Wichita Festivals, Inc. — Local services in Wichita

Never been to River Festival so decided to try it out this year...I would say I was disappointed in every aspect. First the $15 I feel like wasn't worth it, on top of all the overpriced concessions that you have to buy tickets to turn in to the food vendors. Then the cowboy stock tank races weren't even metal stock tanks. And the race distance was too long for the contestants. I wish they would've had everyone race at once around the bridge peirs. Then the paddleboats didn't have the vouchers there when they were suppose to start. So we waited, and waited and when almost an hour came we left. And what do you know once we walked to the other side of the river they magically got them. There were no hot air balloons like the schedule said. And there's more things listed on the schedule if you have the app vs what their website says. They drag this event out over too many days which makes what they have for 1 day not worth it. (We dont live in Wichita so the 1 hr drive to come back other days isn't worth it) The river tour ride says it goes till eight but they stop letting people in line like 45 minutes before, so we didn't even get to do that. You have to empty your water bottle before going it the gates. Needless to say, I will never come back...

I have been a long-time Riverfestival enthusiast and participant since the 70s. I was encouraged last year, post-pandemic. They at least had brought in some music from the generations who made Riverfest a thing to begin with. This year's lineup doesn't include an oldies concert or rock band from the generations that started it all. Concerts from the past featured names like REO, Kansas, Little Big Town, Eddie Money, and even last year, Willie Nelson and The Family Stone! What happened to the local music bands? No hot air ballons, no ice cream social? Eli Young is scheduled on Tuesday night at 5:30. People are barely off work by that time of day, if at all. Buttons are pricy, and the planned events lack anything enticing enough to motivate one to spend the money or energy to go down there. It's super disappointing. Here's hoping for something...

I attended for Riverfest for the first time. I initially thought that you had to buy a button everyday that you attended. The carnival costs $3 each time it you don't have the button. Even though I ended up only wanting to go to the carnival I would still choose to buy a button next time. Definitely would not want to spend $3 each night. And the ferris wheel is within one of the Riverfest areas. Tried the food...it's pretty standard fare. And the have Cajun night...and assortment costs $10 (dinner and a type of dessert). Definitely worth it. Something to do. I also made it to...