It’s cold out all of a sudden! We got our last swim of the year in last week, and check out the cool pumpkin I painted. I also bought myself a new toy to play with (it goes 22 mph!).

I’m also excited to share something I’ve been working on for a long time but haven’t told anyone about. My new website is live! I designed it to be a one-stop shop for anyone wanting to learn more about Wichita, our real estate market, and things to do. There’s no generic junk on there. I’d love your feedback, so go check it out at nextstopwichita.com.

In other news, the Tallgrass Film Festival is back in Old Town with the world premiere of a documentary about Harrison Ford’s connection to Wichita, I’ve got a full lineup of weekend events from Tsunami Con to a pumpkin 5K, and this week’s video exposes six hidden costs of living in Wichita that those “most affordable city” lists leave out... plus a number at the end that might surprise you.

I also have 5 amazing listings active right now, and a couple of them have had massive price reductions recently, so they’re a great deal. Make sure to scroll down and check them out!

– Caleb Claussen (your favorite Realtor 😉)

Movie lovers, this is your weekend! The Tallgrass Film Festival returns October 15–18 for its 24th year, bringing four days of independent films, documentaries, short films, filmmaker Q&As and special events to Wichita. Whether you’re a serious film buff or just looking for something different to do, it’s a fun opportunity to discover stories you probably won’t find at your usual movie theater.

This year’s lineup features 25 feature films and 83 short films representing 16 countries, including the world premiere of Harrison Ford Comes to Wichita, a documentary about the actor’s decades-long connection to the city. Most of the festival will be centered around Old Town, with screenings at Boulevard Theatres, opening night at Shocker Studios and additional Saturday screenings at the newly renovated Orpheum Theatre. There will also be filmmaker meet-and-greets, panels, parties and other activities throughout the weekend.

One of the best parts? You don’t have to commit to the entire festival to enjoy it. You can check out the schedule and choose individual films that catch your eye, or grab a festival pass if you want the full experience. It’s a great way to support the arts, discover independent filmmakers and enjoy a little something different right here in Wichita!

📆 Dates: October 15–18, 2026
📍 Location: Multiple venues in downtown Wichita
🔗 Explore the film lineup, schedule and tickets

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ THIS WEEKEND?

🎨 Pop Up Party: Celebrating Educators
The Wichita Art Museum is celebrating educators with a special Pop Up Party! If you’re a teacher or just love supporting the people who make a difference in our schools, stop by for an evening of art and community.
📍 Location: Wichita Art Museum
📆 Date & Time: Friday, October 16 | 6:30–8 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More info

🍿 RiverFlix — Hotel Transylvania
Grab a blanket and settle in for a free outdoor movie night! This week, RiverFlix is showing Hotel Transylvania, making it a fun fall outing for families and anyone who loves a good Halloween-themed movie.
📍 Location: Exploration Place
📆 Date & Time: Friday, October 16 | Check event page for timing
🎟️ Tickets: Check event page for details
🔗 More info

🌊 Tsunami Con
Anime, gaming and pop culture fans have a convention to check out this weekend! Tsunami Con brings together fans for a chance to celebrate their favorite fandoms, connect with fellow enthusiasts and enjoy convention activities.
📍 Location: Hyatt Regency Wichita
📆 Date & Time: Friday, October 16 | 1–6 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Required
🔗 More info

😂 Zach Rushing
Ready for a night of laughs? Comedian Zach Rushing is bringing his stand-up show to The Cotillion for an evening of humor and entertainment.
📍 Location: The Cotillion
📆 Date & Time: Friday, October 16 | 7:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $46
🔗 More info

🌏 45th Wichita Asian Festival
Celebrate Asian cultures through food, performances and cultural experiences at the 45th Wichita Asian Festival! It’s a great opportunity to experience traditions from across Asia and enjoy an afternoon of community and entertainment.
📍 Location: Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center
📆 Date & Time: Saturday, October 17 | 5 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $6.50 general admission
🔗 More info

🎬 Harrison Ford Comes to Wichita — Film Screening World Premiere
Head to the Orpheum Theatre for this special screening at the Tallgrass Film Festival. The title alone makes this one intriguing for movie fans, so check the event page for more about the film and screening.
📍 Location: Orpheum Theatre
📆 Date & Time: Saturday, October 17 | 5:15 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $15
🔗 More info

🎨 Art on the Trail
Enjoy an evening outdoors at the Great Plains Nature Center for Art on the Trail! Take in the natural surroundings while exploring art and enjoying a free community event.
📍 Location: Great Plains Nature Center
📆 Date & Time: Saturday, October 17 | 4–7 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More info

✈️ B-29 Doc & WSU Tech Pull a Plane 2026
Ever watched a team pull a giant airplane? This unique event brings together B-29 Doc and WSU Tech for a memorable aviation-themed challenge. It’s a fun one to check out for aviation fans and families looking for something a little different.
📍 Location: B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center
📆 Date & Time: Saturday, October 17 | Check event page for timing
🎟️ Tickets: Check event page for details
🔗 More info

🦇 Ghouls and Goths Fest
Looking for something a little different this Halloween season? Ghouls and Goths Fest at Nomar International Market offers a spooky gathering for fans of gothic style, alternative culture and all things eerie.
📍 Location: Nomar International Market
📆 Date & Time: Saturday, October 17 | 11 AM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More info

🎃 Pumpkin Run 5K & Little Pumpkin Run 1K
Get moving with a festive fall race at Wichita State University! With a 5K for runners and a shorter 1K for little pumpkins, this event is a fun way for families to get outside and enjoy the season together.
📍 Location: Wichita State University
📆 Date & Time: Saturday, October 17 | 9–11:45 AM
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $20
🔗 More info

🛍️ Shop & Grub
Make plans to shop local and grab a bite at Shop & Grub at Naftzger Park! It’s a chance to browse vendors, enjoy food and spend some time supporting local businesses in downtown Wichita.
📍 Location: Naftzger Park
📆 Date & Time: Saturday, October 17 | Various times
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More info

🌻 Sunflower Mirage Gala Evening
Spend Saturday evening at Harvester Arts for the Sunflower Mirage Gala Evening, featuring an arts-focused gathering hosted in collaboration with Koto Ko Danse. Check the event page for more details about the evening.
📍 Location: Harvester Arts
📆 Date & Time: Saturday, October 17 | 7 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More info

🧹 Broomsticks and Biplanes Kids Trick or Treat
Get the kids dressed up and head to the Kansas Aviation Museum for a Halloween outing with an aviation twist! Broomsticks and Biplanes offers a festive trick-or-treat experience in a unique setting.
📍 Location: Kansas Aviation Museum
📆 Date & Time: Sunday, October 18 | 12–4 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $5
🔗 More info

Wichita lands on just about every “most affordable places to live” list, and honestly, it earns that spot. But there are six costs those lists leave out, and most people don’t run into them until after they’ve moved in. In this week’s video, I break down every one using real local sales data: what each one costs, how it compares to the rest of the country, and the simple moves that keep affordable feeling affordable. One of them is a Wichita thing most newcomers have never heard of, and the number I land on at the end might surprise you. Whether you’re moving here or planning your next move around town, give it a watch!

(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!