🌾 Exploration Place Update

Is this our "Gathering Place"?

Author

Landon Huslig
September 08, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Wichita!

If you are new to Kansas, we’re at the point in the year where you thought it was fall already, but this week will feel like summer. Don’t worry, we’re almost there!

Let’s get to it!

- Landon

NEWS

Exploration Place Update

Travis Heying

Exploration Place is already one of the coolest places in Wichita, for both kids and adults.

It is about to get even more cool with the new 6.5 acre playground that includes a new yellow rocket, reminiscent of the rocket at Riverside Park.

Oh, and one more thing.

From now until September 15th, Exploration Place is competing to win a 3 year grant worth $120,000 that would bring FREE concerts of all genres to Wichita.

You can help them win! Vote here OR text WICHITA to 877-409-5525 (or both!)

We are currently in 10th and that ain’t gonna cut it!

 

Together with Kansas Plastic Surgery

Early Bird Specials are HERE!
September is the perfect time to plan ahead for glowing skin and self-care savings. Our Early Bird Deals make it worth booking your treatments now, so you can enjoy your results all season long. ✅

Here’s what you don’t want to miss:

  • 15% OFF Lasers & Sculptra when you schedule during September for appointments September–December!

  • FREE Biocellulose Masque with your Alastin Nectar purchase—perfect for post-treatment recovery and radiance.

Don’t wait—these savings are designed for our proactive planners who love to stay one step ahead. Book early, save big, and head into the holiday season with confidence

Kansas Plastic Surgery is here to provide the Wichita and surrounding areas with creative, compassionate care.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Opening

  • Parlor Doughtnuts - 7010 W 21st St (former Hurts Donuts) - Opening by End of September

  • Vivre - 3221 N Ridge Rd - Opening this November

  • Culver’s (second in Wichita) - 3620 N Rock Rd (across form Braums) - Construction begins in October, opening by Summer 2026

  • AutoZone - former Family Dollar at 4040 S Meridian - Opening TBD

  • Hawaiian Bros - 37th and Maize - Breaking ground in October

  • DirectMD - Now Available

Primo Pumpkins

It is never too early to start thinking pumpkin season.

Primo Pumpkins is Wichita’s first concierge pumpkin service! (you’ll want to see it for yourself)

On the Move

  • Prost - Moving from Revolutsia at 2721 E Central to 134 St Francis - Original spot now closed, Opening new location mid-September

Closing

Freddy’s

Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers sold just a few years ago, and was just sold again for around $700 million.

Freddy’s > In-n-out

Don’t @ me

NON-PROFIT

Brew Ha Ha

Brew Ha Ha is an exciting evening of beer tastings, food pairings, and wine selections by Wichita’s finest brewers and chefs on November 7th.

Wichita Foundation

Check out this Wichita Business Journal interview with Shelly Prichard from the Wichita Foundation!

Together with Autumn & Art

Autumn & Art is the premier al fresco art show in Kansas. Showcasing artists from across the US, we celebrate the creative spirit of our community.

Autumn & Art 2025 is scheduled for September 12–14.

We’re so excited for you to join us! Located on the Bradley Fair Parkway.

You don’t want to miss the Patron Party on Friday, September 12th!

It comes with delicious food, drinks, music, and much more.

CIVIL

Opportunity Zone

This is a bigger topic than I can explain in a paragraph, but Wichita has 47 potential Opportunity Zones that offer tax-advantages for investments in economic growths.

This WBJ article breaks down which areas could be considered.

Job Fair

The City of Wichita is hosting a job fair on September 8th (tomorrow) from 11am - 2pm at the Advanced Learning Library for 10 different departments.

Lawn Restrictions

Have you paid attention to the current (and future as of 9/15) water restrictions?

Cultural Grants

The City of Wichita has opened applications for its new 2026 Cultural Funding Activation Grants, which replace the former Artist Access and Developing Arts Grants. These grants offer $500–$10,000 in support for artists and nonprofit organizations creating programs or building capacity to serve Wichita residents.

LOCAL

Rhythm and Read Park Grand Opening

Last week, Derby celebrated the opening of its new Rhythm and Read Park, featuring a splash pad, oversized instruments, and a vibrant mural by local artists Mark and Mary Ward.

Is Wichita an arts city?

Andover Days

Wichita Mom

Greater Andover Days is right around the corner and buttons are now on sale!

Buttons and bracelets will remain at $3 through the end of the festival (button prices used to increase to $5 over the event weekend).

There is a deal for a family pack this year for just $10 (this includes admission for 2 adults and 4 children).

There are plenty of ways to get involved like:

  • Jeep Night

  • The Parade (this is one of our favorite parts of the weekend, so you should go sign up - my kids love the candy)

  • Volleyball Tournament

Come on out and have some fun! Sign up for specific events here.

ICT EXTRA

Corn Moon

This month’s full moon is a corn moon. Ever heard of that?

Taco Hero

We need more heroes. We need more taco heroes.

Wettest Summer

This was one of the wettest summers on record.

Wealthiest Zip Codes

Here are the 57 wealthiest zip codes in Wichita.

Click the banner above to view the full event calendar

Monday 9/8

Tuesday 9/9

Wednesday 9/10

Thursday 9/11

LIVE MUSIC

Don't see your concert or show here?

SPORTS

That's it for today! Send this to a friend who loves country concerts.

Thanks!

- Landon