Summer may get all the buzz, but fall in Central Oregon is a hidden gem of a season. Aside from being peak hiking and mountain biking season, fall also brings dynamic cultural events and festivals to the high desert. From the internationally renowned Sisters Folk Festival to the BendFilm Festival, Central Oregon is buzzing with events you won’t want to miss. As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, these gatherings offer a chance to support the community in diverse events steeped in creativity and culture.
Fresh Hops on the Pond
October 4 | Bend
Fresh Hops On The Pond 2024 is set to take place on Friday, October 4 from 11 am to 8 pm, featuring live music and fresh hop beer from over 20 different breweries. Enjoy the day outside on the lawn or patio at Bend Brewing Bend Brewing (1019 NW Brooks St.) while sampling the fresh hop beers of the season. The event is open to all ages and pets, making it a family-friendly event. Learn more about Fresh Hops on the Pond.
Bend Fall Festival
October 4-6 | Bend
The 2024 First Interstate Bank Bend Fall Festival is set to be a celebration of the harvest season with art, music, and family-friendly activities. The festival will feature a large-scale recycled art installation, live music, a family play zone, a harvest market, and a business showcase. The festival is made possible through grant funding from the Bend Cultural Tourism Fund. Read more about Bend Fall Fest.
BendFilm Festival
October 10-13 | Bend
The BendFilm Festival, celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023, is again turning Bend into a vibrant hub for independent cinema. During four days, this event draws filmmakers and enthusiasts from across the country to immerse themselves in a carefully curated selection of feature and short films. With more than a thousand film submissions annually and screenings in various local theaters, including a historic downtown cinema, BendFilm is sure to inspire anyone passionate about the arts. Learn more about the festival here.
Sisters Harvest Faire
October 12-13 | Sisters
For more than 40 years, the Harvest Faire has been a cherished Sisters tradition, bringing together diverse artisan vendors and their high-quality handcrafted items to celebrate the changing seasons. Attendees will also enjoy local food and live music. It’s the perfect opportunity to kickstart your holiday shopping with memorable gifts. Head to downtown Sisters and partake in a tradition that celebrates the spirit and artistry of its community. Click here to see more.
Bend Venture Conference 2024
October 17-18 | Bend
The Bend Venture Conference (BVC) is a two-day event uniting entrepreneurs and investors to celebrate Central Oregon’s start-up community. As the Pacific Northwest’s longest-standing angel investment conference, BVC has facilitated over $12 million in investments, catalyzing additional funding. With 500+ attendees, 50 investors and 65 innovative companies across growth, impact and early-stage categories, BVC offers extensive exposure. Attendees enjoy company pitches, networking and insights from emerging entrepreneurs and industry leaders, making it a must-attend event for innovation enthusiasts. More about the Bend Venture Conference.
Bend Design 2024
October 17-18 | Bend
Bend Design brings together creative minds, thought leaders and action-takers in visual storytelling, AI,, graphic activism, branding and more. This two-day conference offers talks, workshops, films and immersive experiences, encouraging designers to push boundaries and envision the future. Emphasizing the vital role of reality in design, Bend Design unites diverse speakers to highlight design’s transformative power. Attendees will gain insights from various disciplines, leaving with a broader understanding of creative pursuits. Learn more about Bend Design 2024.
Sisters Folk Festival 2025
September 26-28, 2025 | Sisters
Sisters Folk Festival, a landmark event with a 25-year history, is a one-of-a-kind music and community experience. The festival takes over the charming downtown Sisters, featuring seven stages showcasing 33 artists from around the world. Beyond the incredible live music, attendees can engage in intimate artist-led workshops, forging genuine connections between artisans and audiences. It’s a transformative weekend where music, community, and creativity unite in a magical setting. All the details about the Sisters Folk Festival.
Click here to see more Central Oregon events curated by Bend Magazine.
