Wichita Festivals, Inc.

What Wichita Festivals, Inc. does

Wichita Festivals, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in 1971 in Wichita, Kansas, that produces large-scale community festival events. Its flagship property, Wichita Riverfest, is a 9-day annual festival (54th edition in 2026) held along the Arkansas River in downtown Wichita and recognized as Kansas' largest community event, ranked in the top 50 of Pollstar's Top 100 Outdoor Festival Sites worldwide and named one of the 100 Best Festival Destinations in the United States. The organization also produces Autumn & Art (an annual fine arts show) and the Bob Struble Golf Classic (a memorial tournament with proceeds benefiting Victory in the Valley), supported by an 8-person full-time staff and an 18-member board of directors.

The organization's revenue model is diversified across admission button sales ($15 early-bird / $20 regular adult; $10 child), corporate sponsorships spanning more than 100 named sponsors across tiers from $1,000+ to $50,000+ (anchored by Capitol Federal and Fidelity Bank at the top tier), food court and merchandise sales, in-kind donations, and a tiered Festival Crew individual donor program ($100–$2,500+). Festival buttons are distributed through QuikTrip retail locations across Wichita and select regional markets, an online shop, in-office sales, and on-site festival gate kiosks. WFI explicitly states it receives no tax-supported revenue from any government entity, and 2019 total production cost was just over $2 million while the festival generates an estimated $25–$30 million in annual regional economic impact.

The go-to-market motion is event-driven and community-anchored: the festival itself functions as the primary customer acquisition channel, drawing attendees through diverse programming including national-touring concerts (The Jacksons, El Fantasma, Jake Owen, Gym Class Heroes for 2026), competitive athletic events (the 50th annual Fidelity Bank River Run), youth programming (Prairie Schooner Mates ambassador program), the 52nd Admiral Windwagon Smith tradition, and family-oriented activities. Marketing is conducted through a multi-channel mix spanning Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, email newsletter, a tri-lingual website (English, Spanish, Vietnamese), a mobile application, and a network of more than 20 media partners. The organization is co-founder and member of the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA).

Name

Wichita Festivals, Inc.

Legal name

Wichita Festivals, Inc.

Website

https://wichitariverfest.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Wichita Festivals, Inc. is a Wichita-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that produces Wichita Riverfest (Kansas' largest 9-day community festival, 54th year in 2026), Autumn & Art, and the Bob Struble Golf Classic, funded through button sales, corporate sponsorships, and donations, and serving Wichita-area residents, families, athletes, and visitors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Festival and Event Production

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (711310), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Arts & Culture Community Festivals (Multidisciplinary Arts Weeks) (MPAGAEAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cultural Festivals & Events Organizations (BPAGAHAG), Concerts & Music Festivals (THAJAFAA), Community Sports & Recreation Festivals (Fun Runs, Local Games Days) (MPAGAEAN)

Keywords

• Community festival events
• Outdoor festival production
• Nonprofit event management
• Corporate event sponsorship
• Community celebration programming

Headquarters

HQ city

Wichita

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Button (Admission) Sales: The primary revenue stream for Riverfest and other WFI events. Festival buttons serve as admission tickets, valid for all 9 days of the festival and all concerts. Buttons are sold at QuikTrip retail locations, online, in-office, and at festival gate entrances. Early bird adult buttons $15 (ages 13+), regular adult buttons $20. No specific revenue figure is publicly disclosed.
2. Food and Merchandise Sales: Earned income from food court and merchandise sales at Riverfest events, with the festival operating a cashless food court accepting credit/debit cards, plus merchandise tent and Festival Crew donation program. Revenue is realized at point of sale during festival periods. No specific revenue figure is publicly disclosed.
3. Corporate Sponsorships and In-Kind Donations: Corporate sponsors and partners provide cash and in-kind support specifically designated for underwriting festival events. Sponsorships range from $50,000+ tier (Capitol Federal, Fidelity Bank) down to $1,000+ tier, with in-kind donors also contributing. WFI explicitly states it receives no direct tax-supported revenue from any government entity.
4. Festival Crew Donor Program: A donor program offering tiered benefits: $100+ (two complimentary buttons, name on website and festival screens), $500+ (above plus 2025 poster), $1,000+ (above plus two VIP parade seats), $1,500+ (above plus two VIP Opening Night Party tickets), $2,500+ (above plus Autumn & Art VIP tickets, reserved parking, $50 food court gift card, BBQ tasting kits). Individual donor names are publicly listed.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Wichita Festivals, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that produces and operates large-scale community festival events in Wichita, Kansas. Its core offering is the 9-day Wichita Riverfest — Kansas' largest community event — featuring concerts, water activities, children's programming, participatory sports, arts, cultural experiences, and festival food. The organization also produces Autumn & Art, an outdoor fine arts show, the Fidelity Bank River Run (annual road race series), and the Bob Struble Golf Classic.

