Every February, the Old Mill turns into the Oregon WinterFest in Bend. This three-day festival takes place over the long President’s Day weekend, and the entire mill overflows with live music and entertainment, delicious food and beverages, and fun for all ages.
What to Expect
In a few words…fire pits, ice sculpture, light shows, fine art, delicious food and beverages, live music and entertainment, and much more. Billed as the Northwest’s largest festival, it won’t disappoint.
Watch the Ice Carving Sculpture Competition, where huge blocks of solid ice are transformed into awesome ice sculptures, then be amazed as these sculptures are again transformed as they become part of the Central Oregon Light Art exhibit. And, while you’re watching the artists sculpt all that cold ice into stunning masterpieces, you can warm up at the Fire Pit Competition.
Live entertainment includes JD Platt’s K-9 Kings and the 10 Barrel Rail Jam. The K-9 Kings include eleven varieties of service and rescue dogs, and you can watch as the K-9 dogs run through their routines, some while in costume. At the 10 Barrel Rail Jam, local snowboarders and skiers show off their tips, tricks, and unique moves. And of course, the Wizard of WinterFest will be wandering around all weekend, showing off his tricks and wizardry.
Every afternoon and night, national music acts like Quiet Riot, Blackstrap Bluegrass, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and Scott Pembleton play for your enjoyment.
Food cart pods offering a wide variety of cuisines (with Greek, pizza, BBQ and more), and mini bars with wine and alcoholic adult beverages (by 10 Barrel, Avid, and Crater Lake) will be located throughout the festival.
The Wonderland Marketplace showcases local businesses products while the Fine Arts & Crafts Pavilion showcases over 50 regional and local artist’s work, including wood carving, ceramics, handcrafted jewelry, photography and paintings of all mediums.
The Kids Area will have bounce houses, kids’ arts and crafts activities, and more. The fun includes the Kids Hot Cocoa Run where kids race around, making the perfect cup of hot cocoa. Plus, the Oregon Museum of Science Tent will be overflowing with fun and educational activities and brainteasers.
WinterFest in Bend
Visit the event page on the Old Mill website for times, ticket prices, Covid-19 precautions, and more. And visit our website for the absolute best in Bend vacation rentals. Give us a call and we can help you find the perfect rental vacation home near the Old Mill, overlooking the picturesque Deschutes River.
