GREAT BEND, Kan. — Great Bend Alive, the downtown arm of Great Bend Economic Development (GBED), is partnering with the City of Great Bend to introduce a brand-new festival, Big Bend Bash, set for Saturday, June 7, 2025. Designed to celebrate local culture and bring fresh energy to downtown, the event will combine long-time community favorites with new experiences for both residents and visitors to enjoy.
Big Bend Bash marks a new chapter for downtown Great Bend, introducing a revitalized festival experience that builds on the past traditions of the June Jaunt event, while bringing fresh energy, expanded entertainment, and a stronger focus on the future of downtown.
This year’s event will also serve as a fundraiser for Great Bend Alive’s upcoming multi-million dollar streetscape project, a major downtown renovation aimed at creating a more walkable and inviting environment. The need for this project became even more evident after the July 2023 storm, which destroyed more than 20 trees in the downtown area. With such a large price tag, fundraising efforts are beginning now, with the goal of beginning construction in 2026. Attendees will have the opportunity to view renderings of the design at the event and learn more about how the improvements will enhance the downtown experience, and provide feedback used to help guide the project.
The festival will kick off with the Red, White & Blue Parade, a patriotic celebration that builds on the success of last year’s “Great Bend Alive Parade Through Time” with exciting new elements. Nominations for the parade’s Grand Marshal are open on the Great Bend Alive Facebook page, where the community can vote for their favorite until April 6. Throughout the day, Jack Kilby Square will be transformed into a lively Kid Zone, featuring inflatables, face painting, food and retail vendors, and live entertainment. East of Main Street, festival goers will find even more music, food trucks, and vendors, along with the popular Shifters Car Show, which has moved to Lakin Avenue between Main and Williams Street.
The 10th Annual Brew Fest, hosted by Bike Brew Q will also join the new downtown event. This year, the festival’s consumption district will be expanded to include the entire parking lot east of Main Street between Forest and Lakin, along with Lakin Street between Main Street and Williams Street, where guests can enjoy additional live music and food trucks. To maintain the festival atmosphere, no outside alcohol or food will be allowed within the designated area, and no alcohol may leave the common consumption area.
The City of Great Bend is playing a key role in bringing Big Bend Bash to life, providing logistical support, entertainment, funding, and volunteers to ensure a successful event. Several community partners, including Bike Brew Q, Shifters Car Club, Volunteers in Action, and more to join to make this festival a vibrant and memorable experience.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the City of Great Bend to launch this exciting new event for our community! We envision it growing and evolving each year, keeping the community engaged, inspired, and looking forward to what’s next!” from Sara Arnberger, Executive Director of Great Bend Alive.
“We’re beyond thrilled to partner with Great Bend Alive on this exciting new festival! This collaboration brings together our shared passion for creativity and community, and we can’t wait to showcase something truly special for the community.” from Amanda Gaddis, Visitors Service Representative for the City of Great Bend.
The parade, car show, and vendor fair will begin at 10 a.m., with activities running until 6 p.m. The Brew Fest will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., while live entertainment and other festivities will continue throughout the day and wrap up at 6 p.m.
For those interested in becoming a vendor, applications are available now at www.gbedinc.com/bigbendbash or by emailing director@gbedinc.com. More details will be posted as the event approaches at www.gbedinc.com/bigbendbash. Additionally, proceeds from the 10th Annual Bike Brew Q will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and more information about their events can be found at www.bikebrewq.com.
Big Bend Bash is set to bring a new wave of excitement to downtown Great Bend, blending community traditions with fresh attractions in a festival that not only celebrates the city but also helps shape its future.
About Great Bend Alive:
Great Bend Alive has been designated as a Kansas Main Street Program by the Kansas Department of Commerce. Great Bend Alive, the downtown development arm of Great Bend Economic Development, focuses on historic preservation, events/promotion, development/economic vitality, and design/streetscape. For more information about Great Bend Alive visit: www.gbedinc.com/mainstreet, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
