Now that we have welcomed 2015 with open arms, it’s time to embrace a new year of community fun and festivities. To get things started we’ve compiled this list of things we are looking forward to in and around Bend, Oregon.

Oregon Winterfest, February 13 – 15

In the heart of February, the Oregon Winterfest celebrates our season of snow with a massive party of fire and ice.

Photo via Oregon WinterFest Facebook Page

The expansive event includes something for everyone including an interactive tent for children and curious minds of all ages; live music performances, ice sculptures and artisan fire pit displays. The jaw-dropping Playground Games showcases skills while the Royal Race 5k and 10k fun run invites everyone to run along the Deschutes river and through the picturesque paths of our own backyard.

For event details and online access to Winterfest buttons, visit the Oregon Winterfest website.

Inspiring Events: MUSE Conference – TEDxBend – BendFilm

Get inspired, share ideas and take new journeys with this trio of locally organized events.

The Muse Conference returns for three days of events that celebrate women and girls as catalysts for change March 6 – 8. The 3rd annual event convenes participants in salon conversations, in-depth workshops and a full day of stories and performances at the Tower Theater. Tickets go on sale January 6th. Look for updates on the Muse Conference Facebook page.

On April 18th, TEDxBend will return with a curated program dedicated to Ideas Worth Spreading.  Innovators, creators, makers and leaders with refreshing perspectives will join musical performers from the Bend High School Stage. Tickets go on sale March 20th. Visit the TEDxBend website and be sure to subscribe to their eNews to get the first word on regularly scheduled events.

Another one of our local cultural treasures, the beloved BendFilm Festival is slated to return in October 2015. BendFilm celebrates the brave voice of independent cinema through films, lectures and education. The event draws documentary, animated, short Film and feature filmmakers from around the world to frame their cinematic stories with Q & A opportunities. Event announcements are forthcoming on the BendFilm website and Facebook page.

Concert Season

What can we look forward to for the 2015 season at Les Schwab Amphitheater? All we can say right now is, it’s going to be good! Concert announcements will begin late winter and continue throughout this Spring. Facebook users, be sure to like our Les Schwab Amphitheater Page to stay up on the latest announcements and share your suggestions.

Our Free Summer Sunday Concert Series will return to the Les Schwab Amphitheater select Sundays in June-July 2015. Concerts run 2:30-4:30pm, picnics and family fun are always encouraged.

We are equally excited about the burgeoning live music scene in Bend with the Tower Theater & Random Series and more venues popping up around town. For an in-depth look at the local scene, read this recent 2014 wrap up from the Bulletin’s Ben Salmon.

Fermentation Celebration & Brewfest

How is it possible that our craft beer scene continues to get better and better? Surely it has as much to do with Bend’s enterprising community as our our Cascade-fed water and regional access to fresh hops. The secret is out about our own Beertopia, just ask any Bend Ale Trail visitor.

With numerous beer focused festivals on the scene, we are especially happy to feature two events in the Old Mill District.

The  Fermentation Celebration is scheduled for June 18th, right on the cusp of Summer Solstice. Designed as a hop-filled beer walk through the Old Mill District, the Fermentation Celebration also offers local ciders and vino from Naked Winery.

The Bend Brewfest has become a midsummers delight for all craft beer lovers near and far. From Thursday, August 13th through Saturday, August 15th participants will enjoy three full days of hop, yeast and malted barley bliss.

Revelers, be sure to book your lodging early. Rooms are already filling up at the Hilton and Hampton Inn, just a few steps away from the action. Visit the website to stay up on brewery announcements and like our Bend BrewFest Facebook Page for cheers, updates and craft beer conversations.

Art In The High Desert

Recently ranked as one of the top 15 shows in the country, Art In The High Desert returns this August for its 7th event.

Featuring over 100 nationally acclaimed, hand-picked visual artists, the event brings artists, appreciators and buyers to the banks of the Deschutes River. Visit the website to keep up with artist announcements.

Photo via Art In The High Desert Facebook Page

Bluebird days at Mt. Bachelor and Meissner Nordic

Yes, it’s true, we’ve got skiing on the brain. When the white magic falls from the sky it feels like all of nature is celebrating with us.

Bend locals know that getting your stoke on is easy at Mt Bachelor. What’s not to love with up to 2,000 acres of terrain available to skiers, riders, tubers and cross country snow lovers of all abilities? Get the beta on all you need to know about conditions, lessons, snowshoe tours and dog sledding adventures at their website.

Another community gem, Meissner Nordic is a volunteer organization fueled purely by donations, supporters, and lots of heart. The ski recreation area features 40km of exceptional cross country trails, stunning views and a variety of terrain for snowshoers and nordic skiers, both skating and classic. For updates on grooming schedule and conditions we recommend liking their Meissner Nordic Facebook page.

The list continues to grow and we haven’t even scratched the surface. What are you looking forward to in 2015? We’d love to hear in the comments and on our Facebook page. Your featured comments will be rewarded with Old Mill District Gift Certificates. Happy New Year!