Now in it’s 18th year, the Oregon Winterfest returns February 17-19 to the Old Mill District in Bend, Oregon and with it a whole weekend of festivities.

More than a little quirky and a lot of fun, Winterfest takes celebrating our season of snow to the next level. Return visitors know that there is something for everyone: friendly competition, jaw dropping stunts, unique artistry, musical performances, delicious food, beer, a wine walk and much more.

Here’s a daily breakdown of can’t miss festivities for participants of every age. 

 

Friday, February 17

HIGHLIGHTS: Welcome the holiday weekend with a Wine Walk followed up by live music.

Wine Walk 5pm – 9pm

Gather with your wine loving friends and embark on a journey of fine wines as you stroll through participating shops and restaurants here in the Old Mill District. Seek out your new favorite wine maker while touring sipping destinations including Bend Day Spa, Flip Flop Shops, Lubbesmeyer Studio & Gallery, Saxon’s Fine Jewelers, Naked Winery, Tumalo Art Co., Savory Spice, Simply Mac, Sunglass Hut and Va Piano Vineyards.

Wine Walk Packages include an official Oregon Winterfest ticket ($22)  giving you entry into WinterFest for the full three days, a commemorative Oregon WinterFest 2017 wineglass and 10 tasting tickets valid at any of the stores and restaurants providing wine tastings over the course of the evening.

 

Royal Procession

The Fire King and Ice Queen Return for a Royal procession from 6:30-7pm on Friday taking their rightful thrones from 7-8pm on Friday. With appearances planned throughout the weekend, this will be the first of many photo opportunities with the Royal Pair. And with the participation of local jester Chelsea Woodmansee, it is likely to be one of the liveliest too! 

 

Rail Jam

10 Barrel Brewing is bringing their custom rail jam truck to WinterFest. Look for the pop-up rail jam competition for both skiers and snowboarders. On Friday, there will be a Free Ride Session from 6-7:30pm.

 

Live Music Performances in the Chalet Tent

Friday night features musical performances feature

Second Son 5:30-6:30pm

Precious Byrd 6:30-7:30pm

And, recently announced: Cherry Poppin’ Daddies!! 8:30-10:30pm

 

Saturday, February 18

HIGHLIGHTS: Fire, Ice and Family-Friendly fun make for a jam-packed full day of Winterfest events, starting at 11am and continuing through 10pm.

 

OMSI Childrens’ Tent

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry courtesy of the Bend Research Children’s Tent offers brain teasers, hands-on exhibits, and demonstrations focused on chemistry, physics, biology and more. Open Saturday from 11a -8pm, the OMSI Children’s Tent will captivate curious minds of every age. And just in case you were wondering…bouncy houses will be bouncing nearby. 

 

Kids Hot Cocoa Run

Little Runners rule the world during the Kids Hot Cocoa Run, beginning at 1p on Saturday. Costumes are encouraged as participants aged 3 – 10 run from station to station, building a cup of hot cocoa that is good enough for royalty. When competitors cross the finish line they will be awarded the final treat, the hot cocoa! Happy mugs and photo opps will ensue.  

 

Ice Carving Sculpture Competition

The Ice Sculpture Competition attracts groups and individuals from around the region bringing ice and sparkle to the heart of the event. Bigger than ever before, 10 sculptures will come to life through the work of live artists chipping away on giant slabs of ice. Ice Carving is planned for 11am-3pm on Saturday and Sunday.

 

Fire Pit Competition

The incredibly popular Fire Pit Competition returns with stunning artistry on display. More than 20 Fire Pits and Fire Sculptures will blaze along the Deschutes River in the Old Mill District. Formerly held to professional judging only, the competition opens up in 2017 asking festival goers to vote on their favorite submissions too! Be sure to keep your cameras at the ready to capture the contrast of cozy flames under a starlit sky.

Metal Mulisha

The world-famous motorcross team Metal Mulisha will hit the track to showcase their sickest tricks and death-defying stunts during BIG AIR shows. Catch their practice runs 12 noon-12:30pm on Saturday with performances following from 1:00 – 1:30pm 3:30-4pm on Saturday.

 

Rail Jam

Skiers and Snowboarders take flight Saturday night for competitive Rail Jam sessions. Qualifying sessions are scheduled for Snowboarders from 2-3pm and Skiers from 4-5pm on Saturday. Ski & Snowboard Finals will go off at 6:00 – 7:30pm on Saturday.

 

Saturday Night Live Music Performances in the Chalet Tent

Jemere Morgan 5:30-6:30pm

Jo Meresa Marley 7-8pm

J Boog 8:30-10pm

 

Sunday, February 19th

11a – 6p

HIGHLIGHTS: Come for the Royal Fun Run and stay for Rail Jam Sledding, more Metal Mulisha, Ice Carving and Fire Pit admiring.

 

Royal Run

At 12 noon, competitors get on their marks for the Royal Run, an adventure obstacle course with 5k and 10k options.  This year the theme is Royalty so plan on castles, moats, kings, queens and so much more. Wear your most aristocratic garb as prizes will be given to kings and queens for style and ability.

The Winterfest Fire King and Ice Queen will be there to congratulate you as you cross the finish line with photo opportunities to follow. Be sure to plan on some post-run revelry at the Awards Ceremony in Bent Lounge between 1:30-2pm.

Also on tap for Sunday fun, another jaw dropping BIG AIR show from Metal Mulisha. Practice session resumes 12 noon-12:30pm with performances from 1-1:30pm and 3-3:30pm.

 

Sledding, yes Sledding!

New this year, the 10 Barrel Rail Jam truck is open for sledding from 12 noon – 5pm on Sunday. Get some!

You’ll also want to take a leisurely tour of the Fine Art & Food Marketplace to admire all of the arts and crafts, fashion and specialty foods on display. And, to keep all of the curious minds engaged, the Children’s Tent will be open all day until 6p.

 

WinterFest tickets are available in advance $10 per person in advance here at the Ticket Mill and around town. At the gate they are $12 with family 4 pack available for $36. Children 2 years and under are free. A special tip for all of our winter-loving friends: Mt. Bachelor Full Season Pass Holders get free admission. Find additional ticket information and a full weekend schedule at Oregon WinterFest.

 

Whether a weekend visitor or a friendly local, enjoy this opportunity to layer up, pull on your snow boots, and embrace all of the lighthearted fun. Share your favorite moments with us by tagging #OldMillDistrict.