Recreational
With many days of sunshine each year and plenty of public lands for making the most of those sunny days, we could fill two internets with all there is to do in Central Oregon’s outdoors. Instead, we’ll run down the top outdoor activities—along with when and where to enjoy them.
Biking
Ride for 2 Rivers — sponsored by the National Forest Foundation A benefit ride to restore Metolius River & Whychus Creek on the Deschutes National forest.
Cascade Cycling Classic
Ice Cream Classic – 56-mile road ride around Mt. Bachelor– For more information call 541-382-8018
Golfing
The Gene Tenace Steamboat Classic – presented by the Boys and Girls Club Regional Service Center at the Resort Course of Eagle Crest Resort — For more information call 541-548-2840
Bend Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament at Broken Top Club– For more information call 541-382-3221
Running
Salmon Run – a 5K and a 10K walk-run to benefit the environment — For more information call 385-6908.
Sunrise to Summit Race – Run and Hike from the Sunrise Lodge to the Summit of Mt. Bachelor– For more information call 541-388-0002
Cascade Lakes Triathlon – Ironman and Half-Ironman competitions between Elk Lake and The Old Mill District in Bend
Pole, Pedal, Paddle – Participate in this annual event featuring teams and individuals competing in multiple sports from Mt. Bachelor to Bend — For more information call 541-388-0002
Hiking
Take your pick: hike into arid river canyons and alpine meadows, alongside emerald-green waterways, through high desert terrain, and amidst lush forests of ponderosa pine or Douglas fir. Whatever your preferred topography, you’ll find plenty to love on hikes and backpacking trips throughout Central Oregon.
Fly Fishing
The Metolius River is truly one of the prettiest rivers in the nation. With crystal clear, and always cold water (42 to 45 degrees is average) originating from a large spring at the base of Black Butte, the Metolius is Heaven on Earth for both fishermen and fish.
The Fly Fishing only section from the headwaters down to Bridge 99 is about 12 miles of great water. It can be broken down into 2 distinct sections; the upper river and the middle river. The “lower” river begins at bridge 99 and is no longer regulated for Fly Fishing only. This section is still an excellent place to fly fish and offers a few miles of productive fishing before turning very rough as it tumbles to the lake below.
Birding
Eagle Watch at Cove Palisades State Park – One of the largest gatherings of Eagles at Lake Billy Chinook.
Horseback Riding
The 14th Annual Oregon High Desert Classics Horse show at the J Bar J Boys Ranch, Hamby Road, Bend. This “A” Rated Hunter/Jumper show is a fund-raiser for the programs of J Bar J Youth Services
Annual Central Oregon Invitational Draft Horse Show at Eagle Crest Resort
Skiing
Hoodoo Mountain Resort
Mt. Bachelor
September
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Sisters Folk Festival – an annual celebration of American music from blues to bluegrass includes performances by top folk artists and musicians
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Summer Sundays Concert Series at The Old Mill District in Bend– For more information call 541- 312-0131
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Sunrise to Summit Race – Run and Hike from the Sunrise Lodge to the Summit of Mt. Bachelor– For more information call 541-388-0002
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Cascade Lakes Triathlon – Ironman and Half-Ironman competitions between Elk Lake and The Old Mill District in Bend
October
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Pacific Amateur Golf Classic – The five-day Classic consists of daily tournament play at courses throughout the region including Black Butte Ranch and Aspen Lakes Golf Course
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Bend’s Downtown Art Hop — For more information call 541-385-6570
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The Gene Tenace Steamboat Classic – presented by the Boys and Girls Club Regional Service Center at the Resort Course of Eagle Crest Resort — For more information call 541-548-2840
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Bend Fall Festival in Downtown Bend – a weekend of fun, food, music and art! — For more information call 541-389-0995
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Eastern Cascades Model Railroad Club Open House– For more information call 541-317-1545
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Sisters Harvest Faire Harvest Festival – art show, food, wine, and entertainment in the streets of Sisters. — For more information call 541-549-0251
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Bend Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament at Broken Top Club– For more information call 541-382-3221
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Agility Dogs Competition at Jewell School in Bend– For more information call 541-389-7535 for information.
November
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Sisters Holiday Celebration & Parade
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Starfest at Eagle Crest Resort — (end of November thru early January) Over 80 holiday light displays along a mile-long drive. Drive through the display or ride in the horse-drawn wagon.
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Community Tree Lighting and Starlight Christmas Parade– For more information call 541-923-5191.
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Sunriver Music Festival’s Fireside Concerts — For more information call 541-593-1084
December
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Starfest at Eagle Crest Resort — (end of November thru early January) Over 80 holiday light displays along a mile-long drive. Drive through the display or ride in the horse-drawn wagon.
