If you have an event that is open to the public, let us know at least one week in advance. Contact Susan Thacker at the Great Bend Tribune, 2012 Forest Ave., Great Bend, KS 67530; call 620-792-1211 or email sthacker@gbtribune.com.
ELLINWOOD AFTER HARVEST FESTIVAL
JULY 16–18, 2026
“Big Dreams in a Small Town,” organized by the Ellinwood Chamber of Commerce
Sample events:
- Thursday July 16 9 a.m. — Big Dreams of Treasure Pool Activity — Ellinwood City Pool. Call pool for details, 620-564-3441.
- Friday July 17: 7-9 a.m. — Community Breakfast Feed — Wolf Park Bandshell, free-will donation to Eagle Backerz, organized by Sentinel Machine.
- Saturday July 18: 10 a.m. — AHF Parade on Historic Brick Main Street — lineup begins at 9 a.m., organized by Ellinwood Rotary Club. Pre-register your float at ellinwoodchamber.com.
ONGOING
Fierce Planets Exhibit
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Shafer Art Gallery on the Barton Community College campus, 245 NE 30 Road, Great Bend.
SATURDAY, July 4
Independence Day
There will be no Great Bend Tribune published, due to the holiday.
Wilson Lake Area Association Fourth of July
- Poker Run on the Lake, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Music by D.O.C., 7-11 p.m. at Otoe State Park, Yucca Shelter
- Fireworks after dark at Lucas Point
Area Community Fireworks Displays:
Ellinwood - At the Practice Football Field adjacent to the swimming pool; fireworks begin around dusk (9:45 p.m.)
Larned - At the Larned Community Center, 1500 Toles; pre-show events at 7 p.m.
MONDAY, July 6
Kansas Wetlands Education Center drop-in nature craft activity: Decoupage Ornament
1-4 p.m. at 592 K-156, Ellinwood.
Great Bend City Council Meeting
5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 1209 Williams St. and livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/cityofgreatbend.
TUESDAY, July 7
Barton County Commission meeting
9 a.m. at the courthouse.
Kansas Wetlands Education Center Discovery Day Camp
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 592 K-156, Ellinwood. Registration required.
WEDNESDAY, July 8
Kansas Wetlands Education Center Over and Under the Wetlands
10:30 a.m. to noon at the Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams St.
Red, White and Brew: Celebrate 30 years of the Golden Belt Community Foundation
5:30 p.m. at Dry Lake Brewing, 1305 Main.
THURSDAY, July 9
Lucas Oil Races
At the SRCA Dragstrip, 455 West Barton County Road.
Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Coffee hosted by the Kansas Oil & Gas Museum
9 a.m. at 5944 10th St. Program at 9:30 a.m.
Kansas Wetlands Education Center Discovery Day Camp
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 592 K-156, Ellinwood. Registration required.
Hoisington Chamber of Commerce hosted by the Hoisington 4-H Jets
9:30 a.m. at the Chamber Office.
Great Bend Chamber Ribbon Cutting at Central National Bank
10:15 a.m. at 725 McKinley St.
Genealogy Thursday
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams St., Main Floor. Each week, a librarian will be available to help answer genealogy questions. They will do their best to help you get past any roadblocks and gain a better understanding of your family tree.
Hoisington Chamber of Commerce After Hours sponsored by Barton Community College and the Barton Community College Foundation
5:30-7 p.m. at the Duck Blind Bar, Park View Inn, 57 K-4 in Hoisington.
Adult Craft Night
6-8 p.m. at the Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams St.
Great Bend City Band Concert
8:15 p.m. at the Moses Bandshell on the Thelma Faye Harms Stage in Jack Kilby Square.
FRIDAY, July 10
Ellinwood Chamber Coffee hosted by the City of Ellinwood
10 a.m. at the Bandshell
Adult Show and Tell
10:30 a.m. to noon at the Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams St. Dust off your heirlooms and dig out your trinkets to bring for a show and tell! The library can’t wait to hear everyone’s stories this summer. Note: Please do not bring in any living creatures. Staff will not be available to help more items.
Lucas Oil Races
At the SRCA Dragstrip, 455 West Barton County Road.
Barton Community College campus closed
Summer Movie Night in the Square: Zootopia 2
8:30 a.m. in Jack Kilby Square. Free admission, popcorn and a dirty soda bar for all attendees.
SATURDAY, July 11
Lucas Oil Races
At the SRCA Dragstrip, 455 West Barton County Road.
Farmers Market
7 a.m. to noon in the Great Bend Public Library parking lot, 1409 Williams St.
Hoisington Public Library hosts “William Allen White and the KKK in Kansas”
10 a.m. at 169 S. Walnut, Hoisington
Cozy Crafts: Beaded Plants
1-2 p.m. at the Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams St. Turn beads and wire into a beautiful, low-maintenance “plant” for your space.
