Summer may get all the buzz, but fall in Central Oregon is a hidden gem of the 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, now in its twentieth year, 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.
Cascade Equinox Festival
September 22-24 | Redmond
Join the autumnal equinox celebration at Central Oregon’s latest music festival, Cascade Equinox Festival. The lineup boasts an eclectic mix of national, regional and local bands. Surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery, including panoramic vistas and lush fields, attendees can dance at multiple stages, lounge in a roomy late-night tent, peruse a variety of vendors, and children can enjoy a designated kids’ activity zone. From morning yoga to silent discos, artisan markets to headline performances, this festival offers a welcoming, family-friendly ambiance for everyone. Click here to see more about the Cascade Equinox Festival.
Sisters Fresh Hop Festival
September 23 | Sisters
When the Sisters Fresh Hop Festival first began, fresh hop beers were a novelty, but today, they’ve become a brewery staple, especially in Oregon. Head to Sisters for new hop beers from more than 25 Oregon breweries while enjoying live music and much more! This family-friendly gathering, which has raised more than $10,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities in the past, welcomes all ages. Be part of the fun, taste your way through fresh local beers and support essential programs benefiting children and families in our communities. Learn more about the Sisters Fresh Hop Festival.
Bend Fall Festival
September 29 – October 1 | Bend
Celebrate the season at Bend’s Fall Festival, a two-day event downtown. This family-friendly festival offers a bustling harvest market, a fun play zone, gourmet food and wine tastings. Groove to live concerts throughout the weekend, featuring bands such as True Loves and Far Out West.. Discover handcrafted pieces from more than 80 artisans and craftspeople, watch artists create, and explore interactive installations by HOTTEA, Joel Stockpile and Yustina Salnikova. Read more about Bend Fall Fest.
Sisters Folk Festival
October 1-3 | 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.
Sisters Harvest Faire
October 7-8 | 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.
BendFilm Festival
October 12-15 | Bend
The BendFilm Festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary, 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. Click here to see more.
Bend Venture Conference 2023
October 19-20 | Bend
Celebrating its 20th year, 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 2023
October 26-27, 2023 | 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. Register for Bend Design 2023.
Click here to see more Central Oregon events curated by Bend Magazine.
