The Center for Counseling & Consultation is excited to announce three new community events for 2026, each designed to bring people together around mental wellness, connection, and support. These events will be open to the public and will offer engaging, meaningful experiences for individuals, families, and community partners throughout Central Kansas.
While each event has a unique focus, all share a common purpose: creating welcoming spaces where hope grows, connections strengthen, and communities thrive.
Hope Fest 2026
A Community Celebration of Recovery, Healing and Suicide Prevention
- Sept. 19, 2026
- Downtown Great Bend
HopeFest 2026 will serve as The Center’s signature community event of the year, bringing together individuals, families, organizations, and partners for a powerful day focused on recovery, suicide prevention, and positive mental health.
Planned activities include a community equality walk, interactive art walk, opportunities for remembrance and healing, educational experiences, family-friendly activities, local food vendors, live music, and an inspiring evening program featuring a nationally recognized entertainment act.
HopeFest is designed to be an uplifting and inclusive experience for anyone who believes in the importance of mental wellness — whether personally impacted or supporting loved ones. More exciting details will be announced in the coming months.
Wild About Wellness
A Zoo Adventure for Healthy Minds
- June 18, 2026
- Brit Spaugh Zoo, Great Bend
Wild About Wellness will provide a fun and engaging experience for families to explore the connection between healthy minds and healthy lives.
Guests will follow an interactive journey through the zoo featuring engaging wellness stations, family-friendly activities, bounce houses, and vendors focused on supporting children and families. In addition to educational experiences, attendees can look forward to special opportunities to interact with zoo animals in unique and memorable ways not typically available during everyday zoo visits, helping create exciting hands-on moments that make learning about mental wellness both fun and meaningful.
Wild About Wellness is designed to make conversations about mental health approachable, engaging, and accessible for all ages.
Honoring Service, Supporting Futures
Connecting veterans and families to care, community, and opportunity
- Nov. 11, 2026
- The Center Administrative office at 2015 16th Street, Great Bend
Honoring Service, Supporting Futures will bring together veterans, their families, and community partners to recognize service while connecting individuals to valuable resources that support long-term wellbeing.
The event will include a complimentary meal for veterans and their families, resource partners, opportunities for connection, and meaningful activities designed to honor the experiences and contributions of those who have served.
Community Partnerships & Sponsorship Opportunities Available
The Center invites community organizations, businesses, and partners to participate as sponsors, resource vendors, or food and beverage vendors.
These events offer meaningful opportunities to:
- demonstrate commitment to community wellbeing
- connect with individuals and families across the region
- support mental health awareness and prevention
- contribute to events that promote hope, healing, and connection
Sponsorship information and vendor applications will be released soon.
Save the Date — More Details Coming Soon
Each event will feature engaging activities designed to create welcoming environments where individuals and families can learn, connect, and experience the importance of mental wellness in a positive and supportive way.
Community members are encouraged to mark their calendars and stay tuned for additional announcements.
Questions, sponsorship inquiries, and early interest from resource vendors, food vendors, or community partners may be directed to:
Sara Arnberger, Marketing Director
The Center for Counseling & Consultation
saraa@thecentergb.org
About The Center for Counseling & Consultation
The Center for Counseling & Consultation provides mental health, substance use, and supportive services to individuals and families across Central Kansas. Through compassionate care and community partnerships, The Center works to ensure that help is accessible to all who need it, regardless of background or ability to pay.