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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 

Fridays on Forest Season Kicks Off with Strong Crowd and Chilly Fun — Bat Cats Night Up Next!

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Our 2025 Fridays on Forest season officially kicked off in April, and despite the chilly temps, the downtown vibe was alive and well! Over 430 attendees bundled up in hoodies and hats to enjoy an evening of great food, drinks, and community fun. A ribbon cutting with the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce helped us launch the season in style, and a heartfelt thank-you goes out to our April sponsor, SOFTwarfare, for making it all possible.


Special thanks also go to our setup and tear-down partners: Barton Sports and the Barton Baseball Team for their hands-on help behind the scenes. Thanks to the Great Bend Tribune for use of their facility.
And thank you to Fastenal for donating water to keep everyone hydrated throughout the night.


Now, get ready for Round Two on Friday, May 30, sponsored by Pryor Automatic Fire Sprinkler! We're calling it Bat Cats Night and it's shaping up to be a crowd-pleaser. Come downtown to meet members of the Great Bend Bat Cats baseball team, enjoy live music from Artifact, and indulge in an amazing food and drink lineup:


🍴 Food Vendors:
* Lana's Catering and Goodies
* The Spread Catering
* Freaking Delicious Cheesecake Co.
* Los Dos Potrillos
* Lumpy’s


🍻 Drink Vendors:
* Los Dos Potrillos
* Charlie’s Place
* Lumpy’s
* Dry Lake Brewing
* Avast Ye Java


Plus, we’re working on a few surprises — including a possible return of the dunk tank! Stay tuned.
Fridays on Forest continues to grow, and we’re always looking for helping hands. Want to get involved? Sign up to volunteer here:
👉Gate Keeper:  Volunteer Link
We’ll see you on May 30 in downtown Great Bend!
 

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.

 

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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