What to do in Wichita over Labor Day: Last chance for city pools; Orpheum celebrates 100

As Wichita inches toward fall, it’s bidding farewell to the public swimming pools but will be able to take in First Friday art shows, concerts and a 100th birthday party for The Orpheum Theatre.

Here’s a list of some of the fun things happening around Wichita this weekend:

Swimming season’s finale

Closing times throughout September

As the fall season approaches, several Wichita pools and splash pads are closing for the year — and one will invite dogs to take a dip before it closes. The McAfee pool’s last day is Saturday, and the last day for Aley, College Hill will be Sunday. (Harvest, Minisa and Orchard pools are already closed.) The College Hill pool will continue its tradition of its “Dog Days of Summer’‘ event, which happens on Monday, when dogs will be allowed in the pool and will be able to participate in contests. It starts at 5:30 p.m., and attendees are asked to donate $10 a dog for the Kansas Humane Society. As for Splash Pads, the only ones still open are the Boston, Buffalo, Edgemoor, Evergreen, Linwood and Riverside splash pads. They will be open through Sept. 30. For more information, visit www.wichita.gov/ParkandRec/Aquatics

Happy 100th, Orpheum Theatre

6-9 p.m. Friday, The Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway

The Orpheum Theatre is launching the celebration of its 100th anniversary with a First Friday mural reveal party. The artist behind the new mural, which will be on the First Street side of the historic theatre, will be introduced, and the top three artists from the theater’s mural design project will have art on display inside the theater. The evening will also include a 7:10 p.m. sneak peak of the Orpheum’s 100th Anniversary video, and The Studio Singers will perform at 7:20 p.m. Complimentary popcorn will be served throughout the evening, and special anniversary cupcakes will be available while they last. Bars and concessions will be open as well. The open house will continue until 9 p.m. Admission is free.

Brantley Gilbert at the casino

7:30 p.m. Friday, Kansas Star Casino, 777 Kansas Star Drive, Mulvane

Multi-platinum country-rock artist Brantley Gilbert will be at Mulvane’s Kansas Star Casino this weekend for a 7:30 p.m. concert, where he’ll no doubt perform hits like “Country Must Be Country Wide,” “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do,” and “One Hell of an Amen.” Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the Kansas Star Arena. Tickets are $45-$70 at ticketmaster.com. All ages are welcome.

First Friday opening: Hannah Lee Scott

6-8 p.m. reception, Harvester Arts, 215 N. Washington

Among the many First Friday shows happening around Wichita this weekend will be one called Close Encounters by Hannah Lee Scott, a local artist, freelance illustrator, muralist and co-owner of Vortex Souvenir. The show, on display at Harvester Arts, will have an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the gallery. The show will be up through Sept. 30.

Water Lantern Festival

5-9 p.m. Saturday, OJ Watson Park 3022 S. McLean Blvd.

The Wichita Water Lantern Festival is back and will allow attendees to create their own unique light-up lanterns that they can launch into the water at OJ Watson Park. The event, set for 5-9 p.m. Saturday, will also include several local food trucks, live music, local vendors, corn hole and more. Guests should bring their own camping chairs. Tickets include a wristband for entry with access to food trucks, a floating lantern kit, an LED candle, a commemorative drawstring bag and a marker. See the various ticket prices and purchase them at waterlanternfestival.com

Modest Mouse concert

8 p.m. Tuesday, The Cotillion, 11120 W. Kellogg

Rock band Modest Mouse is set to perform in Wichita on Tuesday. The band’s most popular songs include “Float On,” “Dashboard,” “Dramamine” and more. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the concert will start at 8 p.m. on Tuesday. The opening act will be The Cribs. Tickets range from $42.50 to $157.50 and can be purchased at thecotillion.com

Concerts announced this week

Wichita’s many music venues have been busy booking shows lately. Here’s a look at the most recent additions made to Wichita’s concert calendar:

Hey Radio, Sept. 10, TempleLive, tickets on sale at ticketmaster.com

NLE Choppa, Oct. 14, Wave, tickets on sale at 11 a.m. Friday at waveict.com

The Selena Experience, Nov. 19, Orpheum Theatre, tickets on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at selectaseat.com

Noise Pollution: The AC/DC Experience, Feb 24, The Cotillion, tickets on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at thecotillion.com

Kane Brown, April 13, Intrust Bank Arena, tickets on sale at 10 a.m. Sept. 9 at selectaseat.com