Last Updated May 17, 2022
We’ll have new events up soon. For now, you can take a look at the events we’ve highlighted in the Bend area in the past.
Bend, Oregon Upcoming Events: Fall, 2018
Bend, like a lot of places in the mountains, has two distinct personalities.
There’s summer Bend, with floats down the Deschutes River, festivals, beer, glorious sun, hiking, rock climbing, more beer, et cetera. Then there’s winter Bend, when the siren’s song of fresh powder at Mount Bachelor often proves irresistible.
Throughout the year, there’s a common denominator: Bend’s natural beauty shines forth regardless of the season. We mean that figuratively and literally, with sunny skies year-round. Then, there’s always beer, locally brewed and delicious.
When it comes to Bend events though, don’t overlook the Fall. There’s a lot going on. So much, in fact, that trying to wade through all of it and plan your calendar might prove a big chore.
Luckily, though, we’ve done the hard work for you, finding the best of the best that the Bend area has to offer for September, October, and November. You’ll never look at fall the same again.
Psst: if you’re perhaps thinking of moving to Bend, we’ve got you covered there too. Just let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll help you get started on your home search right away. Or, search for Bend homes for sale right here on our website.
Our business is real estate, but we’re passionate about our local communities. We want to do what we can to share that zest. So without further ado, here’s Bend’s top events for Fall 2018.
(Not yet ready for the summer to end? Then check out our Summer Events Guide.)
Sisters Folk Festival — September 7-9
There’s something about folk music that just feels right at higher elevations, particularly as the dog days of summer start to give way to crisp fall and its hints of bittersweet nostalgia. That’s just what you’ll get at the Sisters Folk Festival, just a short drive west of Bend.
Justin Townes Earle, Dar Williams, and Robbie Fulks headline, but the lineup is as deep as they get, with 48 diverse acts. And with 11 different stages, expect performances to be much more intimate than your average festival.
Here, the word “folk” describes something of a shared spirit rather than denoting strict genre boundaries. So, you can expect bluegrass, country, jazz, funk, afro-cuban, gospel, gypsy, swing, and more.
Wildfires in the Three Sisters Area made 2017’s festival a no-go, but cross your fingers for better conditions this year. So far, so good. Tickets are available here.
Bend Bicycle Film Festival — September 7
Wild & Scenic Film Festival — October 5
BendFilm Festival — October 11-14
It’s true that for many of Bend’s diehard outdoorsfolk, there’s no such thing as a winter vacation. But for many, summer’s outdoor pleasures steadily give way to indoor ones as the days and nights begin to cool.
That’s where these three film festivals come in. The first two feature films are about, well, the outdoors, both of them screening at Old Bend’s historic Tower Theater. The Bend Bicycle Film Festival features short films by exclusively local filmmakers. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival, screened across the country, will benefit the Oregon Natural Desert Association. Expect nature, adventure, and environmental advocacy.
This year, BendFilm celebrates its 15th anniversary. A “celebration of independent cinema,” this is a can’t-miss event if you want to peer into the rich ecosystem of films being made today outside of mainstream Hollywood.
Flagline 50k — September 15
Hood to Coast High Desert — October 6
LaPine Loop — October 20
Bend, we’ll repeat, has more than its fair share of diehard outdoorsfolk and extreme athletes, from mountain bikers, runners, and climbers to kayakers and snowboarders. So no Bend events list would be complete without a sampling of some of the area’s adrenaline-pumping athletic competitions.
The Flagline 50k starts and finishes at Mt. Bachelor’s West Village Lodge. In between, expect a lot of climbing–4,000 feet of it, to be specific. For those not ready to tackle the 50k, 10k and 5k races are available.
Hood to Coast High Desert is an offshoot of the renowned Hood & Portland to Coast relay, long known as the “Mother of All Relays” and the longest in the world. This one is 70 miles long, spanning from Brasada Ranch northeast of Bend then down Highway 27 and back. If you ask us, that’s plenty long enough. Teams of 4-6 members compete over 12 legs.
