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GREAT BEND ALIVE

Great Bend Entertainment District

"It's placemaking, not place made! It's a process that is never finished."

  • Why aren’t animals allowed?
    Holding the insurance for these events requires a few extra rules. We ask that all pets stay home for that reason, in addition to the safety and comfort of attendees.
  • What activities are available for kids?
    We offer a variety of games, and depending on the sponsor, other activities may be available.
  • Are there seating areas available?
    Limited seating is available, but feel free to bring your own lawn chairs!
  • Where can I purchase alcoholic beverages?
    Alcohol can be purchased from approved vendors within the district. Look for vendors with designated cups: Green cups from Dry Lake can be taken into Dry Lake. Red cups from Lumpy’s can be taken into Lumpy’s. Yellow cups from Los Dos can be taken into Los Dos.
  • What happens if I accidentally leave the district with my drink?
    You will be asked to discard it before leaving. This is strictly enforced to comply with city and state regulations.
  • Can I bring my own cooler?
    No outside food or drinks are allowed in the event area.
  • What happens if there’s rain in the forecast?
    Light rain won’t stop the fun, but if severe weather is expected, a final decision will be made by noon.
  • How will I know if the event is canceled due to weather?
    We will post updates on our social media pages and website by noon on the day of the event.
  • Are there sponsorship opportunities for small businesses?
    Yes! Businesses of all sizes can sponsor Fridays on Forest. Contact us to learn more about sponsorship levels. info@gbedinc.com
  • What perks do volunteers receive?
    Volunteers get to be part of an incredible event, plus 2 drink tickets for each hour of gatekeeping and other perks depending on their role! info@gbedinc.com for details.
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Fridays on Forest 

Great Bend Alive Kicks off Fridays on Forest Season Five with a Ribbon Cutting on April 25th

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Great Bend Alive, the downtown arm of Great Bend Economic Development (GBED), is excited to announce the Fridays on Forest season opener on April 25, 2025. The kickoff event will take place on Forest Avenue, from Williams to Main Street.

 

Lee Ann June, GBED Communications Director, shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming season: "Fridays on Forest continues to create a space for both locals and visitors to unwind, connect, and enjoy the lively downtown atmosphere with live music, great food, and refreshing beverages. We’re thrilled to launch the fifth season of this beloved community tradition in downtown GBK.”

 

The kickoff event will feature live music from Tim Anthony & the Anamals and an exciting lineup of food vendors, including Lumpy’s, Los Dos Portillo’s, Brand 17 BBQ, Lana’s Catering & Goodies, and Flatlanders Stone-fired Pizzas behind Dry Lake Brewing. Gambino’s is joining the festivities this year, offering a pizza buffet from 5-7 PM on Fridays on Forest nights!

 

With the addition of The Landing, located at the corner of Williams and Forest, attendees can grab a fresh coffee from the Avast Ye Java Coffee trailer or indulge in a Freaking Delicious Cheesecake. Alcohol will be available from licensed vendors, including Los Dos Portillo’s, Lumpy’s, Charlie’s Place, and Dry Lake Brewing.

 

Ribbon Cutting & Event Sponsorship

This year’s first sponsor, SOFTwarfare, is thrilled to be a new member of the Great Bend business community and is proud to support what is expected to be the biggest and best Fridays on Forest season yet! SOFTwarfare specializes in cybersecurity solutions to protect businesses from digital threats.

 

“SOFTwarfare is proud to have a presence in Great Bend and to support the community through events like Fridays on Forest. We're excited to join Great Bend's thriving business scene and celebrate with everyone on April 25th!” – Colonel (USA Ret.) Chip Bircher, CTO.

To celebrate the start of the new season, join Great Bend Alive, SOFTwarfare, and the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 PM at the corner of Williams and Forest.

 

Important Event Guidelines

  • Alcohol can be purchased within the district but may not be brought in from outside or taken outside the designated area.

  • Fridays on Forest is a family-friendly event—bring the whole crew!

  • Security will be on-site to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

  • Restrooms will be available—so no need to worry!

  • No smoking or pets are allowed within the district.

 

Join Us for Another Great Season!

Great Bend Alive is excited to bring another season of Fridays on Forest, featuring new additions alongside the amenities and traditions the community has come to love. Mark your calendar for the last Friday of each month from April through October for all Fridays on Forest events. Find a list of all the Fridays on Forest dates online at www.gbedinc.com/downtownevents.

 

Sponsorship & Partnership Opportunities

Great Bend Alive is looking forward to another great season of Fridays on Forest with a few new additions and many of the amenities Great Bend has come to enjoy in the entertainment district. A special thank you to our partnership business on Forest, The Great Bend Tribune, for their continued support in making this event a success year after year, including the use of their facilities to help bring Fridays on Forest to life.

 

Mark your calendar for the last Friday of each month between April and October for all the Fridays on Forest events. Many sponsorships and partnerships are already in place, but if you, your business, or your organization would like to get involved, please reach out to GBED staff at 620-796-2407 or marketing@gbedinc.com. Another way to stay informed is to follow Great Bend Economic Development and Great Bend Alive on social media.

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🔗 Check out the menu as we get closer to the event! https://www.gbedinc.com/fridays-menu

 

Share your pictures on social media with the hashtag: #GBAlive, or email them to marketing@gbedinc.com, so we can share your love for #DowntownGBK. 

 

What to expect?

Come after work with your friends, family or coworkers and sit outside with a beverage in your hand and enjoy some great food, great music, and a great time! 

  • Alcohol will be served in the district, but CANNOT be brought into the district from outside. 

  • No alcohol can leave the district.

  • This is a family atmosphere, feel free to bring the whole gang! 

  • There will be security to ensure the safety of you and our properties. 

  • Worried about bathrooms?! Don't be, we've got you covered! 

  • Bring your appetite - you'll have plenty to choose from!

  • No smoking or pets are allowed in the district.

 

2025 Season Dates:

Events are from 5 pm to 10 pm (new longer hours as requested in our surveys)

  • April 25

  • May 30

  • June 27

  • July 25

  • Aug 29

  • Sept 26

  • Oct 17

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