🎃 Oktoberfest season is here

Oktoberfests in Bend, Sisters Folk Festival kicks off, and Campfire Hotel celebrates 5 years

Author

Derek Carlson
September 26, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend! Put on your favorite pair of lederhosen and hit the town as the Oktoberfests are plentiful this weekend. P.S. If you actually own a pair of lederhosen, make sure to tag me in an IG photo so we can share it here on Monday.

In today’s Bend Buzz:

  • 🎃 Oktoberfest season is here

  • 🪕 The Folk Festival comes to Sisters

  • 🔥 Campfire Hotel celebrates 5 years

Let’s get to it.

— Emily Randolph & Derek Carlson

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SNAPSHOTS

🍺 Oktoberfest roundup

Put on those lederhosen and brush up on the lyrics to Beer Barrel Polka, as there are Oktoberfest events happening all over town this weekend.

🥾 New Trails Coming to Sisters

Earlier this year, we shared the updates on new hiking and mountain bike trails getting built on the west side of Bend. Now it’s Sisters turn to get in on the action as they will be getting their first new trails in over 15 years. Construction will take place over the next few years and will ultimately bring 17 miles of new hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding trails to the forest west of town.

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

🌯 Bend Breakfast Burrito opens cart at Ponch’s Place: With Boss Rambler Beer Club closing for good last weekend, Bend Breakfast Burrito has taken their talents to the east side of Bend. Starting Wednesday (two days ago!), they are now slinging their breakfast burritos at Ponch’s Place every Wednesday through Sunday, starting at 7:30 AM.

🔥 Campfire 5 Year Anniversary Party: Celebrate five years of the Campfire Hotel with music, drinks, and community fun. Live entertainment and festive energy make this a party you won’t want to miss. Saturday 3 PM Campfire Hotel 

🍸️ The Pantry After Hours: The Pantry is rolling out its new after-hours lounge, where they’ll be serving up cocktails, tea, wine, and more. The launch party runs this Saturday from 6–9 PM, and after that, you can drop in Thursdays through Saturdays during those same hours.

@THEBENDBUZZ

📸 @uniquepnw | Old St. Francis School
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TOGETHER WITH BEND CHAMBER

🌟 BEND 101: Growth in Bend – Where We Stand & Where We’re Going

Would you like to discover more about Bend and get involved in the community? Join us for Bend 101 on October 7 at OSU-Cascades Ed Ray Hall.

🏔️ Presented by Bend Chamber, Cascade Hasson Ladd Group, Providence Health Plan, OSU-Cascades, and the City of Bend, Bend 101 is all about learning and connection for new residents and those who’ve been here a while and want to become more involved in our community. 

The program offers insights into our rich history and showcases a behind-the-scenes look at the city we call home. October’s featured topic will be Growth in Bend.

🎤 Speakers include:
• Damon Runberg — Business Oregon
• Kelly Cannon-Miller — Deschutes Historical Museum
• Brian Ladd — Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s Ladd Group
• Brian Rankin — City of Bend
• Rachel Colton — Bend Park & Recreation District

👉 For more information, visit Bend101.org!

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Friday 9.26

🎶 Sisters Folk Festival: Three days of live folk, Americana, and roots music spread across multiple venues in Sisters. Enjoy intimate performances, local food, and a full weekend of musical magic. Fri–Sun

🎃 The Patch with a View Opening Day: Pick the perfect pumpkin, enjoy fall treats, and take in gorgeous mountain views at this seasonal favorite. 9 AM Schilling’s Garden Market

🌱 Growtoberfest: Celebrate the harvest season with gardening demos, seasonal plants, community vendors, and fun for the whole family. 10 AM Green Leaf Garden Center

🎶 Central Oregon Flute Ensemble (COFE) Fall Chamber Concert: Experience a flute program that spans classical to contemporary works, all performed in the acoustically rich Barber Library Rotunda. This concert offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the versatility and beauty of the flute in a cozy, community setting. 7:00 PM Central Oregon Community College

😂 The Crazy Happy Silly Funny Nerdy Show: A variety comedy show mixing stand-up, improv, and quirky performances. Expect laughs, surprises, and a night that doesn’t take itself too seriously. 7:30 PM Silver Moon

🛼 End of Season Two-Night Roller Party: Roll into the weekend at this all-ages skating party featuring lights, music, and a fun wrap-up to the season. 7:30 PM The Pavilion

Saturday 9.27

🧑‍👧 Babysitter Training for Teens: Teens gain essential skills, safety knowledge, and confidence to care for children responsibly. This hands-on training is practical, interactive, and a great way to prepare for summer jobs or neighborhood babysitting. 9 AM Camp Fire

