Things to do in Bend – Deschutes Dash 2010 Weekend Sports Festival at Old Mill

365 Things to do in Bend OR – 6th Annual Deschutes Dash 2010 Weekend Sports Festival at the Old Mill

Talk about a sporting event for everyone. The 2010 Deschutes Dash Sports Festival takes place in the Old Mill District and includes, 3 triathlons, 2 duathlons, running races and kid’s events. The kids race starts at age 3 and there is no limit on adult ages! This year the Deschutes Dash is expecting around 900 racers. The Deschutes Dash is also a fundraiser for the Center Foundation, if you don’t want to race you can volunteer or be a spectator along the banks of the Deschutes River.Deschutes Dash 2010 Weekend  Sports Festival Bend, OR

The Weekend sporting events include:

Saturday, July 17, 2010

  • Olympic Distance Triathlon USAT national qualifier event.
  • Olympic Distance Duathlon run 5K bike 25 miles run 10K
  • 10K Run
  • Kid’s Splash & Dash ages 3-10 (takes place after adult races)

Sunday, July 18, 2010

  • Sprint Distance Triathlon
  • Sprint Distance Duathlon run 5K, bike 12.5 miles, run 5K)
  • 5K run
  • Youth Triathlon (11-15)

The folks at Fresh Air sport recommend the foot bridges that cross the Deschutes river near Old Mill District, the paths along the river banks or the River front restaurants as some of the best vantage points for watching the swimmers, cyclists and runners. At the end of the races there will be awards, food and free beer. If you’re not into racing for the exercise or competition, then race to support the Center Foundation or for Free Beer! Instead of Beer for their treat, the children who participate will each receive a free ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s – now that’s motivation!

The Center Foundation is a non-profit group in Bend that exists to benefit school age youth in the areas of health, wellness and education within Central Oregon. The Foundation provides no-cost athletic training, education and treatment to Central Oregon youth through several school and community-based programs.

Visit Fresh Air Sports Website for full details on the Deschutes Dash Weekend Sports Festival or go straight to Signmeup Sports for the online registration.

For more 365 Things to do in Bend visit our site for the current list to date.

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365 Things to do in Bend OR – Saving Grace Children's Festival at Drake Park

365 Things to do in Bend, OR – Saving Grace Children’s Festival at Drake Park

The Saving Grace Children’s Festival is a fun afternoon of food, art, jumping and prizes. The Children’s festival includes 40+ activity booths including mask making, bouncy houses, basketball toss, bubble pools, face painting and more. The Drake Park stage will host musical entertainment, Karate and gymnastics demonstrations. After all the fantastic activities grab some child friendly food options and have a seat at the Drake Park stage.

When: Saturday, July 17, 2010

Where: Drake Park

Cost: Only $0.50 per ticket

2010 Saving Grace Children's Festival in Drake Park

Enjoy the Saving Grace Children’s Festival at Drake Park! A great day of family fun in support of an important non-profit organization. For more of the 365 things to do in Bend check out our website!

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Things to do in Bend OR – Lava Lands Visitor Center

Things to do in Bend, OR -  Lava Lands Visitor Center at Newberry National Monument

Lava Lands Visitor Center is located just outside of Bend, OR.  Take Hwy 97 south about 11.2 miles and look for signs or view the map. The must do activities at the Lava Lands Visitor Center is of course check out the visitor center, Trail of Molten Land and Lava Butte Interpretative trail.

Before hitting the trails make sure to bring good walking shoes and plenty of water, snacks are a good idea too!Bend Oregon Lava Lands Visitor Center Molten Lava Trail

Behind the Lava Lands Visitor Center is the Trail of Molten Land, a relatively easy walk which takes you through the 7000 year old lava flow. Personally I find it quite fascaniting. It is a round trip trail and half way through you stop at a peak with an outstanding view of the lava fields! If this preggo gal and her 3 yr old can do it so can you!

The other, Trail of the Wispering Pines, wanders through a young ponderosa pine forest. I have yet to try at the Trail of the Wispering Pines.

The Lava Butte interpretive trail is located at the top of the Lava Butte which rises 500 feet higher than the visitor center.  Don’t worry you can drive to the top.  The walk the Lava Butte interpretive trail which circles around the cinder cone. You must take the drive to the top the views are amazing! If this preggo gal and her 3 yr old can do it so can Views from Lava Lands Molten Lava Trail Bend ORyou!

