Wichita State University
Sophie Fisher
Sophie is the Digital Marketing Intern in the Office of Admissions as well as a student majoring in integrated marketing communication. She loves being involved in the Panhellenic Council and her sorority, Alpha Phi. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking and spending time with her cat, Olive.
Wichita State cheerleaders, "Windy" the Wichita Wind Surge mascot, and WuShock pose
for a photo at Wichita State baseball's annual game at Riverfront Stadium in downtown
Wichita.Matt Crow/Undergraduate Admissions
With the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time to get outside and explore Wichita. From local businesses to nature walks, here are 10 ways to enjoy the season.
1. Stroll Along Wichita State’s Campus Tulips
Tulips on Wichita State University's campus have been a yearly tradition since the 1970s. The tulips are typically in bloom from April to May, giving students, staff and Wichita citizens the opportunity to come take in the beauty of the freshly bloomed flowers. Tulip bulbs can also be taken home after WSU staff pulls them up - a popular thing to do amongst faculty, staff and community members.
Matt Crow/Undergraduate Admissions
2. Stroll Through the Farmers Market
The farmers market takes place in the Old Town Farm and Art Market and at 21st and Ridge. The farmers market begins in April and occurs every Saturday until the weather gets too cold. There are many local farmers, bakers and other businesses to browse and support throughout the market.
3. Wichita’s First Friday Art Crawls
On the first Friday of every month, this event is used to display local artists' work, there are often local live bands or artist demonstrations at the galleries as well. The event takes place across several different galleries every month.
4. Attend the Botanica Tulip Festival
Every year Botanica puts on its Tulip Festival, featuring over 70,000 tulips. There are also several photo opportunities, local food vendors, Four Points Petting Zoo, face painting and tulip tours.
5. Art at the Arb at Bartlett Arboretum
Bartlett Arboretum hosts a weekend-long event, “Art at the Arb.” This event features local artists and musicians, tulips and local food. The weekend ends with the annual Belle Plaine Downtown Festival.
6. Attend Open Streets ICT
Open Streets ICT is dedicated to community building and wellness. They shut down a busy Wichita street and people run, bike, walk, dance, do yoga and more. They strive to build their community through these events and encourage people to get out and be active. Open Streets ICT hosts an annual event in the WSU & Shocker Neighborhood along 17th Street.
7. Nature Walks at Great Plains Nature Center
With 282 acres and 2.5 miles of trails, Great Plains Nature Center is the perfect place to get in your daily exercise with some amazing views. There are hundreds of species to see on your visit, as well as 125 species of wildflowers.
8. Enjoy Patio Dining at Local Restaurants
There is no better way to appreciate local business and beautiful weather than by dining on the patio. There are several restaurants throughout Wichita with amazing outside dining. Some places on campus include Social Tap and the businesses at Braeburn Square this spring.
9. Catch a Wichita State or Wind Surge Baseball Game
Baseball season at Wichita State University takes place during throughout the spring semester, beginning in late February and until late May. Not enough baseball for you? No worries, the Wichita Wind Surge baseball season hosts its first home game in April and will continue until mid September.
10. Tee Off at Top Golf in East Wichita
Top Golf opened their first ever Wichita location in 2023 and it has been a hit. Top Golf is the perfect place to attend with a large or small group. There are several food and drink options for guests, as well as the opportunity to brush up on golf skills.
However you spend your Spring, make sure to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather and community that Wichita has to offer.