Festivals & Events in Bend
Here’s a list of some of our favorite upcoming Bend events and festivals in 2023. Check out the Bend event calendar for all events and concerts happening at the Old Mill District.
Bend Brewfest 2023 canceled
Bend Brewfest, the second-largest craft beer festival in the Pacific Northwest, has been postponed until it can return to the Hayden Homes Amphitheater.
While the festival was successful in its new location and raised more than $15,000 for the Latino Community Association, Northwest Youth Discovery, Bend Fire Community Assistance Program, and Out Central Oregon, organizers have opted to pause the event until it can return to Hayden Homes Amphitheater, which is set for a third phase of upgrades this winter and spring. Since its inception in 2002, the Bend Brewfest has given more than $100,000 to local non-profit organizations.
“We loved the turnout last year and are so thankful we could all get back together again,” said Bend Brewfest marketing director Beau Eastes. “But to be able to put on the kind of brew festival guests want, we need to wait until it can return to the amphitheater.”
We will cheers again.
Winterfest
February 17-19, 2023
photo by Brian Becker (2017) courtesy of Winterfest
The Northwest’s largest winter festival, Winterfest, returns to Central Oregon promising another incredible celebration for visitors and locals alike. Welcoming 40,000 + attendees back to the Deschutes County Expo Center, the indoor and outdoor festival includes live music, art, food, and amusement rides.
New for 2023, the Merry-go-round and Ferris wheel are great for the kiddos and families. For adults, there’s the Hot Coca Run, a fun filled 5k with a full hot cocoa bar at the finish line.
The Wonderland Marketplace will feature over 75 local vendors showcasing handmade goods, pottery, apparel, photography, jewelry, and more.
Live performances include Warren G and Sugar Hill Gang, Tyler Farr, Toast & Jam, and many more.
General Admission tickets are available for all 3 days, or single day admission tickets. Link to tickets below.
Tickets
Bend Marathon 2023
April 16, 2023
Virtual Challenge – April 1 – May 1, 2023
Come run the Bend Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and 5k. We’re already gearing up for another exciting race weekend. The April events will be the best mountain town races anywhere. These are spectacularly scenic courses through West Bend emphasizing everything that makes Bend, Oregon great. You’ll cruise around neighborhood parks, through ponderosa pine forests, along the mighty Deschutes River, and finish in a beautiful iconic Bend location. Rounding out this iconic Bend event is a free kids race and youth 5k, a chill afterparty, and plenty of opportunities to shop, recreate, and dine in Bend while you’re in Central Oregon for the weekend. Hang around after your race to enjoy the afterparty where the Cascade Lakes craft beer will be flowing, delicious food is waiting, and you can relax because you just finished your best race ever! Join us for this edition of the Bend Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and 5k.
Homegrown Music Festival
April 20-21, 2023
Head to Bunk & Brew April 20 – 21 for the High Desert Music Collectives third annual 4/20 celebration that includes 2 days of highlighting local bands, artisans, and comedians.
FREE ADMISSION 21+
Headliners include – Oregon Fryer, The Hasbens, Rubbah Tree, The Rumpeppers, Billy & The BoxKid, and Bends premiere Grateful Dead cover band, Call Down Thunder.
The nonprofit High Desert Music Collective is led by founder Scott McClelland who is passionate about the Bend music scene and empowering local artists.
“My goal is to use this opportunity to shine the light and bring awareness/support to local music being created in Bend.” As the music industry in town grows and more touring artist come to town, the opportunity for locals acts to grow becomes increasingly limited. It’s important for these individuals and groups that make up the Bend music scene to be heard and seen. HomeGrown and HDMC’s goal is to give these artists more performance opportunities and to be promoted in a way that unifies the music being created in Bend as one.”
Admission is free however tickets are available for the 21 + Experience and VIP artist access.
21 + Experience –grants access to the main stage for both days, as well as Silver Moon Brewing after party
VIP Artist Access – grants access to the main stage, artist green room for both days as well as Silver Moon Brewing after party.
SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle 2023
May 13, 2023
Bend’s iconic Pole Pedal Paddle is a multi-sport event that starts at Mt. Bachelor and ends in the Old Mill District.
