KMUW Community Calendar

Derby Arts Council: Veteran Art Show at the Derby Public Library

The exhibit is set to run Aug. 31 through Oct. 22 and will collect works from veteran artists across all mediums (fiber arts, photography, painting, metalwork, etc.) to be shown in the Gathering Space Gallery and display case at the library entrance.

As part of the exhibit, there will be awards up for grabs, with Aug. 4 the deadline to submit entries. There will also be a public reception — and awards presentation — for the exhibit on Sept. 18.

Museum of World Treasures in Wichita will host “The Dockum Drugstore Sit-In,” a presentation and discussion by Prisca Barnes on Thursday, September 17 at 9:00 AM. This event will take place in person at Museum of World Treasures, located at 835 E. 1st Street, Wichita, Kansas. Community members are invited to attend this free presentation, and no prior registration is required. Contact the Museum at 316-263-1311 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.

Seeking racial equity and an end to segregation, Wichita’s Black students organized and staged a sit-in in 1958 at Wichita’s Dockum Drugstore. Long denied entry into the city’s movie theaters and restaurants, students exercised their right to peacefully protest over a three-week period at the popular lunch counter. What transpired, how it ended, and the lasting impact it had on race relations in the city is the focus of this talk. More broadly, the talk will explore how these types of protests transformed the struggle for racial equity in America. 

Prisca Barnes is the founder of Storytime Village, Inc., a nonprofit organization in Wichita that promotes reading among low-income children and families. She is a passionate advocate for equity in education and literacy.

“The Dockum Sit-in was one of the first student-led lunch counter protests of the Civil Rights era and it happened here in Kansas,” said Barnes. “It important to revisit its circumstances.”

“The Dockum Drugstore Sit-In” is part of Humanities Kansas's Speakers Bureau and “21st Century Civics,” a collection of resources that invite Kansans to participate in community discussions and learn more about the history of American democracy and the shared responsibilities of citizenship. “21st Century Civics” is made possible with support from “A More Perfect Union: America at 250,” an initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The annual Walnut Valley Festival, now over 50 years old, is known for several unique qualities

Four stages (Stages I, II, III, IV), with sets from over 25 performers, providing 150+ hours of music over 4 days, with nationally and internationally recognized performers.

A contest stage, where you can watch contestants vie for national and international championships in 8 instrument contests.

Large campground just a 5-minute walk from interior stages, with plenty of campground jamming.

A juried arts and crafts fair, with all handmade items, as well as representation from some of the biggest instrument makers and music shops

Activities for the whole family, including Feisty’s Music Camp for Kids, Andy May’s Acoustic Kids™, Kids Crafts, and others.

Let your creativity bloom with flowers made of felt! For ages 12-17.

July 16, Madison Avenue Central Park, 512 E. Madison Ave. – Derby Market only
August 20, Madison Avenue Central Park, 512 E. Madison Ave.
September 17, Madison Avenue Central Park, 512 E. Madison Ave.

New in 2026 is the Derby Market at Third Thursday. The Derby Market will focus on vendors selling local produce, meat and dairy, baked goods, honey, salsa, homemade spices/mixes/sauces, etc., and homemade artisan crafts.

Third Thursday will include food, drinks, entertainment and live music, artists, booths, kid’s activities, and more.

The stand-alone Market will also include First Man Brewery, Shawarmas UR's and Taters N Toppings.

Check out the Third Thursday: Derby, KS Facebook page or Derbyks.gov/thirdthursday for more information. Interested vendors should contact Andrea Walters at 788-1519 ext. 1248 or via email, or fill out a vendor application form.

Join our growing community of writers to learn more about the craft of writing and receive feedback on your own Works-in-Progress. Call (316) 261-8500 or visit wichitalibrary.org/events to register.

Drop in for casual chess at the library! All skill levels welcome. Boards will be provided just bring your curiosity and enjoy a relaxed, friendly gaming space.

Center City Academy proudly presents:

UNCORKED

Opening Possibilities for Little Learners

An unforgettable evening in support of early childhood education!

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Join us at Grace Hill Winery as we celebrate the power of early childhood education. Enjoy exceptional wine and food pairings, great company, interactive experiences, and inspiring stories—all while helping open possibilities for Wichita's youngest learners.

Raise a glass with us to community, opportunity, and a brighter future for local children!

We are a group of individuals practicing cultivation of the mind. All ages and people are welcome. Each week we have a thirty minute guided meditation followed by discussion. Our topics include meditation practice and living a life of compassion and contemplation. You do not need to have any experience to join and you will be welcomed by a very loving group of individuals. This is not a religious gathering. Please join us if you could use an hour of deep relaxation!

Frank Lloyd Wright's Allen House presents Trivia on the Terrace! Join us for a night of fun and friendly competition out on the garden terrace as we quiz you on all things FLW, architecture, Wichita and MORE!

Play in teams of up to four people and win prizes throughout the evening. Just $10 per person; Allen House Members go free (please show your membership card on arrival)! Bring your own snacks and drinks/alcohol. This event is 21+.

Reserve your tickets to ensure your spot on the terrace as seating is limited. Trivia will start promptly at 6:30 p.m.!

COME FROM AWAY is the Tony Award–winning musical that has moved audiences around the world with its powerful true story of compassion in the wake of September 11, 2001.
Winner of four Tony Awards, including Best Direction of a Musical, as well as the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, COME FROM AWAY tells the remarkable story of 7,000 stranded airline passengers and the small town of Gander, Newfoundland that welcomed them with open arms.
As we mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, this deeply human, uplifting production reminds us of the resilience, generosity, and unity that emerged from one of the most challenging moments in modern history. Filled with soaring music and heartfelt storytelling, COME FROM AWAY is a moving celebration of hope when we need it most.

Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg | Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer | Original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel
Rated PG. Running time approximately [3 hours including intermission].
The epic story that changes how you see the world. Prepare to be swept away by one of the most powerful musicals ever written. Les Misérables is an emotional journey through love, sacrifice, redemption, and the unbreakable human spirit. Les Mis is the show that reminds us why we need art, why we need each other, and why hope can never truly die. “Do you hear the people sing?” – and will you join them?

ASL provided, Saturday, September 12th @ 2:00pm.

The WSU School of Performing Arts presents Dinnertime: A Play in Seven Courses. Winner of the 2026 Bela Kiralyfalvi National Student Playwriting Competition.
Written by Anna Halza and directed by Jane Gabbert

WSU's Welsbacher Theatre
September 17-19 at 7:30 p.m.
$17 general admission tickets
1 free student ticket with WSU ID

The annual Walnut Valley Festival, now over 50 years old, is known for several unique qualities

Four stages (Stages I, II, III, IV), with sets from over 25 performers, providing 150+ hours of music over 4 days, with nationally and internationally recognized performers.

A contest stage, where you can watch contestants vie for national and international championships in 8 instrument contests.

Large campground just a 5-minute walk from interior stages, with plenty of campground jamming.

A juried arts and crafts fair, with all handmade items, as well as representation from some of the biggest instrument makers and music shops

Activities for the whole family, including Feisty’s Music Camp for Kids, Andy May’s Acoustic Kids™, Kids Crafts, and others.