Downtown Wichita is set to buzz with energy this autumn, drawing locals and visitors to a vibrant slate of events that celebrate the city’s diversity and spirit.

 

Open Streets ICT will headline the season on Sunday, September 28, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m., as Douglas Avenue transforms into a lively, car-free zone stretching from Grove to Seneca.

 

Families can stroll, bike, or skate past live music, dance performances, and hands-on activities that encourage healthy living and fresh ways to explore Wichita.

 

Other fall favorites return as well, including the Heritage Square Concert Series, offering free lunchtime music each Wednesday, and the Wichita Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff on September 27, where local teams serve up creative chili for a good cause.

 

Cultural flair shines at the Wichita Asian Festival and the medieval-themed Great Plains Renaissance Festival, both on September 27-28, bringing unique flavors, performances, and community pride to the heart of the city.

Wichita is moving forward with its newly approved 2024-2028 Community Development Plan, targeting urban revitalization and stronger housing support.

 

Guided by the Community Investments division and backed by major HUD funding streams, the city will channel resources into the Community Development Block Grant, HOME, and Emergency Solutions Grant programs.

 

These efforts prioritize residents who meet specific income guidelines, ensuring assistance reaches those most in need.

 

The City Council's commitment is evident with a $5 million boost to the Affordable Housing Fund, providing up to $40,000 per house for developers working on affordable homes—especially former public housing units in Northeast and Southwest Wichita.

 

Additionally, $1.3 million in COVID relief has been allocated, and organizations like Wichita Habitat for Humanity are actively rehabbing dozens of single-family homes in key neighborhoods.

 

Urban transformation continues downtown as the city partners with renowned firm Sasaki to develop a new 10-year action plan, with public input commencing early 2025.