Racers – the event can be done individually or as part of a team – start with a 200-foot sprint up Mt. Bachelor to the competitors’ downhill skis. Racers ski down Bachelor before transferring to Nordic gear for an approximate 5-mile loop within the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center. Next up is the bike leg of the race, as competitors blast down Century Drive from the mountain into town. At the Athletic Club of Bend, racers move on to the trail running portion of the event, a 5-mile point-to-point leg that ends at Riverbend Park. Competitors finish the race with a 1 1/2 mile paddle in the Deschutes River before hopping out of their kayak/canoe/paddleboard and sprinting 800 meters into the Old Mill District.
The race is produced and benefits the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF), which creates opportunities through competitive snow sports programs to support athletes in achieving their individual athletic, academic, and personal goals.
Steampunk Music Festival, La Pine, OR
June 16-18, 2023
Steampunk Music Festival is a 3-day gathering of friends and family, music lovers, dancers, and artists of all ages. Hosted on a beautiful 40-acre lot in La Pine, Oregon the family-friendly music festival is geared up to deliver a fun and magical experience for all those who attend. A main component of the gathering is to raise money for local non-profit organizations and to show gratitude for their hard work and contributions to our local community. This year they have named The Environmental Center as the non-profit beneficiary.
It’s about more than just the music, it’s about the connections and creating memories for you to take back home with you. That’s why they offer a kid’s zone for parents, workshops for kids and adults, educational speakers, art installations, live painters, and a variety of non-musical performers and entertainers. We want your experience to be one you remember for years to come.
Passes include camping.
For lodging options, please visit one of our preferred Bend hotels.
Munch & Music 2023
TBA
Groove to free concerts in Bend’s Drake Park this summer. Grab some delicious grub from one of the many food trucks and vendors or sip on a Deschutes Brew to quench your summertime thirst while you browse local artisans and craftspeople’s booths.
Bend Summer Festival 2023
July 7-9, 2023
We are so excited to bring back the First Interstate Bank Bend Summer Festival for 2023. Expect to try delicious eats, browse creative makers, sip spirits all straight from the heart of Central Oregon and of course dance the day away with great music.
Saturday July 8 Lineup
11:30 – 12:30: Cascade School of Music
1:00 – 2:00: Mikey Bilello
2:30 – 3:30: Stacie Dread & Mystic
4:00 – 5:00: Now & Then
5:30 – 6:30: Milo Matthews
7:00 – 8:00: Maxwell Friedman Group
8:30 – 10:00: Down North
Sunday July 9 Lineup
11:30 – 12:30: Cascade School of Music
11:30 – 12:30: Cascade School of Music
1:00 – 2:00: Cheyenne West & Kurt Silva
2:30 – 3:30: DRIFT
4:00 – 5:00: Jess Ryan Band
Summer Festival includes fun for kids and the entire family. The PacificSource Kids Rock the Races event takes place Saturday, July 9. Kids between the ages of 3-10 will have a blast on the fun summer themed course at Troy Field. Register Today!
courtesy of bendsummerfestival.com
Newberry Arts & Music Festival 2023
TBA
Balloons Over Bend 2023
July 28-30, 2023
Check back here for updates throughout the year. Thank you to our incredible sponsors who help us bring this unique and joyful event to our community. And thank you to our community for your continued support of Bend’s culture, as well as our families and critical nonprofits. We look forward to seeing you this summer!
Rise and shine on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings to witness hot air balloons lift off from R.E. Jewell Elementary School in southeast Bend and float across the backdrop of a breathtaking Central Oregon sunrise for a larger than life spectacle the whole family will remember.
Join us for a Night Glow event in Bend (on Friday in Riverbend Park) and Redmond (on Saturday in Sam Johnson Park) for an opportunity to get up close to hot air balloons, and to sit back and watch them light up the sky. Show up early to secure your viewing spot!
