Amazing Experiences Await

Wichita’s arts and culture scene doesn’t just exist — it’s embraced, lived and celebrated by a diverse group of residents. You’ll find bankers next to tattoo artists at the same event, show, museum or concert. Wichita’s arts scene is one of the engines of the city’s urban redevelopment and continues to rev the community’s originality vibe.

Local Art

Located just east of downtown, the Douglas Design District contains more than 60 murals that bring color and attention to the area. You'll find an abundance of sculptures by local artists throughout the urban core, too. Wichita is also home to the largest outdoor mural per the Guinness Book of World Records.

Museums

From traditional to contemporary, our art galleries, museums and breathtaking gardens are sure to delight any visitor or resident. With more than 50 museums and art galleries in Wichita alone, there’s plenty to explore. Find a complete listing of museums and galleries at Visit Wichita.

Gallery Alley

Gallery Alley transformed an underutilized alley into a vibrant public space. Experience life-size sculptures by local artists, listen to the sweet sounds of local musicians, or leisurely enjoy your lunch on the outdoor dining furniture at this unique space in the heart of Wichita.

First Friday

The First Friday gallery crawl is a unique opportunity for thousands of students, families, and art lovers to engage with local art each month at various locations in downtown Wichita and throughout the city. Guests have the opportunity to view creative art spaces and purchase one-of-a-kind artwork directly from artists.

Wichita boasts a professional music theater, opera, symphony and ballet, as well as dozens of cinematic and performance theatres that stand ready to impress with independent films, old favorites or new drama.

Wichita Symphony Orchestra

The Wichita Symphony Orchestra is the largest and most active performing arts organization in the state, nationally recognized for its artistic level and the community support it receives. The orchestra annually presents eight classic concerts in its Masterworks series, in addition to modern Pops concerts, family concerts, and free, citywide performances.

Music Theatre Wichita

Each summer, Music Theatre Wichita presents five Broadway-caliber musicals. Favorites such as Beauty and the Beast are performed by a mix of top-flight professionals from Broadway and Hollywood working hand-in-hand with talented Midwesterners.

Wichita Grand Opera

Experience inspirational productions of fully-staged operas and gala concerts during the Wichita Grand Opera season. Enjoy Opera on the Lake at Bradley Fair in May, a free event at the outdoor shopping plaza for the entire community to enjoy.

Wichita’s event scene is a mix of hyper-local hip and general-audience attractions. The city boasts nationally recognized seasonal festivals, a downtown arena hosting top-level acts, a steady schedule of sporting events, and niche venues of all varieties — from comedy clubs to coffee houses. And, if you find a niche, this is the kind of place where someone steps up to fill the gap and create yet another signature specialty for the area to enjoy.

Wichita Riverfest

The biggest party on the prairie, Wichita Riverfest, the largest and longest-running community event in the state. During nine days in June, nearly half a million people converge along the river for concerts, food, contests and fireworks.

Tallgrass Film Festival

The "stubbornly independent" Tallgrass Film Festival has been ranked as one of the top 25 coolest festivals in the world, attracting international film makers, directors and aficionados. Locals purchase festival-long passes to enjoy the barrage of showings throughout venues in downtown Wichita.