The last full month of summer offers plenty for locals and visitors alike around Central Oregon.
The marquis event is the Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo, which celebrates its centennial this year complete with music, rides, agricultural expositions and much more. In Bend, the annual Flashback Cruz is a must see for vintage car buffs and hot rod aficionados. Adrenaline junkies can head to Mt. Bachelor for the Gravity Race, a white knuckle ride down the mountain’s bike course, which concludes at West Village with a complimentary beer from sponsor 10 Barrel.
Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo
July 31-August 4 | Redmond | $12 Adult
This weekend, celebrate 100 years of music, rides, and deep fried twinkies with the Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo. Bring some friends to enjoy the wild rides, the food, and listen to Old Dominion, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and other artists perform live at the expo center in Redmond. A daily livestock auction will be taking place at 10 a.m., and a special memorabilia room will be open all day to commemorate 100 years of fair history.
Flashback Cruz
August 3 | Free
The Flashback Cruz car show is back! Drop down to Drake Park anytime from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday to catch a glimpse of 400 of the hottest rides around. As if the cars weren’t enough, there will be plenty of food trucks, beer gardens, live music, a climbing wall sponsored by the Oregon National Guard, and a raffle drawing that sends the proceeds to the Veterans Association.
Munch and Music
August 1 | Free
A tried and true Bend classic, Munch and Music will be happening this Thursday. With plenty of beer, music, and a wide variety of food vendors, this is the perfect place to meet up with friends and get a bite to eat while enjoying some live talent. The Original Wailers will be performing reggae favorites with special guest, The Cutmen.
Cascade Lakes Relay
August 2-3 | Free
The 12th annual Cascade Lakes Relay takes place August 2-3. This daunting 216-mile relay race begins down by Diamond Lake, and concludes in downtown Bend. The route is designed to highlight the beautiful scenery of central and southern Oregon, and it will be walked/ran by more than 300 teams this year!
Gravity Race
August 2 | Mt. Bachelor | Free
The fifth annual Gravity Race series sends off its second race this Friday, from the West Village of Mt. Bachelor. This downhill joyride is split into two divisions, elite and open, to allow a rider of any skill level an opportunity to compete. And if a rider is over 21, they will be able to enjoy a beer, complimentary of 10 Barrel Brewing, upon completing the race. Everyone is welcome to come watch and share in the camaraderie.
Beer Fest at Pronghorn
August 3 | $5
Head to one of Bend’s nearby resorts for a night of libations. The second annual Beer Festival at Pronghorn Resort will be kicking off this Saturday, August 3, with a selection of beer tastings from several local brewers. You’ll be greeted by some of your favorite craft brews, and you might even discover something new. Don’t miss out on their cornhole tournament, where you could win a cash prize and beer.
