City of Bend Announces Welcoming Week 2026

The City of Bend is thrilled to announce the ninth annual celebration of Welcoming Week from Sept. 10-19. This annual celebration aims to bring together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity.

Welcoming Week in Bend first began in 2017. Due to the advocacy of the Latino Community Association, the Bend City Council unanimously supported a resolution for the City to be an active member of the Welcoming America initiative.

This year, the City partnered with the Latino Community Association to organize and facilitate Welcoming Week events and develop an official Welcoming Program that will welcome newcomers to the community throughout the calendar year. The Latino Community Association collaborated with community partners and past Welcoming Week event organizers to re-affirm Welcoming Week’s focus on the local immigrant and refugee experience.

“The culture, connection and joy of Welcoming Week make it one of the most vibrant times of the year in our city,” said Equity and Inclusion Manager Cassandra Kehoe. “Welcoming Week reminds us that neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome and belong in Bend.”

The City of Bend invites everyone to celebrate Welcoming Week by attending events, supporting local partners, and amplifying the voices of Bend’s immigrant and refugee communities. All events are free and open to the public to attend.

2026 Welcoming Week Events:

Sept. 8 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.: Welcoming Week Skill Lab: Intervene, Include, Commit presented by Embrace Bend.
- Details: Skill-building lab for public officials, government staff, and community members on how to show up responsibly at Welcoming Week events. Learn practical support roles, inclusive practices, and leave with a clear participation plan.
- Location: Latino Community Association, 2680 NE Twin Knolls Drive, Bend, OR 97701
Sept. 8 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.: Welcoming Week Launch & Market presented by The Latino Community Association
- Event Details: Join Latino Community Association and the coalition of welcoming week organizations for an official launch, unveiling of the year-round Welcoming Program, and a night market uplifting immigrant and refugee food vendors.
- Location: Latino Community Association, 2680 NE Twin Knolls Drive, Bend, OR 97701
Sept. 11 from 2-4 p.m.:Stories of Belonging: Arab, Muslim, and South Asian
- Event Details: Join Shararah Films for an afternoon short-film screening and community conversation centered on the lived experiences of Arab, Muslim, and South Asian immigrants in the United States.
- Location: Central Library, Community Room 2, 61956 SE Santorini St, Bend, OR 97702
Sept. 12, two-part event, Exploration of Business Council from 10:30 a.m. – noon and Games with Community from 2 – 5 p.m.: Pathways and Connection presented by Asian and Pacific Islanders Collective (APIC)
- Event Details: Two-part Welcoming Week event strengthening belonging for Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities in Central Oregon: a facilitated pathways discussion for entrepreneurs, plus a free cultural games community gathering for connection and friendship.
- Location: Central Library, Community Room 2, 61956 SE Santorini St, Bend, OR 97702
Sept. 16 from 4:30-7:30 p.m.: Advocacy Through Art presented by almadorada
- Event Details: Screen printing workshop where we create art that advocates for our fellow humans, making the messaging wearable and connecting to each other throughout the process.
- Location: almadorada, 180 NW Oregon Ave, Bend, OR 97703
Sept. 18 from 6-9 p.m.: SAL Bend! presented by Benditas
- Event Details: A free evening celebrating Bend’s cultural diversity through art, world music, and food — welcoming immigrants, refugees, and neighbors of all backgrounds to connect and celebrate together.
- Location: Encore Room and The Commons, 834 and 875 NW Brooks St, Bend, OR 97703
Sept. 19 from 5-8 p.m.: Stories We Share presented by Kolovita
- Event Details: An intergenerational celebration of stories, music, food, and cultural traditions that brings refugee, immigrant, Indigenous, and local communities together through shared creativity and connection.
- Location: Hanai, 62430 Eagle Rd, Bend, OR 97701