Commute Options, the Old Mill District, and Hayden Homes Amphitheater Partner to Encourage Alternative Transportation Options This Summer

Earn rewards for leaving your car at home. Commute Options and the Old Mill District introduce the “Summer Commute Challenge” to help reduce seasonal traffic in Bend. Running June through September 2026, the challenge offers prizes for concert-goers, diners and shoppers who walk, bike, carpool or take transit to the Old Mill District.

The Old Mill District and Hayden Homes Amphitheater is kicking off summer in a big way by expanding its partnership with Commute Options to launch the Summer Commute Challenge, running June 1 through September 30.

This year’s challenge spans the entire summer, encouraging residents, visitors and employees to choose more sustainable ways to get to the Old Mill District and Hayden Homes Amphitheater during the busiest months of the season. Participants can earn rewards simply by swapping the solo drive for a walk, bike ride, scooter trip, bus ride or carpool with friends.

The official launch lines up with a big night of music as Lord Huron takes the stage on Thursday, June 4, setting the tone for a summer of live shows and easier, greener ways to get there.

Joining is simple! Create an account through Get There Oregon, then track trips anytime you walk, bike, roll, carpool or take transit to the Old Mill District or Hayden Homes Amphitheater. Every trip logged between June 1 and September 30 counts toward rewards and prize entries, with monthly drawings featuring concert tickets, apparel, Hydro Flasks and more.

“Expanding the challenge to cover the full summer allows us to build lasting sustainable habits during Bend’s peak travel season,” said Aoibhe Richardson, Transportation Options Coordinator at Commute Options. “By choosing to walk, bike, carpool, or bus to the Old Mill District, community members can get rewarded for their everyday summer outings—from shopping and dinner to live music. It makes the commute fun, reduces parking hassle, and actively keeps Central Oregon less congested.”

To make things even better, participants will also be entered to win a grand prize at the end of September: a $250 Old Mill District gift bundle, including a gift card that can be used toward future concert tickets.

“We have this beautiful river that flows through the district, reminding us every day that environmental stewardship must be at the forefront of everything we do,” said Amanda Bird-Zimmerman, Old Mill District assistant marketing director. “Every time we ditch the single-occupancy vehicle route, we reduce our impact on our natural surroundings, minimize traffic congestion, and honestly, it’s really hard not to be happy when riding a bike.”

Whether heading to a show, grabbing dinner or spending the day by the river, it only takes a minute to sign up and start earning rewards for everyday trips.