wednesday 1 – sunday 5
Sour Beer Extravaganza!
BEER—Sours are the new IPAs. Unfamiliar? Start with the Duchesse de Bourgogne, the world's best Flemish red ale, available at local bottle shops. Effervescent, light, not overly sweet—pairs well with good conversation. This week at BTBS, sours are taking over the taps and bottles are 15 percent off. 11 am-10 pm, Broken Top Bottle Shop, 1740 NW Pence Lane.
thursday 2
Timbers Game
SOCCER—With a new coach, the Portland Timbers have risen to the top of their game, outscoring their opponents by a remarkable 8-3 in the second half and staying unbeaten on the road (compared with a 1-12-5 road record last season!). A special TV viewing party, an autographed jersey giveaway and VIP game tickets. 7-10 pm, Sidelines Sports Bar, 102 NW Wall. Free.
friday 3
First Friday
ART—Bend has two seasons, winter and August, and we're finally moving closer to the one without snow! A clement night of art in the businesses and streets of downtown—puffy coat not required. Free drinks and busking galore! 5 pm, Downtown Bend.
friday 3-sunday 5
Spring Paddlefest
RIVER FUN—A perfect introduction for would-be paddlers. Paddlefest is one part gear show and one part how-to lesson. Cheap two-hour kayak lessons ($20) often sell out, so get there early. But free demos of all kinds—from kayaks to standup paddleboards—make it easy to get out on the water. Starts 10 am Friday, Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe, 805 SW Industrial Way, Suite 6.
saturday 4
Salmon Run
OUTSIDE—This community race is a Bend institution. The 25th annual Salmon Run (half marathon, 10K, 5K and Little Fry Run) snakes along the River Trail, past the PADDLEFEST ZANINESS, before returning to the start/finish at Riverbend Park. And there's post-race beer! It's all for a good cause—The Environmental Center gets a portion of the proceeds. 9 am, Riverbend Park, 799 SW Columbia St. $25-$55.
saturday 4
Fishing Derby
RODS & REELS—Every fisherman has his or her own wisdom and tricks, but for our money, canned corn kernels attract even the most wily trout. Kick off fishing season with the 15th annual trout fishing derby. 8 am–5 pm, Ochoco Lake Day Use Area, Prineville. $10.
saturday 4
Eowyn Ivey
AUTHOR—Eowyn Ivey's sad, hopeful novel about Alaskan homesteaders was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for fiction, garnered a 2012 UK National Book Award and won a 2013 Indies Choice Book Award for debut fiction. So there. See the up-and-coming author here in Central Oregon, for free! Part of the "A Novel Idea" series. 11 am, Ridgeview High School, 4555 SW Elkhorn Ave., Redmond. Free.
sunday 5
Central Oregon Symphony
MUSIC—If only the (very talented) Central Oregon Symphony Orchestra took requests, you could shout for at least a few bars of Vivaldi's jaunty violin concerto "Spring." Are we right? You know we are. (Don't say "Freebird." Seriously. Don't.) Michael Gesme directs works by Saint-Saëns, Dvorak and Bernstein. 2 pm, Bend High School, 230 NE 6th St. Tickets required. Free. See Highbrow, Low Cost, pg. 15.
sunday 5
Cinco de Mayo
CELEBRATE—Lime, salt, tequila! Or is it salt, lime, tequila? Either way, this celebration of Mexican heritage and pride is one of the best days of the year. Turn to our Culture section for a Cinco de Mayo events roundup and michelada showdown. Long live General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín! All day. All over. Cost dependent on tequila preference. See Cinco de Drinko, pg. 26.
wednesday 8
Eilen Jewell
MUSIC—The rockabilly and blues sweetheart is perfectly matched to The Belfry, an old church that hosts some irreverent acts. Based in Boise, Jewell came to prominence behind her down-home 2011 release, Queen of the Minor Key, a melancholic album full of heartbreak and hard times. The modern-day Loretta Lynn is a badass. 7 pm, The Belfry, 302 E Main St., Sisters. $12. See All That Glitters, pg. 16.