Product overview

Wichita Festivals, Inc. operates as a not-for-profit event organization producing three primary products: Wichita Riverfest (Kansas' largest 9-day outdoor festival featuring concerts, water activities, children's events, sports contests, and food), Autumn & Art (annual fine arts show and sale), and the Bob Struble Golf Classic (annual memorial golf tournament). Supporting products include Festival Buttons (admission tickets), the Food Court (cashless food venue), Fidelity Bank River Run (running event), Kennedy Plaza Concert Stage, WEEE Carnival, Prairie Schooner Mates youth ambassador program, Admiral Windwagon Smith mascot tradition, annual poster contest, and the Festival Crew donor program. The portfolio centers on community celebration events with no technology product offerings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Wichita Riverfest Kansas' largest 9-day outdoor community festival featuring concerts, water activities, children's programming, participatory sports events, arts, cultural experiences, and festival food along the Arkansas River in downtown Wichita. Admission is via festival button.
• Autumn & Art Annual outdoor fine arts show and sale featuring food, drinks, and games at Bradley Fair in Wichita, produced by Wichita Festivals, Inc.
• Bob Struble Golf Classic Annual memorial golf tournament produced by Wichita Festivals, Inc. with proceeds benefitting the Victory in the Valley cancer organization.
• Fidelity Bank River Run Annual running event featuring the Marriott International 10K, the Katie Partridge Memorial 5K/Wheelchair 5K, the Family Fun Run/Walk (1 mile), and the Lane Enterprises Tot Trot (ages 2–7), held during Riverfest.
• Festival Buttons (Admission) Admission buttons serving as entry tickets to all 9 days of Riverfest and all concerts, available for purchase online, at QuikTrip locations, in-office, or at festival gate entrances. Adult buttons $15 (early bird) or $20 (regular); child buttons $10.
• Crossland Construction Kennedy Plaza Concert Stage Main concert venue of Wichita Riverfest featuring national and local musical entertainment. All concerts are included with festival button admission, with VIP upgrades available for select concerts.
• WEEE Carnival Carnival rides and entertainment attraction operating nightly throughout Riverfest, produced in partnership with WEEE Entertainment, with tickets available at festival entrances.
• Riverfest Food Court Central food venue at Wichita Riverfest featuring multiple vendors offering classic festival food and unique options, operating ticketless and cashless with credit/debit card payments only.
• Festival Poster & Button Artwork Contest Annual art competition awarding a $4,000 cash prize for the winning Riverfest poster and button artwork design, sponsored by Emprise Bank.

Quantifiable outcome

• $25–$30 million in annual economic impact for Wichita
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

