🌞 Summer Fest is here!

Summer Fest is back, get fit at a block party, and your full weekend of summer fun

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend!

In today’s Bend Buzz:

  • 🌞 SummerFest is back

  • 🏋️ Get fit at the summer block party

  • 📆 Your full weekend event lineup

Let’s get to it.

— Emily Randolph & Derek Carlson

Brand-New Luxury Townhomes in the Heart of Bend

Now available: modern townhomes thoughtfully crafted with high-end finishes for convenient, low-maintenance living. Priced from the mid-$700s and located just steps from Bend’s favorite spots—Jackson’s Corner, Drake Park, Downtown, the Box Factory, and the Deschutes River.

👉️ Schedule a tour today: 541.588.2711
📍 Visit us on the COBA Tour of Homes this weekend: July 12–13 catered by Jackson's Corner
👀 See floor plans, photos, and more details

Interested in featuring your business in our next ad spot? ⬆️ Fill out THIS FORM!

SNAPSHOTS

🌞 Summer Fest Is Here!

It’s that time of year again when Summer Fest takes over downtown Bend for a weekend of music, performances, art, and good old-fashioned family fun. If you’re looking to come down and enjoy the festivities, we’ve got you covered with a full lineup of events below.

General Info: Summer Fest kicks off on Friday with music & food along Oregon Ave from 4 - 10 PM. On Saturday, you can find the full lineup of vendors, art, music, food & drinks, family play zone, and performances from 11 AM to 10 PM. The festival closes out on Sunday with the full lineup once again running from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Music:

Friday

  • Dad Bods | 4 - 5 PM

  • The Rusty Frets | 5:30 - 6:30 PM

  • JT Trawik | 7 - 8 PM

  • Ramble On | 8:30 - 10 PM

Saturday

  • Cascade School of Music | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

  • Cascade School of Music | 1 - 2 PM

  • Erin Cole Baker | 2:30 - 3:30 PM

  • Spencer Marlyn Band | 4 - 5 PM

  • Brother’s Jam | 5:30 - 6:30 PM

  • Johnny Franco | 7 - 8 PM

  • Leah Blevins | 8:30 - 10 PM

Sunday

  • Cascade School of Music | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

  • Cascade School of Music | 1 - 2 PM

  • Jesse Meade | 2:30 - 3:30 PM

  • Gypsy Travellers | 4 - 5 PM

Performances: Catch the aerial acrobatics from the students at Lava City Cirque at Center Stage on Saturday at noon, 2, & 4 PM. On Sunday, the students from Iconic Dance take the stage also at noon, 2, & 4 PM.

On Saturday & Sunday, Board House will be running Shred the Fest, where you can get free skateboarding lessons, watch the skate jam, participate in skate challenges, and plenty more.

Also happening on Saturday is a sneak peek of the upcoming Theatre in the Park production of Rock of Ages at 6 PM. This is a great reminder to grab your tickets for the shows at Drake Park in mid-August, as they usually sell out well in advance.

🏡 COBA Tour of Homes

Want to check out the latest and greatest in real estate across Central Oregon (without dropping a whole lot of cash in the process)? Now’s your chance with weekend #1 of the COBA Tour of Homes. This is a free event where you can visit as few or as many homes as you’d like. Just check out the list and swing by during the tour’s open house hours.

  • Friday 12 - 6 PM

  • Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM

  • Sunday 10 AM - 5 PM

Mountain bikers rejoice as two brand-new trails have opened up at Wanoga. The new downhill trail offers another spot for bikers to hit jumps, berms, and other downhill features that many of Central Oregon’s more cross-country style trails are missing. The second trail is a climbing trail, which I suppose is a necessary evil to serve up the downhill fun.

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

🏋️ Lift Fitness Studio block party: Join Lift Fitness Studio in downtown Bend for a morning of free workouts, cold plunges, waffles, open gym time, and more at their block party taking place Friday, July 11th (that’s today!).

👕 Les Newman’s inventory reduction event: Score some sweet deals on some of your favorite outdoor apparel brands with Les Newman’s annual inventory reduction sale. The sale takes place all day (9 AM - 5 PM) on Saturday, but I’d recommend showing up early for the best selection!

