Bend WinterfestA team of design engineers dump 50 truckloads of snow to create the Northwest's largest winter festival. Winterfest has become the President's Day weekend destination for locals and tourists from all along the West coast. It features the largest off-mountain rail jam west of the Mississippi. Other activities include ice carving competitions, fireworks, children's activities, a European style market, and concerts in Bend's Old Mill District. Special events at Mt. Bachelor include snowboarding and ski jumps plus much more. An exciting and popular event for families where All proceeds are donated to local charities. Location: Bend, OR Phone: 541-323-0964 www.bendwinterfest.com
~August~
Bend BrewFest
Bend BrewFest is a gathering of all your favorite local brewiers and others from around the Northwest. Bend BrewFest partners with Big Brother Big Sisters of Central Oregon each year to create awareness and utilize the event to recruit potential Big Brothers and Big Sisters to join the organization.A one-time purchase of a souvenir mug is required for tasting. Mugs are $12 and include 4 tasting tokens. Tasting tokens are required for beer purchase and cost $1 per (sold in packets of five). 1 token equals one four ounce pour.A variety of food is available from outstanding local vendors. Cash is required for food purchase however there is an ATM on site. Copies of the Entire Bend Brewfest Guide will be available for download soon including the Map, Brewtality Tent and X-Tap Schedule. All ages and furry family members are welcome until 7pm each night with a parent or guardian in attendance. Parent/guardian is required to sign a pledge acknowledging the responsibility of preventing children from consuming alcohol and the penalties for the parent and child. Pet owners will be required to sign a pledge acknowledging the responsibility of keeping their pet safe and hydrated and guarantee the pet will be under their control at all times. Re-admittance is permitted. Hours: Thursday August 15th and Friday August 16th 3pm to 11pm and Saturday August 17th Noon to 11pm.
Location: Bend, OR Phone: 541-318-7400
~July~
Balloons Over Bend and the Children`s Festival
The Northwest Community Balloons Over Bend and the Children’s Festival have combined into the largest family festival in Central Oregon with a new date and new look. The festival will take place July 19-21 in Riverbend Park (799 SW Columbia, Bend, 97702). Come see the balloons launch Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings at 6am or join us for the Nightglow on Saturday at dusk. The Children’s festival runs from 10am-5pm on Saturday with over 60 activities including bouncy houses, face painting, crafts and educational opportunities. Enjoy over 50 booths of delicious food, local music, and dance performances. The festival is free to the public, activities range in cost from 1-3 tickets. Tickets are $1 each. Location: Old Mill District - Bend, OR www.balloonsoverbend.com
Sisters Quilt Show
The largest outdoor quilt show in the world! Held every year on the 2nd Saturday of July in Sisters, Oregon. Over 1300 quilts from around the world will cover the 1880's style town in rich texture and color. Main street will be closed, but shuttles and buses are available from various locations to get you into town. Location: Sisters, OR Phone: 541-549-0989 www.sistersoutdoorquiltshow.org
~June~
Bite of Bend
Sterling Savings Bank's Bite of Bend in Downtown Bend is Central Oregon’s most exciting and fastest-growing charity event and festival. Celebrating Central Oregon's gourmet food, fine wine and craft beer, The Bite of Bend features an Iron Chef competition, the Bartenders Brawl, food from local restaurants, live music and children's activities Location: Bend, OR Phone: 541-323-0964 www.biteofbend.com
Sisters Rodeo
Affectionately known as the "biggest little show in the world," the Sisters Rodeo is the longest running event in the Sisters area. See parades, clowns, and bullfights at one of the most popular rodeos on the West Coast circuit.< Location: Bend, OR Phone: Toll Free:800-827-7522 www.sistersrodeo.com
~May~
Pole Pedal Paddle
One of the biggest multi-stage races in the Northwest. PPP has been a Bend tradition for over 30 years. This world-class event draws athletes from all over the globe to compete on skis, bikes, water and foot.
Location: Bend, OR www.mbsef.org
~March~
Taste of the Town
Taste of the Town showcases culinary specialties from some of Bend's best restaurants and live music. Your admission gets you unlimited bite size samples of food, no-host bar, silent auction, dancing and a whole lot of fun, not to mention the opportunity to change a life by giving to scholarships! This is one of Bend's best kept secrets--you don't want to miss this event!. Location: Bend, OR Phone: 541-318-7400