SUNDAY, July 12
Christmas in July Barrel Race
1 p.m. at the Prickly M Arena, 355 SW 60 Road, Great Bend.
Bat Cats
7 p.m. at Al Burns Field.
MONDAY, July 13
Heritage Seniors Club Potluck Dinner
Noon at the Heritage Senior Center, 103 N. Main, Ellinwood. Open to anyone who wishes to attend.
Kansas Wetlands Education Center drop-in nature craft: Snake Skin Coaster
1-4 p.m. at 592 K-156, Ellinwood.
Jurassic Book to Reel Club
7 p.m. at the Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams St. Discuss “The Lost World,” author Michael Crichton’s follow-up to “Jurassic Park.” Watch the movie on July 17.
Great Bend USD 428 Board of Education meeting
5 p.m. at the District Education Center, 1809 24th St.
TUESDAY, July 14
Barton County Commission meeting
9 a.m. at the Courthouse
Ellinwood City Council meeting
7 p.m. at the City Office.
Great Bend City Band Concert
8:15 p.m. at the Moses Bandshell on the Thelma Faye Harms Stage in Jack Kilby Square.
WEDNESDAY, July 15
Dan Dan the Magic Man Jurassic Magic
10:30 a.m. to noon at the Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams St.
Enrollment Days at Barton Community College
1 p.m. check-in at the Kirkman Visitor Center. Students can plan and enroll in their classes with an advisor, meet with a financial aid officer and finalize payment options. Visit enroll.bartonccc.edu to sign up.
Bat Cats
7 p.m. at Al Burns Field.
THURSDAY, July 16
Great Bend Chamber Coffee hosted by Parr Sound & Lighting
9 a.m. at 2201 Broadway Ave.
Great Bend Chamber Ribbon Cutting at CPR Training
10 a.m. at 2609 23rd St.
Hoisington Chamber Coffee hosted by First United Methodist Church
9:30 a.m. at their location.
Ellinwood After Harvest Festival
All day at various locations.
FRIDAY, July 17
Ellinwood After Harvest Festival
All day at various locations.
Great Bend Citywide garage sales
Adult Show and Tell: In the Kitchen
10:30 a.m. to noon at the Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams St. Dust off your heirlooms and dig out your trinkets to bring for a show and tell! The library can’t wait to hear everyone’s stories this summer, featuring a different theme each week. Note: Please do not bring in any living creatures. Staff will not be available to help more items.
Jurassic Book to Reel Club
7-10 p.m. at the Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams St. Free movie.
SATURDAY, July 18
Farmers Market
7 a.m. to noon in the Great Bend Public Library parking lot, 1409 Williams St.
Ellinwood After Harvest Festival
All day at various locations.
Great Bend Citywide garage sales
Laundry Love
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Discount Laundry, 924 Jefferson St. Wash up to five loads of laundry for free. Sponsored by United Way of Central Kansas.
History Book Club: “1776” by David McCullough
10:30 p.m. at the Great Bend Public Library.
Golden Belt Model Railroad Association
2-5 p.m. at 1405 N. Main St., Great Bend.
Bat Cats
7 p.m. at Al Burns Field.
Mystery at the Motherhouse
6 p.m. at the Heartland Center for Spirituality.
Quilts of Valor Presentations
7 p.m. at American Legion Post 180, 1011 Kansas Ave.
SUNDAY, July 19
Christian Patriotic Concert
6-8 p.m. at the Clayton Moses Bandshell in Jack Kilby Square. The free concert will feature area musicians from local churches. Featured will be solos, quartets, groups. Instruments, readings, and monologues. Come, bring a chair and sit back and enjoy music celebrating America’s 250 birthday. If you would like to participate in this concert contact 620-791-7314.
MONDAY, July 20
Kansas Wetlands Education Center drop-in nature craft activity: Hammered Floral Card
1-4 p.m. at 592 K-156, Ellinwood.
Great Bend City Council Meeting
5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 1209 Williams St. and livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/cityofgreatbend.
Candidate forum hosted by League of Women Voters of Great Bend, Barton County
6:30 p.m. at the Great Bend Events Center, 3111 10th St. The forum will feature County Commissioner candidates from Districts 1, 4, and 5, as well as candidates for the 112th and 113th House of Representatives. Meet and greet candidates at 6:30; forum from 7-8 p.m., and attendees may speak informally with candidates from 8-8:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, July 21
Barton County Commission meeting
9 a.m. at the Courthouse
Library Book Club: “The Stolen Queen”
7-9 p.m. at Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams St. In 1978, as a valuable Egyptian artifact disappears during the Met Gala, Met curator Charlotte Cross and young assistant Annie Jenkins embark on a high-stakes search that leads them to Egypt, where Charlotte must confront an ancient curse and the haunting tragedy of her past.