Cascade Lakes Relay 2023
June 23-24, 2023
Oregon’s most challenging running relay course starts in the Cascade Mountains at Diamond Lake Resort, travels through the Oregon Outback and rural agricultural country, and winds back to the Cascade Lakes Highway, around Mt. Bachelor and into the resort community of Bend. You’ll see more cows than semi-trucks and smell pine trees instead of exhaust. If you are seeking an adventure where you can push your limits and rediscover your senses, then this is the event for you and your team. Cascade Lakes Relays offers something for everyone with 3 events: CLR 36, CLR 24 and the Walk Relay.
Registration for Cascade Lakes Relay 2023 is now open!
NO REGISTRATION LOTTERY WILL BE HELD FOR CLR 2023. REGISTRATION WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FULL.
Fairwell Festival 2023
July 21-23, 2023
Introducing Central Oregon’s newest music festival! Deschutes County Fairgrounds is hosting 3 days of amazing artists – blues, folk, country and rock n roll with headliners Zach Bryan and Willie Nelson & Family.
36 artists on three stages. Additional performances by Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Mt. Joy, Band of Horses, Luke Grimes, and many more.
Ticket types include 1-Day and 3-Day, GA, GA+, VIP and Platinum. Specialty-priced 3-Day GA student tickets will also be available for all current college & university students, available in limited quantities.
You wont want to miss this one!
Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo 2023
August 2-6, 2023
The Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo offers lots of great family-friendly entertainment, including 4-H farm animals, a family-fun Zone and carnival rides. Rodeo performances are free with admission on a first come first serve basis. Stroll through the barns and see the goats, pigs and bunnies and many more animals raised by local kids.
Sunriver Art Fair 2023
August 11, 12, 13, 2023
The Sunriver Art Fair features numerous juried artists, a kids’ crafts area, artist demos and live music in the village at Sunriver. The 2023 Sunriver Art Fair team is looking forward to seeing everyone again in the beautiful Village at Sunriver, one of our proud sponsors. Join us to shop for art directly from the artists, enjoy live entertainment and family fun in a safe, friendly environment.
Sunriver Music Festival 2023
August 4-17, 2023
courtesy of Sunrivermusic.org
Sunriver Music Festival is committed to expanding the audience for classical music by nurturing the next generation of artistic talent and by presenting a world-class musical experience for Central Oregon.
The 46th annual Summer Festival is the landmark event of Sunriver Music Festival. August 4-17, 2023 brings a remarkable season with Artistic Director & Conductor Brett Mitchell.
2023 Summer Festival Concert Schedule
Ticket sales open to the public June 1, 2023. Ticket sales open to Friends of the Festival members beginning April 1. Learn More.
Theater in the Park
August 18, 19, 2023
Enjoy two magical evenings of musical theater in Drake Park alongside the scenic Deschutes River. This year join us for a celebration of love, friendship, and revolution with RENT
Bend Beer Chase 2023
May 6, 2023
The Bend Beer Chase is a one-day, six-person running relay of approximately 55 miles, consisting of 12 legs of varying distance (4-8 miles per leg). The course starts from Bend, travels to Redmond and back to finish in Bend. On a 6-person team, each person runs 2 legs; On a 3-person team, each person runs 4 legs… you get the idea.
Art in the High Desert
August 25-27, 2023
Art in the High Desert is returning to 2023!! Art in the High Desert will bring over 150 nationally acclaimed, hand-picked, visual artists to the the beautiful grounds of the Deschutes County Fair & Expo.
Art in the High Desert proudly presents more than 110 nationally acclaimed visual artists. Art in the High Desert is a signature annual event in Central Oregon’s thriving art scene. Mingle with fellow art lovers among booths of original arts and crafts. Get to know the artists showcasing mixed media, photography, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, glass, printmaking, wood, fiber art, drawing and more.
Gem & Jam + 4 Peaks Presents: Cascade Equinox Festival, Redmond OR
September 22-24, 2023
A one-of-a-kind festival experience on the autumnal equinox is coming to Central Oregon. Enjoy the balance between experience and adventure, collaboration and community, a festival re-imagined.
