Things To Do

Central Oregon’s True Holiday Magic Comes from Gathering

From organizing Friendsgiving potlucks and meeting on snowy ski trails to joining community events like the Bend Christmas Parade or the Holiday Lights Paddle Parade, locals know that connection elevates us, grounds us, and fills us with joy.

Dinner Table on Casad Family Farm with Outstanding in the Field

Outstanding in the Field Comes to Casad Family Farm in Madras

On a windy summer evening in Madras, a red 34-foot 1953 Flxible bus rumbled down a gravel road and parked beside an open barn. From it emerged Jim Denevan, the […]

The Best of Bend: Insider Tips for Hiking, Skiing, Dining and Downtown Fun

Here’s What We Love to Do in Beautiful Bend, Oregon Bend truly has a lot to offer. From...

Cake performing at Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend Oregon

Live Music at Hayden Homes Amphitheater in 2025

Who’s Ready for Live Music at Hayden Homes Amphitheater? With summer right around the corner in Central Oregon,...

Big Ponderoo Music Festival: Intimate Music Experience in Sisters, Oregon

The inaugural Big Ponderoo Music Festival, a two-day event hosted by Sisters Folk Festival, features an impressive 16-act...

Man with dog walking at Bend Farmers Market

Your Guide to Central Oregon Farmers Markets

Summer in Central Oregon means farmers markets overflowing with fresh produce—think juicy berries, crisp greens and sweet local...

Spring Hiking at Smith Rock State Park

As you descend from the main trailhead at Smith Rock State Park outside of Terrebonne, it’s hard not...

Bend’s Pole Pedal Paddle is About More Than Competition

Talk to anyone who’s been involved in the legendary Bachelor-to-Bend race, and you’ll realize that the event is...

Taking a Cold Plunge in Bend Oregon

A surge of interest in contrast therapy has made it easy to unleash your inner Viking. Frankly, I...

Night Moves: What To Do Late Night Around Bend

Glide down a snowy mountain glistening as brightly as the stars above. Slip into dimly lit enclaves bubbling...

Gathering Spots for Gaming in Central Oregon

Recreation in Bend might stereotypically look like snowboarders hurling through the air or mountain bikers screaming downhill, but...

Ice Season: Central Oregon Glides Into The Future

Roughly 71 hours and 58 minutes before most adult hockey pickup games in Bend, a ritual ensues. Phone...

7 Romantic Getaways in Bend and Central Oregon

Central Oregon is a magical place that fills visitors with a sense of wonder, and sometimes, romance. There’s...

Business of the Holidays – Bend’s Ethos of Shopping Local Powers the Season

It’s no secret that Bend’s summer and winter tourist seasons are big economic drivers; however, the holiday season...

Halden Wofford and the Hi Beams playing at the 2015 Sisters Folk Festival in Sisters, Oregon

Put These Fall Festivals on Your Calendar

The best events in Central Oregon this fall.

Haunted Bend – Tours of Paranormal History

It’s the time of year to tune up your “yikes,” “eeks” and primal screams. Halloween is just around...

Adventure Racing

Get Hooked on a Sport Where Excitement and Teamwork Create Community Jason Gockel felt the alarm bells ringing...

Stay Safe While Experiencing the Fall Season

Fall Into Fun As the trees delight us with their orange and yellow autumnal coats, and the air...

Return of the Cascade Cycling Classic Criterium

Mark your calendars, cycling fans! The iconic Cascade Cycling Classic Criterium made its triumphant return to Bend on...

views of mountains looking out from a tent

Let’s Go Camping in Central Oregon

Here’s Everything You Need for an Epic Outdoor Adventure Summer is in full force, which means it’s time...

Central Oregon Dining Adventures Outdoors this Summer

Campfire Cuisine Elevated: Chefs Revolutionize Outdoor Dining in Central Oregon

Central Oregon's great outdoors is being transformed into a grand dining hall by innovative chefs who are elevating...

Kah-Nee-Ta Returns

Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort in Warm Springs, Oregon is reopening this summer, offering visitors the chance to experience...

Local Businesses Redefine Eco-Friendly Summer Fun

Saturday Swimwear Like many women, Emily LaPlume could never find a swimsuit that was both comfortable and cute,...

Mt. Bachelor – More Than a Winter Destination

Mt. Bachelor offers a wide range of activities year-round, including skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, backcountry skiing, terrain parks,...

Things to Do Around Bend This Week

Each week we share Bend Magazine's curated list of Bend and Central Oregon's events, things to do and...

We Ask, You Answer

We have questions and want to hear from you! And this is where we are going to ask....

Everything You Need to Know About Rock Climbing in Bend

Smith Rock State Park offers world-class rock climbing, and Bend Rock Gym offers 31,000 square feet of indoor...

