Film buffs in Central Oregon have been gleefully rubbing their hands together for months getting amped for this year’s BendFilm Festival October 6-9.

In case you’re new to Bend, visiting from out of town, or have spent the last year living in your linen closet subsisting entirely on pudding pops, here’s the scoop…

Now in its eighth year, BendFilm showcases independent films and filmmakers (er, that’s “indie films” if you’re cool). Think fresh. Edgy. Creative. That’s what BendFilm is all about.

The annual BendFilm Festival isn’t just a huge deal in Bend. Fans and filmmakers from around the country travel here for it. The lineup includes documentaries, short films, student films, even animated films.

There are too many films to name, but you can check out a complete schedule of venues, times, and even see film trailers right here.

Oh, and did I mention the parties? There are oodles of them, and you’re going to want to be there for at least one. Opening (Oct. 6) night promises to rock your socks off starting at 5:30 with a special film at The Tower Theatre. Once that’s over, meander to the opening night reception at The Oxford Hotel. If you haven’t partied your pants off by 9:30, head over to Bourbon Street Bar and Grill for drinking, dancing, and miscellaneous merriment. If you still don’t have your fill, cap things off at McMenamins Old St. Francis School where you can enjoy a fireside chat with filmmakers, film lovers, and random drunk people who don’t realize they’re in the middle of Bend’s hottest cultural event of the year.

You also won’t want to miss the First Friday Art Walk, or the awards reception and ceremony on Saturday from 7-10 at The Oxford Hotel, followed by a 10 p.m. party at The Blacksmith and another evening of fireside merriment at McMenamins.

Don’t forget to check the schedule for a complete rundown of films and other events during BendFilm Festival. You can purchase tickets online right here.

Questions? Thoughts? Assorted whimpering so someone lets you out of the linen closet in time to attend? Leave it in the comments section and we’ll respond as soon as possible!