As the days grow longer and Central Oregon begins to feel unmistakably like summer, Bend's cultural calendar is filling up quickly. From opera and live music to bookstores, documentaries, farmers markets, and wildflower hikes, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy the season. Here are a few upcoming events and ongoing activities happening around Bend and Central Oregon.
Farmers market season has officially returned, bringing local produce, flowers, food vendors, handmade goods, and a lively community atmosphere.
May through October
Fridays | 3:00 p...
As the last traces of snow melt from the Cascades and the days grow longer, a different kind of energy starts to build across Bend. While our reputation is built on world-class outdoor recreation, what truly defines life here is the rich cultural fabric that complements our mountain lifestyle. This May, the city's stages and lecture halls are offering a compelling lineup of events that feed the mind and soul. It's a reminder that living in Bend is about more than just access to trails; it's about access to ideas, art, and community.
Before the summer rush begins, take the opportunity to engage with some fascinating discussions. At the Central Oregon Community College campus, a timely conversation about our relationship with technology is taking place. Helen and Dave Edwards present "Stay Human: Author Your Mind in the AI Age" on Tuesday, April 28, at 6:30 p.m. This isn't a lec...
There is a quiet but meaningful effort underway here in Central Oregon. It's one that speaks to how our region is growing and what we value as a community.
Central Oregon Center for the Arts (COCA) is actively working toward the development of a new performing arts center, and the process of identifying the right location is now underway. This next step, site evaluation, may not be the most visible part of the project, but it is one of the most important.
The vision is thoughtful and ambitious: a space that could include a main performance hall, a flexible black box theater, and dedicated areas for rehearsal, education, and community gatherings.
April in Bend invites us into something deeper.
Yes, the trails are calling and the mountains are still dusted with snow. But inside galleries, lecture halls, bookstores, and even under the night sky, something equally compelling is unfolding: a season of ideas, stories, and shared experiences.
Here is what's happening around town.