Wichita's Final Friday

Final Friday takes place on the last Friday of every month.  On this evening, local restaurants, retail shops, art galleries and museums stay open later than usual and gladly welcome visitors. The event takes place downtown, in the artistic and cultural center of Wichita. Final Friday places a large emphasis on the integral role that art plays in Wichita as a community, and many local galleries use Final Friday as a time to debut new collections or as a closing reception for travelling exhibits. In addition to the galleries that participate in the event, many other local businesses contribute to the artistic theme of Final Friday by highlighting a different featured artist, artist demonstration, or live musical performance each month.

During Final Friday, hours vary by location, but guests will find that most participating galleries, restaurants and shops are open between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. All venues participating in Final Friday festivities are free and open to the public, so you can enjoy an evening out at no cost. Many locations will feature one-of-a-king, handmade artworks that are available for purchase, however, so plan accordingly.

Final Friday draws businesses from all over the county right into the heart of Wichita’s downtown. With nearly 30 participants, Final Friday has something to offer everyone. A full list of participating venues can be found here, and a reference map is available for download here.

While you’re at Final Friday, don’t miss the Sculpture Walkabout. This event, which was initiated by Mayor Carl Brewer, provides yet another way to appreciate the work of local artists. The pieces featured on the walkabout are selected from a juried art competition and each one is available for purchase. The sculptures are located in Oldtown on North Mosely and Mead, between Second and Douglas, and on the Intrust Bank Arena Plaza.

The event also offers free trolley transportation on the Q-Line, allowing patrons to park once and visit multiple galleries.