As the Old Mill District celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, a few lucky readers may find more than they anticipated when they open the annual Summer Guide.
To mark this milestone silver jubilee, five “Golden Tickets” will be hidden inside select copies of the 2026 Summer Guide, which begins distribution on Wednesday, May 13 throughout Bend and Central Oregon. Those who discover a Golden Ticket will receive two complimentary tickets to a show during the 2026 concert season at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater, which is also celebrating its 25th season of live music.
“We wanted to find a fun way to get people excited about the Summer Guide and everything happening during this milestone year,” said Amanda Bird-Zimmerman, Old Mill District Assistant Marketing Director. “The Golden Tickets add a sense of surprise and discovery, and they tie directly into what makes summer here so special — the concerts, the community, and the experience of being in the district.”
The Golden Tickets will be hand-placed into random Guides, with three distributed at locations around Bend and two placed within the Old Mill District itself.
The 96-page Summer Guide, released annually, serves as a comprehensive look at the season ahead. This year’s edition places a special emphasis on the Old Mill District’s 25-year history, featuring stories from local historians and community voices who reflect on the vision that transformed the former mill site into one of Central Oregon’s most recognizable destinations.
“It’s a really meaningful edition for us,” Bird-Zimmerman said. “We’ve included stories about how the Old Mill District came to be, the people behind it, and how it’s evolved over the past 25 years, and how the community can participate in various celebrations throughout the year. At the same time, it’s still the go-to resource for everything happening here this summer.”
In addition to historical features, the guide includes details on more than 50 concerts at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater along with an overall lineup of events, retail updates, and seasonal promotions from businesses in the Old Mill District.
Copies of the Summer Guide will be available for free in locations throughout the Old Mill District as well as in hotels, visitor centers, and businesses throughout Bend. This includes all locations where The Source Weekly is distributed.
The Golden Ticket promotion is part of a broader slate of anniversary celebrations planned throughout the year, including special promotions and events hosted by Old Mill District tenants. Highlights include a free 25th Anniversary Dance Party, featuring JD Eric Rhodes and special guest SoMuchHouse, on Saturday, June 20 at Hayden Homes Amphitheater.
The Old Mill District will also award one lucky person a $2,500 Shopping Spree Giveaway, plus tickets to a concert of their choice during the 2026 concert season at Hayden Homes Amphitheater, during its silver jubilee. This digital promotion will be launched the week of May 18 in partnership with Visit Bend, The Source Weekly, Bend Magazine, and Visit Central Oregon. (Stay tuned for more information.)
“We want the community to feel like they’re part of this celebration because they are the heart of every decision we make,” Bird-Zimmerman said. “So, from picking up our guide and finding a Golden Ticket to attending a concert or our free dance party, there are so many ways for people to get involved this year, many of which are explained in more detail in our Guide.”
For more information about the Old Mill District’s 25th anniversary and related events, visit oldmilldistrict.com or pick up a 2026 Summer Guide at locations throughout Central Oregon.
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
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