Turkey Day ideas for things to do in Bend with your family and friends

For some, Thanksgiving is a day for extensive cooking with extended family, for others it’s a day for fun with friends, or going full-on lounge mode cheering on football from the couch. Whichever adventure you choose, we’ve got a variety of activities, entertainment and a recipe to satisfy the cravings for you or the crew.

I Like Pie 2025

Dessert first, always! Cascade Relays’ iconic I Like Pie starts and finishes in Riverbend Park on Thanksgiving morning. The popular holiday event raises money for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Oregon and participants earn some well-deserved pre-Thanksgiving Pie!  The 1.3-mile, 3.14-mile or 5.3-mile courses follow the flat, paved pathways and trails through the Old Mill District along the beautiful Deschutes River. The course is stroller-friendly, so bring the whole family out. Individuals and families of all ages and running/walking abilities are encouraged to come run/walk, eat pie and have fun!

Grateful Gatherings

This Thanksgiving, let the Old Mill District take care of the cooking so you can focus on what matters most. Both Greg’s Grill and Hola! are open and ready to host your cozy holiday gathering. Plus, Greg’s Grill is partnering with Central Oregon Veterans Outreach, giving you an opportunity to share the holiday spirit by purchasing a meal for a veteran in need.

Popcorn and Movie Marathon

Wicked: For Good: Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a defiant social outcast who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande (Hairspray Live!, Don’t Look Up), as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. As the two women forge an unlikely sisterhood, they will empower each other in ways that neither foresees. Rating PG.

The Running Man: In a near-future society, The Running Man is the top-rated television show—a deadly competition where contestants, known as Runners, must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins, with every move broadcast to a bloodthirsty public and each day bringing a greater cash reward. Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is convinced by the show’s charming but ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), to enter the game as a last resort. But Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite—and a threat to the entire system. As ratings skyrocket, so does the danger, and Ben must outwit not just the Hunters, but a nation addicted to watching him fall. Rated R

Now You See Me: Now You Don’t: The Four Horsemen (Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher) are back — to unite with a new generation of illusionists for their most global, high-stakes magical adventure yet. Their mission: Expose the corruption of Veronika Vanderberg (Rosamund Pike), a powerful diamond heiress with ties to arms dealers, traffickers, and warlords. Aided by the legendary Thaddeus (Morgan Freeman), the two generations of magicians must overcome their differences to try and defeat their cunning and dangerous adversary, in this magic-fueled heist filled with the franchise’s signature twists, turns, and thrilling reveals — along with some of the most thrilling illusions ever captured on film. Rated PG-13

A Feast of Thanks and Togetherness Trish Smith’s Feeding My Friends Cookbook

As Thanksgiving approaches, there’s no better time to gather around the table with loved ones and savor a delicious, homemade meal. Trish Smith’s long-awaited cookbook, “Feeding My Friends,” brings the perfect collection of recipes to make your holiday celebrations truly special.

Inspired by decades of hosting in Bend and stories from the Old Mill District, Trish’s recipes reflect the rich culinary spirit of Central Oregon and the seasonal abundance of her childhood in Washington’s Yakima Valley. From show-stopping centerpieces to timeless classics, her cookbook is a celebration of gratitude, good food, and cherished moments.

To give you a taste of what’s inside, we’re sharing Trish’s Marinated, Butterflied Leg of Lamb—a flavorful, tender dish that’s sure to elevate your Thanksgiving table.

Marinated, Butterflied Leg of Lamb

“This tender, perfectly marinated lamb is a memory-filled recipe that has been a centerpiece of holiday meals in my family for years.”

Ingredients for the classic marinade (Serves 6-8):

• 1 bottle red wine (like a Gigondas or a Cote de Rhone)
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 5-6 sprigs fresh thyme
• 5-6 sprigs fresh oregano
• 2 tbsp Dijon-style mustard
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black peppercorns

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lamb: Use a 3-4 lbs. leg of lamb, preferably boneless. Trim off the fat, silver skin, and connective tissue. Butterfly the largest piece by slicing nearly in half horizontally and folding it open like two butterfly wings.
2. Marinate: Combine marinade ingredients in a large resealable bag or glass dish. Add the lamb and marinate for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Season: Drain the lamb, pat dry, brush with extra virgin olive oil, and season with kosher salt and coarsely ground black pepper.
4. Cook:
   • Grill: Preheat the barbeque and grill the lamb for about 10 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for rare or 160°F for medium.
   • Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Bake the lamb on an oiled rack for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
5. Rest and Serve: Let the lamb rest for at least 10 minutes before carving.

We hope you enjoy it all this Thanksgiving – the food, the friends, the family and the laughter – we’re grateful to be a part of your community!