Wednesdays
Bend Farmers Market
LOCAL – Showcasing 100% Oregon-produced goods, this family-friendly event features food, drinks, flowers, crafts and more. Saturdays from 3-7pm.
Brooks Alley, Downtown Bend | Free
bendfarmersmarket.com
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 are welcome. Wednesdays from 9-11pm.
Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory | $29-$35
snco.org
Thursdays through May 29
Kids’ Cooking Class
LEARN – Join the Hanai Foundation for a four-week cooking class series! This class is geared toward children aged 8 to 12. Students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Hanai | $150-$200.
hanaifoundation.org
Saturdays – Starting June 1
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! Saturdays from 10am-2pm.
NW Crossing | Free
nwxfarmersmarket.com
Last Saturday of the Month
Sunriver Saturday Market
LOCAL – The Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the second annual Sunriver Saturday Market, from 9am-1pm every Saturday from May 31- September 27 at SHARC, by the basketball court.
SHARC Sunriver | Free
sunriversharc.com
Sundays from June 15 to July 6
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
May 10
Bend Creators Market
SHOP – Venture out to Bend’s inaugural Creators Market at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center! You’ll have a day of fun while browsing through amazing entrepreneurs and creators. This is a family-friendly event where you can meet small business owners, shop and support local and even snag some swag.
Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center | $5
bendcreatorsmarket.com
Bend Beauty Expo
SHOP – This is Bend’s largest event for all things beauty! This event features demonstrations and services, food trucks, live DJ music, discounts, huge raffles and more.
Deschutes County Fairground and Expo Center | $5
bendbeautyexpo.com
Happy Girls Run
RUN – Calling all women and girls! Running is a great way to achieve personal goals, overcome obstacles and get in some much-needed girl time. The race features gorgeous scenery along the Deschutes River. Choose your distance: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon or the Happy Little Kids Run (for ages 3-10).
River Bend Park | Prices Vary
bendraces.com/bend-races-happy-girls-bend
May 11
Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet
EAT – Savor a bountiful brunch buffet filled with your favorite dishes, accompanied by live music and stunning views of the Deschutes River – all in the inviting ambiance of Currents at the Riverhouse. Children 4 and under eat free!
Currents at the Riverhouse | $37-$75
riverhouse.com
Birding for Breakfast
LEARN – The High Desert Museum provides excellent habitat for many migratory bird species. Join museum staff and volunteers to explore the grounds looking for birds. Learn about different species that live in our area and the museum’s efforts to make our buildings more bird friendly! Coffee and light breakfast items provided. 7- 9am.
High Desert Museum | $25, Members receive 20% discount.
highdesertmuseum.org
May 15-18
Mean Girls the Musical
THEATER – Mean Girls is a rock musical that focuses on Cady Heron, a teenage girl who transfers to a public high school after being homeschooled her whole life in Africa. At school, she befriends outsiders Janis Sarkasian and Damian Hubbard who persuade her to infiltrate the “Plastics,” a clique consisting of wealthy but insecure Gretchen Wieners, sweet but dimwitted Karen Smith and “queen bee” Regina George.
Tower Theatre | $40 (plus $6 historic preservation fee)
towertheatre.org/event/mean-girls-the-musical
May 16
Seven Peaks School Annual Art Show
ART – Seven Peaks School is excited to announce this year’s theme, “Faces & Figures,” which invites visitors to explore self-expression through portraits, animals and imaginative figures. The gymnasium will be transformed into a stunning gallery, showcasing the talents of young artists from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Art instructors have woven this theme into the curriculum, encouraging students to express their unique visions.
Seven Peaks School | Free
sevenpeaksschool.org
May 17
Wrangling Cactus with
Julie Lay at Schilling’s
Garden Market
GARDEN – The owner of Smith Rock Cactus Garden will teach you how to successfully grow cacti in Central Oregon. Through her own experience of propagating 60 different varieties, Julie Lay has a wealth of knowledge to share! There will be numerous varieties of cacti on hand for sale, too. Registration required.
Schilling’s Garden Market | $5
schillingsgardenmarket.com
Forage To Table
OUTDOOR – For this incredible experience, Wanderlust Tours will partner with Luckey’s Woodsman, experts in backcountry cooking techniques, to teach guests about foraging techniques, identification of flora and fauna, and how simple ingredients that can be found all around us in mother nature can be used to make and accentuate delicious dishes!
Wanderlust Tours | $260
wanderlusttours.com/forage-to-table-bend-oregon
Selco Pole Pedal Paddle
RACE – Grab your friends and register for the annual Pole Pedal Paddle race, a Central Oregon tradition. This multi-sport event is one of the biggest in the PNW and is the largest fundraiser for MBSEF, featuring legs for biking, running, alpine and Nordic skiing and kayaking. Or just come out with the rest of the town and cheer on our local teams!
