🌾 Joey Chestnut is coming to Wichita

Do you think there is any food you could eat more of than Joey?

Author

Landon Huslig
February 27, 2026

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Wichita!

Be honest. How many Peanut Butter Patties or Thin Mints have you had this year already?

Just remind your significant other that you are supporting a good cause, the diet can wait.

Let’s get to it!

- Landon

p.s. Today is the Final Friday of February which means we are picking our Wichita Life Insider gift card! Interested in joining? Click here. Congrats to Whitnie-Rae!

Wichita Riverfest

Riverfest Throwback

Wichita Riverfest is 91 days out. While that seems like a long way away, it is never to early to start signing up to participate. Here are a few ways you can get off the sideline and get plugged in.

  • 5/30 - Fidelity Bank River Run

  • 5/30 - 6/5 - Photography Contest

  • 6/6 - Pickleball Tournament “Dinks on the River”

  • 5/30 - 6/2 - 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament

  • 6/6 - Classic Car Show

  • 5/31 - Cardboard Regatta

  • 5/30 - Cowboy Bathtub Races

Together with the City of Wichita

Ozone season runs March 1–October 31, when our region is more at risk for high ozone levels. To help improve local air quality, the City of Wichita is launching its 2026 Lawn Care Rebate Program on March 1.

Residents can receive rebates for switching to cleaner lawn equipment alternatives. The City has allocated $10,000 in rebates, available first come, first served.

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your mower or yard tools, this is your sign.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Opening

Gilley’s Brunch

Gilley’s is more than just a casino or entertainment venue. It also offers family friendly brunch starting this Sunday.

Cash Mob

But more importantly, support local artists and entrepreneurs at The Workroom and grab some champagne from Bubbles.

Chick N Max Auction

Chick N Max has an auction running through March 5th, so if you need tables, chairs, or other restaurant stuff, this might be your shot.

STARTUP

NXTUS

NXTUS has been busy.

They just announced the 22 entrepreneurs who graduated from the fifth-annual NXTSTAGE Customer Traction Cohort.

They also just announced the 32 Kansas startups that have advanced to the second round of the Gamechangers & Champions 2026 Pitch Competition.

These innovators, selected from a pool of 75 total entries, are competing for $25,000 in prize money sponsored by the University of Kansas School of Business; a $2,500 Fans’ Choice Award sponsored by Wichita State University’s Barton School of Business; and the attention of investors and corporate partners.

Together with Lange Real Estate

Deciding whether to keep renting or take the next step into homeownership can feel like a big decision. With rents often rising and long‑term equity on the line, understanding your options is more important than ever.

If you're thinking about buying your first home or just want guidance on what makes the most sense for your situation, Lange is here to help you make an informed, confident move.

Give them a call today or visit their website!

CIVIL

Property Valuation

If you get your Sedgwick County property valuation and you aren’t happy, here is how you can appeal.

Expungement

Goodwill, Kansas Legal Services, and Koch will be offering an expungement clinic on April 10th.

Tammy Snow

Congrats to Elizabeth “Tammy” Snow on announcing her retirement come August 2026.

Tammy served in various roles in the Wichita Fire Department over 40 years and became the first female fire chief in Wichita in 2017.

LOCAL

Joey Chestnut

If you’re anything like my family, you have watched Joey Chestnut eat an uncomfortable amount of hot dogs every 4th of July for a while. Now the competitive eating 🐐 (holds 55+ world records) is coming to Equity Bank Park on Friday 4/17 to meet fans and participate in a chili bun eating competition (Chili Buns are one of the alter egos for the Wind Surge).

SB Mowing

Come out to 4904 S Clifton for Wichita Animal Action League’s free pet vaccine, free microchip, free pet food, AND FREE LUNCH thanks to our friend B Mowing! Come meet Spencer.

Black Business Tour

As February and Black History Month come to a close, there is a Black Business Tour tomorrow!

I believe registration is full (it filled up FAST), but you can still go support local black businesses this weekend and all year round.

Ponder.This.

Come out to the Ponder.This event at Wichita Art Museum to gather dynamic leaders, creatives, and change makers together in one spot. You can learn more here.

Dr. Seuss Day

Monday, March 2nd is Dr. Seuss Day and gives us all (specifically Shocker Alums) a chance to go out and read to local schools.

✈️ Flight Deal(s) of the Week

Price is subject to change and may no longer be available at the time you check this link.

Join the Wichita Life Insiders

When you join Wichita Life Insiders, you will directly support these emails and the way we cover Wichita news and events. Thank you to all of the current insiders!

ICT EXTRA

Top clicks of the week 🖱️

Brandon Bonta

Shout out to Wichita Northwest and WSU Shockers alum, Brandon Bonta, on rolling a 300 and beating the best bowler in the world. in his pro debut! Oh and he won $100k!

Moving to Kansas

The population in Kansas is going up (surprise surprise, oh how the turn tables).

I’ll give you a hint (our Jayhawker friends might not like the answer).

Click the banner above to view the full event calendar

Weekend

Friday 2/27

Saturday 2/28

Sunday 3/1

LIVE MUSIC

SPORTS

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

Thanks!

- Landon