thursday 26
Reel Paddling Film Fest
FILM—Big water, flat water, open water—it's all here. These are some of the year's best paddling films. Expect inspiration at this Teva-sponsored world tour event. 8-10 pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St. $12 in advance at Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe, 805 SW Industrial Way, or towertheatre.org; $15 door.
thursday 26
BendFilm Kickoff Party
KICKOFF—Oh sure, the movies may not start for another week, but that doesn't mean the celebrations can't begin now! With the first copies of the BendFilm Guide hot off the press, this evening celebrates the upcoming three-day spectoroma and includes music from string-folk band Parlour and a special Deschutes BendFilm 10 IRA draft for the evening. 6 pm. Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House, 1044 NW Bond St. $20 advance, $25 door.
friday 27
Pickin' & Paddlin'
MUSIC & BOATS—OK, fine, it's time to hang up the flip-flops. Yes, go ahead; shed a single tear for the end of summer. But then hop over to the season's final Pickin' & Paddlin' to demo boats (4-7 pm); listen to music from the fun-loving, fast-picking and cleverly-named Giraffe Dodgers (5 pm); and enjoy an early-fall sunset. Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe, 805 SW Industrial Way. Donations accepted.
friday 27-sunday 29
Bend Roots Revival
MUSIC—Despite its unfortunate cancellation in 2012, Bend Roots is back and, with more than 80 local musical acts and a funky new venue, promises to be better than ever. Hand-built stages nestled among clawfoot tubs and Victorian dressers should create a perfect setting for a weekend of rustic rock and soulful celebration. Pak-It Liquidators, 903 SE Armour Rd. Free.
saturday 28
Steve Earle and The Dukes
MUSIC—Steve Earle is one part Texan outlaw and one part Nashville crooner. It was in Music City that he played with country greats Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt (Earle so idolized Van Zandt that he named his son Justin Townes). We're punting on the mega hits, like "Copperhead Road," and requesting Earle play the lesser-known dusty gems, like "Ben McCulloch." 8 pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St. $45.50-$62.
sunday 29
Breaking Bad (series finale)
SCREEN—Need quantifiable proof that "Breaking Bad" is the greatest TV show in history? Fine! Viewership for the most recent episode was double the previous record high. Double! That's testimony that the show, which already holds the Guinness World Record for highest rated TV series, just keeps getting better (or is it badder?). Tonight, the five-season show about a meth-dealing antihero comes to an end. 6 pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr., free.
tuesday 1
Robert Earl Keen
MUSIC—Mr. Keen is like a twangy, more upbeat, Texan version of Bob Dylan. Kind of. Mostly, he's a great storyteller. Curious? Skip past his insanely popular Lone Star State party anthem "The Road Goes on Forever" and go all the way back to his first album (released in '84) and give "The Front Porch Song" a listen. 7 pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St. $31-$49.
wednesday 2
The Autonomics
MUSIC—They're back! The Autonomics—brothers-Leikam on bass and drums and screaming frontman Dan Pantenburg—started playing their soulful, punk-infused rock music in Bend but are now working their way up the ladder in Portland. Fortunately, the boys haven't forgotten where they came from. They're appearing along with local rockers The Rum and The Sea. 8 pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr. $5.
wednesday 2
Way of Life
FILM—Teton Gravity Research's 2013 creation is one of the first ski films of the season and is filled with slow-mo shots from Alaska, British Columbia, and Austria—all designed to get you psyched for that first big dump. Keep an eye out for semi-local Sammy Carlson, who's become a big-mountain master. 7 pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St. $12 advance, $15 door, $5 kids.
thursday 3
Thrilla Cyclocross Series
OUTSIDE—Never done a bike race? No problem. This is a beginner-friendly situation. Hell, you don't even need a 'cross bike. Just grab something with knobby tires, pin on a number and go for it. It's fun and there's beer afterward. Register at WebCyclery, 550 SW Industrial Way #150, or at the event. Starts at 5:25 pm and 6:15 pm (category dependant). The Athletic Club of Bend, 61615 Athletic Club Dr. $8-$15.
