Annual Events
For a list of additional upcoming events, itineraries or to sign up for our monthly newsletter, see the Calendar of Events.
*Some events may be altered or cancelled due to Covid-19. Please follow any links or visit "Explore Great Bend, KS" on Facebook for updates.
FARM & RANCH SHOW
With over 700 vendors showcasing booths inside and outside, this is events brings folks new information and products in the world of agriculture and agricultural technology.
FARM & RANCH SHOW
SUMMER STREET STROLL FARMER'S MARKET
SUMMER STREET STROLL FARMER'S MARKET
This is an open-air farmers market held on Thursday evenings usually
4 pm to 7 pm, mid-May through mid-September, at Jack Kilby Square in downtown. Special events are offered on select Thursdays with Great Bend City Band concerts, free outdoor movies, and more. Weather conditions may change hours scheduled for the market.
FREE OUTDOOR MOVIES
The City of Great Bend and Water's True Value offer free outdoor movies in Jack Kilby Square at dusk on select Thursdays during the summer. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy free refreshments and the show!
FREE OUTDOOR MOVIES
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS FESTIVAL & PARADE
The Saturday after Thanksgiving brings the lights and joy of the Christmas season to Great Bend during this event! Enjoy deals in stores, special events, the lit Parade, Santa, Mayor's tree lighting, Explore Great Bend
give aways, and more!
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS FESTIVAL
& PARADE
WINGS 'N' WETLANDS BIRDING FESTIVAL
Bi-annual on odd numbered years, the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism, The Nature Conservancy, City of Great Bend and the Kansas Birding Festival, Inc. host a 2-day bird watching event. This festival gives bird watchers of all levels the chance to practice their skills and mark unique birds off their bucket list while enjoying the beautiful, natural surrounding of the area.
WINGS 'N' WETLANDS BIRDING FESTIVAL
JUNE JAUNT FESTIVAL
In communities from Tribune to Great Bend, get your fix on K-96 of all the fun activities happening during this 3-day festival the first weekend of June. Great Bend offers a car show, free outdoor movie, vendor booths, games, performances, concert, beer garden and more!
JUNE JAUNT FESTIVAL
PARTY IN THE PARK
Join the City of Great Bend and their partners the second Saturday of August at Veteran's Memorial Park for the end-of-summer-bash Party in the Park. This day long festival offers a fun run, mud volleyball, car show, vendors, Kids Zone, kite displays, and outdoor concert, and more!
PARTY IN THE PARK
CHRISTMAS IN GREAT BEND
Known for getting into the spirit of the season, visit us during December to see the Trail of Lights, Santa's Around the World display, holiday activities and much more. A program with all of the holiday information is available through the City of Great Bend a few weeks prior to festivities starting.
CHRISTMAS IN GREAT BEND
ART & WINE
WALK
Hosted by the City of Great Bend and local businesses, explore the downtown stores and their feature artists all while enjoying free drink samples and hors d'oeuvres.
Check the Explore Great Bend, KS Facebook page for more information by clicking the button below.
ART & WINE WALK
FIREWORKS DISPLAY
The City of Great Bend offers a free fireworks display the evening of July 3rd. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets out to the Great Bend Expo Complex and enjoy the show!
FIREWORKS DISPLAY
AIRFEST
Every 5 years, the Great Bend Municipal Airport takes us back in time to celebrate the Great Bend Airbase and their contributions during WWII as a B-29 training facility. Enjoy air shows, vendors, reenactments, displays, lots of planes, and more. The next Great Bend Airfest date is tentatively planned for September 2023.
AIRFEST
CALENDAR
OF EVENTS
These are just come of the events that we help organize and promote, but they're not the only events happening in Great Bend! Check below for a full 2020 Calendar of Events or contact us for more information.