Apart from Christmas, this is definitely the most wonderful time of the year. 70° days and my grass being green again just put me in a better mood!

Needless to say, we’ve been spending lots of time outside, and I’ve been running around listing houses all over town. I’ve got 2 new ones up in my old stomping ground of Valley Center that you need to check out (scroll down to see all 6 of my amazing listings!).

I’d also love for you to check out my new website and let me know what you think. The market data page has some cool graphs and a breakdown of the market that you won’t find anywhere else (literally).

In other news, the Frontiers in Flight Air Show is back at McConnell this weekend with the Thunderbirds headlining and free admission, I’ve got a full lineup of Halloween events from Fangs & Folklore at the zoo to Wag-O-Ween, and this week’s video shows what Wichita’s “most affordable big city” ranking actually looks like for a family, including who Wichita isn’t a fit for.

Let’s get into it!

– Caleb Claussen (your favorite Realtor 😉)

One of Wichita’s biggest aviation events is taking over the skies this weekend! The Frontiers in Flight Air Show and Open House returns to McConnell Air Force Base on October 24–25, and the best part? General admission is FREE!Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or just looking for a fun family outing, this is a chance to see incredible aircraft, watch thrilling aerial performances and get an up-close look at the planes that help make Wichita the Air Capital of the World.

The headliner this year is the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, known for their high-speed passes and precision flying. Their performance is scheduled for 3 PM each day, as part of an afternoon of aerial demonstrations running from 1–4:30 PM. The show also features the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Wings of Blue parachute team, aerobatic performers, a vintage Beech 18, a mini jet and a special KC-135 and KC-46 flyover.

And there’s plenty to explore once you’re on the ground! You’ll be able to see aircraft up close, including the B-29 Superfortress Doc, the F-35 Lightning II, the C-17 Globemaster III, the A-10 Thunderbolt II and McConnell’s KC-46 and KC-135 tankers. There will also be ground vehicles, flight simulators, a STEM hangar with interactive exhibits and a family zone with activities for kids. This is expected to be the last opportunity to see McConnell’s KC-135 tankers fly at the air show before the base completes its transition to an all-KC-46 fleet.

📆 Dates: Saturday–Sunday, October 24–25
⏰ Gates: Official website lists 9 AM; aerial performances begin at 1 PM
📍 Location: McConnell Air Force Base, Wichita
🎟️ Admission & general parking: Free
🔗 Official website, performer lineup, parking map and FAQs

It’s a great chance to celebrate Wichita’s aviation roots, see some incredible aircraft and enjoy a weekend that’s a little out of the ordinary. I’d plan on making a day of it!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ THIS WEEKEND?

🐈 Family Fright Night at Snick’s
Looking for a Halloween activity with a little less fright and a lot of feline fun? Snick’s Cat Cafe is hosting Family Fright Night, giving you a chance to enjoy a spooky evening surrounded by adorable cats! It’s a unique way to celebrate the season with the family.
📍 Location: Snick’s Cat Cafe
📆 Date & Time: Friday, October 23 | 6:30–8:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $25 per person
🔗 More info

🦇 Fangs & Folklore
Ready for a Halloween experience after dark? Fangs & Folklore at the Sedgwick County Zoo offers a spooky seasonal outing for adults looking for something different. Grab your tickets and get ready for an evening of eerie atmosphere and Halloween fun!
📍 Location: Sedgwick County Zoo
📆 Date & Time: Friday–Saturday, October 23–24 | 10 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $20
🔗 More info

🍂 Haysville Fall Festival
The Haysville Fall Festival is back for a full weekend of community fun! Make plans to head down for seasonal activities, local festivities and a chance to enjoy one of the area’s fall traditions with friends and family.
📍 Location: Haysville
📆 Date & Time: Friday–Sunday, October 23–25 | Starting at 4 PM Friday
🎟️ Tickets: Free to enter
🔗 More info

🍿 RiverFlix — The Addams Family
Grab your blankets and get ready for a spooky outdoor movie night! This week, RiverFlix is showing The Addams Family, making it a fun, free way to kick off Halloween weekend with the family.
📍 Location: Exploration Place
📆 Date & Time: Friday, October 23 | Check event page for movie timing
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More info

💎 Spooky Night of Treasures
Spend a Halloween-themed evening exploring the Museum of World Treasures! Spooky Night of Treasures offers a seasonal twist on a museum visit, with a chance to enjoy the exhibits in a fun after-hours atmosphere.
📍 Location: Museum of World Treasures
📆 Date & Time: Friday, October 23 | 6–10 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $55
🔗 Check the museum’s website for event details.

✈️ Frontiers in Flight: McConnell Air Force Base Open House & Air Show
One of Wichita’s biggest aviation weekends is here! Watch incredible aerial performances, see military and historic aircraft up close, and enjoy a full day of aviation fun. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are scheduled to headline the show, making this a great outing for aviation fans and families alike.
📍 Location: McConnell Air Force Base
📆 Date & Time: Saturday–Sunday, October 24–25 | Gates open at 9 AM; show starts at 1 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free general admission
🔗 More info

🎃 Glass Pumpkin Patch at Karg
Looking for a fall activity with a creative twist? Visit Karg Art Glass for its Glass Pumpkin Patch, where you can browse colorful handcrafted glass pumpkins and find a unique piece of seasonal décor to take home.
📍 Location: Karg Art Glass
📆 Date & Time: Saturday, October 24 | 9 AM–5:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $35 entrance fee
🔗 Check Karg Art Glass for event details.

🐴 Hay, Hooves and Halloween
Head to Old Cowtown Museum for a Halloween celebration with a western twist! Hay, Hooves and Halloween brings seasonal fun to this historic Wichita attraction, making it a great option for families looking to get into the spirit of the season.
📍 Location: Old Cowtown Museum
📆 Date & Time: Saturday, October 24 | 2–8 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $7
🔗 More info

🕯️ Salt & Sound
For a Halloween experience unlike anything else, head underground to Strataca for Salt & Sound. This candlelit event combines the unique atmosphere of the salt mine with music and a seasonal experience you won’t find every day.
📍 Location: Strataca, Hutchinson
📆 Date & Time: Saturday, October 24 | 5 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $69
🔗 More info

🍷 Haunted Wine Run 5K
Combine a little exercise with Halloween fun at the Haunted Wine Run 5K! Enjoy a festive run or walk at Grace Hill Winery, with a scenic setting and a spooky seasonal theme. It’s a fun way to get moving on Sunday morning.
📍 Location: Grace Hill Winery, Whitewater
📆 Date & Time: Sunday, October 25 | 9:30 AM
🎟️ Tickets: $30
🔗 More info

🐶 Wag-O-Ween
Don’t leave your four-legged family members out of the Halloween fun! Wag-O-Ween in Andover is a free, pet-friendly event that gives you and your pup a chance to celebrate the season together. Get those costumes ready and enjoy a festive outing with fellow dog lovers.
📍 Location: Andover
📆 Date & Time: Sunday, October 25 | 12 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More info

The Economist ranked Wichita the most affordable big city in America two years in a row. But cheap doesn’t always mean good, so I wanted to show you what that ranking actually looks like for a family.

In this video I break down what your money buys right now, and why the market feels completely different above and below $300K. I also compare five suburbs families ask me about most: Andover, Derby, Goddard, Maize, and Valley Center. Plus, I share a few of my family’s favorite weekend spots, and I’m honest about who Wichita isn’t a fit for.

(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!