If you are looking ahead at events in Bend, Oregon, late winter and spring bring a busy calendar. This stretch of the year is a good time to visit because you can catch community events, mountain festivals, races, and speaker programs all in one season. For travelers searching for events in late spring, these are some of the standout options to have on your radar.
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Winter Pride Fest
Winter PrideFest is one of the biggest late winter events in Central Oregon, and it brings a lot more to town than just mountain access. The weekend is packed with drag shows, DJs, comedy, bingo, nightlife, and other events that bring the LGBTQ+ community and allies together in a fun, high-energy way. It feels social, lively, and built for people who want a full weekend of things to do.
Features:
- Drag shows
- DJs
- Comedy
- Bing
- Nightlife
If you are planning a trip in early March, this is an easy event to build around. The lineup includes a mix of nationally known performers and local talent, which gives the festival a strong community feel without making it feel small. Between the event schedule, ticket bundles, hotel deals, and Mt. Bachelor discounts, it stands out as one of the more memorable events in Bend, Oregon, at the start of the spring season.
Dates: March 5 to March 8, 2026
Website: https://www.winterpridefestcentraloregon.com
Hydro Flask St Patrick’s Day Dash
The Hydro Flask St. Patrick’s Day Dash is one of Bend’s most popular March events, combining fitness with a lively St. Patrick’s Day weekend celebration. Held along the scenic Deschutes River, the family-friendly event features a 10K, 5K, and 1.5-mile course, making it accessible whether you want a competitive run or a relaxed walk with friends and family.
After crossing the finish line, the celebration continues at the Post-Dash Bash, a public party with Irish beer, local food vendors, bagpipers, Irish dancers, a live string band, and activities for kids. It’s an easy event to build a weekend around in Bend. Start with the race, enjoy the riverfront setting, and then spend the rest of the day exploring town while supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Bend.
Post-Dash Bash features:
- Irish beer
- Local food vendors
- Bagpipers
- Irish dancers
- A lives sting band
- Activities for kids
Dates: March 14, 2026
Website: https://cascaderelays.com/events/st-patricks-day-dash
TEDxBend
TEDxBend is a great option for visitors who want to plan a trip around ideas, storytelling, and community conversation. This one-day event brings together a range of speakers who share perspectives meant to inspire creativity, reflection, and action. It draws a thoughtful audience and offers a different kind of experience from Bend’s usual outdoor activities.
The 2026 theme is “Rebirth,” which focuses on renewal and the idea of beginning again with intention and imagination. Speakers explore how moments of change can spark resilience, new ideas, and meaningful progress. While the event takes place just before April, it fits well into the late March calendar and is easy to build a Bend weekend around.
Dates: May 2026
Website: https://www.tedxbend.org
Subaru Winter Fest at Mt Bachelor
Subaru Winter Fest at Mt. Bachelor is a mountain lifestyle event that blends skiing, music, gear, and community activities into one lively winter weekend. The tour invites skiers, snowboarders, music fans, and even dog lovers to celebrate winter together, with live music, Subaru swag, adventure gear demos, free snacks and beverages, and daily giveaways throughout the event.
The experience also goes beyond the mountain. Subaru Winter Fest hosts free concerts at Deschutes Brewery on Simpson Avenue, giving visitors another reason to head into town after a day on the slopes. If you are browsing Bend, Oregon upcoming events in late March, this event offers an easy way to build a fun, social weekend around Mt. Bachelor and downtown Bend.
Features:
- Skiing
- Music
- Gear
- Community activities
Dates: March 27 to March 29, 2026
Website: https://www.mtbachelor.com/events-activities/events/events-calendar/subaru-winterfest
RendezVan at Mt Bachelor
RendezVan is one of Mt. Bachelor’s most unique spring events and a favorite for visitors who want a more festival-style mountain weekend. The four-day celebration brings together RVers, campers, van-lifers, skiers, riders, and families who make the annual spring pilgrimage to Mt. Bachelor for sunshine and soft spring laps. The festival basecamp features live music, vendors, activities, and fun competitions, creating a lively community atmosphere where even dogs are welcome.
The festival center and many of the events are free and open to anyone visiting for the day. While the base area is filled with music and activities, the mountain itself stays active with skiing, riding, and special on-mountain events throughout the weekend.
Features:
- Live music
- Vendors
- Activities
- Fun competitions
Dates: April 16 to April 19, 2026
Website: https://www.mtbachelor.com/events-activities/events/events-calendar/rendezvan
Bend Trail Series
The Bend Trail Series is a community driven trail running event that takes place across some of Bend’s most popular trails. The four-race series begin on April 16 and continues on Thursday evenings, with each race featuring a different course ranging from four to seven miles.
2026 Race Schedule:
- Race 1 – April 16
- Race 2 – May 7
- Race 3 – June 18
- Race 4 – July 16
It is designed to feel approachable and social rather than highly competitive, making it a great option for runners who want to experience Bend’s trail network while enjoying a fun midweek event. Participants who complete at least three races are included in the overall series standings and have the chance to win prizes from local sponsors.
Dates: Series begins April 16, 2026
Website: https://visitcentraloregon.com/event/bend-trail-series-starts-april-16th
Stay Close to Bend’s Best Spring Events
If you are planning your trip around these events in Bend, Oregon, where you stay matters. A vacation rental gives you a lot more flexibility than a standard hotel, especially when your schedule includes early starts, mountain days, or evenings out. It is easier to spread out, keep your gear organized, and come back to a place that actually feels comfortable at the end of the day.
At Bend Vacation Rentals, our homes make that setup much easier. Many private vacation rentals in Bend include fully equipped kitchens, private hot tubs, outdoor decks and patios, flat-screen televisions, internet, and easy access to local trails. That gives you a better home base while you are in town, especially if you are planning more than a quick overnight stay.
Plan Your Bend Spring Getaway
Late winter and early spring in Bend, Oregon, bring a busy mix of races, festivals, talks, and mountain events to town. If you are trying to plan around Bend, Oregon events in April or looking for an easy way to catch some of the season’s biggest happenings, Bend has plenty to choose from. Book your stay with us today!
