Happy Friday! This week we packed up the family and headed to North Carolina for some time in the mountains. We toured the Biltmore Mansion, spotted an actual BEAR out in the wild, and my dad and I caught 58 trout fly fishing. The place we stayed even had a waterfall right in the backyard. Needless to say, the girls are not thrilled about coming home! haha

But back in Wichita, there's plenty going on. Music Theatre Wichita is finally getting a permanent home of its own after 50+ years, I've got a full lineup of weekend events including a BBQ festival and a burger battle, and this week's video covers the Wichita suburb almost everybody skips over... and the numbers might surprise you.

Let’s get into it!

– Caleb Claussen (your favorite Realtor 😉)

For more than 50 years, Music Theatre Wichita has been known for its spectacular Broadway-caliber productions at Century II. Now, one of Wichita’s most beloved arts organizations is preparing for a major new chapter with plans for a permanent home of its own.

Earlier this year, Music Theatre Wichita officially unveiled plans for the Judy Slawson Center for Musical Theatre, a new facility that will be located in the former Metro Midtown/Gateway school building at 640 N. Emporia near downtown Wichita.

While audiences will continue enjoying the organization's large summer productions at Century II for the foreseeable future, the new center will become the heart of Music Theatre Wichita’s year-round operations.

The 38,400-square-foot facility is planned to include:

• Administrative offices
• Expanded educational and youth programming space
• Rehearsal studios
• Production and creative workspaces
• A café and gathering areas
• Two intimate performance venues seating fewer than 200 people each

That last piece is especially exciting. While Music Theatre Wichita is famous for its large-scale musicals, the new venue will give the organization the ability to produce smaller productions, experimental works, new musicals, workshops, and community performances that wouldn't be practical in a 2,100-seat concert hall.

The project is part of Music Theatre Wichita's "Beyond the Stage" capital campaign, which aims to create a permanent headquarters that can support the organization's growth for decades to come. Fundraising is already well underway, with the organization reporting significant progress toward its goal.

As for the timeline, preliminary work has already begun on the building, including remediation and preparation efforts. Major construction is expected to start later this year, with a target completion date of October 2027.

For Wichita arts lovers, this project is about much more than a building. It represents an investment in future performers, students, technicians, and creative talent across the region. Music Theatre Wichita already reaches thousands of young people through its educational programs each year, and the new facility will allow those opportunities to continue expanding.

It's still a couple of years away, but after decades of operating out of borrowed and temporary spaces, Music Theatre Wichita is finally getting a permanent home designed specifically for what it does best—helping create the next generation of performers while continuing to bring world-class musical theatre to Wichita.

🔥 Smoke on the Plains Derby BBQ & Music Festival
One of the area's tastiest summer traditions returns with championship barbecue, live music, vendors, family activities, and plenty of smoky goodness.
📍 Location: High Park
📆 Date & Time: June 12–13, 2026
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More info

🏅 Celebration of Women's Sports
Celebrate the achievements of female athletes and enjoy an evening of sports, activities, and community recognition.
📍 Location: SCHEELS Stryker Sports Complex
📆 Date & Time: June 12, 2026 • 6:00–9:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More info

📚 Friends of the Wichita Art Museum Readiculous Book Sale 2026
Browse thousands of books, discover hidden treasures, and support the Wichita Art Museum at this popular annual sale.
📍 Location: Wichita Art Museum
📆 Date & Time: June 12, 2026 • 5:00–9:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More info

🎬 RiverFlix – Featuring The Mighty Ducks
Grab a blanket and enjoy a free outdoor movie night featuring the beloved sports comedy classic.
📍 Location: Exploration Place
📆 Date & Time: June 12, 2026
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More info

🏍️ Supercross
Experience high-flying jumps, thrilling races, and plenty of dirt-flying action at this exciting motocross event.
📍 Location: Wichita Jeeps Motorcycle Club Inc.
📆 Date & Time: June 13, 2026 • 7:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $15 • Ages 3 & Under Free • Ages 64+ Free
🔗 More info

🍔 Burger Battle
Sample creations from local restaurants and help crown Wichita’s burger champion while supporting a great cause.
📍 Location: Capitol Federal Amphitheater
📆 Date & Time: June 13, 2026 • 5:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $35 General Admission Wristband • Kids 6 & Under Free
🔗 More info

🛍️ Shop & Grub
Spend the day exploring local vendors, enjoying delicious food, and soaking up the atmosphere in downtown Wichita.
📍 Location: Naftzger Park
📆 Date & Time: June 13, 2026 • Various Times
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More info

🌅 Twilight Tour 2026
Enjoy an unforgettable evening at Tanganyika Wildlife Park featuring animal encounters, dining, entertainment, and fundraising activities.
📍 Location: Tanganyika Wildlife Park
📆 Date & Time: June 13, 2026 • 5:30–10:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $150
🔗 More info

🦽 Wheeling Wild
Experience the zoo in a unique and inclusive way during this special after-hours event focused on accessibility and family fun.
📍 Location: Sedgwick County Zoo
📆 Date & Time: June 13, 2026 • 6:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $7–$8
🔗 More info

🌽 Main Street Markets
Shop local vendors, enjoy food and entertainment, and spend a relaxing afternoon at this community market in Goddard.
📍 Location: City of Goddard
📆 Date & Time: June 14, 2026 • 2:00–5:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More info

Most people researching Wichita suburbs skip right over Haysville. It doesn't have the name recognition of Andover or the new construction buzz of Derby. But when you look at the numbers, it's hard to ignore. Three National Blue Ribbon schools, an IB program open to any student in the area, and a median home price that runs $65,000 to $100,000 below the suburbs most people are comparing it to. This week's video breaks down who Haysville is actually the right 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!