Believe it or not, the holiday season has arrived. This weekend find traditional holiday events throughout Central Oregon. For those who aren’t quite ready to get into the holiday spirit, there’s also jazz performances and a chance to stock your pantry with local food for the winter. And for the snow lovers, Mt. Bachelor will officially open for the season on Saturday.
Holiday Food & Gift Festival
November 17-19 | Deschutes Fair & Expo Center, Redmond
Each year, Redmond’s Holiday Food & Gift Festival draws thousands of attendees. While you shop booths from more than 120 local vendors selling their handmade and artisan goods, fuel up with gourmet food samples. Now in its seventeenth year, the festival is one of the largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.
Jazz at the Oxford
November 17-18 | 10 Below at the Oxford Hotel, Bend
In the second installment of the Jazz at the Oxford series, the Peter Erskine Trio will be performing two shows on November 17 and 18. Jazz at the Oxford brings world renowned jazz musicians to Bend for a weekend of performances throughout the year. On Saturday, the Oxford will also host a free music education workshop, where members of the Peter Erskine Trio will share their musical skills and knowledge.
Mt. Bachelor Riverhouse Jazz
November 17-18 | Riverhouse on the Deschutes, Bend
Legendary New Orleans saxophonist Donald Harrison performs with the Terell Stafford Quintet in a rare joint appearance for these two contemporary jazz giants in the Riverhouse Jazz Series. Together these modern jazz masters have amassed a stunning resume that includes collaborations with Miles Davis, pianist McCoy Tyner and be bop pioneer Art Blakey.
Mt. Bachelor Opening Day
November 18 | Mt. Bachelor, Bend
Powderhounds, rejoice. With almost 100 inches of snowfall already this season, Mt. Bachelor will officially open to the public on Saturday, November 18. Find your balaclavas and get your skis and boards tuned up so you’re ready for the big day. Pine Marten, Skyliner and Sunshine Accelerator lifts will all open at 9 a.m., as well as the Nordic Center.
Santa’s Workshop
November 18 | Carey Foster Hall, Prineville
Kids ages 3 to 9 are invited to spend an afternoon making crafts and holiday gifts at Santa’s Workshop at the County Fairgrounds in Prineville. With unlimited access to arts and crafts, kids can make projects for gifts to give throughout the holidays. The event costs $5 per child, and they’ll have unlimited access to create as well as time to get a picture with Santa.
Fill Your Pantry
November 18 | Pleasant Ridge Community Hall, Redmond
Fill Your Pantry is a bulk-buying farmers market from Central Oregon Locavore. Stock up your pantry and freezer for the winter with local grains, meat, produce and more. This is the second year for the event, which benefits local farmers and is a chance to get to know more about Central Oregon’s local food system.
Grand Illumination
November 18 | Great Lodge, Sunriver
Families will enjoy the Grand Illumination tree lighting party and ceremony at Sunriver Lodge, which will have children’s activities, visits from Santa, train rides, sleigh rides and more. Live music will entertain throughout the evening. There will also be pony rides and a petting zoo from DD Ranch. Local food vendors will be on site at this free event.
High Desert Chamber Music Annual Benefit Gala
November 18 | Bend Golf and Country Club, Bend
Support the High Desert Chamber Music and its community education programs by attending the Annual Benefit Gala, which has become a holiday season tradition in Bend. The gala includes a performance from the Spotlight Chamber Players, dinner and a silent auction with items from local businesses.