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The Bend Christmas Tree Lighting — For more information call 541-385-6570
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Christmas Parade Downtown Bend — For more information call 541-385-6570
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Old Fashioned Christmas in Crooked River Ranch – tree lighting ceremony, parade, and much more — For more information call 541-923-2679
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Winter Wonderfest at The High Desert Museum — For more information call 541-382-4754
January
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Oregon World Cup Sled Dog Race – ANNUAL ATTA BOY 300: This International Dog Sled Race qualifies winner for the grueling Iditarod.
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Sunriver Music Festival’s Fireside Concerts– For more information call 541-593-1084
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Bend Winterfest- Fireworks downtown with endless events at the mountain. Pancake feed, live music, Family Fun Zone and Kids Karnival (snowman building contest, jumping beans, face painting, miniature golf, etc)
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Bend First Friday Gallery Walks
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Central Oregon Boat Show — Deschutes County Fair Grounds
February
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Hoodoo Ski Area’s Winter Carnival
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Chevy US Snowboard Grand Prix – event includes Parallel Giant Slalom and Superpipe Competitions and Big Air
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Sisters Starry Night Concert Series– For more information call 541-549-6451
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Central Oregon Symphony– For more information call 317-3941
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Eagle Watch at Cove Palisades State Park – One of the largest gatherings of Eagles at Lake Billy Chinook.
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Sunriver Music Festival’s Fireside Concerts – at the Great Hall – For more information call 541-593-1084
March
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Starry Night Concert Series continues in Sisters
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Americana Guitar Art Stroll in Sisters– For more information call 541-549-0251.
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Oregon Special Olympics – www.mtbachelor.com
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Central Oregon Sportsmen’s Show – Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center — Call 541-548-2711
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Central Oregon Rod & Custom Car Show – Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center — Call 541-548-2711
April
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Central Oregon Barrel Racing – Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center — Call 541-548-2711
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Central Oregon Business Trade Fair – Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center — Call 541-548-2711
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Annual Bull Bash in Prineville– For more information call 541-447-6304
May
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Central Oregon Home and Garden Show – Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center — Call 541-548-2711
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Salmon Run – a 5K and a 10K walk-run to benefit the environment — For more information call 385-6908.
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Pee Wee Rodeo – Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center — Call 541-548-2711
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Sunriver Music Festival Fireside Concert– For more information call 541-593-1084
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Pole, Pedal, Paddle – Participate in this annual event featuring teams and individuals competing in multiple sports from Mt. Bachelor to Bend — For more information call 541-388-0002
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Central Oregon Symphony at the Bend High School Auditorium– For more information call 541-317-3941
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No Frills Century Road Ride – 100-mile and 65-mile road rides between Redmond, Madras and Prineville. — For more information call 541-382-8018.
June
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Sisters Rodeo & Parade – the “Biggest Little Show in the World”, sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association
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Balloons Over Bend – www.bendchamber.org/balloon.html
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Sunriver Sunfest — over 20 Oregon wineries, food booths, and live music– For more information call 541-593-8704
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Sisters Art Stroll & Town Open House– For more information call 541-549-0251
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Sunriver Chamber Chili Cook-Off– For more information call 541-593-8149
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Pi-ume-sha Treaty Days — sponsored by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs– For more information call 541-553-1161.
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Ride for 2 Rivers — sponsored by the National Forest Foundation. A benefit ride to restore Metolius River & Whychus Creek on the Deschutes National forest.
July
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4th of July Celebration in Bend– For more information call 541-385-6570
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4th of July Parade in Redmond– For more information call 541-923-5191
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Sisters Roundup of Gems– For more information call 503-829-2680
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Music on the Green Concert Series on the Redmond Chamber lawn– For more information call 541-548-5191
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Cascade Cycling Classic
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Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show – the largest outdoor quilt show in the USA
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Annual Oregon High Desert Classics Horse show at the J Bar J Boys Ranch, Hamby Road, Bend. This “A” Rated Hunter/Jumper show is a fund-raiser for the programs of J Bar J Youth Service
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Central Oregon Classic Chevy Club – Flashback Cruz 2002– For more information call 541-382-9370.
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Annual Central Oregon Invitational Draft Horse Show at Eagle C
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Ice Cream Classic – 56-mile road ride around Mt. Bachelor– For more information call 541-382-8018
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Deschutes County Fair – Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center — Call 541-548-2711
August
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Munchin Music – Live music, food and arts & crafts in Drake Park Thursday evenings– For more information call 541-389-0995
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Sisters Antique Faire – For more information call 541-549-0251