Schedule of Events:

7 AM - 9 AM and 6:30 - 8:30 PM: Hot Air Balloons

Stand in awe of these majestic and colorful icons of the sky as they float above festival crowds.

Not a ride. Subject to wind and weather conditions. Location: 500 block of South Wichita Street.

7:15 AM: Fidelity Bank River Run

Take your mark for the 49th annual Fidelity Bank River Run on May 31, 2025.

Don’t wait anymore to register! There’s a race event for every age and competitive level. Registration deadline is May 28, 2025.

Exciting new route to be announced soon! Space is limited, registration is subject to close early.

Check your time here post race.

SCHEELS Family Fun Run/Walk!
Grab the kids and join us for the Family Fun Run/Walk!

Whether you walk or run, you, your family, your friends will have a blast getting your steps in in this 1-mile untimed race! Costumes and bright colored outfits are encouraged. Open to anyone and everyone!

7:15 AM

Marriott International, Wichita Customer Engagement Center 10K
Early Bird Discount: Adult $45; Youth (ages 12 and under $35)

Entry Fee March 1: Adult $50; Youth (ages 12 and under) $40

Early Bird Ends: 2/28/25

7:35 AM / 7:45 AM

Wheelchair Race / Dold Foods Katie Partridge Memorial 5K Run
Early Bird Discount: Adult $35; Youth (ages 12 and under) $25

Entry Fee March 1: Adult $40; Youth (ages 12 and under) $30

Early Bird Ends: 2/28/25

9:15 AM

SCHEELS Family Fun Run/Walk (1 Mile)
Entry Fee: Adults $25; Youth (ages 12 and under) $20 Costumes and bright outfits encouraged. Untimed race.

No Early Bird

10:30 AM

Lane Enterprises Tot Trot
For ages 2–7. Entry Fee: $20

No Early Bird

Register Now

7 AM - 2 PM: Party on the Plaza

Come experience the block party of the year at Riverfest! Whether you’re a runner, spectator or Riverfest enjoyer celebrate the Fidelity Bank River Run with an unforgettable party.

Artfest inside exhibition hall, Pancakes on the plaza, Rhythm of Asia, Cowboy Bathtub Races, Kid’s Corner and more!

Location: Kennedy Plaza

7:30 AM - 10 AM: Admirals’ Pancake Feed

Come enjoy some fun entertainment, mouthwatering bacon, and catch a pancake served up with a dose of humor!

Thanks to the Past Admirals, we’ll be flipping up some fun while you start your day off with a piping hot breakfast of pancakes, bacon, juice, and coffee.

Tickets available at the event: $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.

8 AM: Wichita Eagle Medallion Hunt

8 AM - 5 PM: Riverfest Photo Contest

Cash prizes are up for grabs for the Riverfest Photography Contest!

Awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be presented. As well as an honorable mention in each category. Join in the fun! With 7 different categories and multiple cash prizes per unique category, shutterbugs will have many chances to win!

Instructions on how to submit your photos are in the Riverfest Photo Contest Registration Form. Get snapping shutterbugs!

Location: Century II Exhibition Hall

9 AM - 11:30 AM: Plein Air: A Painting Competition Day 1

Fresh air and painting too, that’s what Plein Air is all about!

Artists will celebrate the iconic views around Wichita at the 5th Annual Riverfest Plein Air Event. Open to all artists from novice to professional.

Check in 9:00am for canvas stamping.

Competition: 9:30am – 11:30am

Judging and Awards: 12:00pm

Cash prizes!

Cost: $25–$50

Register Today

10 AM - 6 PM: Artfest Pop Up Market

Celebrate all things ICT with art, design & local shopping, right in the heart of downtown.

This 2-day pop up event will be inside the iconic Century II Performing Arts Center, Exhibition Hall.

Location: Century II Exhibition Hall

11 AM - 6 PM: Helicopter Rides

Combining the thrill of flying with sightseeing’s picturesque panoramas of our beautiful city.

Brought to you by DWTA Helicopters. $50 cash only.

11 AM - 10 PM: Kids Corner & Inflatables

Bring the family and enjoy inflatables, bubble shows, balloon twisting, music and great outdoor family fun!

Located by the South Gate entrance, behind the Old Library.

All free with a Riverfest button, and no button is required for children 5 and under.