The Lapine Loop is an innovative “adventure” race featuring mountain biking, trail running, paddling and, we’re told, perhaps a rope challenge. Beginners are welcome, and for those more seasoned a “Pro” Loop is available as well.
Bend Oktoberfest — September 21-22
When it comes to Bend events, there’s never too long to wait before beer takes front and center. Bend, naturally, has its own Oktoberfest–with the highest per-capita of microbreweries in the country, who could be surprised?
This Oktoberfest isn’t in October though–Bend’s residents apparently can’t quite wait that long after summer’s beer festivals come to a close. We’re not complaining though.
Bend’s breweries, naturally, will be showing their stuff, but expect local wine, cider, and kombucha on tap as well. What’s more, there are going to be plenty of weiners–weiner dogs, that is. Downtown Bend will be going to the Daschunds, with various races and competitions.
Want to know what’s even sweeter? Admission is totally free. And, what’s more, the event is a fundraiser to help keep downtown Bend beautiful. Give back to your community, and let it give back its bounty to you, in the form of delicious local brews and food.
Sisters Fresh Hop Festival — September 29
Oktoberfest leave you thirsty for more? Then head just west of Bend to Sisters for this extravaganza of exclusively fresh-hopped beers from across Oregon.
To qualify as “fresh-hopped,” the hops have to be picked and then brewed within a 24-hour window. Hops are harvested in the early Fall, predominantly in the Pacific Northwest. So this, in other words, is your prime chance to enjoy the world’s freshest beer.
As if that weren’t enough of an enticement, consider: Glen Watkins, Leadbetter Band, and other acts TBA will soundtrack the event. Mark your calendars. More info here.
Bend Fall Festival — October 5-7
The Fall Festival is, as the name implies, the quintessential celebration of the season, and of all the things that make Bend great. Expect local food, art, crafts, music, and libations in the form of a harvest market, gourmet food and wine street, and two stages.
Even with all of this, you may be thinking that there’s still something missing from the picture. Actually, you’re right: we haven’t mentioned the annual pie baking and pumpkin carving contest or chili cookoff. There’s a Family Fun street for the kids as well. Make no excuses: this is where you’ll want to be the first weekend of October.
Haunted Illusions and Halloween Party with David Caserta — October 31
Perfect for Halloween, this evening’s proceedings will feature “tons of tricks and more than a few treats.” David Caserta is one of America’s most renowned illusionists, and we think the Tower Theater is a perfect venue: old, perhaps spooky, and definitely magical. Get your tickets before they disappear into thin air.
Cyclocross Crusade — November 3-4
In years past, the Bend leg of the Cyclocross Crusade coincided with Halloween, making for a delirious spectacle as scores of costumed, mud-splattered cyclists blasted their way through town. Unfortunately, the event will be several days later this year. But we won’t be surprised if some folks show up in costume anyway.
Costumes aside, this is definitely a high-intensity athletic competition. But cyclocross isn’t just another bike race. The action unfolds over many laps on a short, circular course with both pavement and cross-country sections. Frequent obstacles mean that cyclists must continuously dismount and carry their bikes. So whether you plan to participate or not, it’s going to be a heck of a show.
Serious Crusaders will probably want to invest in a specially-designed cyclocross bike, but clunkers are welcome too. There’s even a special race for single-speed bikes, so there’s no excuse not to throw yourself into the ring. You may just feel the spirit of Bend enter into you.
Bend, Oregon Upcoming Events: Sum
Looking for what’s happening in Bend right now? Then look no further than our Bend Events Calendar.
Summer in Bend means many different things to different people.
For some, it’s lazy, idyllic days by the riverside, hitting a brewpub or two in the evening then gazing at the stars over the moonlit silhouette of the Cascades.
For others, it’s time to load up a backpack and hit the trails, witnessing the spectacular beauty of the mountains in the most intimate way possible. Or, maybe it’s time to grab your climbing gear and head to the world-renowned Smith Rock. Then there’s mountain-biking, competitive running, horseback riding, et cetera et cetera.
