Ready to get outside? With these upcoming events, you have no excuse to stay indoors...
February 25-26
Special Olympics Oregon Winter Games
Celebrate hard work and determination with an epic weekend of competition as Special Olympic athletes compete in alpine, snowboarding, cross country and snowshoeing events. Roughly 200 athletes and 100 coaches will participate in these highly competitive games which will also feature a parade of athletes, a celebratory dinner and the locals favorite: the victory dance. Competitors develop courage, confidence, social skills, physical fitness and purpose in this family-friendly event sure to inspire all of the athletes in your home. Bring the kids and show them what inspirational athletes are all about. // All day. Mt Bachelor, 13000 Century Dr., Bend. Free. www.soor.org
March 18
St. Patrick's Day 5K Dash
This year that green beer will be all the more oddly delicious after striding through the finish line at the annual St. Patrick's Day 5k Dash. Celebrate the leprechaun in an unconventional way with this family-friendly event that benefits KIDS Center, a nonprofit Central Oregon child abuse intervention center. If running isn't quite your thing, then you can walk, jog, or hey, even crawl your way to that finish line. You can then reward yourself with food, a bevvy or two and dance to live music by 5 Pint Mary. Be sure to dress up in the silliest of silly costumes for your chance to win a prize. // 10am. $15 kids, $35 adults. Deschutes Brewery Public House. 1044 NW Bond St., Bend. www.bendstpatsdash.com
May 19-20
Photography and Conservation Workshop
Hone your photography skills while enjoying the great Oregon outdoors in this photography workshop that also incorporates conservation skills. Learn to shoot raptors and mammals in their natural habitat with the field editor of Outdoor Photographer Magazine, George Lepp. The workshop also includes an optional classroom session for your chance to really dive deep into the technicalities, while wildlife curators will also provide insights into the lives of High Desert Animals. // 8am-1pm. $150 members, $200 nonmembers. High Desert Museum. 59800 S Hwy 97, Bend. www.highdesertmuseum.org
