The Union Station plaza will soon host a variety of events as the weather warms up  Historic Union Station Brings Life Back to Downtown Wichita

Wichita is seeing an increase in events and outdoor activities as spring sets in and the momentum continues at the Historic Union Station plaza located off Douglas Avenue in downtown Wichita. 

The pandemic hit local businesses hard and since fall 2020, Union Station’s property owner and manager Occidental Management has offered the use of the plaza for responsible, socially distanced private or community events. A COVID spike late in 2020 halted plans, but with vaccines available and warmer temperatures, the plaza is geared up for a series of events over the summer months.  

“We are eager to welcome people as they venture out and encourage them to visit the historic downtown business district,” said Chris Harmon, Occidental Management General Manager of Operations. “Seeing the community come back to downtown is something we are incredibly excited about and utilizing the plaza space is something we envision continuing even after our community gets back to a new normal.” 

Kansas Grown! Farmers’ Market on the Historic Union Station plaza.

The Kansas Grown Farmers’ Market will return for a second year starting May 12 and will host a weekly market from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesdays. Orange Theory of Wichita will also have a presence and is set to host First Friday Fitness classes May-August from 6:30-8:30 p.m. 

Larger, one-off events are also in the works with an outdoor market slated for late June and a potential music event late summer.  

“Whether it is a small, socially distanced concert, networking event or exercise class, we are excited to see the community using the space to come together,” said Harmon. 

The public is welcome at all Union Station events and is encouraged to explore the property’s outstanding local businesses, including The Kitchen, PourHouse, Jenny Dawn Cellars, Smoothie King and the Wichita Cheesecake Company.  

Inquiries to use the Union Station plaza can be sent to Chelsea Burns, marketing director at Occidental Management, by calling (316) 262-3331.