Asian, Mediterranean cuisines will draw crowds to two big Wichita food events this weekend

Late spring and early summer are a busy time for food events, and that’s certainly been true the past few weeks in Wichita. And the third weekend of May will bring even more of Wichita’s big annual food-and-drink favorites. Here are a couple to check out this weekend:

Asian Night Market

5-11 p.m. Saturday, Riverfront Stadium

The third annual installation of the Wichita Asian Night Market will fill Riverfront Stadium on Saturday with vendors selling Asian cuisine, drinks and art. The event, which is inspired by popular nighttime bazaars regularly put on in Asian countries like China and Thailand as well as in big cities across the United States, will feature dozens of local Asian restaurants selling their fare.

The event, organized by the Wichita Asian Association and the National Association of Asian American Professionals, is expected to draw between 10,000 and 12,000 people. It will also include stage performances, an Asian fashion show and a fireworks display at the end of the night.

Tickets are $10 through Friday at www.facebook.com/AsianNightMarketICT and $12 at the door. An early admission ticket that’s $22 allows 5 p.m. entry. General admission starts at 6 p.m.

St. Mary Orthodox Christian Church Mediterranean Food Festival

11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 344 S. Martinson

The 92nd annual festival invites people to enjoy plates of traditional fare prepared by members of the St. Mary congregation and to shop in a market for goodies to take home. Diners will be able to get plates of food from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday for drive-through, dine-in and carry-out.

A meal costs $20 on site and includes green beans and rice, two cabbage rolls, kibbee, Greek salad, fresh baked talame bread and one piece of baklawa. Those who choose to go inside to pick up meals can shop at the market, peruse the church’s book store or take church tours. For more information, visit stmarywichita.org/mediterranean-festival/