IIt’s been a busy week! We took a trip to the Gathering Place in Tulsa over the long weekend, I listed our latest flip in Valley Center (click here to check it out!), and we’ve been hitting up all the local parks around town. The girls also had a blast playing in the rain yesterday while it absolutely poured outside!

In other news, Riverfest officially kicks off this weekend, which means summer in Wichita is basically here. I’ve got a quick rundown of some of the biggest Riverfest events, a few other things happening around town, and a look at Park City’s brand-new aquatic center that opens this weekend. I’m also sharing my latest YouTube video where I answer a question I've been getting a lot lately: should you buy a house in Wichita in 2026 or wait?

Let’s get into it!

– Caleb Claussen (your favorite Realtor 😉)

It’s officially almost Riverfest season in Wichita—and if you’ve lived here long enough, you know that means nine straight days of concerts, food, fireworks, river activities, parades, family fun, and nonstop downtown energy.

📆 Riverfest 2026 runs May 29 through June 6 in downtown Wichita along the Arkansas River.

For many families, Riverfest is one of those yearly traditions that unofficially kicks off summer. Whether you go for the live music, the food vendors, the kids’ activities, or just the atmosphere downtown, there’s truly something happening for every age group almost all day long.

One of the biggest things to know before going is that most Riverfest events require a Riverfest button for admission. Buttons act as your all-access pass to the festival and help support the event each year.

🎟️ 2026 Riverfest Button Prices:
• Adult Buttons: $20 in advance / $25 during Riverfest
• Kids 6 and under: Free

Buttons can typically be purchased online, at QuikTrip locations, and at select local retailers before the festival begins.

And honestly, buying a button is usually worth it after attending just a couple events.

Some of the major highlights this year include:

🎆 The Sundown Parade – One of Wichita’s favorite Riverfest traditions returns May 29 with floats, performers, music, and plenty of community spirit lighting up downtown streets.

🏃 Fidelity Bank River Run – Thousands of runners and walkers take part in this annual downtown race event on May 30.

🎶 Live Concerts & Entertainment – Riverfest always brings multiple nights of concerts and live performances across downtown stages, covering everything from rock and country to family entertainment and local artists.

🍔 Food Courts & Vendors – Expect all the festival favorites like turkey legs, funnel cakes, lemonade shake-ups, barbecue, tacos, and plenty of local food trucks scattered throughout the festival grounds.

🎡 Family & Kids Activities – From inflatables and hands-on activities to cultural events and performances, there’s plenty to keep younger kids entertained throughout the week.

🎇 Fireworks Over the River – One of the most anticipated parts of Riverfest each year, with downtown filling up for a huge fireworks show over the Arkansas River.

Beyond the major events, part of the fun is simply walking around downtown during Riverfest week. The whole area feels different—music playing everywhere, people gathering outside, river activities happening all day, and something unexpected around nearly every corner.

If you plan to go, comfortable shoes and a little patience with parking definitely help, but Riverfest remains one of the best chances all year to experience downtown Wichita at its liveliest.

🔗 More info & full schedule: https://wichitariverfest.com

🎉 Sundown Parade
One of Riverfest’s most beloved traditions returns with floats, performers, music, and plenty of community spirit lighting up downtown Wichita.
📍 Location: Downtown Wichita
📆 Date & Time: May 29, 2026 • 6:30–8:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More info

🎭 Left on Stage
Enjoy an evening of live performances and creativity hosted by Left on Read Bookstore in this unique community arts event.
📍 Location: Left on Read
📆 Date & Time: May 30, 2026 • 6:30–8:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $15 Advance • $25 Day Of • Members $10 through 5/29 with promo code
🔗 More info

🛼 Wicked City Roller Derby
Get ready for fast-paced action, hard hits, and nonstop energy as Wichita’s roller derby teams battle it out at The Cotillion.
📍 Location: The Cotillion
📆 Date & Time: May 30, 2026 • 5:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $15 Advance • $18 At The Door • Kids 12 & Under Free
🔗 More info

🏃 Fidelity Bank River Run
Kick off your morning with one of Riverfest’s most popular fitness events featuring races and runs through downtown Wichita.
📍 Location: Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center
📆 Date & Time: May 30, 2026 • 7:00–11:00 AM
🎟️ Tickets: See website for registration details
🔗 More info

⚽ KSHSAA Girls State Soccer Championship
Watch some of Kansas’ top high school soccer teams compete for state titles in an exciting championship atmosphere.
📍 Location: SCHEELS Stryker Sports Complex
📆 Date & Time: May 30, 2026 • 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: See website for details
🔗 More info

💦 Park City Aquatic Center Grand Opening
Park City officially opens its brand-new aquatic center just in time for summer fun with pools, slides, and family-friendly activities.
📍 Location: Park City Aquatic Center
📆 Date & Time: May 30, 2026 • 12:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets:
• Residents: $4 ($3.50 Seniors 55+)
• Non-Residents: $5 ($4.50 Seniors 55+)
🔗 More info

🏹 Keepers Challenge
Test your skills and explore Native culture and history through interactive activities during this Riverfest event at the Mid-America All-Indian Museum.
📍 Location: Mid-America All-Indian Museum
📆 Date & Time: May 31, 2026 • 1:00–4:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: See website for details
🔗 More info

Everyone's seen the national housing headlines. Most of them have nothing to do with Wichita. I broke down exactly what's happening in this market right now and gave a straight answer on whether you should buy based on your actual situation, not the national noise.

There are also two pretty significant things happening in this city in 2027 that most buyers aren't factoring into their decision. I cover it all in my new video, check it out below!

(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!