Head to Madras for the fair and rodeo, La Pine for a music festival, or hang out in Bend for live music and hot air balloons. Here are our picks for the best things to do around Central Oregon this weekend.
Live Music and Comedy from Creed Bratton
July 25 | Bend
On Wednesday, don’t miss this one-of-a-kind show at the Volcanic Theatre Pub. Creed Bratton from “The Office” will be performing at music and comedy show that blends jazz, folk and pop music.
The Decemberists
July 26 | Bend
A Pacific Northwest favorite from Portland, The Decemberists arrive on the banks of the Deschutes River on Thursday. The band always puts a great show and will be performing songs from their newest album, I’ll Be Your Girl.
Balloons Over Bend
July 27-29 | Bend
Balloons Over Bend is a three-day festival designed for kids and families that takes place all around town. Witness hot air balloons rise with the sun, or stay at the festival late to watch them glow in the night. Saturday will have tons of activities for kids and families all day at the Deschutes Historical Museum.
Newberry Event Music & Arts Festival
July 27-29 | La Pine
Don’t miss this music festival in La Pine, a benefit for Defeat MS. The Newberry Event Music & Arts Festival in the woods at the Diamondstone Guest Lodges will have more than twenty bands playing throughout the weekend. It’s a family-friendly festival full of activities everyone will enjoy.
Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo
July 25-28 | Madras
Classic rodeo competitions take place Friday and Saturday evenings, but there are a lot of events and activities throughout the days to keep kids and families busy at the Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo. There will also be concerts from Box Canyon Bluegrass, Countryfied, Nate Botsford and The Rock Bottom Boys.