11 AM - 10 PM: ESPN Sport Court

Shoot your shot at the ESPN Sport Court, just south of the Food Court Stage on the East Side of Century II!

Join the action with a Granny Basketball Tournament, fun with the Wichita Wizards, and classic Horse & Pig games for all ages. Every day!

11 AM - 11 PM: Bicycle Valet

Secured bicycle parking. At Douglas Street and Civic Center Place.

Location: Waco Extension, east side

Noon - 3 PM: Rhythm of Asia Dance Performance

We are honored to present Rhythms of Asia, a distinguished dance performances ensemble dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions of Asia. Wichita Asian Association’s ‘Rhythms of Asia’ brings together an exceptional blend of both traditional and contemporary dance forms from different Asian countries across the Asian continent. Each performance offers a captivating glimpse into the vibrant cultures of these regions. Their artistry promises to deliver a truly immersive experience at this Saturday afternoon.

Location: Kennedy Plaza

Noon - 8 PM: Wagonmasters River Tour

Enjoy a relaxing, narrated cruise along the Arkansas River in Downtown Wichita.

Cruises depart under the Douglas Street Bridge on the north side of Douglas, east side of the Arkansas River. Free with your Riverfest button.

1 PM - 3 PM: Cowboy Bathtub Races

Yes, it is what it sounds like! Contestants will race along the Arkansas River in stock tanks (also known as “Cowboy Bathtubs”).

Watch the fun from the east bank of the Arkansas River at Douglas Street. 1:00 PM – Load-In & Day of Registration available but spots are limited. The races start at 2:00 p.m. Races start south of the Douglas Street Bridge.

Want to participate? For online registration and more information click here.

Location: Watercraft Races

2 PM - 10 PM: WEEE Entertainment Carnival

Showcasing rides with a Ferris wheel, Tilt-a-whirl, Viper, Kiddie Cars, and Oscar, the Octopus and Fish Ride, and many more rides.

Look for the bright lights of the carnival in the parking lot just southeast of the Hyatt Regency Wichita. Riverfest Button Required.

3:30 PM - 8 PM: Paddle Boats & Kayaks

Enjoy a spin on a paddle boat at Boats & Bikes facility at River Vista! 150 N. McLean Blvd. B2.

Location: Boat Dock

6:05 PM - 9:05 PM: Wichita Wind Surge
1/2 Priced Tickets

Enjoy a ballgame at Equity Bank Park, home of the Wichita Wind Surge, our Double-A Minor League Baseball team. Half priced tickets with a 2025 Riverfest button.

The stadium is located at Maple & McLean. Tickets are half price with your Riverfest button on May 30, May 31 and June 1.

6:30 PM - 8 PM: DJ Cadence

9:30 p.m. Flo Rida
8 p.m. Sir Charles III
6:30 p.m. DJ Cadence

8 PM - 9:30 PM: Sir Charles III

Sir Charles is a dynamic force in the music scene, blending the soul of jazz with the raw energy of 90s hip-hop and nu-metal. With deep roots in East Coast and Southern hip-hop, Sir Charles crafts a sound that bridges the past and present, fusing intricate lyrical flows with the rich textures of experimental jazz.

Whether performing with a live band or spinning solo as a DJ, Sir Charles delivers a captivating experience, seamlessly blending genres that speak to both the heart and the head. His music is a nod to the golden era of hip-hop, while pushing boundaries with bold, complex beats that challenge expectations. Rooted in his diverse influences, Sir Charles continues to redefine the intersection of jazz, hip-hop, and metal, offering a unique and electric musical journey for listeners.

9:30 p.m. Flo Rida
8 p.m. Sir Charles III
6:30 p.m. DJ Cadence

9 PM - 11:59 PM: Rave at Wave

Riverfest Rave at Wave will feature fast-paced, repetitive, electrifying music and lights!

Bring your friends and enjoy a night of dancing and fun at the Riverfest Rave at Wave!

Free admittance with Riverfest button, Riverfest buttons sold on-site.

9:30 - 10:30 PM: Flo Rida

Flo Rida is one of today’s most vibrant and recognizable superstars, a true international icon and history-making hip-hop hero. Since bursting out of the gate over a decade ago with the RIAA 7x platinum certified hit, “Low (Feat. T-Pain).”

9:30 p.m. Flo Rida
8 p.m. Sir Charles III
6:30 p.m. DJ Cadence