In case you’ve been living under a rock, you probably have already heard that the Kansas State Fair is beginning this weekend and running until next weekend. The fair is one of Kansas’ biggest annual events. Where else can you indulge yourself with foods like alligator on a stick, fried Kool-Aid, tornado potatoes, chocolate drizzled popcorn, or Krispy Kreme burgers?
If you can’t make it out to the fair, there are plenty of other events taking place that will be equally as entertaining. See a custom car show, spend the weekend eating BBQ, or watch the hit Broadway musical ‘The Lion King.’
Read on for more information on Toto’s top 5 weekend picks. Make sure to also check out other Kansas events on FetchToto’s Events Calendar: http://events.fetchtoto.com/
1) Kansas State Fair- Musical Performances
Time: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Date: September 7 – September 16
Where: Kansas State Fairgrounds, 2000 N. Poplar St., Hutchinson
Cost: $6.00 for Adults, $4.00 for Seniors (60 years & over), $3 for Children (ages 6 – 12), Children 5 & under are FREE
Info: http://www.kansasstatefair.com
Why you should go: Kansas State Fair will be taking over Hutchinson all week long with musical performances, exciting rides, fattening fried foods, contests and prizes, cute furry animals and much more. The first weekend of the fair will include performances from two known names in the music industry.
Victoria Justice will perform on Friday, September 7 at 7:30 p.m. Victoria Justice may be best known from her role on the Nickelodeon series, Victorious. Ticket prices range from $30 to $40.
American rock band, Boston, will perform on Saturday, September 8. The band rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s with hit-songs, “More Than A Feeling”, “Amanda”, and “Peace Of Mind.” The band has gone on to sell over 31 million albums in the U.S. Ticket prices for the concert range from $35 to $45.
For more information on this event: CLICK HERE.
PHOTOS: Views from the Kansas State Fair 2011
PHOTOS: State Fair Animals 2011
PHOTOS: Childrens Rides
PHOTOS: Things You Don't See Everday - State Fair
PHOTOS: Fried Food State Fair
2) Lion King – Theater League Broadway
Dates: September 7 - 30
Performance Times: Tuesday - Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2:00pm & 8:00pm, Sunday at 1:00pm & 6:30pm
Where: Century II Concert Hall, 225 W. Douglas Ave., Wichita
Cost: Evenings $40 - $77 (Tues. – Thurs. & Sun.), $45 - $ 83 Fri., Sat. & Sun. Afternoon
Info: http://www.wichitatix.com/
Why you should go: One of this year’s most eagerly awaited shows will finally be making its way to Wichita this Saturday! The Tony Award-winning Broadway sensation, The Lion King, will bring its stunning stage production to Century II’s Concert Hall.
The show includes a cast of more than 40 actors who make the African Savannah come to life with all of your favorite Lion King characters. The visually stunning aspect of the show will be accompanied with pulsating African Prideland rhythms and original film soundtracks like Elton John’s “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight.”
The show can be seen September 7 through September 20, 2012. Ticket prices range from $40 to $83 and can be purchased on WichitaTix.com.
3) Starliner Custom Car Show
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Date: Saturday, September 8
Where: Kansas Aviation Museum, 3350 George Washington Blvd., Wichita
Cost: $8.00 for Adults, $7.00 for Seniors, $6.00 for ages 4 – 12, Children 3 & under are FREE
Info: http://www.kansasaviationmuseum.org/events.php
Why you should go: Another car show will be making an appearance in Wichita this weekend. But this time – the car show will be displayed under the wings of a KC-135, B-52 and other historically significant aircraft.
The Kansas Aviation Museum will be hosting the Stray Kat Kustoms custom car show for the third year in a row. The fun-filled car show will feature over 200 custom cars on the outside grounds of the Kansas Aviation Museum. The family-friendly event will also include vendors, great food and rockin’ music.
All proceeds from the Starliner Custom Car Show will benefit the Kansas Aviation Museum.
Kansas Aviation Museum PHOTOS: http://www.fetchtoto.com/photos/toto-photos-kansas-aviation-museum-20120308,0,6147898.photogallery
4) Say What?! Improv
Time: 8:00 PM
Date: Saturday, September 8
Where: Old Cowtown Museum, 1865 W. Museum Blvd., Wichita
Cost: $7
Info: http://www.oldcowtown.org/
Why you should go: In the mood for some laughter? Say What?! Improv is an improvisational comedy troupe that has been bringing comedy to Wichita for the past 11 years. The group’s 8 cast members bring together a high-energy comedy show that will include lots of audience participation and uncontrollable laughter.
The show is intended for a mature audience of 16 years of age or older. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to the show (7:30 PM) and includes a cash bar.
5) National Bar-B-Que Derby
Dates: Friday, September 7 – Saturday, September 8
Time: Fri. 5:00 – 10:00 PM, Sat. 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Where: High Park, 2700 E. Madison, Derby
Cost: FREE (unless competiting in an event)
Info: http://www.derbyweb.com/pdfs/bbq-event-schedule.pdf
Why you should go: This one’s for all you barbeque lovers out there! On Friday and Saturday, the 2nd Annual National Bar-B-Que Derby will take place in Derby’s High Park and will include BBQ vendors from across the region, a beer garden, sandwich press, homemade ice cream and frozen lemonade.
This community-wide event will include BBQ competitions, car show, spelling bee, free children’s activities, helicopter rides, apple and cherry pie contests, 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run, and music from local band favorites: Annie Up, Good ‘n Greasy and Diamond W Wranglers.
Make sure to bring $5 so that you can try 5 different BBQ samples and vote for your favorite.
For more information on this event, CLICK HERE.
