As cyclists prepare to take on the grueling 2023 Hotter ‘N Hell Hundred, we’ve created a list of the artistic treasures to explore in Wichita Falls beyond Finish Line Village! From art galleries and museums to entertaining live performances, vivid murals, and exciting sculptures, the City of Wichita Falls has a vibrant arts and culture community that we invite our visitors to enjoy!
We wish everyone the best of luck with the ride and hope your time here is filled with unforgettable experiences!
Wichita Falls Art Association – Art Gallery
Stop by the Gallery in the Historic Holt Hotel in Downtown Wichita Falls. Support area artists by shopping locally crafted ceramics, paintings, stained glass, mosaics, jewelry, wearable art and more.
GALLERY HOURS: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 26
Address: 600 8th Street, Downtown Wichita Falls
Contact: (940) 343-7507
Website: fallsartassociation.org
9th Street Studios
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25th, 5-7 p.m.
The Friday Night races of HHH are always the best! Join 9th Street Studios Friday night downtown for good music, cold drinks, tasty food and fast bikes! The block party area will be Travis Street between 8th & 9th Street. Come early to find a parking spot, bring your chairs.
Address: 920 9th Street, Downtown Wichita Falls
Contact: (940)781-8841
Website: 9thstreetstudios.com
Wichita Falls Museum of Art at MSU Texas
The Museum of Art features a diverse collection of art, including contemporary, modern, and regional artworks. If you stop by during Hotter ‘N Hell week, you can explore exhibitions and participate in a workshop on Saturday afternoon!
Museum hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10 am-5 pm and Saturdays from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Address: 2 Eureka Circle, Wichita Falls
Contact: (940) 397-8900
Website: wfma.msutexas.edu
Kemp Center for the Arts
A cultural hub in downtown Wichita Falls, the Kemp Center hosts rotating art exhibitions, theater performances, and music events. They also offer art classes and workshops. Those visiting for The Big Ride can get into the holiday spirit early with an exhibit titled “Visions of Santa” by artist Billy Keen. It will be held until August 26 at The West End Studio in The Kemp Center building. The exhibit features 49 unique images of Santa Claus, with each image painted annually by the artist since 1974. Billy Keen brings over 40 years of artistic and illustration experience to his work, and his advertising pieces have appeared in various mediums. The collection of Santa paintings began as a yearly tradition and has been exhibited across Texas since 1984.
Gallery hours are Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm.
Address: 1300 Lamar Street, Downtown Wichita Falls
Contact: (940)767-2787
Website: artscouncilwf.org
Backdoor Theatre
Located in downtown Wichita Falls, the Backdoor Theatre offers a range of theatrical productions, from classic plays to contemporary dramas. On dinner stage now is Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood. Prepare to be captivated by the swashbuckling action, breathtaking sword fights, and the timeless tale of Robin Hood’s heroic exploits. With surprises around every corner, you won’t want to miss a moment of this exhilarating journey!
Tickets are $21. You can purchase tickets here.
Showtimes: August 24 -26. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Address: 501 Indiana Avenue, Downtown Wichita Falls
Contact: (940) 322-5000
Website: backdoortheatre.org
The Wichita Theatre
If your family is traveling with you, The SpongeBob Musical at the Wichita Theatre, a historic and vibrant performing arts venue that offers a diverse range of live entertainment experiences. Get ready for an epic showdown as SpongeBob and his quirky friends from Bikini Bottom face their greatest challenge yet. The stakes are higher than ever as their beloved undersea world teeters on the brink of annihilation. Brace yourself for chaos, suspense, and heartwarming moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Tickets are $18.00 – $31.00, including fees. You can purchase tickets here.
Showtimes: August 25 -26. All shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and 2 p.m. on Saturday
Address: 919 Indiana Avenue, Downtown Wichita Falls
Contact: (940) 723-9037
Website: wichitatheatre.com
The Wichita Theatre
Get ready for a hilarious trip to Tuna, Texas at the Wichita Theatre’s Stage 2 Dinner Stage!
“Greater Tuna” is a side-splitting comedy that takes you on a wild ride through small-town America. Follow the antics of the quirky characters that populate this sleepy town, from the gun-toting Didi Snavely to the flamboyant Vera Carp.
You can purchase tickets here.
Showtimes: August 25 -26. All shows will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Address: 914 Indiana Avenue, Downtown Wichita Falls
Contact: (940) 723-9037
Website: wichitatheatre.com
Kell House Heritage Center
The Kell House Heritage Center is a historic house museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s past. It is located in the downtown area and is housed in a beautiful Victorian-style home built in 1909 for the Kell family, prominent local figures. The museum displays a wide range of artifacts, photographs, and documents that highlight the history and heritage of Wichita Falls. Visitors can tour the various rooms of the Kell House, including the parlor, dining room, bedrooms, and the family’s private living spaces.
The suggested admission price is $5 for adults, $2 for children 2 – 12, and children under 2 are free. Donations are always accepted. Reservations are not required.
Guides tours will be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 900 Bluff Street, Downtown Wichita Falls
Phone: (940) 723-2712
Website: kellhouseheritagecenter.org
River Bend Nature Center
Whether you’re a nature lover, a curious learner, or a family seeking outdoor adventures, River Bend offers something for everyone. Explore the beautiful trails that wind through River Bend’s diverse habitats. Delight in the vibrant colors and graceful flight of butterflies in the center’s dedicated butterfly garden. Learn about their life cycles, behaviors, and the importance of pollinators in our ecosystem. Browse the nature-themed gift shop offering a selection of books, toys, and unique items that celebrate the beauty of nature.
While primarily a nature center, River Bend also has art installations and hosts occasional art exhibitions. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for children, and children ages 1 and under get in for free.
HOURS OF OPERATION
- Monday-Friday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturdays – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sundays – 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Saturday, August 26 – Nature Tots (10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)
- Saturday, August 26 – Science Saturday (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.)
Address: 2200 3rd Street, Wichita Falls
Contact: (940) 767-0843
Website: riverbendnaturecenter.org
Did we miss anything? Email us at info@wichitafallsarts.org! We’ll be updating this post throughout the week!