Mondays – Fridays
Toddler Time Jump
ACTIVITY – Perfect for preschoolers, early learners and active toddlers, Mountain Air Toddler Time encourages physical activity, social interaction and imaginative play in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Watch your little ones thrive in a safe, clean and exciting indoor playground. For children 5 and under. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Mountain Air | $14
mountainairbend.com/events/
Wednesdays
Bend Farmers Market
LOCAL – Showcasing 100% Oregon-produced goods, this family-friendly event features food, drinks, flowers, crafts and more. Support local farmers and enjoy wonderful fresh food. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Brooks Alley, Downtown Bend | Free
bendfarmersmarket.com
Wednesdays & Saturdays
In-Depth Nighttime Visit
LEARN – Seek the stars at the nation’s largest collection of publicly accessible telescopes. Two-hour sessions include an educational presentation, night sky viewing through various telescopes with staff astronomers and a guided constellation tour. Ages 5 and up. 9-11 p.m.
Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory | $30 – $36
snco.org
Fridays: May 1 – August 7
First Friday Art Walk
ART – The Bend First Friday Art Walk is a monthly, free community event held in downtown Bend and the Old Mill District from 5 to 8 p.m. (sometimes starting at 3 to 4 p.m. in the Old Mill), featuring loca art, live music, and special activations at participating galleries and businesses.
Old Mill and Downtown Bend | Free
downtownbend.org
Saturdays: Starting May 30
NW Crossing Farmers Market
LOCAL – Discover a bounty of seasonal produce, locally-raised meats, fresh eggs and cheese, handmade items, beautiful flowers and much more! 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
NW Crossing | Free
nwxfarmersmarket.com
Last Saturday of the Month
Sunriver Saturday Market
LOCAL – The Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Sunriver Saturday Market, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every last Saturday of the month from May 30 – September 26. Check out local food and beverage vendors, jewelry makers, health and beauty items and more!
SHARC Sunriver | Free
sunriversharc.com
Sundays
Mini + Me Yoga
CLASS – Enjoy this welcoming space for families to practice yoga. Kids 0-3 are welcome, whether they want to be on a mat with you (extra mats available) or enjoy the in-room play space. The class is very mellow, for all levels and an excellent way to ease back into movement. Both parents included in the ticket cost. Dates include: 5/17, 5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/28 and 7/5. For more info email: theslowseasonyoga@gmail.com.
Forest Room – Hanai Center | $17
hanaifoundation.org
May 15
Page to Screen: Dog Man
FILM – When a police officer and his faithful police dog get injured in the line of duty, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together—and Dog Man is born. In collaboration with the Tower Theatre and Deschutes Public Library, this movie night is free and open to the public. The film begins at 6 p.m., with concessions available for purchase. Tickets must be reserved in advance.
Tower Theatre | Free
towertheatre.org/event/page-to-screen-dog-man-5-15-26
May 16
Selco Pole Pedal Paddle
RACE – Grab your friends and head to the annual Pole Pedal Paddle race, a true Central Oregon tradition. This multi-sport event is one of the biggest in the PNW and is the largest fundraiser for MBSEF, featuring multiple legs, including biking, running, alpine and Nordic skiing and kayaking. Come join the rest of the town and cheer on our local teams!
Around Bend | Prices vary based on team size and age
pppbend.com
May 17
Selco Mini Pole Pedal Paddle
RACE – Kindergarten through 5th graders are invited to compete in teams for their own PPP race! Starting at Seventh Mountain Resort, teams work together to solve challenges, weave through an obstacle course and experience the excitement of the race with peers. This is a great event for competitors and spectators alike!
Seventh Mountain Resort | $192/ team of six
pppbend.com/mini-ppp
May 20
Museum and Me
LEARN – Enjoy a quiet time after hours at the museum for children and adults who experience physical, intellectual and/or social disabilities. Explore the museum’s newest exhibitions and revisit the old favorites. Sensory packs are available to borrow with headphones, fidgets and more. 5 to 7 p.m.
High Desert Museum | Free
highdesertmuseum.org
May 21
Kids Glow Run at Alpenglow Nights
RUN – Kick off the Alpenglow Nights concert series in the park with a burst of energy, laughter and glowing fun for the kids! Every participant receives a glow stick, necklace or bracelet to light up the course. Kids enjoy tasty post-race snacks and a finisher’s ribbon. Ages 3 – 10. Race starts at 5 p.m.
Alpenglow Park | $15
bendraces.com/kids-rock-the-races/
May 21, 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25
Alpenglow Nights
EVENT – Experience the magic of live music and community coming together every Thursday evening this summer in SE Bend. This series of five concerts in Alpenglow Park is free and open to all! Food and drinks available or bring your own and make it a picnic on the lawn for the whole family. Check out the line-up, which includes two bands each night.
Alpenglow Park | Free
alpenglownights.com
May 21
Pokémon Club
FUN – If you’re a big fan of Pokémon then join the attendee-led club. Enjoy trading cards, trying fun activities and talking all things Pokémon. Bring your friends, family and rivals, and come see where the Pokémon universe will take you. No registration required. 3 to 4 p.m.