Maybe summer means outdoor concert season for you. Or maybe it means continuing the daily grind then hitting weekend festivals and other fun events with your family. Whatever your fancy, there’s a common denominator here: summer is a good time to be in Bend.
(Really, any time is a good time to be in Bend. We can give you a few more reasons why moving to Bend might be a good idea. We’d also encourage you to look at Bend homes currently for sale.)
Looking for some specific examples, or for some inspiration to get you excited about the summer ahead? Then look no further than our Definitive Guide to Summer in Bend for 2018.
Bite of Bend and Bite of Bend Beer Run : June 17-22
Bite of Bend is a culinary and cultural extravaganza, formally ushering in the summer with a week of art, music, beer, and some seriously amazing culinary treats.
The festivities kick off June 16 and 17 when top area chefs will vie for the Top Chef Bend crown downtown. Organizers will offer chefs a mystery ingredient that they must assemble into an unforgettable meal within an hour. Will 2017 champion George Morris from Bos Taurus retain his crown? Come find out.
June 17 marks the return of the Bite of Bend 5k Beer Run, something of a cultural institution for Bend. The course winds its way through Drake Park, continuing along the Deschutes River and then back through Columbia Park. Beer from several local breweries, including 10 Barrel, Cascade Lakes, Deschutes and Immersion, will be located at strategic points along the way.
Bite Week, beginning the 18th and continuing through the 22nd, features four days of chefs’ dinners, cooking demonstrations, classes, and cocktail experiences. The streets of Downtown Bend transform into a festival-like scene, with live music, a Conscious Living Showcase, and a marketplace with local products and services.
Check out the event website for further inspiration and more info as the big date approaches.
Summer Soulstice Festival : June 21
Summer technically begins with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Being in touch with the seasons is an excellent way to enhance your life, and we encourage you to mark the occasion however you see most fit.
One excellent option is to head to Crow Feet Commons, where local artisans, musicians, and food trucks will converge for an afternoon and evening of locally-fueled, sun-assisted bliss. Some of Bend’s finest craftspeople will be offering wares aimed at enriching “body, garden, and soul.” The festivities begin at 3 pm.
Pacific Crest Endurance Sports Festival : June 22
Deschutes Dash Sports Festival : July 14
High Cascades 100 : July 21
Haulin’ Aspen : August 11
Want to launch into and blast through the summer with heart-pounding, hair-raising flair? Well, these events may be just the thing for you.
The Pacific Crest Endurance Sports Festival and Deschutes Dash Sports Festival both offer a medley of endurance sports ranging from aquabike to duathlons, triathlons, Beastman, bike racing, trail running, marathons and more.
The High Cascades 100 is the West Coast’s largest single-day endurance mountain-biking event. It features seventy miles of breathtaking mountain bike singletrack with 30 miles of pavement. Haulin’ Aspen is a trail-running extravaganza, featuring a marathon, half-marathon, and 6.5 mile “half as” course, starting and finishing at gorgeous Wanoga Snow Park.
To be fair, although Bend is a mecca for extreme athletes of all stripes, endurance sports definitely aren’t for everyone. But the first two events offer a wide range of races for both children and adults, including “splash and dash” races for kids and 5k and 10k races.
You may also just want to show up in order to catch some of the secondhand adrenaline that is sure to be coursing through the air. The Deschutes Dash, located in the heart of the Old Mill District, is set up particularly for spectators. There will even be Deschutes beer on tap!
4 Peaks Music Festival : June 21-24
When it comes to Bend scenery, nothing is more iconic than the four peaks that form its skyline: Mount Jefferson, Washington, Bachelor, and the South Sister. And as the name implies, this isn’t just another music festival: it’s a festival featuring music that is iconically Central Oregon.
Of course, what exactly constitutes “Central Oregon music” is a fairly subjective thing. But the festival organizers have obviously put a lot of care into selecting a lineup of bands that align with a particular mountain vibe. Headliners include Greensky Bluegrass, North Mississippi Allstars, Nahko and Medicine for the People, Poor Man’s Whisky, The Mother Hips, and many more national and regional bands.
