Happy Friday! Good news, I think we've got some cooler days ahead of us (after today, at least). We've been soaking up the last days of summer at the splash pads and knocking out a few home projects around the house. I’m happy to report that our new tile shower is ALMOST done!

In other news, it looks like downtown Wichita might be getting not one but two grocery stores now, I've got a full lineup of weekend events from the Asian Glow Food Festival to Wichita Forever Fest, and this week's video walks through five real reasons this city is set up to thrive over the next five years... including a billion-dollar investment most people here have no idea happened.

Let’s get into it!

– Caleb Claussen (your favorite Realtor 😉)

Remember that downtown grocery store I just talked about? The one planned as part of Chase Koch’s Movement Musick development? Well, apparently Wichita wasn't going to stop at one. A second downtown grocery store is now in the works—and this one could be coming to the historic Union Station campus!

The first planned store is a 30,000-square-foot urban market that Movement Musick is developing with the Queen family, the Kansas City family behind the Price Chopper grocery brand. It’s planned near the nonprofit’s future music venue and renovated Shirkmere Apartments and is designed specifically around the needs of downtown residents, with fresh produce, meats, traditional grocery staples and prepared foods.

And now, Occidental Management is working toward bringing another grocery option to Union Station at 701 E. Douglas, the historic 9.5-acre campus just east of downtown. According to the latest report, Occidental has been working on the idea for years and is now close to landing a grocery tenant.

That would be a pretty big deal for an area that has long been considered a grocery desert. In fact, a grocery store has been one of the missing pieces as downtown Wichita has added more apartments, offices, restaurants and entertainment. Local leaders have pointed out that having everyday conveniences like groceries is important not only for people who already live downtown, but also for attracting more people to live there.

So, after years of saying "Downtown Wichita needs a grocery store," we may soon be saying, "Which one are we going to?" 😂

Between the Movement Musick project, the Union Station redevelopment and all of the other housing, entertainment and commercial projects happening around the urban core, this is another pretty exciting sign that downtown Wichita is continuing to evolve into a place where people can actually live, work, eat, shop and spend their day without having to leave the area for the basics.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ THIS WEEKEND?

🎶 2026 Audacy Summer Concert Series — Featuring The Roadside Saints
Friday night calls for free live music! Head to Naftzger Park for another evening of the Audacy Summer Concert Series, with The Roadside Saints taking the stage. Bring a lawn chair, grab some friends, and enjoy a summer night downtown.
📍 Location: Naftzger Park
📆 Date & Time: August 21, 2026 • 8:00–10:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More info

🤠 Aaron Watson
Country music fans, this one's for you! Aaron Watson brings his Texas country sound to The Cotillion for a night of live music and plenty of country favorites.
📍 Location: The Cotillion
📆 Date & Time: August 21, 2026 • 8:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $35
🔗 More info

🍜 Asian Glow Food Festival
Come hungry! The Asian Glow Food Festival is taking over WaterWalk with international food, vendors, family fun, music, and plenty of opportunities to try something new. With three days of festivities, there's plenty of time to make your way through the food lineup!
📍 Location: Fountains at WaterWalk
📆 Date & Time: August 21–23, 2026 • 2:00–10:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free to attend
🔗 More info

🎪 Paranormal Cirque Inferno
Looking for something a little darker and more unusual? Paranormal Cirque Inferno combines circus acts, acrobatics, theatrical performances, and a spooky atmosphere for an experience unlike your typical circus.
📍 Location: Towne East Square
📆 Date & Time: August 21–24, 2026
🎟️ Tickets: $20–$65
🔗 More info

🏎️ RiverFlix – Cars
Ka-chow! Grab the family, a blanket, and some movie snacks and head to Exploration Place for a free outdoor showing of Disney-Pixar's Cars. It's an easy and fun way to spend a summer Friday night.
📍 Location: Exploration Place
📆 Date & Time: August 21, 2026
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More info

🪙 Wichita Coin & Stamp Show
Whether you're a longtime collector or just curious about the hobby, check out coins, stamps, collectibles, and other treasures at this annual show. It's a fun opportunity to browse and maybe discover a piece of history to take home.
📍 Location: Cessna Activity Center
📆 Date & Time: August 21–22, 2026 • 9:00 AM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More info

⚾ Boom Ball
Head to Equity Bank Park for an exciting night of baseball entertainment during Boom Ball! Enjoy the action at the ballpark and soak up the atmosphere with family and friends.
📍 Location: Equity Bank Park
📆 Date & Time: August 22, 2026 • 7:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $25
🔗 More info

🍇 Grape Harvest at Grace Hill
It's harvest time! Get a behind-the-scenes look at grape harvesting at Grace Hill Winery and enjoy a fun morning surrounded by the vineyard. It's a unique way to experience one of Kansas' local wineries during one of its busiest times of year.
📍 Location: Grace Hill Winery
📆 Date & Time: August 22, 2026 • 8:00 AM
🎟️ Tickets: $6–$12
🔗 More info

🛍️ Swap N Shop
You never know what you'll find at a good swap meet! Browse tables, hunt for hidden treasures, and shop for something new-to-you during this free weekend event at the Starlite Drive-In.
📍 Location: Starlite Drive-In
📆 Date & Time: August 22–23, 2026 • 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More info

🎉 Wichita Forever Fest
Celebrate Wichita at this free community festival dedicated to all the things that make our city special. Expect local vendors, entertainment, activities, and plenty of Wichita pride throughout the day.
📍 Location: Wichita
📆 Date & Time: August 22, 2026
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More info

Wichita just landed a billion-dollar investment from one of the biggest companies on earth, and most people around here have no idea it happened. In this week's video I'm walking through five real reasons this city is actually set up to thrive over the next five years, backed by actual data on jobs, home prices, and taxes. Reason number one alone might change how you see this city.

(Click Each One To See The Full Listing)

If you—or someone you know—is thinking about buying, selling, or investing in real estate around Wichita, I’d love to help! And even if you’re just tackling a home project and need a solid contractor recommendation, I’ve got plenty to share. The easiest way to reach me is by call or text at 316-259-1995. Or if it’s easier, you can grab a time on my calendar and I’ll follow up with you!

That’s all for this week! I hope you have an awesome weekend!

-Caleb Claussen

P.S. If you or a friend is looking to buy, sell, or invest around the Wichita market, I’d love to be your real estate resource of choice! Reach out anytime!