Line up includes an eclectic array of national, regional and local bands to Bend for more than a decade. With grand views and grassy fields, multiple stages and a large late-night tent, vendors and a kids activity area, 4 Peaks is committed to building an intimate, family-friendly festival from morning yoga to the silent disco.
For lodging options, please visit one of our preferred Bend hotels.
Sisters Folk 2023
September 29-October 1, 2023
Tickets on sale December 14, 2022.
The Sisters Folk Festival is a celebration of American music from blues to bluegrass. Held in downtown Sisters, the festival and covers seven stages with performances by internationally recognized artists and the best of up-and-coming talent in folk, blues, bluegrass, and all genres in between. A unique and intimate setting for fantastic music.
Bend Oktoberfest 2023
TBA
Happening on the streets on downtown Bend this end of summer tradition is a place for great beer, fun games, silly events, and being a part of the Bend community. Join us for the wiener dog race, traditional music, dancing, beer bong, stein holds, and so much more!
Bend Fall Festival 2023
September 29-October 1, 2023
Follow us on Facebook for the most up to date information on the event. We look forward to seeing you all soon!
BendFilm Festival 2023
In-Person October 12-15, 2023
Virtual October 16 – 22, 2023
We are ready to embark on another fantastic adventure and celebrate our 18th Festival with the most engaged audiences and most daring of independent filmmakers working today. Meet your heroes, connect with future collaborators and explore all that BendFilm has to offer virtually and in beautiful Bend, Oregon. See you in October!
Bend Venture Conference 2023
TBA
The Bend Venture Conference is the largest angel conference in the Pacific Northwest and is known for connecting early stage companies and entrepreneurs with investment and mentors. Hosted by Economic Development of Central Oregon (EDCO), this annual event includes attendees, investors and companies with the possibility of one million in investments and services awarded to multiple companies.
Bend Design Conference 2023
TBA
Every October, Bend Design celebrates creative and design thinking by convening creative thinkers from a diverse range of practices and professions for talks, workshops, screenings, and problem-solving sessions.
We’ll dig into meaningful talks, film screenings, and lively discussions. Tune in from the comfort of your own device and become the change. Stay tuned for pass updates and availability!
High Desert Museum’s
Wildlife programs — porcupines, otters, reptiles, a bobcat — meet them all up close. Raptors of the High Desert sky — hawks, owls and eagles—soar overhead. And with a Living History ranch, you can step back into 1904 and join the Miller Family tending the garden and working the sawmill. Current and upcoming exhibits include:
Under the Snow
December 17, 2022 through May 7, 2023
Explore a hidden world in the immersive and bilingual exhibit, Under the Snow.
In the depth of winter, a deep layer of snow quiets the High Desert’s forests. But under the surface, a secret world has come to life. In the subnivium environment, animals create a matrix of tunnels to survive the winter’s frigid temperatures and hide from the predators that lurk above. Using interactive graphics, you and your family will meet the species that depend on the snow, including a resilient mammal named Pika, an observant owl called Great Gray and a fruiting fungus known as Fuzzy Foot.
Under the Snow is offered in both Spanish and English!
Open through May 7, 2023
In the Arena: Photographs from America’s Only Touring Black Rodeo
November 19, 2022 through June 25, 2023
Black cowboys have long been an integral part of the American West. Thousands of Black cowboys, for instance, rode in the Western cattle drives of the 1860s. Their stories are largely untold in popular narratives, but modern-day Black rodeos keep their traditions alive. A new, original High Desert Museum exhibit celebrates this thriving culture.
In the Arena: Photographs from America’s Only Touring Black Rodeo opens at the Museum on Saturday, November 19, 2022. Through the lens of San Francisco Bay Area photographer Gabriela Hasbun, this exhibit documents the exhilarating atmosphere of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo—the only touring Black rodeo in the country—and the showstopping style and skill of the Black cowboys and cowgirls who compete in it year after year.
One of the most enduring symbols of the American West, the cowboy evokes self-reliance, strength and determination—qualities found at the Black rodeos held each year across the United States. Historians estimate that in the latter half of the 19th century, one in four cowboys were Black. They often faced discrimination when passing through towns, barred from restaurants and hotels. But their skills were in high demand.