There are only a few parking spaces at the top of the Lava Butte so the traffic is controlled.  Picking a weekday or non holiday weekend will probably give you a better chance of a shorter wait if there is one.

The Lava Lands Visitor Center and trails are an inexpensive way to spend the afternoon.  The daily parks pass is only $5 per car.  For larger vehicles please visit their site for details.

The Lava Lands Visitor Center is Open the following times (this is their 2009 schedule which is still the schedule on their website.)

Spring: May 1-June 30, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m – 5 days a week: Wednesday-Sunday g

Summer: July 1-September 7, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m – 7 days a week

Fall: September 8-October 15, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m 5 days a week: Wednesday-Sunday

For more info contact the Lava Lands Visitor Center at 541-593-2421.

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365 Things to do in Bend – Clear Summer Nights Concert Series at the Athletic Club of Bend

365 Things to do in Bend – Clear Summer Nights Concert Series at the Athletic Club of Bend

This Wednesday is the first night of the Clear Summer Nights Concert Series at the Athletic Club of Bend. Make sure to note the dates of each concert as they are on different days of the week. Additional artists may be joining the schedule as well. These are sure to be another summer of great inexpensive musical nights!

C3 Events: Clear Summer Night Concert Series
Location: Athletic Club of Bend Courtyard Lawn
Time: 6:30 PM
General Admission Tickets: $16 available at Newport Market on Newport Ave.
Dinner Tickets: $57 available at the Athletic Club of Bend Front Desk

Clear Summer Nights Concert Schedule

Wednesday, July 14, 2010 – Colin Hay
Saturday, July 24, 2010 – Los Lonely Boys
Sunday, August 15, 2010 – Robert Randolph and the Family Band
Tuesday, August 24, 2010 – John Hiatt

C3 Events is the master mind behind the Clear Summer Nights Concert Series with the main event sponsor being the Boys & Girls Clubs.

A cash cocktail hour begins for dinner ticket holder at 4:00. Doors open at 5:00pm for dinner ticket holders. Doors open for general admission ticket holders at 5:30pm. All lawn seating is first come first serve. As with allBoys & Girls Club Clear Summer Nights outdoor concerts in Bend please bring only low back chairs or blankets.

If you choose not to purchase a dinner ticket you can still purchase a variety of food items from Scanlons to enjoy at your seat on the lawn. Drinks will be available from the bar as well.

For additions questions about the Clear Summer Night Concert Series at the Athletic Club of bend visit their website.

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Things to do in Bend – Farmers Market at Drake Park Every Wednesday

Summer must officially be here! The Bend Farmers market at Mirror Pond at the top of Drake Park begin2010 Central Oregon Farmers Markets this Wednesday. The farmers market runs each Wednesday from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM through mid October.

The Bend Farmers Market includes only local produce and farm products including vegetables, fruits, berries, herbs, nuts, flowers, plants, cheeses, seafood, poultry and meats. Wholesale vendors are not allowed, only a plethora of hard working local farmers from around Oregon.

Buy LOCAL and lace up your walking shoes because parking is hard to come by. The Bend Farmers Market suggests parking in the free Centennial Parking garage on Lava between Minnesota and Oregon. If you’re not up for the walk or your hands are just too full of delicious local fresh fruits and veggies hop a ride on the FREE Bend Bicycle Cab shuttle service that runs between the Bend Farmers market at Drake Parke and the parking garage.

Vendors at this and past Bend Farmers Market include:

Bees Farms, Salem, Alegria’s Alegrias, Bend, Birdies Cafè, Bend, The Fresh flowers Bend Farmers MarketBagel Stop, Bend, Borlen Cattle Company, Bend, Cheshire Ridge Farm, Redmond, D&D Ranch, Terrebonne, Earth Dragon Herbals, Redmond, Fields Farm, Bend, Fisherman’s Market, Eugene, Freshly Brewed Ginger Ale, Bend, Freshly Squeezed, Bend, Groundwork Organics, Junction City. H&S Farms, Halsey, Happy Harvest Farm, Mt Angel, Heaven Scent, Bend, Heavenly Harvest Farm, Corvallis, High Desert Eremuras, Prineville, Jam N’ Plants, Bend, Juniper Grove Farms, Redmond, Kimberly Orchards, Kimberly, Packer Orchards, Hood River, Mary Martin, Bend, Matveev Farms, Molalla, Muscle Culinaire Catering, Bend, Pine Mountain Ranch, Bend, Rain Forest Mushroom Company, Eddyville, Redmond Smoke House, Redmond, Rogue Valley , Lavender, Rouge River, Rick Steffen Farm, Silverton, Strictly Organic Coffee Company, Bend, The Sparrow Bakery, Bend, The Village Baker, Bend, Wavra Farms and Nursery, Salem, White Mountain Ranch, Ashwood, Winter Green Farm and more…..