🛥️ Party on the Yacht Anniversary Celebration: Midtown Yacht Club is celebrating their 5-year anniversary with a yacht party, and you’re all invited. The theme is pirates vs yachties, so dress appropriately. There will be music, face painting, games, a photo booth, and so much more than I have room to list here. Sunday 12 - 8 PM Midtown Yacht Club

@THEBENDBUZZ

📸 @ryliephoto📍Mount Bachelor
Tag @thebendbuzz to get your photos featured!

TOGETHER WITH ANTHEM STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS

Are you building, remodeling, or adding an addition to your home? Anthem Structural Engineers is here to help. We partner directly with homeowners, architects, and builders to deliver thoughtful, cost-effective structural solutions tailored to each project.

Based in Bend, Oregon, our team brings local knowledge, technical expertise, and a practical, creative approach to every home we help shape. Whether you're designing a custom residence, expanding your space, adding a deck, or renovating, we’ll guide you with clear communication, responsive service, and innovative problem-solving.

At Anthem, we’re proud to help bring your vision to life—safely, efficiently, and beautifully.

📞 (541) 362-4680
🌐 anthemstructural.com/bend-oregon/

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Friday 7.11

🛍️ First Friday in Downtown Bend: If you’re headed downtown for Summer Fest, then you’re in luck, as you’ll be able to double dip with the first Friday celebrations as well. 5 - 8 PM Downtown Bend

💃 Cuban Salsa Dance Party: Craving a summer night that sizzles? Slide into your dancing shoes and get ready to sweat—this Cuban salsa bash brings the beats, the moves, and the vibes. 8 PM The Barrel Room

🌌 Cosmic Crawl: The cider crawl of the summer is BACK! Hosted by 2 Towns Ciderhouse, this stellar adventure takes you to multiple local spots pouring exclusive, out-of-this-world ciders. Expect games, prizes, and enough Cosmic Crawl swag to fill your moon boots. 5 PM West Side Pubs

⛰️ Gravity Race Series: Downhill riders, this one’s for you. Fast, rowdy, and full of dust—catch the action or hop on a bike if you dare. 5 PM Mt. Bachelor

😂 Bend Bachelor Comedy Show: A lineup of local comics + cocktails = an entertaining Friday night. Expect laughs, possibly snorts. 7 PM Hosmer Bar

🎨 Creating with Open Arts Center: Calling all creative teens! This free workshop is more than just art—it's an invitation to help shape a new community hub made just for you. Hosted by the Open Arts Center, a new nonprofit building space for teen voices, visions, and big ideas in Bend. 6:30 PM The Pavilion

⛺️ Camp Kinder at the Library: Bring the littles to the library for an hour of all their favorite camp-themed activities. 2 - 3 PM Downtown Bend Library

🌳 Sip Create Activate: Join the crew at Epic Energy Center for a session of guided art and meditation. Friday & Saturday 1 PM Epic Energy Center

Saturday 7.12

🧘‍♀️ Nature Reset Day Retreat: Unplug, breathe deep, and spend the day outside. Nature walks, journaling, and quiet reflection—your soul will thank you. 9 AM Shelvin Park

🎉 Upp Liquids Grand Opening Party: Upp is up and ready to party! Swing by for a grand opening bash featuring live music from The Jugulars, Funk Around & Find Out, and DJ Unreal, plus local vendors and tattoos by Scorpio Moon. Good vibes, bold flavors, and maybe a fresh tattoo? Let’s gooo. 4 PM Upp Liquids

🎤 Trevor Noah Live: One of comedy’s sharpest minds is taking the Bend stage! Don’t miss The Daily Show alum Trevor Noah as he brings his signature wit, global perspective, and razor-sharp storytelling to the amphitheater. 6:30 PM Hayden Homes Amphitheater

🎬 Stirrup Purpose Summer Movie Night: Catch How to Train Your Dragon under the stars, bring your blankets, snacks, and maybe a cowboy hat? 7:30 PM Stirrup Purpose