The musical action unfolds across two stages, and the main Cascades stage features unforgettable views of the festival’s namesake four peaks. Organizers strive to make the event highly kid-friendly, with a “Kidlandia” featuring games, crafts, and special performances. There’s a beer tent for adults too. For tickets and more info, visit the event website.
PRIMUS WITH MASTODON AND JJUUJJUU AT LES SCHWAB AMPHITHEATER : June 23
Forgive the block lettering, but this is simply an all-caps kind of event. Primus are legends, featuring arguably the greatest bassist of all time in Les Claypool, while their prowess as a touring band is unquestionable. This is an amazing chance to see them practically in your own backyard–that is, if your backyard had capacity for 8,000 souls with amazing acoustics and views of the Deschutes River.
Mastodon aren’t half-bad themselves: over the years, they’ve garnered a reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting metal outfits of the new millennium. They’ve even snagged a few Grammy nominations along the way. Perhaps more meaningfully, they’ve won four Metal Storm awards. So basically, you’re getting two legendary bands for the price of one.
Then there’s JJUUJJUU, a SoCal Psych-Rock band with a rapidly-growing profile. Check them out here. Trust us: this is going to be a musical event for the ages.
July 4 Pet Parade and Old Fashioned Festival : July 4
After you’re done with endurance sports and Primus, or Primus and endurance sports are done with you, you’re probably ready for something a little more mellow. It’s true that most towns do the 4th of July, and many do it well, but none do it quite like Bend.
To mark our nation’s independence, Downtown literally goes to the dogs for the morning. We’d already suspected that they’re the ones running the show, but this is a unique chance to pay homage to our canine overlords as they strut their stuff down Bend’s streets.
The parade begins at 10 a.m. at City Hall, winding its way to Drake Park, where the festivities continue with music, food, local arts and crafts, and free fun and games for the kiddos. Fireworks will launch later from Pilot Butte–we suggest you leave the dogs at home for that, preferably somewhere sound-protected for their sensitive ears.
For the Love of Pets Benefit Festival : July 7
Events in Bend can tend to follow a fairly predictable themeset: Beer, extreme sports, and pets. Bend residents definitely love their pets, but like any other place, there are many pets who are looking for a place to call home.
This festival supports the efforts of several local shelters, including Brightside Animal Sanctuary, which care for and advocate for the lives of unhoused pets. There’s an impressive lineup of events scheduled, including dog yoga, a “kissing booth,” raffle and silent auction, “Fare for Felines,” and more. Oh, and there’s also an IPA tasting, just to add a little local color to the proceedings.
Bring your own pet, and don’t be surprised if you end up bringing home a new family member: a number of dogs will be available for adoption at the event. Donations of pet food and other products are also gratefully accepted. Come between 11 am to 7 pm, and click here for more info and volunteer opportunities.
Munch and Music : Thursdays July 12 – August 16
Free concerts centrally located in Drake Park next to Downtown with food trucks and beer close by. If that sounds like a winning combo, it’s because it is. Why wait for the weekend to let loose a little bit? The music starts at 5:30pm each Thursday. We don’t have a list of performers yet, but head to the event website for more details as summer draws nearer.
Bend Summer Festival : July 13-15
The title says it all: this is The Bend Event of the Summer. If you’re in Bend the weekend of July 13 – 15, you’re either there or you’re a square. Well, not really, but we think you’ll want to show up to join an estimated 75,000 other people in experiencing the sounds, tastes, and sights of a city in the full grip of summer fever.
Shall we start with the music? The main stage on Oregon Street features The Brothers Reed, Grand Royale, JuJu Eyeball, the Boxcar String Band, Corner Gospel Explosion, and a handful more of the region’s best bands. For the hyper-local, go to the Locals Onlys Stage, or hit the Jazz Food and Wine Stage for, yes, jazz, food, and wine, in that order.