🐸 Nature Kids: Frog, Toad & Abode: Kids explore local amphibian habitats through hands-on activities and outdoor discovery. A perfect way to spark curiosity and connection to nature for young adventurers. 10:30 AM Location TBA

🏉 Bend Rugby: It’s rugby season in Bend, and there are a pair of matches to check out this weekend. The women’s team will be taking on the Mudhens, followed by the men’s team lining up against the Tsunami. 1 PM & 2:30 PM High Desert Middle School

🥕 NWX Farmers Market: Sadly, it’s time for the last NWX farmers market of the season. So head up one last time before the chill of fall sets in. Still want to get your veggie fix on? The downtown market will continue until October 8th, and then Fill Your Pantry will take place on November 8th. 10 AM NWX

🌼 Fresh Hops & Pop Up Shops: Discover local vendors, handmade crafts, and fresh hop beers in a lively outdoor market setting. Perfect for shopping, sipping, and enjoying community vibes on a sunny afternoon. 12 PM River’s Place 

🍷 Luscious Bend Food + Wine Experience: Indulge in an evening of gourmet bites and exquisite wines at Mt. Bachelor. This culinary event pairs local flavors with fine vintages, offering a taste-filled adventure for foodies and wine lovers alike. 5 PM Mt Bachelor

🎬 HUMP! Film Festival: Experience bold, independent short films celebrating love, lust, and sexuality. Curated by Dan Savage, this festival is both provocative and entertaining for an adult audience. 6:30 & 9 PM Volcanic Theatre Pub 

🎤 Comedy Confessional: Stand-up comics turn their secrets into laughs during this intimate, hilarious show. With confessions both awkward and absurd, you’ll leave smiling and maybe even a little introspective. 8 PM Craft Kitchen

Sunday 9.28

🏃 Heroes on the Run 5K & 10K: Run, jog, or walk along a scenic course to raise funds for Street Dog Hero. Family-friendly for the little ones and their four-legged friends, it’s a great way to get active and support a cause. 9 AM Riverbend Park 

🌶️ First Annual Chili Bowl: Taste local chefs’ best chili creations and cast your vote for the winning recipe. Expect spicy flavors, good company, and fun competition for all ages. 11 AM On Tap 

🧺 Pine Needle Basket Weaving Workshop: Learn the traditional art of pine needle basket weaving in this hands-on workshop. Materials and guidance are provided, and you’ll leave with your very own handmade basket to treasure. 11 AM Location sent via email 

📍 Intro to Geocaching: Learn the basics of geocaching and discover hidden treasures around Bend. This interactive, outdoor adventure is perfect for beginners and curious explorers alike. 2 PM Downtown Bend Library 

🌸 Flower Printed Totes: Create your own eco-friendly tote bag in this hands-on workshop at Freak’n Art. Learn the art of flower printing and take home a one-of-a-kind wearable piece of art. 3 PM Freak’n Art

UPCOMING EVENTS

🧀📽️ Bend Exclusive: Master of Cheese Screening: Fans of cheese and film alike, this one’s for you. As a warm-up to the Bend Film Festival, celebrate Oregon Cheese Month with a special screening of Master of Cheese by Swiss filmmaker Myriam Zumbühl. This documentary tells the story of one of the world's master cheesemakers and reveals the inspiration behind our American artisan cheeses. Guests will enjoy light refreshments and a gourmet popcorn bar while soaking in this cinematic treat. Saturday, October 4th at 5 PM at Hanai*

LIVE MUSIC

Friday 9.26

Ben Baker | Ponch’s Place | 6 PM
Robot Mushroom | Currents at the Riverhouse | 7 PM
Broken Charley | Wildwood Bar & Grill | 7 PM
harf. | Silver Moon | 8 PM | Tickets
Blowgun feat. Miriam Hacksaw | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM

Saturday 9.27

Piña Colada | Midtown Yacht Club | 2 PM
So Much Closer | The Grove | 6 PM
Wildland Blues Band | Wildwood Bar & Grill | 7 PM
Lucion Hall & Guests | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets
JuJu Eyeball | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM

Sunday 9.28

Coyote Rider | Currents at the Riverhouse | 11 AM
Caveman Dave | River’s Place | 6 PM
Sugarhill Gang w/ DJ Ells | 7:30 PM | Tower Theatre | Tickets
Garaj Mahal | The Domino Room | 8 PM | Tickets

THANKS!

Stay cool, and thank you again for reading!

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