Every Saturday
Central Oregon Saturday Market
FOOD & DRINK—Fresh produce, handmade crafts, good people and plenty to see. Bring your own shopping bag, an appetite and give yourself a few hours to wander around each and every booth. This is about as local as it gets. Downtown Bend. Between Troy Field and the Library. Free entry. 10am–4pm. centraloregonsaturdaymarket.weebly.com
June 25
Cruxapalooza
FOOD & DRINK—Bendites, come check out the 60 different types of taps that will be offered, both inside and out at Crux Fermentation. If you can't find something you like, then you are clearly not trying. Live music from Shannon Winant & Friends, Second Son, and Precious Byrd will be on hand to tickle your ears along with a few others. Crux Fermentation Project, Bend. Entry is free. 11:30am-10:30pm. Look for the event on FB under "Cruxapalooza 5."
July 14 to 16
Cork & Barrel
FOOD & DRINK—Cork & Barrel is the self-proclaimed Central Oregon Wine Event of the year. This celebration in wine is about as classy as they come. I know I always feel a bit more fancy when I have a tall glass (or bottle) of pinot gris in my hand.
The event will present some highlighted wineries from three different regions: Santa Barbara Wineries, which boasts a diverse grape growing region due to climate; Santa Maria Valley, where the chardonnay and pinot noir are particularly improved by the area's rich soils; and wines from the Santa Ynez Valley. Much of this region is near the Pacific Ocean, and this affects the soils and climate to produce some of the most fruitful grapes anyone could ask for.
There will be much to do aside from sip wine; there is a dinner put on by some amazing talents in a select few locations. Seating is limited so purchasing your tickets sooner than later is highly recommended. Chef Bette Fraser, the Pronghorn Resort, and Chef OJ Robinson will be cooking at different venues on the 14th.
What is a fancy wine party without an auction? The answer is: Nothing. A silent auction will be held along with a variety of raffles to pique your interests and stimulate your senses. Stay and participate for as long as you can. It is, afterall, for a good cause.
Benefiting from this event will be the KIDS Center in Central Oregon. This amazing program is dedicated to the prevention, evaluation and treatment of child abuse. It is estimated that each child costs about $1,500 to successfully complete treatment, so the money raised will be much appreciated and well used. To make a donation without attending the event go to kidscenter.org or corkandbarrel.org.
August 5 to 6
Ghost Tree Invitational Dinner on the Range
FOOD & DRINK—Not only is this a fun, active, and fancy fiesta, this is an event that raises money for charity. Last year raised an impressive $91,000 for various nonprofits. This year some of the beneficiaries include: The Education Foundation, Life Skills of Bend, and the Assistance League of Bend. There will be golf, auctions, food and wine, as well as music. Pronghorn Resort, Bend. Times and costs vary depending on event and day. ghosttreeinvitational.com
August 18-20
Bend Brewfest
FOOD & DRINK—Do you feel like meandering around the beautiful Old Mill District in gorgeous weather while sampling an incredible number of beers with your friends? Well, good! You'll have your chance during this exciting three-day event. It is a family affair until 7pm; after that, the real party begins. Cut loose and enjoy the live DJ and about 200 beers, ciders and wines. Les Schwab Amphitheater, Bend. Noon-11pm. Entry is free, however to sample you will need to buy a $20 souvenir mug. Tasting tokens are required at $5 per 4 tokens. Each token is good for one 4oz taste. bendbrewfest.com
August 26 to 28
Mt. Bachelor Volcanic Bike & Beer Festival
FOOD & DRINK—A weekend of beer and bikes – so, an average weekend for most Bendites. Check out the multiple breweries and sweet vendors who will be offering goodies to the public. And, don't miss the Oregon Enduro Series, which makes its final stop here. There will be races, demonstrations, music, and beer. Ummm, heck yes! See website for more info and event times. Mt. Bachelor, Bend. Event can also be found on FB "Volcanic Bike & Brew Festival."
September 2 to 3
Little Woody Craft Brews and Whiskey Festival
FOOD & DRINK—Little Woody, why yes, this is an adult event, but not for reasons based on the title. This event is centered around (like most things in Bend) alcohol. What started in Bend has now grown to Medford, Eugene and say what now? Idaho?! Look what we have started.
This 21 and over funfest gets its name from having the requirement that all beers, ciders and whiskeys need to have been wood barreled. These are small-batched beverages and certainly worth a taste. A lot of these hand-crafted delights cannot be found in stores, so really, how can you pass up the offering of unique flavors that are only available at this event? You can't. So go.
Live music, which is always in demand at any event, will also be accompanying the atmosphere. Bands that will be gracing our ears will be Appaloosa, Honey Don't and Brothers Reed. They will be playing what Bendites like, which is folk, bluegrass and classic country, and it is all acoustic. No need to be concerned about yelling over too big of a bass to carry on conversation, rather the music here is meant to compliment the event rather than overwhelm it.
We are pretty proud of this thing that Bend has created and shared to the masses. This event is certainly one of them. We are trendsetters, we love our beer, cider and whiskey, and we know how to have a good time. Come see what all the fuss is about. You won't be disappointed.
September 16 to 17
Oktoberfest
FOOD & DRINK—Brats, brews, Bavarian music? Bring it. Other randomly awesome events include, but are not limited to: A yodeling contest, a wiener dog race, tricycle race, something called a Hammerschlagen competition...I'm so there. This event is a great time for all ages. Downtown Bend on Oregon Avenue. Check website for specific times of each event. This event is free to attend. bendoktoberfest.com
