Baila Wichita: Afro-Latin Dance & Music Festival

About this event

Baila Wichita: Afro-Latin Dance & Music Festival brings Wichita together for a community-centered weekend celebrating the history, culture, and joy of Afro-Latin dance and music, running October 9–11, 2026.

Across the weekend, festival-goers can jump into dance and music workshops led by national and local instructors, along with cultural and educational programming presented in partnership with Wichita State University. A featured historical discussion includes Dr. Wilfredo José Burgos-Matos, connecting movement to the stories, traditions, and evolution behind the dances.

Friday, October 9, the weekend kicks off with a festival pre-party at Itzcali Tapas & Tequila. Saturday, October 10, the daytime workshops and panel are hosted at the Carl G. Brewer Community Center, followed by an evening of live salsa music by Wichita’s premier salsa band, Tumbao, plus social dancing and performances at Venue 3130. Sunday, October 11, workshops return to the Carl G. Brewer Community Center, and the weekend closes with a dance social at Baila Wichita Dance Studio.

The festival is designed for all experience levels, including complete beginners, and partner rotation is encouraged during workshops so attendees can come solo or with friends. Full Festival Passes are listed at $110, with a WSU Student Festival Pass at $45; the Friday pre-party cover is listed at $10 general admission or $5 for pass holders.