See you there EVERY Wednesday in Bend, OR! If you can’t make it Wednesday, the Bend Farmers Market has a second location each Friday 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM beginning June 4th through September at St. Charles’ east parking lot, 2500 N.E. Neff Rd.

For more information on the Bend Farmers Market at Drake Park or St. Charles visit their website at http://bendfarmersmarket.com/.

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356 Things to do in Bend – Relax, Picnic or Walk the Deschutes at Drake Park

356 Things to do in Bend – Relax, picnic or walk the Deschutes River at Drake Drake Park Foot BridgePark

Drake Park near downtown Bend, OR is a favorite place for relaxing by the river, having an afternoon Picnic or taking a stroll along the Deschutes. It’s a great place to let the kids frolic, snap a few pictures or do a bit of people watching! I snapped  these pictures walking back to the car after the 2010 Downtown Summer Festival.Drake Park near downtown Bend OR

Conveniently located between downtown Bend and Galveston Drake Park is also an excellent walk after eating too much at one of the fantastic local restaurants downtown.  It’s also a fun place to sit down with an afternoon lunch.

Duck watching at the Deschutes River

Many of our local festivals are located in Drake Park so you’re sure to end up here eventually.  I love the festivals but enjoy Deschutes River at Drake Parksome of the more quiet days at Drake Park as well.

Check out the list do date of 365 Things to do in Bend, Oregon for more parks, festivals music and every day fun.

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Things to to in Bend – Pine Nursery Park Fishing Pond in NE Bend

Things to to in Bend – Pine Nursery Park Fishing Pond

Pine Nursery Park is one of the newest parks in Bend.  It is located in NE Bend behind Pine Nursery Park Fishing Pond in NE Bend, ORPonderosa Elementary School.  Take Emipre Rd east until it dead ends at Purcell.  The entrance to to park is located just to the north adjacent to the entrance to Ponderosa Elementary School.

Pine Nursery Park has a small catch and release pond stocked with fish by the Oregon Department of Fish and Game.  The pond is beautiful and surrounded by a large grassy field and wildflowers.  The Pine Nursery Fishing Pond is an excellent place for the beginner fisher boy or girl to test out their casting skills and real in a small fish.

Along with the fishing poles, I recommend bringing a picnic lunch and a blanket to sit on as there are no picnic tables near the pond. The Pine Nursery Park Fishing Pond was built by Bend Parks and Recreation and The State Reclamation and Enhancement Board  which helped by funding a matching grant.

Pine Nursery park is still under construction, however the entire plan is 159 acres so there is plenty of space Catching a fish at Pine Nursery fishing Pond in NE Bendfor recreation right now! Phase one of Pine Nursery Park which is mostly complete includes: the Fishing Pond, off-leash dog park, natural areas, nature trails, several sports fields, fitness trails and bike trails

The best thing about Pine Nursery fishing pond is the easy access. It’s right in town only a couple minute drive from the Parkway. That and my 5 year old caught his first fish!

You can get the full details on the Pine Nursery Park from the  Bend Parks & Recreation website.

For more things to do in Bend check out our new webiste http://thingstodoinBend.com or become a fan on Facebook!

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Things to do in Bend: Free Summer Sunday Concerts @ Les Schwab Amphitheater

Free Summer Sunday Concerts @ Les Schwab Amphitheater in Bend’s Old Mill District

Free summer Sunday concerts – say that three times fast!   Pack up the family, a lunch and head over to Les Schwab Amphitheater for more free summer fun! Don’t fret if you can’t make it today.  Bend’s free summer concert series presented by St. Charles runs every Sunday through August 15th.Free Summer Concert Series Bend Oregon

2010 Free Summer Sunday Concert Schedule

Time: 2:30 – 4:30pm

July 4th  – Staxx Brothers (Soul/Hip Hop)
July 11th – Mingo Fishtrap (Funk)
July 18th – Paul Thorn (Blues / Rock)
July 25th – Great American Taxi (Americana / Jam)
August 1st – Stolen Sweets (Swing / Jazz)
August 8th – Danger muffin (Blugrass)
August 15th – Victor Johnson (Folk / Americana)

Summer will be over before we know it.  If you’re not familiar with Bend, OR and you’re a water enthusiast, you can enjoy the concerts from the comfort of your kayak, canoe, raft or other water craft on the Deschutes River!