Shoppers and lovers of arts and crafts will find plenty to tug at their purse and man-bag strings, with the SOUK back in full splendor. What’s a SOUK, you ask? We’re actually not sure either, and the event website fails to clarify. But one thing’s for sure: there will be a multitude of items from around Bend and around the world that have not been significantly altered by manufacturing. That means, basically, handmade and brought to you with love.
Visual arts lovers will dig the Fine Artist Promenade, while kids will likely be tugging you in the direction of the Family Fun Street. There will, as a matter of course, be food, beer, wine, and the mysterious essence of summer on hand. Come check it out.
The Newberry Event Music and Arts Festival : July 27-29
Located between Sunriver and LaPine just south of Bend, this festival is indeed an Event, with three days of rock, blues, jazz, reggae, folk, bluegrass, art, crafts, beer, wine, camping and good times all around. And all of it is for a good cause: the festival is fully nonprofit, and proceeds support the Oregon chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. It’s also family-friendly, with kids under 13 admitted free!
The festival lineup has yet to be finalized, but check the festival website for more details as the big weekend draws nearer.
Balloons Over Bend : July 27-29
If you thought that the scenery around Bend couldn’t get any more spectacular, then think again. Imagine a majestic hot air balloon drifting slowly up into the sky as the sun rises above rose-colored mountain peaks. This vision will become reality the weekend of July 27-29.
On the eve of the 27th, hot air balloons will be inflated in the Old Mill District’s Riverbend Park and sent aglow up into the night. The fun continues from there, with additional balloon launches, a children’s festival, and Bend’s annual Bacon and Brew Festival all rolled into one. If that doesn’t sound like a good time, what does? Click here for a full list of events.
Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo : August 1-5
There’s so much going on in and around Bend that we could almost forgive you for overlooking this most quintessential of all summer events. But come on: summer wouldn’t be the same without a visit to the county fair, and this one is going to have one heck of a rodeo to boot.
Head just north of Bend to Redmond and the Deschutes County Fairgrounds to get a taste of the action. This year’s theme is “Cheers to 99 Years”–that’s right, this particular fair is quite the venerable institution. Personally, we suspect that the rodeo will offer the clearest window into the Bend of yore: come for the evening on the 1st through the 4th, and hold on to your cowboy hats and bacon-wrapped corn dogs!
Sunriver Music Festival : August 10-22
We haven’t forgotten you, classical music lovers, and neither has the Bend region. Go to Sunriver just south of Bend for an unforgettable two weeks of world-class instrumental performances.
Can’t make it to Sunriver? Bend’s Tower Theater and Nazarene Church will also host events related to the festival. More info is available here.
Bend Brewfest : August 16-18
Okay, this is the summer event you’ve really been waiting for. For a significant portion of residents, visitors, and envious onlookers alike, Bend means beer. Fun fact: Bend has more micro-breweries per capita than any other city in the United States.
That wouldn’t mean much if the beer weren’t very good, or all of these microbreweries were pumping out more or less the same product. But Bend beer is some of the most delicious and unique you’ll find anywhere. You’ll find a heck of a lot of excellent cider too. Bend Brewfest features both beverages.
Envision: more than seventy breweries. Close to two hundred unique brews. A dozen of Bend’s finest food trucks. Sun, warmth, and good vibes at Les Schwab Ampitheater. And your chance to help crown the 2018 People’s Choice Award winner.
Bend beer and cider of course feature most heavily, but you’ll also find some brews on tap from elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest and several from further afield. We don’t think you’ll need any further convincing, but check out the event website just in case. Go forth, and be merry.
Art in the High Desert : August 24-26
Did you know that Bend is home to one of the nation’s top ten Fine Art Fairs? Well, it is, and this is that art fair. This is one of Bend’s flagship cultural events, drawing art aficionados from across the country.
What makes Art in the High Desert so special? Well, start with over 100 of some of the finest visual artists in North America. Each item on display is carefully hand-picked by a jury and selected based upon originality, craftsmanship, style and presentation, and overall concept.