Around Bend | Prices vary based on team size and age
pppbend.com
Bend Moonlight Market
SHOP – Bend Moonlight Market is back and this time it’s at Silver Moon Brewing! Browse through a variety of vendors, listen to live music and more. All ages welcome and always free to attend!
Silver Moon Brewing | Free
bendmoonlightmarket.com
May 18
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 will work together to solve challenges, weave through an obstacle course and experience the excitement of the race with their peers. This is a great event for competitors and spectators alike!
Seventh Mountain Resort | $180/ team of six
pppbend.com/mini-ppp
May 20, June 3
Music Together Workshop
LEARN – This is an early childhood music and movement program for children ages 0-5 and the grown-ups who love them! The music classes help little ones develop their innate musicality and so much more! And because we know that young children learn best from the powerful role models in their lives, music classes show parents and caregivers how to help their children become confident music-makers just by having fun making music themselves.
Sisters Library | Free
deschuteslibrary.org
May 24
Oregon Ballet Theatre 2
THEATER – Join Oregon Ballet Theatre’s second company, OBT2, on a stop during their 2025 Spring Tour! OBT2 serves as a cultural ambassador of the performing arts throughout the Pacific Northwest. Meet the dancers and take your photo with them after the performance.
Tower Theatre | $14-$24
towertheatre.org/event/oregon-ballet-theatre-2
Spring Pot Planting Demo!
GARDEN – Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your pots with vibrant new plants! Join us on the patio for a spring pot planting demo where we’ll focus on creating beautiful, balanced containers using the perfect combination of spillers, thrillers and fillers!
Schilling’s Garden Market | Free
schillingsgardenmarket.com
May 25
Smith Rock Scenic Hike
OUTDOOR – Wanderlust Tours is excited to bring more access to the outdoors by partnering with AdvenChair to help those with mobility challenges get into the outdoors and explore beautiful areas that may not seem accessible. With the AdvenChair off-road wheelchair, we will enjoy the stunning views and learn about the incredible geologic history of Smith Rock State Park!
Wanderlust Tours | $110
wanderlusttours.com/advenchair-smith-rock-accessible-guided-hike
May 26
Annual North American Pond Skimming Championships
SKI – After a pow-filled winter & spring, it’s time to give the season a proper send-off and skim into summer with the return of our annual North American Pond Skimming Championships! Join us for the final day of our 2024/25 season to take your last run in style across the epic 100-foot-long pond.
Mt. Bachelor | Free
mtbachelor.com
May 30
Kids’ Math Night with Mathnasium
LEARN – This event is recommended for elementary and middle school children accompanied by a caregiver. The Mathnasium of Bend team is providing free math assessments to check whether your child is meeting math standards and giving guidance on next steps. There will also be homework support, games, prizes and snacks!
Downtown Bend Library | Free
deschuteslibrary.org
May 31
Mom & Me Hike + Yoga:
Pilot Butte
OUTDOOR – Join Emily with Do Yoga Outside and Autumn with Wild Wellness for this workshop where moms and children get the chance to explore nature in a comfortable, loving environment. Moms will get solo time to take part in yoga, while kids participate in nature activities. We will then explore outside together.
May 31 + June 1
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 | $11.63-$111.42
beaverstatecomiccon.com
June 7
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! Weaving through the interesting, majestic landscape, leading you to the center of historic Redmond, you’ll catch impressive natural views and eye-catching city scenes as you finish strong to the cheers in Centennial Park! Choose your distance – 5K, 10K or half marathon.
Redmond | $45-$80
bendraces.com/conquer-the-canyon-half-marathon/
Conquer The Canyon – The Little Trailblazers Run
RACE – Kids will become “Little Trailblazers” as they race along their very own mini adventure through the canyon, blazing a path like the early explorers of Central Oregon. They’ll earn a special explorer-themed prize and finisher’s ribbon.
Redmond | $10
bendraces.com/conquer-the-canyon-half-marathon/
June 15 + August 3
Clear Lake Kayak Tour
OUTDOOR – Wanderlust Tours is the premier destination for kayak tours in Bend, Oregon! Join this special paddling tour on one of the most stunning lakes in all of the Cascades.
Wanderlust Tours | $120
wanderlusttours.com/clear- lake-kayak
June 21
Mary Poppins
DANCE – Join in the timeless story of magic, adventure and a nanny who changes everything! Presented by Central Oregon’s only Royal Academy of Dance studio, Académie de Ballet Classique. Saturday 6pm, Sunday 1:30pm.
Caldera High School | $18-$41
abcbend.com
June 19-22
4 Peaks Music Festival
FESTIVAL – This year’s festival takes place at The Tower Theatre on summer solstice weekend. A curated community experience for the entire family, 4 Peaks proudly presents world-class music, featuring national, regional and local acts for music enthusiasts of all tastes. This year’s lineup includes Toubab Krewe, The Rumble, Leftover Salmon, The Nth Power, The Lucky Strokes and Holly Bowling.
