Central Oregon summer events
Central Oregon’s high desert region heats up in the summer, and we’re not just talking weather. Hot events happening in Bend, Sisters and other towns this summer include solar eclipse festivals, food and drink bashes, a balloon extravaganza and the world’s largest outdoor quilt show. Here’s just a sampling.
Concerts by the Deschutes: The riverside Les Schwab Amphitheater in Bend’s Old Mill District offers concerts all summer long, with headliners such as Paul Simon, Jack Johnson and Diana Krall, and a series of free Sunday afternoon concerts that begin June 4. Find details at www.bendconcerts. com. Sisters Rodeo: Attractions at the self-styled “biggest little show in the world” on June 9-11 include a bull-riding event known as Xtreme Bulls, as well as roping, riding and barrel racing. Tickets for the 77th annual rodeo are $12 and up; many events offer free admission for kids under 12. www.sistersrodeo.com Bite of Bend: Sample your way through the Northwest’s food and spirits scene at this weekendlong gastronomic event, June 23-25, which includes a “Top Chef” showdown, mixology showcase, food booths and live music. There’s a 5K Beer Run ($20) and a Root Beer Run ($5) for kids, as well. biteofbend.com
Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show: More than 10,000 visitors will descend on this tiny town on July 8 for the annual quilt show, which showcases more than 1,300 quilts from around the world, plus master classes and workshops. sistersoutdoorquiltshow.org
Balloons Over Bend: This grand hot air balloon festival takes over the city of Bend from July 28-30 with daily balloon launches, two Night Glow events, and a kids festival with activities and bouncy houses. (Ticket prices vary according to activity; funds go to the Saving Grace program.) balloonsoverbend.com
Bend Brewfest: Beer lovers flock to Bend’s Les Schwab Amphitheater each summer for a big brewfest that benefits the Deschutes River Conservancy. Be sure to check out the festival’s X-Tap, where special and experimental smallproduction beers are tapped each day, as well as brewmaster meet-and-greets in the Brewtality Tent. This year’s fest runs Aug. 10-12. Admission is free; a tasting mug is $20 and includes five tasting tokens. bendbrewfest.com Sunriver Music Festival: Mozart mavens should add this classical music festival, Aug. 11-23, to their calendars. The events include recitals, a pops concert and choral and orchestral performances in Sunriver and Bend. Ticket prices vary; online ticket sales begin June 1. www.sunrivermusic.org The Little Woody: This festival devoted to barrelaged beer, cider and whiskey will be Sept. 1-2 in Bend. It’s $15 to get in the door; $20 for a glass and eight tasting tokens. thelittlewoody.com Sisters Folk Festival: A three-day celebration of roots music, this festival features Americana, bluegrass and blues musicians performing on 11 stages spread across town. Tickets to the Sept. 8-10 event are so hot, weekend passes ($150 for adults, $50 for kids ages 6-18) start flying out the door in November. www.sistersfolkfestival.org