There are plenty of things to do in Bend during the Summer months. While Bend is a mecca for outdoor lovers and beer drinkers alike. Summer time is the prime time to enjoy many outdoor festivals, concerts, and beer-centric events.
While Bend’s scene is hopping and the sheer number of events could fill numerous posts, we’re going to focus on the main draws as well as some family-friendly happenings.
The Bend Brewfest– Bend Brewfest is 3 days of craft beer bliss. With over 200 craft beers, cider, and wine ready for your tastebuds, you can’t go wrong checking this one out. This event is staged at the Les Schwab Amphitheater every year. Purchase a souvenir mug (required for tastings) and beer tokens and get rolling! This event is family friendly until 5pm, but continues for the 21+ crowd until 11pm. Check out the Bend Brewfest website for more detailed information.
Bend Farmer’s Market– The market runs from May to October at the downtown location. Here you can purchase fresh local produce, meat, flower bouquets, baked goods and artisanal crafts. The market is located in Brooks Alley behind the Tower Theater.
Whitewater Park– Near the Old Mill District in the Deschutes River, Whitewater Park is the perfect solution for a hot summer day. The park is made up of 3 different channels that provide for human recreation as well as ecological conservation. You can kayak, canoe, or tube float down the river. Maybe a river surfing lesson is more your speed? We’ve got you covered. Check out the park’s website for maps and details.
Les Schwab Amphitheater– The amphitheater gets a slew of big-name acts throughout the summer, as well as playing host to the free summer Sunday concerts. Enjoy live music on the river, just feet away from the Old Mill District’s shopping and food options.
Theater in the Park– Who needs a theater hall! Enjoy amazing theatrical performances in Bend’s picturesque Drake Park. What better venue than the banks of the Deschutes? In year’s past the event has primarily showcased Shakespearean works, with a change in focus for 2018.
First Friday Art Walk– Every first Friday of the month, take a jaunt downtown or through the Old Mill District to see local art exhibits, artist talks, live music, and beer and wine tasting. Local shops are matched with artists and business hours are extended to showcase all that Bend’s artists have to offer.
Bend Summer Festival– Going strong for 28 years, the Bend Summer Festival attracts nearly 40,000 festival-goers for a weekend of fun. The festival is hosted in a cordoned-off downtown corridor with 3 stages for live music, as well as a Center Ring showing off the local talent such as aerial arts and dancing. There is a Family Fun Street with bouncy houses and kid-friendly activities. Check out Food & Libations Street to partake in some of Bend’s best beer and food cart vendors. If you pick one event to be in Bend for this summer, this is it.
Outdoor Recreation- One of the things Bend is known for is the multitude of outdoor activities at your fingertips. From golfing to hiking, cycling, paddling, fishing, or floating, there is something for everyone. There are plenty of outfits that can help you decide where to go and what to do, along with tour companies and gear rental shops. Check out some of the options here.
High Desert Museum- Whether you’re a kid or an adult, the museum is a load of fun for the entire family. Check out the Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center and get up close and personal with a feeding raptor. The Reptile Encounter offers a chance to touch some of the lizards that call the high desert home. Watch otters wrestle in the Autzen Otter Exhibit or sit in on one of the many talks the museum hosts where you can learn about wild mustangs, fish, or High Desert history. Check out their website for the daily schedule and rotating exhibits.
Munch and Music– Happening every Thursday night from July through August. Munch and Music is a free family-friendly live concert event in Drake Park. Music begins at 5:30 and food vendors, local artisans, crafts, and bouncy houses round out the evenings.
The Little Woody Barrel-Aged Beer, Cider & Whiskey Festival– Celebrating craft barrel-aged beers, ciders, and whiskeys from the Northwest. Featuring 20+ breweries along with whiskey distillers, the festival highlights the historic technique of cask-aging. Minors are welcome until 6pm.
BEND HAS IT ALL
From floating the river to strolling around town or hitting the highway to one of the Cascade Lakes, Bend has something for everyone while the weather is good. And it’s usually pretty good! With 300+ days of sun each year, summer isn’t the only time to find yourself playing in Bend. Check out our blog post on off-season happenings to get some inspiration.
