What to do in Wichita this weekend: Tomato fest, Arkansas River float, ‘Wizard of Oz’

Wichita can say goodbye to July with several outdoor activities this weekend, from a Tomato Fest to a big float on the Arkansas River.

For those who prefer to stay indoors, the calendar offers concerts, plays and more.

Here’s a look at some of the fun things to do in Wichita this weekend and into next week.

Tomato Fest

7 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sedgwick County Extension Center, 7001 W. 21st St.

The annual Tomato Fest returns this weekend to the Kansas Grown Farmers market and will include tomato recipes and samplings, food trucks featuring fried green tomato dishes, and a contest where tomatoes are judged in several different categories, from largest tomato to ugliest tomato. (People can drop entries off on the northwest side of the market starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday.) The day also will include fun activities like cornhole, face painting and live music. Tomato Fest is from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Admission is free.

Float on the Arkansas

1:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Old Cowtown Museum, 1865 W. Museum Blvd.

Wichita Clean Streams’ Saturday event The Big Float will give Wichitans the opportunity to float down the Arkansas River then enjoy food, live music and more. Participants will check in at the Wichita Clean Streams tent east of Old Cowtown, 1865 W. Museum Blvd., and can either rent a tube and life jacket or bring their own. They’ll then float down the river through downtown Wichita. The take-out point will be at the WSU River Vista Boathouse Dock, where there will be a beach party with live music, drinks, food carts, kid’s activities and more. A free shuttle will be available to take participants back to the put-in location. Floaters can start between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Online registration is available through Friday at wichitacleanstreams.com or onsite on Saturday. Registration and rentals are $25, and registration only is $15. Participants must be 18 or older, though ages 16 and up can float with a legal guardian.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ musical

Friday through Sunday, Century II Concert Hall, 225 W. Douglas Ave

Music Theatre Wichita’s production of the musical “The Wizard of Oz” continues through Sunday at the Century II Concert Hall and will include special effects, singing, dancing and more. Remaining performances are at 8 p.m. on Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 2 and 7 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets range from $25 to $77 and can be purchased at mtwichita.org.

30 plays, 60 minutes

8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jabara Black Box Theatre, Newman University, 3100 W. McCormick Ave.

The Pantomime and Nontraditional Theatre Society, an experimental theatre troupe better known as Pants Co., will perform “30 Plays in 60 Minutes” this weekend at Newman University. All 30 plays were written by and will be directed and performed by Pants Co. members. Shows are at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at Newman University’s Jabara Black Box Theatre inside DeMattias Hall. Tickets are $10 and are available for purchase at the door.

Kiddie pool party

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Wave, 650 E. Second St.

Wave is bringing back its Bring Your Own Pool Party on Sunday, which will feature a sea of kiddie pools (the venue will have many already available), all kinds of adult beverages and music provided by DJ Carbon. Doors for the party will open at 11 a.m, and the music will start at noon. The party will last until 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at waveict.com. All guests must be 21 years or older.

Wichita Bridal Expo

Saturday-Sunday, Century II Exhibition Hall, 225 W. Douglas

The Century II Bridal Expo returns this weekend and will allow attendees to gather information from more than 150 different vendors. The expo is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Century II Exhibition Hall. A single day pass is $10, and a two-day pass is $13. Children 11 and under get in free. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at selectaseat/bridal.com.

Lauren Alaina in concert

8 p.m. Thursday, TempleLive, 332 E. First St.

Singer and songwriter Lauren Alaina, the “American Idol” runner up and “Dancing with the Stars” contestant best known for songs like “Road Less Traveled” and “One Beer,” will be in Wichita on Thursday for a show at TempleLive. General admission floor tickets are $20, and balcony seat tickets are $49. Tickets can be purchased at wichita.templelive.com.

Concerts announced this week

Wichita’s many music venues were busy booking shows this week. Here’s a look at the additions made to Wichita’s concert calendar:

Cane Hill, Aug 30, Temple Live, tickets on sale at ticketmaster.com

Josh Meloy, Sept. 16, Wave, tickets on sale at waveict.com

Get The Led Out, Oct. 7, Stiefel Theatre, Salina, tickets on sale at noon Friday at www.stiefeltheatre.org

Lyle Lovett & John Hiatt, Oct. 9, Orpheum Theatre, tickets on sale at noon Friday at selectaseat.com

Dead Boys, Oct. 11, Wave, tickets on sale at waveict.com

Clint Black featuring Lisa Hartman Black, Dec. 3, Orpheum Theatre, tickets on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at selectaseat.com

Mannheim Steamroller, Dec. 9, Hartman Arena, tickets on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at ticketmaster.com