This Labor Day weekend in Bend has something for everyone. For hop heads and fans of gnomes alike, the Little Woody is back with all of it’s barrel-aged libations. If you show up dressed as a gnome, you might just win some free drinks! Fans of country new and old will want to catch Chris Janson in concert this Thursday. If you’re looking to get some holiday shopping out of the way before the holiday season hits, try out the Sisters Fall Street Festival to find beautiful handmade art and antiques. All the runners out there will want to register for the Sunriver Half Marathon for a Cause, a race that sends its proceeds to the St. Charles Cancer Center. That running high won’t even compare to the feeling of helping out a patient in need.
Chris Janson in Concert
August 29 | $35 plus fees
Not many musicians can balance on the line between country’s traditional past and it’s ever changing future, but Janson walks it like an acrobat on a tightrope. Janson’s mix of country styles that push for progress and yet still pay homage to the artists before him garnered him praise from the likes of Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, and even Hank Williams Jr. Come see what all the hype is about, and watch Janson perform this Thursday at Oregon Spirit Distillers.
Little Woody
August 30-31 | Ticket packages start at $5
The Little Woody is back in Bend to celebrate all the barrel-aged libations (and gnomes) that the Northwest has to offer. This festival offers samples of beer, cider, and whiskey from around thirty different breweries, cideries, and distilleries. Festival goers are encouraged to dress as a gnome (the official festival mascot), complete with the hat, beard, overalls, and maybe a pipe, to receive a special Big Woody snifter glass, as well as four drink tokens. The annual festival held at the Deschutes Historical Society property in downtown Bend celebrates the art of barrel aging like no other, so don’t miss out! 21 and over. (Children allowed noon to 6pm Saturday)
Sisters Fall Street Festival
August 31 | Free
Entering its twelfth year, the Sisters Fall Street Festival is once again taking over Sisters’ iconic downtown strip for a day of arts, crafts, beer, and food. There will be live entertainment and a charity fundraiser. Tents will include antiques, commercial goods, art, and of course, a beer and wine garden with some of your favorite local flavors, and maybe even something new!
Sunriver Half Marathon for a Cause
August 31-September 1 | Registration varies based on race
Run with a purpose this weekend in Sunriver at the Half Marathon for a Cause, in which all proceeds go to benefit the St. Charles Cancer Center. Catch some fresh air and stunning panoramas as you run through some of Sunriver’s scenic trails, and do so while knowing that your money went to help a cancer patient in need. Participants can choose to run the half marathon, 10k, or 5k, and kids can sign up for their own “Kids Dash.” No matter which race you choose, you’ll be running with a purpose and helping someone in need.
Descend on Bend
August 29-September 2 | Registration varies
If you’ve ever wondered just what the whole #vanlife is all about, here is your chance. Oregon’s extended van family will “descend” on Oregon’s outback for a weekend of family friendly camping and revelry, and all for a good cause. Think of it as a car show for the Westphalia crowd meets Woodstock, or maybe Pickathon. The weekend includes a Saturday night BBQ and chili cookoff, an ONDA pancake breakfast feed and unlimited moon howling. Tickets in advance required for camping, meals, etc.
Hoedown at Brasada
September 1 | Free
Celebrate the end of summer this Sunday with a full day of live music, a keg rolling race, stein holding competitions, kids’ games, food trucks, teepee bars and more. Sure, there’ll be hay barrels and dancing, but this isn’t your average hoedown.
