June 25
Central Oregon Pride
FESTIVAL—In the wake of the devastating massacre in Orlando, Central Oregon Pride is here, offering an opportunity for a deeply wounded group of people to come together and celebrate with friends, family, and allies.
"Pride has always been the time for people to say, 'We're here; we live here too. This is what we look like. We exist,'" says festival director Paige Matthews. "After what happened in Orlando, it has become vital that we come out, show up and be seen, and say that we're here. Central Oregon Pride is a great place to do that. The more people we have there, the more people will see that we really do live here, too, and we're proud of who we are. It's a place where people can take a stand by being visible."
Jake Woodmansee will return to this year's festival to emcee as Hedwig. Pride festival attendees can also expect to find workshops, auctions, photo booths, a kids zone (complete with bouncy house), a screen printing shop for Central Oregon Pride shirts, a good old-fashioned pie eating contest, Stonewall Lounge and, of course, the Dykes on Bikes motorcycle ride. Local artist MoWo will play a set before a moment of silence for those lost in Orlando.
Workshops include "Supporting LGBTQ Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence" from Saving Grace, "LGBTQ Sexual Health" from Planned Parenthood, and "How to Be An Ally" from PFLAG, among others.
Whether you're a member of the LGBTQ community, an ally, or just curious, Central Oregon Pride welcomes you to share the pride we have in ourselves, in our community, and in one another. When we stand together as a community, we stand together with pride.
Noon. Drake Park, Bend. Free. centraloregonpride.com
Every Last Saturday of the Month
Last Saturday "Art Walk" with The Workhouse
ART WALK—Similar to the Downtown Art Walk, the Last Saturday Art Walk draws fewer tourists and offers a wider variety of products to peruse and purchase. Located in the Makers District—on First and Second Streets between Greenwood and Olney, the monthly event features art openings, live music, food carts and complimentary beverages. Bring the whole family. 6pm-10pm. The Workhouse, Bend. Free. theworkhousebend.com
July 4
Old Fashioned July 4th Celebration & Pet Parade
PARADE—The Pet Parade is one of the most beloved events in Central Oregon, and the Old Fashioned 4th of July festival is one of the few institutions that hasn't changed much over the years. With food carts, crafts, three-legged races, watermelon eating contests and live music, Bend's 4th festival is a throwback to a much simpler time. Starts at 10am. Downtown Bend and Drake Park. Free. visitbend.com
July 9
Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show
QUILTS—The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show is the largest of its kind in the world, displaying more than 1,300 quilts every year and drawing at least 10,000 viewers from every state and 27 countries. Festival-goers can stroll through the quilt-lined streets and take part in workshops and classes. Starts at 9am. Sisters. Free. sistersoutdoorquiltshow.org
July 8-10
Bend Summer Festival
FESTIVAL—Though the music and food lineup are still being determined, one thing is sure: C3 events will throw a fantastic good three-day party for Bend Summer Festival. Expect multiple stages, a fine artist promenade, a kid's area, plenty of food and cocktails, and an entire section just for jazz music. All day. Downtown, Bend. Free. c3events.com
July 8-10
The Oregon Country Fair
FAIR—The Country Fair means so much to some people that each year starts a countdown to the next one. With almost two dozen stages including a Tiny Puppet Theater, a Youth Stage, and a Dance Pavilion, it's easy to find anything and everything you're looking for. It's a family-friendly event, so bring the kids. Check oregoncountryfair.com for ticket prices and availability. Veneta.
July 21-24
Balloons Over Bend
HOT AIR BALLOONS—There is something truly awe-inspiring about seeing the Central Oregon skyline dotted with hot air balloons. The Balloons Over Bend Children's event in Riverbend Park also benefits Saving Grace and is a hands-on approach to learning and creating. Visit balloonsoverbend.com for times and event details.
July 23
Sunriver Classic Car Show
ANTIQUE CARS—This is the 3rd annual Sunriver Antique and Classic Car Show, and all the different time periods and models will be well represented. Whether it's a Model T or a 1970s muscle car, all classics are welcome. Bring the kids and show them true engineering that has fallen by the wayside. Starts at 10am. The Village, Sunriver. Free. villageatsunriver.com
August 3-7
Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo
FAIR—For many people, the County Fair is where a lot of life's firsts happen: first kisses, first fights, first few hours of freedom to explore an environment without the parents, and first time throwing up and laughing at the same time. Fairs are so deeply engrained in the North American collective childhood that there is always an undercurrent of excitement when the Fair comes to town.
This year's Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo will welcome a brand new carnival vendor, Davis Shows Northwest, which promises to bring fresh excitement to the midway.
The concert lineup is impressive, as usual, featuring Tracy Lawrence, Queensryche (!!!), Trace Adkins, and The Wallflowers. And the rodeo is always a hit for everyone in the family, because who can resist airborne cowboys, barrel-racing cowgirls, and smiling, sparkling rodeo queens?
The Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo is coming. Ride the zipper, eat an elephant ear and make some really fun mistakes.
Check expo.deschutes.org for prices, times and events.
August 12-14
Sunriver Art Fair
ART SHOW—This year's art fair will feature multiple disciplines, including jewelry, mixed media, textiles, metal work and painting. It will also include live music from Franchot Tone, Juju Eyeball, Bill Keale and others, as well as food from the likes of El Caporal, Goody's, Panini's and more. Opens at 10am. Sunriver. Free. sunriverartfair.com
August 12-14
Flashback Cruz
CLASSIC CARS—Presented by the Central Oregon Classic Chevy Club, the Flashback "Cruz" is a classic car competition with a seven-foot-tall Best in Show trophy. Seeing Drake Park filled with dozens upon dozens of classic cars is an experience in and of itself. It's the perfect event for visiting friends and family. Starts at 11am. Drake Park, Bend. Free. centraloregonclassicchevyclub.com
August 20-21
Sisters Wild West Show
WILD WEST—Few details have been released so far regarding events, booths, food and music at this year's Wild West show, but rest assured it will a blast from the past. Warm Springs Museum will be display Native American and western art, crafts and food. Opens at 10am. Creekside Park, Sisters. Free. visitbend.com
August 26-28
Art in the High Desert
ART SHOW—Same 110 artists from the United States and Canada will be showing at the 2016 Art in the High Desert Showcase. This is a juried fine art and craft show, so the artists being displayed have already gone through a rigorous selection process before making it in front of a Central Oregon audience. Starts at 10am. Old Mill District, Bend. Free. artinthehighdesert.com
September 9-11
Sisters Folk Festival
MUSIC FEST—This year's Sisters Folk Festival features top-notch headliners like Ruthie Foster, Richard Thompson, Chuck Prophet, The Ballroom Thieves, and The Good Time Travelers. The annual event has become one of the area's premiere music festivals, for good reason. Check sistersfolkfestival.org for times, venues and prices.
