Keep Warm

Fun things to do on your rest days and nights in Bend

BY Gregg Morris

A winter vacation to Bend, Oregon conjures exciting visions of alpine skiing or snowboarding Mt. Bachelor, Nordic skiing or snowshoeing the sno-parks and snowmobiling the Cascade Mountain backcountry. Evenings out on the town mean drinking IPAs at one of the many local breweries while catching a hard-working local band perform from the stage. But what if you need a day off to rest and reset before tackling the mountain or taking in the nightlife?

Don’t worry. Central Oregon’s growth has not been limited to population or number of breweries! The high desert’s cultural scene has exploded to offer something for everyone. For the intellectual or creative, Bend is ready to show its world beyond adventure.

Breweries aren’t just for Beers & Bands

While the IPAs and stouts still flow from Deschutes Brewery to Bend Brewing Company, and local artists—such as Eric Leadbetter and Travis Ehrenstrom—still perform on stages from Silver Moon Brewing to Ale Apothecary, local breweries have upped their game in offerings. Nowadays, calendars are just as likely to feature intellectual events as they are music ones. Trivia nights, comedy and open mics have gained a foothold in evening entertainment. So, check local websites for your opportunity to have a relaxing night on the town.

Trivia Nights

Just about every bar in Bend has added an opportunity for teams of friends to show off their knowledge. Some focus on TV shows or movies, some quiz you on history and others allow the kids to get involved on family trivia nights. So, grab some teammates and try one of these locations.

Laughs—Supplied or Make Your Own

Rising in both numbers and ovations, Bend’s comedy scene has experienced an explosion in recent years. Not only have national touring comedians begun to include Bend on their list of stops, but local comedians—such as Katy Ipock and Anthony Poponi—are also booking more in-town shows. Comedic troupes like the Bend Underground Comedy Club and Bend Comedy are filling stages across town. And for those who say, “I could do that,” comedy open mics are waiting for you to sign up. Try one of these shows and stay tuned for more to be added.

Bring Your Guitar or Voice

For anyone wanting to shine musically on stage, Bend offers many opportunities to showcase their talent. Open mic nights and karaoke events allow enthusiastic amateurs to shake their nerves and perform in front of a live audience. And for anyone who dreams of rock n’ roll singing in a group, try the Public Rock Choir. The no-stress choir allows anyone to sing rock and pop songs in a group with a live band.

Explore Your Creative Side

The options are plentiful if you want to work on your artistic creativity. Spend an afternoon or an hour at Studio Create and paint ready-made pottery under the watchful eye of the staff. Then, relax, knowing they will kiln-fire your work and text you when it’s done. Look out for painting parties at breweries, where a local art teacher guides you in creating your masterpiece on canvas while you enjoy your favorite pinot or pilsner. And for those who want a little more adventure in their creativity, DIYcave offers classes and open studio time to work on jewelry and glassworks.

An Evening at the Theatre

Once limited to a few productions a year, Bend's theatrical offerings now give theatergoers options year-round. New to the scene, The Greenhouse Cabaret provides intimate experiences focusing on the actors, direction andillegalscript. Since 1978, Cascades Theatrical Company (CTC) has produced over 350 shows, with six Main Stage productions each year. In 2019, CTC added a Cascades Teen Theatre program with two yearly productions and an annual Teen Theatre Showcase. The Tower Theatre has anchored downtown Bend since 1940, bringing culture to Bendites and visitors alike. Check their websites for a complete list of events.

Get Your Museum Fix

Bend’s two museums, the Deschutes Historical Museum and the High Desert Museum, aim to educate people about the region's history through exhibits, programs and art shows. Located in the historic Reid School just south of downtown Bend, the Deschutes Historical Museum’s featured exhibit Klunkers and Stumpjumpers: A History on Two Wheels gives a sense of the early days of life as a cyclist. Meanwhile, exhibits at the High Desert Museum this winter include Blood, Sweat & Flannel and Forest at Night. Known for its interactive exhibits and educational presentations on the area's wildlife and history, the High Desert Museum is a must-see and -do.

Deschutes Historical Museum | 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend | (541) 389-1813 | deschuteshistory.org | Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

High Desert Museum | 59800 S Hwy 97, Bend | (541) 382-4754 | highdesertmuseum.org | Open daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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