Ah, Bend.

Known for its flowing craft beer, lofty mountains and holy-heck 300 days of sunshine, our little corner of the world certainly drops a few jaws. But if you look closer, you’ll also find a burgeoning culture of possibility, where adventure and creativity come out to play.

October is one of the best months to explore this oasis of inspiration. We call it Tenth Month and invite you to experience a stunning lineup of film, design, marketing and business events while exploring our mountain wonderland.

What makes Tenth Month the best time to visit our quirky little mountain town?

 Photo by Nate Wyeth Photography / Visit Bend

1. SUNSHINE ON YOUR SHOULDERS

We get sunshine. Lots of it. Even when it’s time to drag puffy jackets and thermal boots out of the closet, the sun continues to shine down on our piece of paradise. October temperatures in Bend hover in the low 60s during the daytime. Nights are cool and crisp—just like our beer.

2. WE’VE GOT A BEER FOR THAT

With over 35 breweries scattered throughout our region, finding the perfect beer to delight your palate is never an issue in Bend. October brings fresh-hopped beers as well as pumpkin beers and winter warmers. Take part in the world-famous Bend Ale Trail, where you are rewarded for your beer-drinking efforts.

3. HANG WITH HAPPY PEOPLE

Happiness is a lifestyle choice in Bend. Bendites smile for no particular reason. We stop our cars at crosswalks and share the road with cyclists. A pint of beer with lunch? Yes, please. We love where we live—and love to celebrate what makes us so dang special. Join us for a weekend of live music, food, microbrews and wine, a harvest market and family activities during Fall Festival, held October 6-8th in Downtown Bend.

Guess what else makes people happy? Creating art! Hang out with us on October 6th for an evening of live painting and collaborative art stations at Base Camp Studio’s Painting Marathon.

4. RECHARGE YOUR CAREER BATTERY

The Swivel Digital Marketing + Creative Conference, held October 9-10th, provides  opportunities to personally engage with thought leaders and fill your creative tank. Exploring social media, SEO, digital marketing and creativity, Swivel is more than a conference. It’s a movement designed to enlighten, inspire and connect through a series of keynotes and in-depth workshops.

Get your tickets here.

5. WALK AWAY WITH INDIE CRED

BendFilm Festival is a beloved Bend event and ranks among the top film festivals in the world. From October 12-15th, talented independent filmmakers gather to show their work to audiences craving something more than million-dollar stars blowing stuff up. It’s all about the story. Over 60 short films round out a robust feature film and documentary lineup. Plus, you get to do more than bump shoulders with the artists. BendFilm invites you to converse with the filmmaker apres showing to deepen your appreciation of what you experienced.  

Get your tickets here.

6. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH DREAMERS AND DOERS

Entrepreneurs across the Pacific Northwest will converge upon Bend’s iconic Tower Theatre for the 14th Annual Bend Venture Conference on October 19-20th. The largest angel conference in the west, BVC gives attendees the opportunity to rub elbows with movers and shakers, hear company pitches, and take an active role in determining competition winners. In 2016, investments, awards and prizes totaled nearly $4 million.

Startup culture is alive and kicking in Bend. The unConference on October 17th is a place to share ideas and talk about Bend technology and the business startup ecosystem. On October 18th, Bend Outdoor Worx presents the Venture Out Festival, a funding event solely for the outdoor industry.

Get your tickets here and here.

7. STOKE YOUR CREATIVE FIRE

October brings full-tilt creativity to Bend. In its third year, Bend Design conference is a two-day event for innovators and creative thinkers and doers. Join us October 26-27th for conversations, tours, workshops and exhibits celebrating design culture. Leave with a new perspective on the place of design in our world and how it shapes our future.

Get your tickets here.

8. GO ON AN ADVENTURE

From a leaf-crunching Drake Park stroll to an epic pedal-powered ride up and down dusty mountain trails, there is no end to Bend’s outdoor adventures. By the time October waves hello, Bend’s summer crowds are long gone and you’ll often find the solitude you crave in nature’s playground. Bonus? All that fresh alpine air pumping through your veins.

9. YOUR TASTE BUDS WILL THANK YOU

Mention the word “October” and we start dreaming about slurp-worthy soups, hearty comfort food, and copious amounts of pumpkin-spiced everything. From fine dining to a vibrant food cart scene, Bend is a foodie wonderland. (Fun fact: Bend was named as one of the best restaurant cities with the most eateries per capita.)  

10. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

October is a must-visit month for any creative thinker, adventure junkie, or relaxation seeker. Pick and choose your Tenth Month activities … or do them all. Come early. Stay late. And fall in love with Bend.

Build your own itinerary of favorite Tenth Month events here.