Scout is about two feet long, fluffy, with a pointed nose and a stance approximately three inches off the ground. He’s also a mighty athlete, motivated through practice sessions by high-octane treats. Which is going to come in handy for him on September 25, when dozens of miniature daschunds take to their lanes for the chance to become top dog in the annual Wiener Dog Races. Such are the revelries of Autumn in Bend, Oregon.
Bend enjoys beautiful fall days of stunning color, bright skies, and mild temperatures. Vine maple is Oregon’s state flower for a reason: the brilliant leaves herald a new season from high atop the mountain passes, which trickles into the streets, parks and walkways of Central Oregon, where festivities reign supreme. Kicking things off this autumn season: The Bend Fall Festival brings a fabulous array of music, art, food and fun to downtown Bend on September 18-19. On September 24-25 Oktoberfest, also in downtown Bend, celebrates the new season with events for grownups and kids. In nearby Sisters, Oregon, in the shadow of three mountain peaks called Faith, Hope and Charity, revelers enjoy a trifecta of events: The Fall Street Festival, Sisters Stride into Autumn and Sisters Hop Festival September 18-19. The height of the bacchanals: The Wiener Dog Races in Bend’s Drake Park on September 25.
Bend Fall Festival
Downtown Bend, September 18 – 19
Highlights include the Family Harvest Area with pony rides, maze, hayrides, playhouse neighborhood, face painting, apple bobbing, and pumpkin painting. At the Whole Foods Market Produce Row, a cornucopia of fresh harvest items from local vendors will be available for purchase. Topping the entertainment options, the Clear 101.7fm Mainstage and the KPOV Locals Only Stage feature ongoing live music performances.
Bend’s Annual Oktoberfest
Downtown Bend, September 24 – 25
Friday evening activities include traditional Bavarian music, beer, food and games (21 and over only). The Family Fest on Saturday includes puppet shows, balloon twisting, face painting, and the legendary Wiener Dog Races. On Saturday evening enjoy live music, celebrity yodeling contests featuring local personalities, hammer schlagen competition (race to hammer a nail into a log) and the awarding of this year’s Oktoberfest Brewery of the Year. Brews will be provided by Cascade Lakes Brewery, Columbia Distributing, Deschutes Brewery, Silver Moon, Three Creeks and 10 Barrel.
Sisters Fresh Hop Festival
Village Green Park, September 25
Check out the latest from the Pacific Northwest breweries. Hops are picked and brewed the same day. Admission is $5 for a mug and $1 for each 4 oz. taste. Food court, live music all day, vendors and the best brew in the west. Sponsored by the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce.
Bend Ale Trail
Great beer is a hallmark of Oktoberfest and Bend, Oregon is not in short supply. In fact, with seven local craft breweries within walking distance of each other, this charming mountain community is home to a bastion of beer lovers. Use the Bend Ale Trail Map and Passport available in the latest Discovery Map of Central Oregon to discover Bend’s seven breweries – and for extra credit, head to our neighboring brewery in Sisters to visit the eighth. Be sure to get your passport stamped at each location. When you get all seven stamps, stop by or send your completed passport to the Visit Bend Welcome Center and receive a commemorative Bend Silipint made especially for beer drinkers on the go. And, if you do your extra credit and visit Sisters, you’ll receive a special surprise.
Beer-Boiled Bratwurst Recipe
Celebrate Oktoberfest with beer-boiled bratwurst and upgrade your ordinary hot dogs to something spectacular.