All the best things to do around Central Oregon this weekend, including events for kids and families.
Youth Lit Fest
April 6 | Summit High School, Bend | Free, but registration required
Award-winning authors and illustrators will be at the Youth Lit Fest, an all ages literary event held at Summit High School. Hear from local and national authors and illustrators, including a Newberry Honor winner and a Caldecott Medal winner, and check out some of the latest releases from publishing houses.
Vertfest
April 6 | Mt. Bachelor, Bend | $15-$35
Vertfest is a multi-stop event at Mt. Bachelor that covers all things backcountry. There will be demos, clinics, races and more to spread awareness about backcountry sports and safety. Walk the Vendor Village, hang out around the bonfire on the snow and roast s’mores and meet other backcountry enthusiasts.
Fly & Field 15th Annual Fly Swap
April 6 | Bend | Fly & Field Outfitters
Anglers will want to be in Bend this weekend to score major deals on fly fishing gear. Find gently used rods, reels, waders, boots and more all weekend at Fly & Field Outfitters. There will also be discounts on new gear throughout the store.
Running Events
Join the 5k, 10k, or half-marathon Salmon Run that takes place in Bend on Saturday. Money raised from the event will be donated to The Environmental Center of Bend. The annual Horse Butte 10 Miler also takes place on Saturday. This trail run is a fun, low-key event that draws some serious runners.
Odds & Ends
A new brewery opens up in Bend this weekend. Bevel Craft Brewing hosts an open house on Saturday at their location on SE Amour Road from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. There will be food trucks and lots of great new beer to try.
The Bend Art Center is having an art sale that you won’t want to miss if you’re a local art supporter. The Gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will have discounted pieces from Pacific Northwest artists such as Rick Bartow, Lillian Pitt and John Simpkins.
The last Blockbuster in the world is also a new comedy venue in Bend. This all-ages event will have a line-up of local standup comedians performing at the store on April 6. Tickets are $8-$10.
