A Bend father recalled heading to The Grove with his toddler for a treat when they stumbled upon a group dancing to upbeat electronic music. Before joining the line at Thump Coffee, they veered toward the growing crowd dancing on the patio in the morning sun. Some people were dressed for outdoor adventure; others were still in pajamas. “The communal joy was incredibly infectious,” he said. “We had no idea this was a recurring event.”

His experience isn’t atypical—at least, not in Bend. Spend enough time in town, and chances are you’ll encounter into one of these pop-up dance parties. They’re hard to miss, sometimes drawing crowds of 100 people or more.

Why Bend Keeps Turning Coffee Runs Into Dance Parties

One of the groups behind the movement is Get Up and Groove, organized by Cameron Larson along with his friends Sage Loughlin and Parker Wright. Since 2023, they’ve hosted regular dance parties and cold-plunge events in Bend’s public spaces. “The goal was always community and connection,” Larson said, thinking back to when Get Up and Groove first started. “And the community I’ve built, the friends I’ve made since then? It feels good.” The events are free, open to all ages, and costumes are welcome.

Larson is also a big believer in the health benefits of dancing, especially in the morning. “Morning is when the nervous system is most elastic and receptive. Before phones, caffeine overload, work stress or social masks set in, the brain is open. Movement and rhythm in this window can shape the tone of the entire day.” Local mental health therapist Kathryn Kemp agreed. “Dancing is such a wonderful way to tune in and safely reconnect to your body,” she said. “And it shouldn’t require special expertise—or alcohol—to enjoy. It’s great that the community has built a way for people to collectively access the healing that embodied movement provides.”

Wellness perks aside, beginning the day with coffee and a jig is simply fun. One regular at the morning dance gatherings said starting the day with movement outdoors—sun on your face and the smell of coffee in the air—feels like turning the volume dial of energy all the way up. The scene, they said, often turns into a joyful swirl of people laughing, grinning and spinning each other around like guests at Bilbo Baggins’s birthday party.

If you’re not a morning person, good news: not all of Bend’s dance parties start at sunrise. Groups like Mobile Dance Party host evening pop-ups during Downtown’s First Fridays and holiday celebrations. And around town, no matter the time of day, unexpected places regularly transform into dance floors—from Miller’s Landing and Brooks Plaza at The Commons Cafe & Taproom to The Pantry, Century Center and Dandy’s Drive-In.

Get Up and Groove hosts parties nearly every week and shares upcoming dates on social media. Other events are more elusive, with details passed along through word of mouth. So ask around, follow local businesses online and keep your ears open. You never really know when your morning coffee run or evening stroll might turn into a dance party.

Learn more at Get Up and Groove.

Want more dance parties?

Saturday, June 20, 2026: Old Mill District’s 25th Anniversary Dance Party

Q: What is Get Up and Groove?
A: A Bend-based community group that hosts free dance parties and cold-plunge gatherings in public spaces around town.

Q: Do I need dance experience to participate?
A: No. The events are open to all ages and designed for anyone who wants to move, connect and have fun.

Q: Why are many events held in the morning?
A: Organizers say dancing early in the day can boost energy, encourage connection and help set a positive tone for the hours ahead.

Q: Where do pop-up dance parties happen?
A: Gatherings have popped up at places including The Grove, Miller’s Landing, Brooks Plaza, The Pantry, Century Center and Dandy’s Drive-In.

Q: How can I find the next dance party?
A: Follow Get Up and Groove and local businesses on social media, ask around and keep an eye out for community events. Some gatherings are announced publicly, while others spread by word of mouth.