Tower Theatre | $15-$85
4peaksmusic.com
June 22
Deschutes River Trail: Benham Falls
OUTDOOR – Wanderlust Tours is excited to bring more access to the outdoors by partnering with AdvenChair to help those with mobility challenges get into the outdoors. Enjoy stunning views and learn about the power of the Deschutes River.
Wanderlust Tours | $110
wanderlusttours.com/ advenchair-deschutes-river-accessible-guided-hike
June 24
Jump for Joy: Toddler Time
PLAY – Join Mountain Air Trampoline Park for an exclusive toddler time jump session complete with storytelling! During this event, the entire facility is reserved for children 5 years old and younger to enjoy for 2 hours. We will also be hearing some amazing stories read by Ms. Meredith from the Assistance League of Bend!
Mountain Air Trampoline Park | Free
deschuteslibrary.org
June 26
Balloon Blast Kids Race
RACE – Head to COCC for one of Central Oregon’s favorites: a kids-only obstacle race 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.
COCC | $10
balloonsoverbemd.com/night-glow/#balloon-blast
June 28
Kids’ Entrepreneur Market
MARKET – This market is an entirely kid-run, eco-friendly market for kids age 7-17 to learn entrepreneurship by selling their own products and services – all while considering the environment. Noon-3pm. Raffles, food trucks and more!
DIY Cave/Bevel/Solsk8s| Free to attend
kidsentrepreneurmarket.com
June 28-29
Big Ponderoo Music Festival
FESTIVAL – Kick off the summer at the 3rd annual Big Ponderoo – an unforgettable, intimate festival experience where small-town charm meets world-class live music from bluegrass, alt-county, and Americana artists. Camping, weekend passes or single-day tickets available.
Village Green Park | $90-$195
bigponderoo.com
June 30
Camp Kinder!
PLAY – Summer just got a whole lot more exciting for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds! Join us for fun camp- themed activities, crafts, and games all summer long at DPL branch locations. Camp Kinder! is for older toddlers and preschoolers who want to explore and have adventures while also learning! All of the activities and projects are designed to support the Oregon Early Learning and Kindergarten Readiness Goals: math, literacy, language and communication, social-emotional development, and approaches to learning.
East Bend Library | Free
deschuteslibrary.org
July 11-13
Bend Summer Festival
FESTIVAL – Celebrate the arts, culture, music and community! Downtown Bend comes alive during Summerfest with activities for kids, live music and vendors of all kinds. Don’t miss the kids’ area and enjoy the beautiful arts and crafts. There will tasty food and drinks, too!
Downtown Bend | Free
bendsummerfestival.com
July 12
Crater Lake Summer Tour
OUTDOOR – Wanderlust Tours is the premier destination to discover the beauty and secrets of our 6th National Park. Perched atop the 750-mile long cordillera, the world’s purest body of water awaits you! Join us for outlooks and walks, natural and cultural history interpretation that you’ll forever remember.
Wanderlust Tours | $210
wanderlusttours.com/crater-lake-public-summer-tour
July 13
Sisters Quilt Show
LOCAL – This world-famous quilt show takes place in downtown Sisters for its 50th year! This year’s theme is “Dreamscape.” 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 14
Summer Camp at Harmony Farm Sanctuary
PLAY – Looking for a unique and meaningful summer experience for your child? Join us at Harmony Farm Sanctuary’s summer camp, where kids will connect with rescued farm animals, learn about compassion, and have a blast with hands-on activities!
Harmony Farm Sanctuary| $300
harmonyfarmsanctuary.com
July 18 + 19
Bend Fairwell Festival
FESTIVAL – Fairwell Festival returns to Deschutes County Fairgrounds! Say hello to two days, three stages, and 36+ performances highlighting the sounds of folk, blues, rock, country and soul.
Deschutes County Fairgrounds |
Prices Vary
fairwellfestival.com
July 25-27
Balloons Over Bend
FESTIVAL – Watch the skies come alive with hot air balloon launches at dawn and end the nights with music, food, marketplace shopping and glow-in-the-dark hot air balloons. 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
August 2
High Desert Hike & Farm to Table Lunch
OUTDOOR – The Wanderlust Tour begins with a high desert hike at Smith Rock State Park in the morning and you’ll learn the region’s different geology with flora and fauna. Then in the afternoon you’ll step into the world of Rainshadow Organics that will be a mix of learning, fun and plenty of photo opportunities.
Wanderlust Tours | $180
wanderlusttours.com/rainshadow-organics-farm-tour-lunch
This article appears in Bend Nest Summer 2025.
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