Your Guide to an Unforgettable Spring Break in Central Oregon

Spring in Central Oregon offers a variety of activities, including skiing, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and indoor activities,...

Runner staying safe on Shevlin Park Trail

Stay Safe and Healthy This Spring in Central Oregon’s Outdoor Paradise

SAIF provides tips on staying healthy and safe while enjoying outdoor activities in Central Oregon, including protecting your...

Ron Sparks and Adam Foster, the founders of Hush Hush Coffee

Hush Hush Coffee: A Unique Coffee Adventure in Central Oregon

Hush Hush Coffee in Central Oregon combines quality coffee, outdoor adventure, and a subscription-based experience to bring people...

The Best Parties on New Year’s Eve in Central Oregon

Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Central Oregon As 2024 draws to a close, the air buzzes...

The Best Holiday Events in Central Oregon

Deck your calendars with these events to celebrate the holiday season around Central Oregon.

Where to Eat Thanksgiving in Central Oregon

Where to Savor the Festive Feast without the Fuss Thanksgiving in Central Oregon is full of camaraderie, crisp...

Discover Indie Movies at the Bend Film Festival

Independent Film Comes to Central Oregon Explore More Films and More Stories, Now Expanded to Five Days. The...

Sisters Rodeo Traditions and Next Generation Champions

The Nonella Family For Riley Nonella, age 6, riding horses is as natural as breathing. She’s been riding...

Shifting Gears: Gambler 500

The Gambler 500 Takes Oregon Clean Up on the Road Each July, watch for a hodgepodge of unlikely...

Summer Festivals in Central Oregon

In the summer, there’s a festival for everyone from music lovers and beer connoisseurs to foodies.

3 Scenic Central Oregon Road Trips

Stock the car with a picnic, water, the kids and the dog—it’s time for a road trip! From...

Gather Sauna House Brings the Sauna to You

Gather Sauna House is a mobile Baltic style wood-fired sauna, thoughtfully handcrafted and made from locally-sourced juniper and...

15 Indoor Activities to Beat the Winter Blues in Bend

Let’s be honest with ourselves. Sometimes winter outdoors in Central Oregon can be a lot. Cold temperatures, short...

Where to Find the Real Haunted Houses of Bend

It was a dark and stormy night…” goes the often-mocked cliché used by wannabe mystery writers.

21 Unique Ways to Enjoy Summer in Bend and Central Oregon

This roundup offers tasty tidbits from culture to adventure--places and experiences that are not exactly secrets, because we...

Curling Slides its Way to Bend

What draws people to this sport? It’s accessible—anyone can play. The slo-mo glide of the rock across the...

Here’s How to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in Central Oregon

If you’re new to cutting down your own tree, Central Oregon is a great place to start. National...

Build a DIY Oktoberfest with Bend beers and brats

Let’s just leave the shoulder-to-shoulder pub singalongs for next year. Here’s what you need to make your Oktoberfest...

Tips for Summer Stargazing in Bend and Beyond

Grossfeld, observatory manager at the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, said the closest neighboring galaxy sits roughly 2.5...

Adventure Bucket List: Trail

You don’t need a chairlift to go downhill skiing. But it sure helps. So why did it take...

Finding Respite in a Storied Lodge in the Eagle Cap Wilderness

Find wild luxury at the Minam River Lodge in Northeastern Oregon.

Six Ideas For A Date Night in Bend

Skip the small talk over pints and try these ideas out instead.

Three Stellar Places For Stargazing in Central Oregon

Settle in for a night under the stars at these three locations with limited light polution for some...

Historic Tower theater and shops on Wall Street in Downtown Bend Oregon.

A Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Bend

Find historical tidbits, architectural legacies and even a ghost.

Best Places to Camp by a Lake This Summer

Wake up next to one of the region's pristine alpine lakes this summer.

Hiking to Chush Falls in the Three Sisters Wilderness

5 Waterfalls To Hike To This Summer

Enjoy stunning views of cascading waterfalls with our picks of the best waterfall hikes in Central Oregon.

crescent lake near la pine lake swimming in central oregon

Take a Dip in These Alpine Lakes This Summer

The best alpine lakes for swimming in the summer.

Outdoor Concerts and Music Festivals This Summer

Mark your calendars for these not-to-miss shows.

25 Best Central Oregon Summer Adventures

From jumping off waterfalls to watching a live show by the Deschutes River, our summer cheat sheet includes...

Terrebonne in the Fall

Terrebonne, Oregon beckons rock stars, wine tasters and pumpkin patch kids. Terrebonne, which translates to “good earth” in...

Tour Historic Prineville

Get to know another side of Prineville, one that highlights the history and culture of this growing Central...

Elk Lake is Central Oregon’s Backcountry Outpost

In winter, Elk Lake Resort has become a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike to cozy up...