One of the most special things about this event is that all of the artists will be on hand to share their stories and pass on their creations to art lovers. There’s another thing: admission is completely free. The event begins at 10 am on the 24th at the Old Mill District.
Little Woody Barrel-Aged Beer, Cider & Whiskey Festival : August 31 – September 1
The Little Woody festival has been going strong in Bend for 9 years now, perhaps thanks in part to its endearing title, but more likely due to the excellence of the brews on hand. Then again, maybe barrel-aged beer, cider, and whiskey just taste better if you’re wearing a gnome costume, which the organizers encourage you to do.
So what’s the big deal about barrel-aging? There’s a medieval mystique involved–after all, the process has been around for thousands of years. That aside, barrel-aging imparts the quality of the wood–usually oak–onto the drink. The inside of the barrel is often charred slightly to add smokiness and intensity. Lighter charring results in a sweeter product.
The result may not be everybody’s pint glass of pilsner, but this event may just make you a convert. And if you’re one of the many beer, cider, and whiskey lovers who have already become addicted to the unique bliss of barrel-aging, you’ve probably already had this one on your calendar for months now. Show up at noon on either day, and remember your gnome costume. Click here for tickets.
Bend, Oregon Upcoming Events: Spring, 2018
We know: another events list. There’s so much going on in and around Bend that it can all start to go in one ear and out the other. This weekend, most likely you’ll find yourself reaching for a microbrew again, just like the weekend before that, or maybe a toke or a few of the area’s finest.
We won’t dispute the joys of these and life’s other simple pleasures, but we’ve nonetheless gone to the effort to compile a list of all the events that will really, actually, truly enrich your life in the coming months of ever sunnier skies, more swimmable waters, and increasing concentrations of tourists.
And there may be beer involved as well. This is Bend, after all.
Civil War Reenactment : May 19 and 20
Okay, this is probably not what you were expecting to see in our list of Bend events. And technically, this even isn’t even a Bend event: you’ll have to drive west to Camp Sherman, a cozy resort community on the Metolius River. But how could you pass up a Civil War reenactment? And this, the Northwest Civil War Council’s annual show, is one of the finest anywhere in the country.
Over 200 reenactors will stage mock battles both May 19 and 20 between 11am and 3pm on both days. And while the battles are mock, the muskets and cannons will be real, shooting actual clouds of black powder toward opposing soldiers. This is as close as you’ll get to an actual Civil War battlefield, assuming time machines aren’t invented within our lifetimes.
Show up early or stick around after the firefight to stroll through five acres of living history, with campsites, engineering projects, shops, and even demonstrations of mid-19th century dental and medical technology. If you’re a history or military buff or want to show your kids a vivid slice of America’s past, this is the event for you.
Dog Day in May : May 27
Bend and dogs go together like beer and burgers (beer and burgers obviously go with Bend pretty well too). Now-defunct Dog Fancy Magazine even named Bend America’s dog-friendliest city in 2012. So it’s safe to say that area dogs enjoy plenty of prestige already. Nonetheless, it makes sense to devote at least one day of your calendar to your canine companion or companions.
Dog Day in May, held at Sunriver Village south of town, has you covered. Start at 10am with the Bark of Life 5k Poker Walk/Run, a benefit for the American Cancer Society. Run or walk with your dog, collecting poker cards at checkpoints. Prizes are available for both the best and worst hand!
Back at the Village, enter your dog into the Dog Day amateur talent contest. A variety of vendors will offer various canine products and services to make your dog shine. Don’t have a dog? Don’t just admire everyone else’s: adopt one! The Humane Society of Central Oregon will be on-site, with a sampling of just a few of the area’s dogs in need of a loving home.
Bend Beer Chase : June 2
Bend isn’t the only place in the world where there are beer runs. But still, there’s something about the combination of good times and strenuous outdoor activity that is quintessentially Bend. Don’t believe us? There’s another beer run just two weeks later (see below.)
