State Fair, Zoobilee, Trace Adkins and More This Weekend

Botanica's Zen invites guests to mingle with friends while they enjoy an evening in the fall gardens. With live entertainment, performances, signature cocktails, gourmet food and an open bar, there will be plenty to do, eat and drink! The event will be held in the Chinese Garden of Friendship, allowing for a fun an cultural experience. Catch the St. Anthony Lion and Dragon dancers as they perform, and don't miss Annie Up's performance, either. All proceeds for this event will go to Botanica.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $110 and $110 for members. 

As a tribute to Belovved film star Gene Wilder, who recently passed away, the Orhpeum will host a screening of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The film stars Wilder as Willy Wonka himself. 

This is one of Wilder's most popular films. The actor was also known for his appearances in films like Young Frankenstein, The Producers, and Blazing Saddles.  

The screening of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory will begin at 7 p.m. on September 9, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. The screening is free and open to the public, so don't miss out! 

Country music icon, Trace Adkins, will perform at the Kansas Star Casino on Friday, September 9.

Adkins is a Grammy-nominated artist, known for hits such as You’re Gonna Miss This and Ladies Love Country Boys. Now, he brings those hits and more right here to the Kansas Star Arena. 

The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and ticket prices start at $20. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

The 2016 Kansas State Fair begins on Friday, September 9. This year, the fair is jam-packed with concerts, events, contests and more. On Friday night, the Fair opens with headliner Andy Grammer and special guest Rachel Platten. 

Grammer is known for hits like “Fine By Me,” “Keep Your Head Up” and “Honey, I’m Good.” Platten is known for her hit songs “Fight Song”, “Stand By You” and "Better Place".

The show begins at 7:30 p.m., and ticket prices range from $35-$75. 

On Saturday night, Gabriel Iglesias takes the stage, and on Sunday, Justin Moore performs with Clare Dunn! 

The State Fair will Run September 9-18. 

On Saturday, September 10, the Alzheimer's Association hosts the Walk to End Alzheimer's at Lawrence Dumont Stadium. The event will run from 8:30 a.m. until noon, and features a two-mile walking course.

Registration is required for participation. No fees are associated with registration, but donations are suggested. Registration can be completed online. Participants achieving a fundraising minimum of $125 will receive a free t-shirt.

Registered participants will receive a Promise Garden flower, and different colors signify different connections to the disease. Blue represents someone with Alzheimer's or dementia. Purple is for someone who has lost a loved one to the disease. Yellow represents someone who is currently supporting or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Orange is for everyone who supports the cause and vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.

Register Now!

Cowtown's The Roaring 20's allows guests to celebrate the American culture of nearly a century ago. Known for its art deco style, speakeasies and jazz music, the 1920's made large strides in terms of cultural growth, and that's something to celebrate! 

From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on September 10, head to Old Cowtown Museum to visit speakeasies as they are visited by a few of the 192's notable gangsters, listen to live jazz music and more. Enjoy a game of badminton or croquet, and watch a few of the first Model Ts cruise down the street! This event is included with regular museum admission. 

Wichita's wildest fundraiser is back! Zoobilee returns this year, bringing with it a great line-up of events and entertainment.

From 6 p.m. until midnight, enjoy gourmet food from Wichita's favorite restaurants, live music, entertainment and more! You can also participate in a one-of-a-kind silent auction with awesome prizes. For example, you'll be able to bid on an honorary adoption of a furry friend at the zoo! Several bands will provide live music, so be ready to dance!

Zoobilee will be held at the Sedgwick County Zoo, and tickets are priced at $150. A valid driver's license is required for entrance as alcoholic beverages will be served.

Central Standard Brewing will host Books and Brews this Sunday, September 11.

This time, the focus is on Salman Rushdie's novel, Midnight Children. Beginning at 2 p.m., the event will be held at CSB. Come on out for a cold drink and a great read!

From 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., The Down Syndrome Society of Wichita hosts a lip sync battle! Head to Barleycorns to get in on the fun! With a cash bar available, and a special performance by Rudy Love Jr., it's sure to be a great time.

The event will raise awareness and funds for community members with Down Syndrome. The event is for ages 18 and older. The lip sync battle will have a $5 contribution per person. Come as part of a team for a total team registration of $25!

Awards will be given, so come dressed are ready to perform til your heart's content! Learn more here.