Rosie Bareis Community Campus | Free
deschuteslibrary.org
May 23
Three Essential Field Knots and Expedition Stories
LEARN – This workshop focuses on essential knots for outdoor adventures: the Bowline, Alpine, Butterfly and Trucker’s Hitch. Participants will learn when and how to tie each knot, ensuring they are reliable and secure. The session also includes a photo talk by Jeska Clark, expedition leader, about an upcoming Arctic trip and lessons from past expeditions. Ages 11 and up. 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Larkspur Community Center | Free
deschuteslibrary.org
May 29 – 31
Bend Summerfest
EVENT – Kick off the summer with this classic Bend street festival downtown. Enjoy cooler temperatures with the new earlier dates for Summerfest! Enjoy three days of live music, fine arts, tasty treats, kids’ events, beer and wine, unique artisan and gourmet food booths and so much more!
Downtown Bend | Free
bendsummerfestival.com
May 30
Camping Fun; Forest Sculptures for Kids
CRAFTS – Drop your kids off for 45 minutes of creative fun with Ms. Alyssa as they make forest sculptures. Perfect for elementary-aged students, five and up.
Tea + Art Lounge | $30.75
bendteal.com
May 30 – 31
Beaver State Comic Con
PLAY – Beaver State Comic Con is a pop culture and comic convention. Join the celebration of all things pop culture, from comics and anime to movies and TV and featuring celebrity guests, artists, vendors, comics, toys, collectibles, games, cosplay and more.
Deschutes County Expo Center | $15 – $75
beaverstatecomiccon.com
June 1 – August 15
Family Story Time
READ – Join us for stories, songs and rhymes designed to support early literacy skill development, social emotional awareness and family engagement. Hear great stories while also becoming more familiar with letter sounds, rhyming, vocabulary and print. 30 min.
Central Library | Free
deschuteslibrary.org
June 1- September 30
Cascade Lakes Canoe Tour
OUTDOOR – Join the fun on this iconic paddling tour on the high elevation mountain lakes in the Cascade Range. You’ll see parts of the large lakes that are only accessible by paddling into the fingers, coves, bays and wetlands created by ancient eruptions and erosion. Wear your swimsuit for a refreshing dip.
Wanderlust Tours | $120 for adults $85 for children
wanderlusttours.com/cascade-lakes-canoeing
June 1 – September 30
Limited Entry Cave Tours
OUTDOOR – Bend’s lava caves have a delicate ecosystem that few have experienced to the fullest. Wanderlust Tours is the only guide company permitted in these special, wild lava caves. Join this special tour where naturalists guide and teach participants about these unique formations.
Wanderlust Tours | $130 adults $85 children
wanderlusttours.com/limited-entry-lava-cave-tours
June 6
Conquer The Canyon
RACE – Run through the heart of Central Oregon! Boasting stunning unique geological features, Redmond’s Dry Canyon Trail is the perfect setting for your athletic quest! Catch impressive natural views and eye-catching city scenes as you finish strong to the cheers in Centennial Park! Choose your distance – 5K, 5K Doggie Dash, 10K or half marathon.
Redmond | $45-$80
bendraces.com/conquer-the-
canyon-half-marathon/
June 6
Bend Handmade Market
SHOP – You’ll find over 100 makers and artists selling handmade goods at this market, including jewelry, housewares, clothing, toys, art, bath & body products, paper goods, fiber arts, candles and so much more! 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Downtown Bend | Free
urbancraftuprising.com/bend-handmade-market
June 10 -13
Sisters Rodeo
RODEO – Feel the ground shake as the top cowboys and cowgirls go head-to-head with world-class bucking stock. It’s Western tradition at its finest, delivered as a premier sporting event.
Sisters Rodeo | $60 – $75
sistersrodeo.com
June 10
Nature Kids: Wild Inventors
WALK – Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Karen Walsh for Nature Kids! Get outside and explore the nature of Central Oregon on guided family nature walks just for kids ages 5-10. Kids and their families can explore, imagine and grow through hands-on activities and experiences. During June, explore the incredible ways animals turn everyday objects into high-tech solutions.
Al Moody Park | Free
deschuteslandtrust.org
June 12
Music Together Workshop
LEARN – Join this early childhood music and movement program for children ages 0-5 and the grownups who love them. The music classes help little ones develop their innate musicality and so much more. These music classes show parents and caregivers how to help their children become confident musicians just by having fun making music themselves.
Redmond Library | Free
deschuteslibrary.org
Sundays – June 14 to July 5
Turf Tunes
LOCAL – Bring a blanket or a low-profile chair and enjoy SHARC’s free outdoor concerts in the grass amphitheater. Concerts are suitable for all ages. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. No glass or pets, please!
SHARC | Free
sunriversharc.com/things-to-do/turf-tunes
June 16 – August 20
Youth Wheel Throwing
ART – All levels are welcome to learn how to throw pots on the wheel. Follow the process of basic wheel throwing practice, trimming and glazing. Small class sizes will allow more one-on-one time with students to improve their skills.