This particular beer run is a relay race, meaning there’s an element of teamwork involved. You and up to five of your friends join forces to run to Redmond, Sisters, and back into Bend. Less friends means more running: the race is divided into 12 legs, shared equally among your team members. Each leg is 4-8 miles long, meaning that however you divide the pie, you and your buddies are in for some serious running.
More of a beer drinker than a runner? Don’t sweat it: you’re welcome to opt out of the relay and simply join in for the Keg Leg grand finale. Runners follow a course with stops at 7 Bend breweries along the way. At each brewery, runners have the option of enjoying a 3-4 oz sample beer. Having crossed the finish line, there won’t be too much time to bask in the glory, though. There’s still a party to be had at Crow’s Feet Commons Brewery.
Click here for more info and registration.
Jethro Tull 50th Anniversary Tour : June 8
For some reason, classic rock enthusiasts and detractors alike love to bag on Jethro Tull. Maybe it’s the flute solos, medieval mystique and codpieces, or maybe it’s the questionable lyrics about “sitting on a park bench…” We’re not sure. But one thing is certain: this is going to be a rocking occasion at one of the Northwest’s premier outdoor concert venues. And it’s the 50th anniversary of Jethro Tull. This is something to be celebrated, even if that number maybe makes you feel a little old, or a lot young.
Expect a full sampler platter of songs from the band’s 1968 debut album “This Was” all the way up to 2012’s “TAAB2”. Casual fans needn’t be concerned, though: the band is sure to play plenty of the hits. Frontman Ian Anderson will be joined by the Tull’s current touring band, along with some surprise guests. Don’t miss it!
Tickets and more info here.
Best of Both Dual Discipline Bike Race : June 16
In addition to fun athletic events like beer runs, Bend is also home to plenty of serious world-class athletic competitions. Cycling and mountain biking are both huge around here. So, it’s only proper that Bend would be home to the world’s first combined road cycle and mountain bike race.
Amateurs and pros alike are welcome in this ORBA-sanctioned race. Both compete at separate times on the same course, with 62 miles on the road followed by 23 miles on singletrack. Don’t want to go it alone? Pass the baton after the road race and let your partner complete the mountain bike section in the Relay Race or bike side by side in the Couples Race. Mind you, your Couples Race counterpart needn’t be a romantic partner: children, colleagues and frenemies are equally welcome.
And yes, there will be beer. That would make a great motto for Bend: “Bend–There will be beer.” In this case, head down to sponsor 10 Barrel Brewing afterward for the awards ceremony and a pint, or two, or three.
Click here for event details and registration.
Bite of Bend and Bite of Bend Beer Run : June 17-22
When the Bite of Bend rolls around, you may still be recovering from the Bend Beer Chase (see above). But whether you join June 17’s 5k Beer Run or not, Bite of Bend is a culinary and cultural extravaganza.
The festivities kick off with some serious oomph June 16 and 17 when top area chefs will vie for the Top Chef Bend crown downtown. Organizers will offer chefs a mystery ingredient that they must assemble into an unforgettable meal within an hour. Will 2017 champion George Morris from Bos Taurus retain his crown? Come find out.
Bite Week, beginning the 18th and continuing through the 22nd, features four days of chefs’ dinners, cooking demonstrations, classes, and cocktail experiences. The streets of Downtown Bend transform into a festival-like scene, with live music, a Conscious Living Showcase, and a marketplace with local products and services.
Check out the event website for further inspiration and more info as the big date approaches.
Further reading
When Will the Housing Market Crash (and Housing Prices Drop) in Oregon?
Eugene Seller’s Agents: How to Know Who’s Best for You
The Ultimate Bend, Oregon Relocation Guide
Eugene Oregon Relocation: The Ultimate Guide
Best Places to Live in Oregon: Bend vs. Eugene
Tips for First-Time Home Buyers in Oregon
Looking to Retire in Bend, Oregon? Here’s What to Consider.
Looking to Retire in Eugene, Oregon? Here’s What to Consider.
Best Neighborhoods in Bend Oregon: Our Definitive List
Best Neighborhoods in Eugene Oregon: Our Definitive List