🚴‍♂️ Bend Dirt Fest: Trail runners, gravel grinders, and MTB shredders, this one’s for you. Bend Dirt Fest is your all-in-one weekend of dirt-fueled fun, packed with singletrack, scenic gravel, and flowy forest trails. Go solo or team up, race hard or cruise, just get out there and get dusty. All levels welcome, high fives mandatory! 8 AM Athletic Club of Bend

🧹 Play Forever Mountain Clean-Up Day: Do some good for the mountain you love. Gloves, bags, and that feel-good buzz of giving back provided. 9:30 AM Mt. Bachelor - West Village

🧺 Pine Needle Basket Weaving: Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Meditative, tactile, and extremely Instagrammable. Sawyer Park

🎹 Piano Flow with Paula Dryer: Composer and pianist Paula Dreyer brings her dreamy, transportive melodies to the lawn at Maragas. Grab a headset (first 100 ticket holders get one!) and wander, lounge, or sip wine under the arbor as the crystal-clear sound follows wherever you go. 7 PM Maragas Winery

Sunday 7.13

🥾 Backpacking Food Workshop: Headed into the backcountry this summer? Learn how to fuel your adventure with delicious, nutritious, pack-ready meals in this hands-on workshop with Wildland Guiding Co. Perfect for anyone who wants to ditch the sad trail mix and elevate their camp kitchen game. 9 AM LOGE

📖 Defiant Moments: History buffs and curious minds, this one’s for you. Explore the untold stories of resistance, bravery, and transformation in this engaging talk that challenges the status quo and celebrates defiant moments that changed lives. 11 AM Downtown Bend Library

🛍️ 9th Street Village Makers Market: Swing by Bevel for a day of local art, handcrafted goods, and community vibes. Grab a beer, meet the makers, and treat yourself to something special—supporting local never looked (or tasted) so good. 12 PM Bevel Craft Brewing

🧘‍♂️ Yoga & Community: Start your Sunday grounded and flowing with an outdoor yoga class, then stick around to sip, snack, and connect with a laid-back crew. Chill vibes and stretchy good times guaranteed. 10 AM On Tap

🍷 Bastille Day at San Simón: After you’re done perusing the art at Summer Fest, make sure to swing by San Simón for their annual Bastille Day celebration. The French market runs from 3 - 6 PM, and the main event (the waiter races) kicks off at 6 PM sharp. 3 PM San Simón

⚙️ Children’s Museum at the Park: If you live on the north side of Bend, now’s your chance to walk to the museum at the park, as the Children’s Museum will be popping up at Rockridge Park. 10 AM - 1 PM Rockridge Park

LIVE MUSIC

Friday 7.11

Coyote Ryder | Bend Cider Co. | 6 PM
Cover Story | Boneyard Pub | 6 PM
Allah Las | Volcanic Theatre Pub Courtyard | 6 PM | Tickets
Billy Currington & Kip Moore | Hayden Homes | 6:30 PM | Tickets
Paula Boggs Band | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets
40 Oz to Freedom | Silver Moon | 8 PM | Tickets
Leftslide | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM 
Fluffalove | Portello Wine & Spirits | 7 PM
Bill Powers | Seventh Mountain | 5 PM

Saturday 7.12

The VibeShiftas | Silver Moon | 
Blues Benders | River’s Place | 6 PM
Dad Bods | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets
Maria Jackson Band | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM
Funk Shui | Wildwood | 7 PM 
The Slappy’s | M&J Tavern | 9 PM
Grace Cooper | The Grove | 6 PM

Sunday 7.13

Brian Bielanski | Bunk + Brew | 6 PM
Broken Top Bluegrass | River’s Place | 6 PM
Richard Taelor | The Commonwealth Pub | 3 PM
Leo Kottke | Tower Theatre | 7:30 PM | Tickets 
Jared McComas Trio | Bar Rio | 6 PM
Blackstrap Bluegrass | Volcanic Theatre Pub | 4 PM

THANKS!

Stay cool, and thank you again for reading!

Have an event you want to feature or want to advertise your business to our 12,000+ readers in Bend? Drop us a line here → [email protected]