Harmon Park Clay Studio | $149
bendparksandrec.org
June 25
Summer Reading Magic Show with Mike Della Penn
FUN – Mike Della Penna creates wonder and laughter for the whole family. Celebrate the magic of reading with this fun and funny magic show for all ages. During Mike’s 45-minute show, the audience will actively participate in storytelling, games, laugh-out-loud fun and amazing and inspiring magical effects. 4 to 5 p.m.
Central Library | Free
deschuteslibrary.org
June 26 + 27
Big Ponderoo Music Festival
FESTIVAL – Big Ponderoo boasts two stages located at Village Green Park in the center of downtown Sisters. Beneath the signature ponderosa pines, this venue offers plenty of shade atop an expansive lawn for ultimate comfort and natural ambiance.
Village Green Park | $115 – $215 adults. $55 – $90 youth.
bigponderoo.com
June 27
Book Bedazzling
CRAFTS – Transform your favorite book into a statement piece with the addition of sparkly gems and rhinestones. All materials and supplies are provided. You may bring your own copy of a favorite book, but a small selection of paperbacks will be available. Please note there is only time to embellish the title and other small details, not the entire cover.
Central Bend Library | Free
deschuteslibrary.org
July 4
July 4th Pet Parade
PARADE – Parade in costume with your pet or stuffed animal on a pulled wagon, bike or trike or watch all the action along the parade route. Staging happens in Harmon Park, and the parade will proceed north on Harmon to Newport, east on Newport to Wall and down Wall to turn and finish in Drake Park. Be part of this Bend tradition!
Downtown Bend | Free
bendparksandrec.org
July 9
Dungeons & Dragons
PLAY – Come play the classic role playing and strategy adventure! All experience levels are welcome—just bring your creativity, imagination, fantasy skills and some dice if you have them. Due to the nature of this program, we will close the program to new participants 15 minutes after it begins (1:15 p.m.) so that our DMs have time to organize their campaigns.
Central Bend Library | Free
deschuteslibrary.org
July 11
Crater Lake Summer Tour
OUTDOOR – Enjoy an interpretive tour of Oregon’s only National Park. After entering the park, participants will ascend the north flank of Mt. Mazama, coursing over lava rock, remnant of the volcano’s last cataclysmic blast. The views garnered from the volcano’s rim are simply breathtaking!
Wanderlust Tours | $240
wanderlusttours.com/crater-lake-public-summer-tour
July 11
Sisters Quilt Show
LOCAL – This world-famous quilt show takes place in downtown Sisters. The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive and family-friendly environment for all who attend. Stroll through the quaint streets of Sisters admiring amazing hanging quilt creations on every building. The entire town becomes a tapestry of quilts. Check out the classes and talks too.
Sisters | Free
soqs.org
July 12
Freak’n Tie-Dye
ART – Get ready to swirl, twist and splash some color! In this fun, beginner-friendly workshop, artists will create their own custom tie-dye design on a FREAK’N ART t-shirt—or choose a tote bag if you prefer. We’ll explore classic tie-dye techniques along with some creative variations, so everyone can make something totally unique.
Freak’n Art | $50
freaknart.com
July 24-26
Balloons Over Bend
FESTIVAL – Watch the skies come alive with daily hot air balloon launches at dawn and don’t miss the night with music, food, marketplace shopping and glow-in-the-dark hot air balloons on Friday. Bring the kids to the Balloon Blast race, which is part of the Kids Rock the Races series!
Jewell Elementary, COCC and Deschutes County Fairgrounds | prices vary (launches are free)
balloonsoverbend.com
July 24
Balloon Blast Kids’ Race
RACE – The Balloon Blast combines obstacles with a colorful course, perfect for kids ages 3-10. The exciting obstacles are appropriate for all types of children with a wide range of skill levels to tackle. Race included with youth entry to Balloons Over Bend.
COCC | $12.24
balloonsoverbend.com/
night-glow/#balloon-blast
July 25
Plant Swap
SWAP – Looking for a cute plant? Interested in the easiest of easy houseplants? We’ll have a few house and garden plants to share. Bring your own to swap with your neighbors. Plants can include fully rooted specimens, slips, cuttings, bulbs, etc. Don’t worry if you don’t have a plant to swap, there will probably be plenty of extras!
Central Library | Free
deschuteslibrary.org
August 7
Sunriver Art Fair
EVENT – Sunriver Art Fair features 90 booths of fine arts and crafts, set amidst the boutiques, cafes and children’s attractions at the Village at Sunriver. Thousands of one-of-a-kind works of art—including ceramics, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, sculpture, textiles, woodworking, drawing and mixed media—attract art lovers and collectors with a range of tastes and budgets. Parking is free, but the fair is also easily accessible via Sunriver’s network of bicycle and walking paths.
Sunriver Village | Free
sunriverwomensclub.org/sraf-home
This article appears in Bend Nest Summer 2026.
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