Together with Prairie Fire Marathon

October is nearly here. For some, that means Halloween.

For others, it means race month!

The next Prairie Fire Marathon, Half-Marathon, 5k, and more race day is on October 12th!

While this may not be enough time to train for a full or half marathon (or maybe it is, I wouldn’t know), you have time to get a few runs in before the 5K or the Mayor’s Friendly 5K!

This is your sign to sign up today so that you can’t back out tomorrow.

In the words of a supportive friend “You can do it!”

Shocktoberfest & Launch Week

There is so much going on in Wichita, we have to double up a bit to make sure we can cover it all.

Both of these don’t start until next week, but if we waited until next Wednesday to do a deep dive or in this case a double deep dive, you’d miss half of the fun.

Let’s dive in.

Shocktoberfest

Wichita State holds a special place in my heart and many Wichitans hearts.

For some, we are alumni.

For others, they fell in love with the college on the hill, the National Champion baseball team back in 1989 or the Final Four team in 2013.

One thing Wichita State does well is bring people together through events and traditions, one of which we will highlight today:

What is Shocktoberfest?

Shocktoberfest has been Wichita State’s annual fall celebration of Shocker Spirit and Pride since 1991. This multi-day series features events, activities, and competitions for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and our Wichita community.

This year, it will take place from September 29th to October 4th and will include events centered around spirit, pride and families are welcome to come down to campus for Family Weekend!

Many of these events are free and some are free with student ID

What to Expect

This event is NOT just for students, it is open to the public.

A few events you'll want to keep in mind:

• Bonfire at Braeburn Square - Monday, September 29th 7pm

• Parade - Saturday, October 4th 4pm

• Entrepreneur Market at the RSC - Saturday, October 4th 10am - 2pm

• Brew Garden + Fan Fest - Saturday, October 4th 3pm

All of this is capped off with Shocker Madness at 6pm (another FREE event with no ticket required) that will feature a scrimmage followed by a free concert with Grammy-Winning Artist Lupe Fiasco!

Launch Week

Wichita has a long history of successful innovation, companies and startups from our start as a Cowtown to Coleman to Pizza Hut (and White Castle) to being the Air Capital of the World.

Today is a new day in the Wichita startup ecosystem with new, awesome companies.

What is the next big thing out of Wichita?

What is Launch Week?

A few years ago, a group of local entrepreneurs joined together (and partnered with Techstars) to bring together people from all kinds of backgrounds in one spot at the same time to help advance our startup ecosystem in what was called Wichita Startup Week (WSW) - now it is called Launch Week.

Launch Week is powered by a coalition of local and statewide partners committed to serving entrepreneurs and supporting economic growth.

What to Expect

The event takes place from September 29th through October 3rd.

Expect 5 days of workshops, keynotes, panels, a pitch competition, and networking all powered by the organizations dedicated to helping Kansas entrepreneurs succeed.

A few examples of what you can see are:

• Greater Wichita Partnership Presents Biomed Tech: Building Wichita’s Innovation Future

• NXTSTAGE Startup-Enterprise SUmmit

• Lunch & Learn: Are you Ready for The Garages?

• Create Campaign, Inc Presents Food for Thought: The Passion Behind the Plate

• Launch Week Pitch Competition

• and so much more!

You can view each of the events and details here.

Whether you’re just getting started or scaling big, this free week-long series is your chance to learn, connect, and grow with the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Pitch Competition

Apply to be one of 20 Businesses and Startups to exhibit and meet like-minded entrepreneurs, industry experts, and potential partners, PLUS have a chance to win $5,000. Guests will vote for their favorite Trade Show participant to be a finalist and present in the Pitch Competition. Only five finalists will be selected; pitches must be 4-5 minutes.

You can also just do the tradeshow and not pitch.

The actual pitch competition will take place Friday afternoon.

Be sure to register (for free) to whatever events you’re interested in so you don’t miss them.

That’s all for today! Let us know if you learned anything!

What do you want to see us go deep on in a future deep dive?

Let us know!

Together with CBD Plus

Whether it’s thunderstorms, fireworks from the neighbors, or just the daily battle with the mailman—your dog deserves to stay calm and comfortable.

The best natural way to keep your pup cool, calm, and collected can be found at CBD Plus or online at TallTreesSociety.com.

👉 Use code Wichita20 at checkout for an exclusive online discount!

Quick Rundown

• Parade of Homes | Various | 9/27 - 9/28

• Frank Einstein | Mosely St Melodrama | 9/19 - 11/1

• Open Streets ICT | Douglas | 9/28

• Greater Andover Days | Central Park in Andover | 9/26 - 9/28

• Ballpark Nights: Caleb Lee Hutchinson | Equity Bank Park | 10/4

• Shocker Madness | Koch Arena | 10/4

• Prairie Fire Marathon | Downtown | 10/12

• Nate Bargatze | Intrust Bank Arena | 12/10 (rescheduled from September)