Tourists come to Central Oregon for the mountains, skiing and snowboarding, hiking, biking and festivals. These activities while exceptional, are not the only draw. Central Oregon is also a hub for creativity and innovation. Artists, entrepreneurs and adventurers alike are drawn to the high desert. There are endless opportunities to enjoy art, live music, and presentations to broaden your horizons. These events highlight the stories and passions of the people who live here. Below are a few of those events that encompass the vibe of the locals.
Open Mic
Crow’s Feet Commons has it all: Bikes, skis, coffee, beer and a community open mic every Tuesday night. Cozy up to the fire and enjoy an evening of stories, music and brews. The sign up begins at 5 p.m. and the performance begins at 6 p.m. Like any open mic, the possibilities of entertainment are endless.
Crow’s Feet Commons
875 NW Brooks Street
Every Tuesday 5-8 p.m.
Thursday Trivia
Bring a team of your smartest friends to Thursday Trivia at the Barrel Thief Lounge and enjoy true artisanal craft distilled spirits, including their award-winning Merrylegs Genever. Brought to you by Oregon Spirit Distillers, The Barrel Thief is an almost hidden venue on the outskirts of downtown that is committed to the local agriculture and personality. Come down to experience trivial fun, artisanal cocktails. Stay for the great food and patio. Leave with a prize or two.
The Barrel Thief Lounge
740 NE First Street
Thursdays 7-9pm
History Pub
McMenamins has been a gathering spot in the Pacific Northwest since 1983. In Bend, it’s not only a pub but also a historic hotel, movie theater, soaking pool and music venue. Each month McMenamins opens its doors for History Pub, a free event presented in conjunction with the Des Chutes Historical Museum. A new story of Bend’s history is told on the last Tuesday of each month. Local experts, scholars and historians expand on topics from Lewis and Clark to hop growing and beyond. Handcrafted cocktails, wine, beer and cider and food can be purchased during the event. Bring the whole family, bring your friends and learn about the history of Central Oregon.
McMenamins Old St. Francis
700 NW Bond Street
Last Tuesday of each month 5:30 Doors. 7 p.m. Presentation
Last Saturday
While First Friday often gets a lot of attention, Last Saturday is an equally great event to find local artists. It’s held at The Workhouse, an art mecca that houses various studio artists working in mediums from stretched canvas, to beer to leather and everything in between. It’s the place the locals go to escape the tourists and experience all the exotic, fantastic, oddities that might not make a downtown gallery showroom. This studio has everything, from coloring books to steam-powered camp stove necklaces and art painted with beer and coffee. During the event, a bar is opened where two featured cocktails are poured into a mug that you either bring from home or purchase downstairs—once a mug is procured the refills of whatever artisanal cocktails they have that night are bottomless. A strategy that’s as delicious as it is dangerous. Our kind of art walk, for sure.
The Workhouse
50 SE Scott Street #6
Last Saturday of each month
