When the leaves begin to change and there’s a chill in the air, Wichita, Kansas, plays host to a plethora of fall festivals. The festivals range from cultural and art to culinary delights and will entertain both the young and old. Celebrate fall in Wichita at one of these fun local events.
1. Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff
Watch serious competitors vie for one of the coveted spots in the World Championship Chili Cookoff at Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff. The event takes place on September 28 and includes competitions in six chili categories and a salsa category. Purchase a tasting kit and sample the various chili and salsa recipes from competing teams. When you need to cool off your taste buds, head to one of the booths for a cold beer or soda. Kids can burn off energy in the kids zone or join in one of the fun activities. After getting your fill of chili, kick back and listen to live music from Epic.
Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff will be held at Century II, 225 West Douglas Avenue and begins at 11 a.m.
2. Bloktoberfest
Bloktoberfest is at WaterWalk Plaza on October 4 and 5. This family-friendly event celebrates German heritage and features a Biergarten with local, regional, and German craft beers, along with local food trucks and live entertainment. Jam to the bands while you sip on a beer or test your skills by competing in the hot dog eating contest or stein hoist. Kids can enjoy the carnival games and watching the Wiener Dog Olympics and dog costume contest.
Bloktoberfest will be held at 515 South Main Street and is open on Saturday, October 4, from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, October 5, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free to the public.
3. Tallgrass Film Festival
Attend the largest film festival in Kansas, Tallgrass Film Festival, from October 16 to 20. The festival is in its seventeenth year and has won critical acclaim by bringing together filmmakers, directors, writers, and actors and featuring numerous top independent films. More than 150 feature and short films are screened from local, regional, national, and international talent. In addition to showings, the festival also includes roundtables, filmmaker labs, gala parties, and VIP receptions.
Tallgrass Film Festival will be held at various locations in downtown Wichita. Admission prices range from $7 to $250.
4. Wichita Asian Festival
The Wichita Asian Festival is on October 26 at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center. The event is presented by the Wichita Asian Association and provides an immersive experience into 15 different Asian cultures with live performances, crafts, and more. Cheer on contestants in the Miss Wichita Asian Festival Pageant and stroll the aisles to see handcrafted artisan items and traditional Asian clothing. Henna tattoos are offered from artists and kids can play around in the kids zone. Bring your appetite because local Asian food trucks, restaurants, and cultural organizations will be serving up delicious authentic cuisine.
Wichita Asian Festival will be held at 225 West Douglas Avenue from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Admission is free to the public.
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