WEDNESDAY, July 22
Enrollment Days at Barton Community College
1 p.m. check-in at the Kirkman Visitor Center. Students can plan and enroll in their classes with an advisor, meet with a financial aid officer and finalize payment options. Visit enroll.bartonccc.edu to sign up.
THURSDAY, July 23
Great Bend Chamber Coffee, sponsored by The Barton Foundation.
9 a.m. at the Best Western Angus Inn Courtyard, 2920 10th St. Program at 9:30 a.m.. Attendees can learn all the exciting details about upcoming Foundation events including the Clay Shoot and Big Benefit Auction. Contact: foundation@bartonccc.edu.
Great Bend Chamber Ribbon Cutting at GB Auto LLC
10:15 a.m. at 5319 10th St.
Hoisington Chamber Coffee hosted by United Way of Central Kansas
9:30 a.m. at location TBD.
How to be your own Social Media Manager
Noon to 1 p.m. online at https://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29134. Train at the Small Business Development Center. Free program.
Great Bend City Band Concert
8:15 p.m. at the Moses Bandshell on the Thelma Faye Harms Stage in Jack Kilby Square.
FRIDAY, July 24
Barton Community College Campus Closed
SRCA Test and Tune and Points Race
At the SRCA Dragstrip, 455 West Barton County Road.
Downtown Great Bend Summer Sidewalk Sales
Military and First Responders Night Out
6-8 p.m. at Dropping 22, 916 Williams St. This is free for all Military and First Responders, available for children ages 6-10 years old. Snacks and games/activities provided. Registration is required: just shoot an email to Dropping22ks@gmail.com.
SATURDAY, July 25
Farmers Market
7 a.m. to noon in the Great Bend Public Library parking lot, 1409 Williams St.
SRCA Test and Tune and Points Race
At the SRCA Dragstrip, 455 West Barton County Road.
Downtown Great Bend Summer Sidewalk Sales
Stuff the Bus
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of Walmart and both Dillons stores. Help local students start the school year prepared and ready to learn! Donate new Help local students start the school year prepared and ready to learn! United Way of Central Kansas is seeking both school supply donations and volunteers for Stuff the Bus on Friday, July 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Walmart and both Dillons locations in Great Bend. Volunteers are needed for one-hour shifts to help collect donations from shoppers. School supplies and monetary donations will support Great Bend schools throughout the school year. Donations may also be dropped off in advance at United Way of Central Kansas, 2000 Washington Street. Every supply donated helps. Every dollar makes an impact. Every student deserves a strong start.
15th Annual Hawaiian Luau Fundraiser
5:30-8 p.m. at American Legion Post 180, 1011 Kansas Ave.
MONDAY, July 27
Heritage Seniors Club Potluck Dinner
Noon at the Heritage Senior Center, 103 N. Main, Ellinwood. Open to all.
Kansas Wetlands Education Center drop-in nature craft activity: Beeswax Food Wrap
1-4 p.m. at 592 K-156, Ellinwood.
TUESDAY, July 28
Barton County Commission meeting
9 a.m. at the Courthouse
WEDNESDAY, July 29
Jurassic Documentaries
10:30 a.m. to noon at the Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams St. Check out the latest documentary film series from award winning director Steven Spielberg. This epic documentary series examines dinosaurs 165 million years on Earth and the forces that shaped the planet and ultimately their evolution. From underdogs, no larger than chickens, to gargantuan kings of beasts, to the fall of their great empire. Join us for four special episodes of this thrilling documentary narrated by the amazing voice of Morgan freeman.
Enrollment Days at Barton Community College
1 p.m. check-in at the Kirkman Visitor Center. Students can plan and enroll in their classes with an advisor, meet with a financial aid officer and finalize payment options. Visit enroll.bartonccc.edu to sign up.
Larned Laundry Love
3-5 p.m. at Santa Fe Laundry Co., 1309 Broadway. Wash up to five loads of laundry for free.
THURSDAY, July 30
Great Bend Chamber Coffee hosted by Pizza Hut
9 a.m. at 2006 Main. Program at 9:30 a.m.
Hoisington Chamber Coffee hosted by First Kansas Bank
9:30 a.m. at their location.
Brain Health Day
Free memory screenings available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic. Appointments are required; contact Rachelle Stratman at 620-564-2548.
Automating Repetitive Tasks with AI
Noon to 1 p.m. online at https://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29112. $5 fee.
FRIDAY, July 31
Barton Community College Campus Closed
Fridays on Forest - Celebrate the Great Bend Tribune’s 150th Anniversary
5-10 p.m. on Forest Ave., from Main Street to Williams Street. Street closes to through traffic at 1 p.m. Free family-friendly outdoor entertainment downtown. Food and alcohol vendors. No smoking; no pets.
