YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST OF BEND
Things to Do in Bend
Bend isn’t just a place to live — it’s a lifestyle. With 300 days of sunshine, world-class trails, a thriving craft brewery scene, and a calendar packed with festivals, there’s always something happening. Here’s your guide to making the most of it.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Adventure Starts at Your Doorstep
Hiking & Trail Running
Bend boasts over 300 miles of trail, from the beloved Deschutes River Trail that winds through town to the technical singletrack of Phil’s Trail network. For stunning alpine scenery, head to Tumalo Falls, Green Lakes, or the Three Sisters Wilderness. The Pilot Butte summit hike offers panoramic city views in under a mile.
Popular trails: Deschutes River Trail, Phil’s Trail, Tumalo Falls, South Sister Summit, Benham Falls
Skiing & Winter Sports
Mt. Bachelor is Bend’s backyard ski mountain — just 22 minutes from downtown. With 4,318 feet of vertical drop, 101 runs, and some of the driest snow in the Pacific Northwest, it’s a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking options abound at Virginia Meissner Sno-Park and Swampy Lakes.
Season: November through May | Night skiing available | Nordic trails at Meissner & Swampy Lakes
Water Sports & River Life
The Deschutes River is Bend’s liquid lifeline. In summer, the Bend Whitewater Park fills with kayakers and surfers riding standing waves, while the gentle float from Riverbend Park to Drake Park is a rite of passage. Stand-up paddleboarding on Sparks Lake, Elk Lake, and Hosmer Lake in the Cascade Lakes offers stunning alpine backdrops. Fly fishing the Deschutes is legendary.
Must-do: Float the Deschutes, SUP at Sparks Lake, surf the Bend Whitewater Park
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN BEND
Upcoming Events
From outdoor festivals to world-class concerts, Bend’s event calendar is always full. Here’s what’s coming up.
MAY 9, 2026
Happy Girls Bend Run
Choose your distance — 5K, 10K, or half marathon — at Riverbend Park. A beloved community running event celebrating women and fitness in the great outdoors.
MAY 20–22, 2026
John Mulaney & Brandi Carlile at Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Back-to-back nights of world-class entertainment. John Mulaney with Fred Armisen & Mike Birbiglia on May 20, followed by two nights of Brandi Carlile (May 21–22) at Bend’s premier outdoor concert venue.
MAY 23, 2026
Bend Brewers Festival at Drake Park
Noon to 8 PM in the heart of downtown Bend. Over 50 Oregon breweries, cideries, and beverage makers come together with live music and food trucks along the Deschutes River. Bend’s signature beer event.
JUNE 4–8, 2026
Summer Concert Series Kicks Off
The Hayden Homes Amphitheater season heats up with Yellowcard (June 4), Lord Huron (June 6), and Bailey Zimmerman (June 8). Warm evenings, mountain views, and live music under the stars.
JUNE 11–14, 2026
Bend Yoga Festival
Four days of world-class yoga instruction, meditation, live music, art installations, and outdoor adventures. Sessions run 9 AM–2 PM daily, leaving afternoons free to explore Bend’s trails and rivers.
JUNE 12–14, 2026
Reggae Rise Up Festival
Three days of reggae legends and rising stars at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center. One of the Pacific Northwest’s biggest reggae festivals, bringing good vibes and island sounds to Central Oregon.
LOCAL BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS
The Heart of Bend's Community
Bend thrives on its local, independent businesses. From beloved breweries to neighborhood cafes, these are the spots that give Bend its character.
Craft Breweries & Taprooms
Bend has more breweries per capita than almost any city in America. These aren’t chains — they’re homegrown, community-rooted gathering places.
Crux Fermentation Project — Innovative beers with mountain views from the patio
Boneyard Beer — Bend’s beloved hop-forward brewery
Bend Brewing Company — Downtown staple with river views since 1995
Monkless Belgian Ales — Belgian-inspired craft in a cozy taproom
Boss Rambler Beer Club — Laid-back westside hangout with food trucks
Immersion Brewing — Family-friendly brew pub in NE Bend
Restaurants & Cafes
Bend’s food scene punches well above its weight. Skip the chains and eat where the locals eat:
Jackson’s Corner
Farm-to-table community gathering spot with incredible baked goods, wood-fired pizza, and a neighborhood market feel. Two locations — westside and NW Crossing.
Sparrow Bakery
Home of the famous Ocean Roll. This beloved bakery serves artisan breads, pastries, and simple café fare in a converted industrial space. A Bend institution.
Zydeco Kitchen
Southern-inspired comfort food with a Pacific NW twist. Jambalaya, po’boys, and house-made hot sauce in a funky, welcoming atmosphere.
Thump Coffee
Bend’s favorite local roaster with multiple locations. The NW Crossing shop is a community hub, and the downtown location is perfect for a pre-hike caffeine fix.
Local Hangouts & Hidden Gems
Spoken Moto — Coffee shop meets motorcycle garage meets community event space in the Orchard District. Live music, vintage bikes, and great espresso.
The Lot — Bend’s original food truck lot on Galveston Ave. Rotating trucks, local beer, fire pits, and a gathering place that defines Bend’s casual culture.
Parrilla Grill — Local taco truck turned brick-and-mortar with fresh, creative burritos and bowls. Multiple locations, always packed.
Worthy Brewing — Brewery with an observatory, hop garden, and disc golf course. Only in Bend.