Our picks for the weekend include plenty of fall activities around Central Oregon indoors and out.
The pumpkin patch at Smith Rock Ranch.
Pumpkin Patches
Check locations for specific dates and times | Terrebonne
Fall may bring shorter days and cooler weather, but it’s also the return of the pumpkin patch. Spend the weekend outside enjoying harvest markets, corn and hay mazes and more at Central Oregon pumpkin patches. At Smith Rock Ranch in Terrebonne, find other family activities like mini golf, train rides and pony rides. The ranch also brings in live music and local food vendors. At DD Ranch, also in Terrebonne, find live music on weekend as well as a food and beer garden. Local vendors will be at the ranch selling handcrafted goods and there are a variety of activities for kids and families.
Thursday Night Jazz
October 5 | Riverhouse on the Deschutes, Bend
Bend’s jazz scene ramps up with the Mt. Bachelor Thursday Night Jazz series at Riverhouse on the Deschutes. Each Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m., listen to live jazz music from local jazz musicians and singers. The performances are free and take place next to the lounge.
Descend on Bend
October 5-8 | Outback Station, La Pine
Westy enthusiasts and #vanlifers get together each year for a weekend of camping near La Pine. Descend on Bend is an annual gathering for van campers throughout the region, but any car camping is welcome for the weekend that will include potlucks, parties and live music.
Bend Fall Festival
October 6-8 | Downtown Bend
With harvest markets, live music, local food and drink vendors and more, Bend’s annual Fall Festival will feature something for every member of the family. Free concerts will take place on two stages, and there will be fall-themed activities for kids and families. There are gourmet food and drink vendors on site as well as local fine art to view and buy. The festival goes well into the night each year and brings the community out to celebrate the new season downtown.
High Desert Distillers Festival
October 7 | McMenamins Old St. Francis School, Bend
Taste a variety of spirits from more than twenty distillers across the state at the High Desert Distillers Festival that takes place this Saturday at McMenamins Old St. Francis School. There were will be more than 120 spirits to try as well as a silent auction where you can bid on hard-to-find spirits. The festival begins at 4 p.m. and is a 21-and-over event.
