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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 

Join us downtown for the next Fridays on Forest event on Friday, June 27th, proudly sponsored by The University of Kansas Health Systems – Great Bend Campus. It’s a summer night you won’t want to miss—packed with great food, cold drinks, local music, and the heart of our community!

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Live Music by: Whiskey South Forty

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Kick off the weekend with high-energy country rock from Whiskey South Forty! Bring your lawn chairs or dancing shoes and settle in for a night of hometown music and memories under the stars.

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Local Eats You’ll Love

Come hungry and support these local food vendors:

Flatlanders - Stone-fired Pizzas

Lazy Bacon BBQ

Lumpy’s

Los Dos Potrillos

The Spread behind Dry Lake Brewing

Gambinos Buffet (5-7 pm)

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Drinks on Tap

Enjoy refreshing adult beverages from:

Los Dos Potrillos

Charlie’s Place

Lumpy’s

Dry Lake Brewing 

Avast Ye Java

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Whether you’re catching up with neighbors, enjoying dinner downtown, or just soaking in the live music, Fridays on Forest is the place to be this summer.

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Want to Get Involved?

Fridays on Forest doesn’t happen without amazing volunteers like YOU! Help us keep the fun going by signing up for a shift:

Volunteer Sign-Up: Click The button at the top of the page,


We’ll see you on June 27th 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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