If you have an event that is open to the public, let us know at least one week in advance. **Paid promotions** are also available. Contact Susan Thacker at the Great Bend Tribune, 2012 Forest Ave., Great Bend, KS 67530; call 620-792-1211 or email sthacker@gbtribune.com.
NOTICE
A new year has started, and we are refreshing the standing entries to the community events calendar. If you have a recurring event that takes place at the same time and place every month, send the 2026 information to the Great Bend Tribune. Be sure to let us know if there is a month when the event does NOT happen.
ONGOING
Ellinwood Library Exhibit: Americans and the Holocaust
During regular hours at the Ellinwood School/Community Library, 210 N. Schiller Ave. The exhibit is sponsored by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association. The Ellinwood Library is one of only three libraries in Kansas to host the Holocaust exhibit. This exhibit will be available for tours until Jan. 10.
SATURDAY, Jan. 3
Adopt-A-Pet fundraiser for Golden Belt Humane Society
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bomgaars, 5320 10th St.
Night at the Museum
7-9 p.m. at the Santa Fe Trail Center, 2 miles west of Larned on K-156. The Pawnee Peppers and Western Wranglers 4-H Clubs bring historical characters to life as a fundraiser for the Trail Center. Guided tours will be given every 15 minutes. Admission is by freewill donation; RSVPs are required. Call 620-285-2054 to reserve your spot.
MONDAY, Jan. 5
Great Bend City Council Meeting
6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 1209 Williams St. and livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/cityofgreatbend.
TUESDAY, Jan. 6
Barton County Commission meeting
9 a.m. at the courthouse.
THURSDAY, Jan. 8
Great Bend Chamber Coffee hosted by Catholic Charities Golden Harvest Thrift Store
9 a.m. at 2410 Main. St. Program at 9:30.
Hoisington Chamber Coffee hosted by Cardinal Thrift Store
9:30 a.m. at 158 S. Main St.
Larned Area Chamber Coffee hosted by Santa Fe Trail Center
9:30 a.m. at 1349 K-156.
FRIDAY, Jan. 9
KWEC Turtle Tot: Winter Warmth
10 a.m. at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center on K-156 between Great Bend and Claflin. A nature-based program for preschoolers 3-5 years of age. Pre-registration for this free event is required by Jan. 7. Call 877-243-9268 or email amkern2@fhsu.edu.
Shafer Art Gallery Exhibit Reception: “Go Figure”
4-6 p.m. at the Shafer Gallery, located in the Fine Arts Building at Barton Community College. The Shafer Gallery features a compelling exhibition drawn from its permanent collection, showcasing a range of figurative works that explore the human form in all its complexity. From classical studies to contemporary interpretations, these pieces highlight the expressive power of the body in art. Please note: this exhibition contains artistic nudity. Reception will feature light refreshments and a gallery talk. This exhibit was curated by Director of Institutional Advancement Lindsey Bogner.
Girls Night Out
7-9 p.m. at the Heartland Center for Spirituality, 3600 Broadway Ave., enter through the west door. A night packed with games, laughter, tasty refreshments, and great company, with a 50/50 drawing at 8:50 p.m. Admission is free.
SATURDAY, Jan. 10
**Second Saturday Sale **
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Forest Avenue Antiques, 2025 Forest Ave. Storewide sales!
SUNDAY, Jan. 11
Great Bend Community Theatre auditions for “Happy Birthday Dear Grandpa”
2 p.m. at the Crest Theater, 1905 Lakin Ave.
Rush County Community Choir’s Christmas cantata, “The Ballad of Bethlehem”
2 p.m. at the La Crosse United Methodist Church in La Crosse and at 4:30 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 1243 CR 400 in rural Albert. Refreshments will be served. The cantata was rescheduled from December.
MONDAY, Jan. 12
Adult Education Orientation Session
Time determined by student choice, at The Center for Adult Education, 1025 Main St., Great Bend. Students must attend all four sessions (Jan. 12-15). Actual classes will start the following week on Jan. 20 or 21 depending on which schedule students prefer. Contact: Gina Owen, 620-786-7565.
Great Bend USD 428 Board of Education meeting
5 p.m. at the District Education Center, 1809 24th St.
Great Bend Community Theatre auditions for “Happy Birthday Dear Grandpa”
7 p.m. at the Crest Theater, 1905 Lakin Ave.
TUESDAY, Jan. 13
Barton Community College Board of Trustees study session
4 p.m. in Room F-30 of the Fine Arts Building, 245 NE 30 Road.
THURSDAY, Jan. 15
Great Bend Chamber Coffee hosted by Landmark National Bank
9 a.m. at 1623 Main. Program at 9:30.
Hoisington Chamber Coffee hosted by United Way of Central Kansas at First Kansas Bank
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Larned Area Chamber Coffee hosted by Welcome Inn
9:30-10:30 a.m.
SATURDAY, Jan. 17
MONDAY, Jan. 19
Great Bend City Council Meeting
6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 1209 Williams St. and livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/cityofgreatbend.
TUESDAY, Jan. 20
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 21
THURSDAY, Jan. 22
Hoisington Chamber Coffee hosted by K-State Cottonwood Extension District at Chamber Office
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Writing workshop
6-7:30 p.m. at the Barton Community College Library, Cavanaugh Room. Contact: Justin Brown, 620-792-9202.
Note: Conservation awards- (from Veronica) Our awards will be January 22, 2026. Thursday, beginning at 5:30 p.m. At the Immaculate Conception parish hall in Claflin.
TUESDAY, Jan. 27
Barton Community College Board of Trustees meeting
4 p.m. in Room F-30 of the Fine Arts Building, 245 NE 30 Road.
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 28
Great Bend USD 428 Board of Education meeting
Noon at Riley Elementary School, 1515 10th St.
THURSDAY, Jan. 29
Kansas Day
Hoisington Chamber Coffee hosted by Hoisington Floral at Chamber Office
9:30-10:30 a.m.
