riverfest week:
- ” -You can get into the food court for free M-F 11-2 for business lunch. Thursdays have traditionally been “Throwback Thursdays” where you can get in with an old Riverfest Button.
- Personally I like the following events Artfest pop up market Paddle boats Cardboard regatta Wurlitzer concert Ice cream social” – u/cardiacclam
- “Get there early for parking on the first night and the last night!” – u/makeitlooksexy_
- “My dad loves the Cajun food that they serve. If you like Cajun food you might be interested.” – u/dylan85273
- “Each person can bring in a sealed water bottle or an empty water bottle and refill it there.” – u/maggie1449
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? What do you miss?
