thursday 17
Transition 2: 'Cross the Pond
FILM—The 2005 footage revolves around a band of North American cyclocross racers as they do battle in Belgium against the world's best. (Bonus! The film features at least two Bend racers.) Crisp waffles and warm frites stand in stark contrast against Belgium's icy mud and crazy fans. Proceeds benefit Central Oregon Trail Alliance. 21+. 9 pm. McMenamins, 700 NW Bond St. $5.
friday 18
The Perfect Pair
BEER&FOOD—Kick back and relax—at this event your only job is to savor. Carefully selected Deschutes brews will accompany mouthwatering dishes created by a handful of Bend's top chefs. Proceeds benefit the Bethlehem Inn homeless shelter. 5 pm. Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond St. Tickets $45 at deschutesbrewery.com.
saturday 19
Zombie Run
OUTSIDE—A mixture of capture the flag, a traditional 5k and Halloween, this fun run concludes with what zombies love best: beer and live music (duh!). Compete as either a "survivor" (pros: head start; cons: must pass obstacles) or a "zombie" (pros: chase down the living; cons: eating their brains) and enjoy the after party. 6 pm. Start/finish/party at Crow's Feet Commons, 875 NW Brooks St. $25, includes beer. Register here.
saturday 19
Va Va Voom Burlesque Show
PERFORMANCE—Art, not skank, is the key to successful modern burlesque. And Va Va Voom Vixens from Humboldt County have perfected the art of tease. They'll be stripping down beside the Slaughter Daughters, a Wichita, Kansas duo with a pinup aesthetic and a fierce goth-grass sound. 9 pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr. $8. Tickets.
saturday 19
Oregon Martial Arts Championships
KARATE KIDS—Hiii-YA! From pint-size 5-year-olds up to beanstalk high school seniors, this is the real-time reenactment of the great '80s flick, Karate Kid. Otherwise known as the high school state championships—and a qualifier for nationals—watch as the best in the state kick, chop, and, of course, (crowd favorite) crane kick each other. Hiii-YA! 10 am-3 pm, Cascade Middle School, 19619 Mountaineer Way, $5.
saturday 19
Birds of Chicago with Dave McGraw and Mandy Fer
MUSIC—A double billing of chamomile tea tonight: Two soft-peddling folk-roots bands—one from the Midwest, the other from Pacific Northwest. Both offer closely matched harmonies and the musical equivalent of emotional balm. 8-10 pm, The Belfry, 302 E. Main, Sisters, $15. Tickets.
sunday 20
Central Oregon Symphony
MUSIC—Soaring violins, cheerful horns, booming percussion, and melancholy cellos—it's all here. Enjoy movements from Mozart, Handel, Dvorák, and more—Bend's community-based orchestra always treats its audiences to brilliant performances. 2 pm. Bend High School, 230 NE 6th St. Complimentary tickets at cosymphony.com.
monday 21
Hopeless Jack & the Handsome Devil
BLUES—The gruesome twosome is always prepared to melt faces and hearts with their soulful blues rock. They've been busy, too. This year alone they have played Bend five times, toured as far as Nashville, released an album, and debuted a kick-ass music video. Nice work, guys. 9 pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr. $5.
wednesday 23
Ignite Bend
PRESENTATION—Like intellectual speed dating, the concept for Ignite Bend is that each speaker has five minutes to present one really good idea—and, to keep the pace moving along, every 15 seconds the slide changes. In its 11th year, Ignite Bend is growing in popularity and punch. 7 pm, Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St. Free (but tickets required, see ignitebend.com). SOLD OUT
thursday 24
Historical Haunts of Downtown Bend
GHOSTS—In 1914, George Brosterhous took a deadly spill from the rafters of the Des Chutes Historical Society building. It's been said that his ghost still floats through the museum. That's not the only creepy historical legend. Learn more from Historical Society experts during this ghostly downtown landmark tour. 4 pm. Des Chutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave. $10.
