Memorial Day Weekend signals a new season of special offerings and things to do in Bend, Oregon. With so much to do, we’re here to help you maximize the fun factor with daily itineraries for inspiration.

Friday

Finish the work day early, taking time for a Happy Hour beverage in the Old Mill District. There are a number of alluring options, indoors and riverside on the patio where you can always enjoy the goodness al fresco.

Flatbread Community Oven features dranky dranks galore in addition to delicious pizzas, pizzettas and flatbread options.

If sushi is more your speed, your wish will be granted at Mio Sushi with premium rolls and delicious edamame. Sake, beer and wine options are available for those seeking libations.

This would also be a great time to take a tour of working galleries with artists onsite at a number of locations including Lubbesmeyer Studio, Tumalo Art Company and DeWilde Glass.

Afterwards you can stroll across the footbridge and over to the Bend Concerts at Les Schwab Amphitheater for Decemberists and Spoon with the Districts, an evening of alt rock and harmonies with the starry night and Deschutes River as your backdrop.

Saturday

Begin your day with Strictly Organic coffee and a walk along the river trail always teeming with wildlife along migratory corridor. After 10AM you can swing by the Ticket Mill to pick up a pair of binoculars for a closer look at birds in flight.

Lunch will be served at Cafe Yumm! where all palates are pleased by tasty bowl options.

Or, you could try Pastini Pastaria for a salad sampler including their new Kale salad with apples, walnuts and raisins and the Caprese, with fresh mozzarella, basil, Roma and sundried tomatoes.

Next you’ll want to take some time to check out a full spectrum of shopping options including REI–still celebrating their anniversary with a sale, Bath & Body Works, Saxon’s Fine Jewelers and Wonderland Toy Shoppe. There are a number of in-store specials and holiday discounts.

With sunny skies forecasted you might want to take an early break to enjoy views from the Level 2 balcony. Located above Saxon’s, cocktail lovers will love house made creations.

A double-bill that includes Ryan Adams and Jenny Lewis will fill the evening with signature lyrics and heartfelt melodies.

Sunday

Sleeping in is always an option though early risers will likely be rewarded with a beautiful sunrise. Take a walk down past Riverbend Park for primo views, looking East towards Pilot Butte.

Wheel Fun Rentals will be open for rentals. You can pack the family into a surrey for big smiles or take a smaller craft out for a spin, it’s a great way to get some exercise while having a great time.

Brunch will be served at Anthony’s beginning at 11am with a menu that features fresh Northwest seafood complimented by fresh in season produce. Signature Blood Mary’s are bound to please the daytime drinker. Spectacular views of Deschutes River as well as Mt. Bachelor and the Three Sisters Mountains make this meal photo-worthy.

Depart for daytime adventures and explorations by car, bicycle or your own two feet. The trails are in primo condition right now, ready for hike or bike with access climbing to ever higher elevations.

Due to the warm winter, the Cascade Lakes Highway is now open and accessible by car. Thrillseekers can easily find the snow and visit alpine lakes along the way.

For another type of escape, Regal Cinemas is featuring a number of new release films including the crowd pleasing Pitch Perfect 2, Tomorrowland Imax and Mad Max: Fury Rood.

Hola! offers delicious Peruvian and Mexican inspired entrees and cocktails. Margarita lovers will have plenty to try here. We highly recommend the Pisco Sours, too.

Monday – Memorial Day

Make the day all about memories. Book a tour with Wanderlust, plan for an amble along the Bend Ale Trail or visit the nearby High Desert Museum.

Grab a Red Robin burger for a late lunch or go for something entirely different by checking out Kona Mix Plate, where Hawaiian fare rules the day.

After lunch, get a cone or a dish at Ben & Jerry’s. Plan on competing to see who can savor theirs the longest.

Shoppers will want to complete their tour of offerings stopping in to Flip Flop Shops, Victoria’s Secret and Vanilla.

Memorial Day weekend hits a major crescendo as it closes with Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters. Regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of popular music, Robert Plant is best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the rock band Led Zeppelin followed by a successful solo career. Every ticket purchased online or at the Ticket Mill for Robert Plant, will receive a CD of his new album lullaby and… The Ceaseless Roar. Ticket purchasers will receive instructions via email on how to redeem their album.

How’s that for action packed? There are many more DIY options for a weekend filled to family fun. Do you have a tip on how best to enjoy it? Share it with us by using the #HowToBend hashtag on Instagram,  Twitter and Facebook.