friday 10
A Light in the Wilderness
WORDS—It's easy to look down on Confederate flag-wavers, but Oregon's hands aren't clean when it comes to race. Central Oregon author Jane Kirkpatrick's novel draws inspiration from the true story of a free African-American woman who sees Oregon as a slavery-free utopia, until she learns about a law excluding blacks from moving there. 4:30 pm. Paulina Springs Books, 252 W Hood Ave., Sisters. Free.
friday 10 - saturday 11
Crawfest Music Festival
MUSIC—There's no need to travel out of the area for a multi-day, multi-genre outdoor music festival. Bonus: Crawfest (which, for the record, has nothing to do with crawfish) has a swimming hole, games, and other family-friendly fun. And did we mention the headliners? Matt Borden and the MFB on Friday and Larry and His Flask on Saturday. Noon-late. 16065 SW Alfalfa Rd., Powell Butte. $20 weekend pass, $15 per day.
saturday 11
Sir Mix-A-Lot
HIP-HOP—This influential Seattle-based emcee was singing the praises of a big booty long before Big Sean, Beyonce, and Juvenile. But thanks to Nicki Minaj's "Anaconda," which samples heavily from "Baby Got Back," Sir Mix-A-Lot is back in the spotlight. And that's a good thing. 9:30 pm. Bend Summer Fest, Downtown Bend. Free.
saturday 11
Star Party
ASTRONOMY—Ralph Waldo Emerson once quipped that if the stars only appeared in the night sky every 1000 years or so, how people would rejoice at their miracle. Well, this is that party! Deschutes Land Trust hosts a star gazing event with powerful telescopes and guides. 8 – 11 pm. Rimrock Ranch (outside Sisters). Registration required, [email protected]; free.
saturday 11
A Long Hot Summer Night
BURLESQUE—A number of burlesque troupes have come through town but there's nothing better than supporting local talent. Bend Burlesque presents a sexy and fun burlesque show with live music by Company Grand who are accompanying them. If it's even possible, things are about to get a whole lot hotter here in Bend. 6 & 9 pm performances. 2nd Street Theater, 220 NE Lafayette Ave. $15 and $20.
saturday 11
Mt. Bachelor
Mountain Clean Up
CIVIC DUTY—A lost annual tradition is revived, with a free lift ride up Pine Marten chairlift. At the top, you are handed a trash bag and asked to help clean up our beloved mountain as you hike back down. 9 am. Mt. Bachelor West Village, 13000 SW Century Dr. First 400 participants paid with a free day ski lift ticket.
saturday 11
Tour des Chutes 5K
RUN OR WALK—Now in its second year, this non-competitive run/walk benefits a new Central Oregon non-profit, the Pediatric Foundation, which provides financial support for families of children who have to travel to receive cancer treatment. A pretty great reason to get out there and move! 8 am. High Lakes Elementary, 2500 NW High Lakes Lp. $35 adult, $10 youth.
tuesday 14
The Veterans Ranch
Benefit
MUSIC—PTSD is a miserable hangover from war and one that is increasingly being recognized—and, at wonderful spaces like the Veteran Ranch, treated, through farming, shepherding, and just settling back in a normal life. Tonight's benefit is a three-band concert—Stu Goes North, Just Us, and Soul Revival. 7 pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr. $10.
wednesday 15
Raft 'n Brew
BEER & BOATING—While the Marine Board may not agree, we think that beer and water sports are a great pairing! Sun Country Tours couples good brews with a Deschutes River rafting trip, and it pays forward the proceeds to a local charity. This week's beer is GoodLife Brewing and proceeds go to Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation. 4:30 pm departure. Sun Country Tours, 531 SW 13th St. $53.
wednesday 15-
thursday 16
Oregon High Desert Classic
HORSES—Olympic level riders show off their stuff at this "AA" rated hunter/jumper competition with a $25,000 purse. After enjoy a Grand Prix Dinner and help raise funds for J Bar J Youth Services, a nonprofit organization that offers programs specializing in prevention, intervention, treatment, and education. 8 am-5pm. J Bar J Ranch, 62895 Hamby Rd. Free for spectators.
