It is always a good time to visit Bend, Oregon. Regardless of the time of year, you can expect to find a unique beauty and countless ways to take advantage of it. Outdoor activities are the real calling card of this town in central Oregon, but the summer comes with a variety of events that visitors love! The following are five of the best Bend summer events you will not want to miss.
Bite of Bend
This is an event that should not be missed by any lover of food, because it is one of the best celebrations of food you will find anywhere. The celebration is taking place from June 15th through the 17th and features incredible food samples and meals from some of the most beloved restaurants in town. Beyond absolutely delicious food, you can enjoy a “top chef” competition, bartending competitions, live music, and much more.
4 Peaks Music Festival
From June 21st through June 24th, Bend’s most popular 4-day festival is taking over the gorgeous venue of Stevenson Ranch. On top of beautiful weather and scenery, you can expect incredible music from all types of bands so there is something for everyone. You will find bluegrass, folk, reggae, and everything in between. Make it an extra special experience by camping out throughout the weekend.
Bend Summer Festival
This year between July 13th and 15th comes Oregon’s oldest and biggest arts festival. During this time, seven blocks of downtown’s coolest areas are transformed into beautiful festival grounds that provide three stages for live music, a whole street for food and wine, and of course, all of the amazing art that you can handle. This is one of the Bend summer events the whole family will enjoy!
Balloons Over Bend
There is nothing quite like hot air balloons peacefully making their way across this beautiful town, and that is exactly what you will get from July 27th until July 29th. Balloons will be launched every day and the festival headquarters at the Deschutes Historical Museum will be home to bouncy houses and other great activities for the kids.
Bend Brewfest
As August approaches, summer in Bend is coming to a close, but there is much more to enjoy, like the Bend Brewfest from August 16th through the 18th. This is a must-attend event for any lover of beer as you can get your hands on some of the most classic and experimental batches of beer anywhere in the world. Check it out at the Les Schwab Amphitheatre!
Top Off these Bend Summer Events with a Cozy Place to Call Home
Bend is a place that essentially requires great adventure because of all the opportunities that it provides. As such, you need to stay at a cozy and convenient home if you are to be properly rested for these adventures. The vacation homes provided by Bend Vacation Rentals offer everything from beautiful aesthetics and luxurious accommodations to a convenient location.
Contact us to ensure the best Bend accommodations as possible!
Traditionally, “putt-putt” golf courses have been all AstroTurf and populated by absurd obstacles like giant plastic elephants that you have to aim a ball through. This is so much better: Bend Wide Open will transform Downtown Bend on Friday, June 20, into a mini-golf course, where you can “putt-putt” your way through the various watering “holes.” Cost is $20 per player, limited to 300 players, and players must be 21 or older. Costumes are highly recommended. Event Registration runs from 2 to 6 p.m., and players may begin to putt immediately after registering. Last tee time is 6 p.m. Rodney Dangerfield would love this! Click here for more information.
August 30 and 31, 2013
Friday 5pm-10pm; Saturday noon-10pm
The Little Woody Barrel Aged Brew Fest was created to commemorate one of Central Oregon’s cultural hallmarks – craft beers. This is a festival for beer lovers and connoisseurs alike!
In the past, brewers served beer that had been aged in oaken casks. Once again, brewers are turning to these historic techniques in order to add depth of flavor to their brews. The Little Woody celebrates this ancient brewing technique as adapted by American craft brewers, featuring beers aged in wine barrels, whiskey barrels and oak barrels, which uniquely flavors and intensifies the beer.
Details and Entry Fees:
Location: The Little Woody Festival takes place next to the Des Chutes Historical Museum, 129 Northwest Idaho Avenue in downtown Bend.
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- Basic entry including commemorative glass: $7
- Tasting package: $15. Includes glass, entry and 10 tokens
- Whiskey tasting: Tokens will apply to both beer and whiskey
- Tokens: $1 each and tastes cost 2-5 tokens each
Note: The Little Woody is a 21 and over event!
GOLF TOURNAMENT / DINNER ON THE RANGE
FRIDAY – AUGUST 23, 2013
We have a double shotgun golf tournament on Friday at 8:30am and 2:00pm. Please be warmed up and ready by your carts at least 20 minutes before each start time. Complimentary range balls will be provided. Shuttles are available from the resort to Crosswater courtesy of Sunriver Resort. It is only a 5 minute shuttle ride to the course. Please arrange this with the front desk at the resort if you need a shuttle for you and your group.
- 7:00am CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
- Shamble format with on course prizes and contests (including team skins game).
- 12:15pm to 2:30pm
- BBQ LUNCH will be served in the dining room and patio within the clubhouse.
EVENT ATTIRE
Proper golf attire is required. No jeans or denim of any kind and no t-shirts. Tennis shoes or a pair of athletic shoes are just fine, you do not need to purchase golf shoes if you don’t own any. A majority of people will be wearing a collared shirt with a pair of casual shorts.
SATURDAY – AUGUST 24, 2013
Dinner On The Range
4pm to 11pm – Meadows Driving Range
The main attraction of the weekend, Dinner on the Range, featuring 16 of Central Oregon’s finest chefs, hand-crafted beer, a variety of wines and spirit tastings, specialty desserts and more. In addition, we’re excited to welcome the band Big Night Out to the Ghost Tree Invitational stage.
- 4pm Gates will open and the silent auction will begin as well
- 5pm Dinner service will begin
- 6:15pm GOLF AWARDS and Major Announcements
- 6:45pm Big Night Out takes the stage
EVENT ATTIRE:
Party/Cocktail Dress. The women get dressed up for this evening. Women are wearing nice dresses and the level of attire is probably just below a fancy cocktail party. Men again wear slacks with a button up shirt or something comparable. Please see our photos of the dinner or the video below showing what people wear that evening. Though the event starts when its quite warm out, the temperature drops quite a bit in the evening and therefore sweaters and jackets are recommended.