Do you love snow celebrations that involve fire, ice, stunts and live music? Of course you do! Good news, Oregon Winterfest returns to Bend, for an especially spirited President’s Day weekend.  We’re happy to be in the heart of this massive celebration of all things winter!

While the whole shebang is tons of fun, there are a handful of not-to-be-missed events. Check out these WinterFest tips for revelers of all ages.

Friday, Feb 13th

WinterFest Wine Walk in the Old Mill District

Invite friends along for a jovial wine walk tasting varietals as you visit Old Mill District retailers.  Sip, taste and savor the opportunity to discover new winemakers while enjoying the latest fashions and unique fares offered along the way.

After your wine walk we highly recommend a meander across the footbridge and over to the Fire Pit Competition where the night will be illuminated by unique creations from participating artisans. From there you’ll continue on to the Ice Sculpture Competition getting underway on Friday night. You’ll want to re-visit this carving exhibition throughout the weekend to observe progress and prize winning creations.

For the first time ever, the KEEN Playground Games opener Friday night with a Ski Competition planned from 5:30 – 8:30p has been cancelled due to warmer than normal temperatures. The new ramp structure, designed by Pete Alport, would have promised plenty of thrills for oohs awws and gravity-defying feats of athleticism. You’ll just have to join us in Bend next year. In lieu of the ski competition, the Metal Mulisha will be performing at 5:30 p.m. We guarantee you will have an opportunity to express your oohs and awws anyway as they defy gravity with plenty of can cans, nac nacs and other tricks with funny names.

Following all of this you’ll still have time to top off your Friday night with a lively performance from March Fourth Marching Band known for their stiltwalkers, acrobatics and hooping  as much as their bootyshaking music.

Saturday February 14th

Spend your Valentine’s Day by enjoying a fun-filled day with family and friends.

The K9 Kings Flying Dog Show features daredevil dog agility, the fastest frisbee® dog in the world, a meet greet & pet area, the only “comic book superhero dog act” and multiple trainers. Speaking of flying, the Metal Mulisha will perform their big air freestyle motocross tricks for the crowd three times at noon, 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

This year, the Childrens’ Area offers a variety of engaging activities geared towards the kiddos including OMSI Kids Science Tent, Slackline Tricks and Bouncing off the Wall Bouncy Houses.

Young ones are also invited to participate in the KIDS Hot Cocoa Run, where they will have the opportunity to burn off some of their Saturday ya-yas. Following that is storytime with the Fire King & Ice Queen.

The KEEN Playground Games continue all day Saturday. Pump Track, Ollie Contest, Rail Contest and Hand Plant Contest are all taking place with an estimated 50 dump trucks full of snow from Mt. Bachelor providing the wintery base.

For the classic Valentine, we highly recommend dinner reservations at your favorite restaurant. For a more casual Valentines date, be sure to grab a bite and a beer. You’ll all want to return for a rocking performance by 90s rock band Filter.

Sunday  February 15th

Snow play and celebrations continue Sunday with a Poker Run and more action in the Keen Playground Games, K9 Snow Dog Performances and Storytime with the Fire King and Ice Queen round out the family-friendly offerings.

Curious about the full details? Visit the Oregon Winterfest website for the up-to-the-minute schedule and additional specifics.

Don’t forget, you can pick up your WinterFest button in advance of the weekend. Swing on by the Ticket Mill and we’ll take care of you.

We’d love to hear your #howtobend tips and suggestions for enjoying President’s Day Weekend in Bend. Please share them in the comments!