34 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Capitol FederalflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerTop-tier sponsor ($50,000+) and official sponsor of the Capitol Federal Fireworks Finale, one of the three main fireworks displays during Riverfest.
• Fidelity BankflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerTop-tier sponsor ($50,000+) and title sponsor of the Fidelity Bank River Run (50th annual in 2026) and Fidelity Bank Fireworks. Also sponsor of the Fidelity Bank River Run, Photography Contest, and Cornhole Tournament.
• Crossland ConstructionflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Concert Stage Partner and sponsor at $30,000+ tier. Title sponsor of the Crossland Construction Kennedy Plaza Concert Stage, the primary concert venue for all festival performances.
• CargillcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor at the $30,000+ tier. Primary sponsor of the El Fantasma concert performance at Riverfest 2026.
• Textron AviationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor at the $30,000+ tier. Title sponsor of the Textron Aviation Opening Night Fireworks on May 29, 2026.
• Sedgwick County EMScoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor at the $30,000+ tier. Provides emergency medical services support for the festival.
• EvergycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor at the $20,000+ tier. Digital Guide sponsor, powering the interactive digital festival guide and wayfinding map.
• Star LumbercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor at the $20,000+ tier. Sponsor of the Star Lumber A Salute to The Military Program and concert night on June 2, 2026.
• Hyatt Regency WichitacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor at the $20,000+ tier. Official hotel partner and adjacent venue to the festival grounds.
• City of WichitaflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Community Partner. The City of Wichita is the municipal partner that supports and co-produces the festival as the largest community event in Kansas. Provides street closures, permitting, and civic infrastructure.
• QuikTripcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSponsor at the $10,000+ tier. Authorized retail seller of Riverfest admission buttons across Wichita-area QuikTrip locations and select regional locations (Newton, El Dorado, Park City, Derby).
• Visit WichitacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Marketing Partner. The destination marketing organization for Wichita promotes Riverfest to visitors and tourists as part of its tourism and hospitality mission.
• SiteBox StoragecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Storage Sponsor and on-site button sales partner. Provides red SiteBox shipping containers used as on-site festival gate button sales kiosks.
• DocuplexminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Poster Printer. Prints the annual Riverfest festival posters and button artwork.
• Don Hattan ChevroletminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Vehicle Sponsor.
• Fans with a PlanminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Drive Safe Ride Share Partner. Promotes rideshare safety around the festival grounds. Sponsor at $7,500+ and $5,000+ tiers.
• KAKE TVcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Weather Partner (alongside KAKE First Alert Weather). One of the key media broadcast partners covering festival events, weather updates, and news.
• Metro CourierminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Delivery Service. Provides delivery and logistics support for festival operations.
• Koch IndustriescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor at the $10,000+ tier. Major Wichita-based corporation sponsoring the festival.
• Hiland DairyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor at the $10,000+ tier. Provides dairy products and ice cream for festival food vendors and sponsors the Bob Thompson Hiland Charity Ice Cream Sandwich Challenge.
• House of Schwan / Bud LightcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Beverage Sponsor. Provides alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for festival bars and concession areas.
• Emprise BankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor at the $7,500+ tier. Sponsors the annual Riverfest Poster & Button Artwork Contest and winner artist Dustin Youngman for the 2026 poster.
• SPEEAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor at the $5,000+ tier. Hot Air Balloon tethered ride sponsor. Also a supporter.
• INTRUST Bank, N.A.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor at the $5,000+ tier.
• Kansas Wildlife & ParksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor at the $5,000+ tier. Co-sponsor of the Riverfest Fishing Derby.
• Marriott International Customer Engagement CenterscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor at the $10,000+ tier. Title sponsor of the Marriott International 10K race at the Fidelity Bank River Run.
• Lane EnterprisesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor at the $5,000+ tier. Title sponsor of the Lane Enterprises Tot Trot (children's running event for ages 2–7) at the River Run.
• KMUWminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner. NPR-affiliated public radio station in Wichita, providing coverage of the festival and cultural programming including Jonathan McReynolds gospel concert.
• DWTA HelicoptersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides helicopter rides at Riverfest for $50 cash only. Activity partner offering aerial sightseeing over Wichita.
• WEEE EntertainmentminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides the carnival rides and attractions at Riverfest (WEEE Carnival), operating nightly throughout the festival.
• Victory in the ValleyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCancer organization designated as the charitable recipient of proceeds from the annual Bob Struble Golf Classic.
• The Wichita EagleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner. Wichita's primary newspaper providing news coverage of festival events, parade winners, and concert announcements.
• AudacyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner. Radio broadcasting company with Wichita market stations (Power 93.5) providing concert promotion and festival coverage.
• Wichita Public SchoolsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor at the $5,000+ tier. Co-organizer of Rivalry on the River, a competitive event between Wichita high school teams.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Essence Festival of Culture: Large multi-day cultural and music festival produced around community identity and brand affinity, with corporate sponsorship layered on earned admissions — closely analogous to Riverfest's mix of cultural programming and corporate funding.
• National Cherry Festival: Multi-day community festival in Traverse City, MI produced by a nonprofit organization, featuring concerts, parades, races, and family programming. A direct structural and operational analog to Wichita Riverfest.
• CMA Fest: Multi-day country music festival held annually in Nashville with ticketed and free elements plus substantial corporate sponsorship — relevant peer on the live-entertainment and sponsor-driven revenue side of WFI's business.
• Summerfest: Milwaukee's 9-day community music festival produced by Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., a nonprofit. The closest structural and operational analog to Wichita Riverfest: similar duration, nonprofit producer model, headline sponsor tiers, and multi-stage outdoor programming.
• Atlanta Dogwood Festival: Long-running nonprofit-produced community arts festival featuring fine art, music, and family programming. Comparable in scale, mission, and producer structure to Riverfest, though smaller in attendance.
• Sundance Film Festival: Operated by the nonprofit Sundance Institute, this multi-day festival combines programming, sponsorship, and community engagement. Relevant peer in terms of nonprofit festival-producer governance and brand-driven economics.
• FIESTA San Antonio: A 10-day citywide community celebration produced by a nonprofit (Fiesta San Antonio Commission) with parade, music, food, and family programming — an apt structural peer to Wichita Riverfest's nonprofit, sponsor-funded, multi-event community format.
• New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival: Produced by the nonprofit New Orleans Jazz & Cultural Heritage Foundation, this multi-day festival blends music, food, and cultural programming in a comparable format to Riverfest and operates on a similar nonprofit sponsorship-plus-admission model.
• Bumbershoot: Seattle's multi-disciplinary arts festival featuring music, comedy, dance, film, and visual arts. Comparable to Riverfest in being a multi-arts community festival with diverse programming beyond music alone.

Broad incumbents

• South by Southwest (SXSW): Large multi-vertical festival spanning music, film, and technology. A broader incumbent peer given its far larger scale and for-profit LLC structure, but comparable as a multi-day, multi-stage community event with tiered sponsorship and ticketing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/riverfest
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCkXTeiqin3_XeHzpsDol8Jg
• Facebookfacebook.com/wichitariverfest
• Instagraminstagram.com/wichitariverfest
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/wichita-river-festival

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Wichita Festivals, Inc.