The Best Things About Summer in Bend, Oregon

Bend, Oregon, is a beautiful city nestled in the heart of #CentralOregon. While it's a great place to visit any time of year, there's something special about summer #inBend. From outdoor adventures to fun community events, here are just a few of the best things about summer in Bend, Oregon:

Endless Outdoor Adventures

Bend is surrounded by natural beauty, from towering mountains to crystal-clear lakes and rivers. The summer weather is perfect for hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. You can explore the Deschutes River Trail, summit nearby mountains like Mount Bachelor or one, or all, of the Three Sisters, or go fishing in the many lakes and streams in the area. Here are a few of our favorite trails in Bend:

·     Riley Ranch Trails

·     Shevlin Park Loop

·     Horse Butte Loop

·     Pilot Butte

Vibrant Farmers Markets

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, locally grown produce, and Bend has plenty of farmer's markets to choose from. The Bend Farmers Market is popular, with over 100 vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to artisanal bread and cheese. The Northwest Crossing Farmers Market is another great option, with live music and a friendly community atmosphere. Additionally, make sure to check out the Redmond Saturday Market, which dates all the way back to 1976, when Master Gardner Georgie Erskine Founded the open-air market You can also take a short drive to visit the vibrant communities surrounding Bend and their great Farmers Markets: Sisters Farmers Market, Prineville Farmers Market, and the Madras Saturday Market.

Festivals and Events

Bend is known for its fun and quirky festivals and events, and summer is no exception. The Bend Summer Festival is a highlight, with live music, food vendors, and arts and crafts booths. Balloons Over Bend is another popular event that's held in the summer, featuring live music, a kid's race, a marketplace, and (of course!) hot hair balloons!  Bend also boasts a fabulous outdoor concert venue, check out the Hayden Homes Amphitheater summer concert series.  If you’re an eventgoer, make sure this lineup of fun events is on your calendar:

·     4 Peaks Music Festival

·     Munch & Music

·     Art in the High Desert

·     Pole, Pedal, Paddle

·     Steampunk Music Festival (Prineville)

·     Cascade Lakes Relay

·     Fairwell Festival

·     Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo

·     Sunriver Music Festival

·     Sunriver Art Fair

·     Bend Beer Chase

Delicious Craft Beer

Bend is often called the "beer capital of Oregon," and for good reason. With over 30 breweries in the city, there's no shortage of delicious craft beer to enjoy. Many breweries have outdoor patios and beer gardens, making summer the perfect time to sample local brews. Plus, make sure that you check out the Bend Ale Trail and Bend’s Cycle Pub!  Here are just a few of our Central Oregon favorites:

·     Deschutes Brewery

·     Bend Brewing Co.

·     Sunriver Brewing Co. (Sunriver)

·     Porter Brewing Co. (Redmond)

·     Cascade Lakes Brewing (Redmond)

·     3 Creeks Brewing (Sisters)

·     Crooked Roots Brewing (Prineville)

·     Madras Brewing (Madras)

Stunning Sunsets

Bend's location in Central Oregon makes for some of the most stunning sunsets you'll ever see. Whether you're watching the sun dip behind the mountains or reflecting off the surface of a nearby lake, the colors are sure to take your breath away.

Without a doubt, summer in Bend, Oregon is a magical time. With endless outdoor adventures, vibrant farmers markets, fun festivals and events, delicious craft beer, and stunning sunsets, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a local or just passing through, be sure to take advantage of all that Bend has to offer during the summer months.