Whether you listening from the patio dining at the Old Mill District, floating the river or relaxing on a blanket you’re sure to enjoy the free Summer Concert series presented by St. Charles! See you there!

This is a family friendly event and dogs are allowed.

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Free Summer Sunday Concerts @ Les Schwab Amphitheater in Bend’s Old Mill District

Free Summer Sunday Concerts @ Les Schwab Amphitheater in Bend’s Old Mill District

Free summer Sunday concerts – say that three times fast! Pack up the family, a lunch and head over to Les Schwab Amphitheater for more free summer fun! Don’t fret if you can’t make it today. Bend’s free summer concert series presented by St. Charles runs every Sunday through August 15th.Free Summer Concert Series Bend Oregon

2010 Free Summer Sunday Concert Schedule

Time: 2:30 – 4:30pm

July 4th – Staxx Brothers (Soul/Hip Hop)
July 11th – Mingo Fishtrap (Funk)
July 18th – Paul Thorn (Blues / Rock)
July 25th – Great American Taxi (Americana / Jam)
August 1st – Stolen Sweets (Swing / Jazz)
August 8th – Danger muffin (Blugrass)
August 15th – Victor Johnson (Folk / Americana)

Summer will be over before we know it. If you’re not familiar with Bend, OR and you’re a water enthusiast, you can enjoy the concerts from the comfort of your kayak, canoe, raft or other water craft on the Deschutes River!

Whether you listening from the patio dining at the Old Mill District, floating the river or relaxing on a blanket you’re sure to enjoy the free Summer Concert series presented by St. Charles! See you there!

This is a family friendly event and dogs are allowed.

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Celebrate Summer 2010 Downtown at the Bank of the Cascades Bend Summer Festival!

Bank of Cascades Summer Festival in Downtown Bend, ORCelebrate Summer 2010 Downtown at the Bank of the Cascades Bend Summer Festival!

One of the best things about living in Bend are the endless supply of festivals and concerts! This weekend is no exception and hosts one of the biggest festivals of the summer.

Location: Downtown Bend
Date: July 10, 2010 – July 11, 2010
Time: Saturday 11am – 11pm, Sunday 11am – 6pm

According to C3 Events who has been putting on the Summer Festival for 20 years, over 150 artists showcasing their work, local food vendors, international food, beer wine, cocktails.  C3 Events always does a stellar job of putting on festivals, here’s what they had do say about Summer Fest:

This production is more than art, music, food, entertainment, and fun—it is a tremendous device to bring our community together, to gather, to stay connected, all in the context of celebrating this great downtown of ours. So join us to live it, taste it, chew it, view it, hear it, and dance it, (got it?) at the Bank of the Cascades Bend Summer Festival 2010!

For the Kids: True North Parenting Magazine sponsors the kids area complete with inflatables, arts, crafts, water games and a block party. Bring the kids to Mirror Pond plaza Saturday night from 6 – 8 pm in their PJ’s for the Pajamy Jam! Th kids can rock out at the Pajamy Jam with music, dancing drawing and finish with a bedtime story

If you like music then you must attend the Bank of Cascades Summer Festival? Here’s weekends schedule of free concerts!

Saturday July 10th

Clear 101.7 Main Stage

11:00 a.m. Brad Tisdel
1:00 p.m. Sarah Jackson Holman
2:30 p.m. Jena Rickards
4:00 p.m. Elliot
5:30 p.m. Person People
7:30 p.m. Aphrodesia 9:30 p.m.

The Samples Pronghorn Jazz, Wine & Gourmet Foods Stage

11:00 a.m. Dan Balmer
1:00 p.m. Mel Brown
3:00 p.m. PDX V featuring Rebecca Kilgore
5:00 p.m. Slickside Down
7:30 p.m. Sonos
9:30 p.m. Todd Haaby and Sola Via

KPOV Locals Stage

11:00 a.m. Tim Coffey
12:30 p.m. Erin Marie Cole Baker
2:30 p.m. Jukebot
4:30 p.m. Shireen Amini Group
6:30 p.m. Eric Tollefson and The World’s Greatest Lovers
9:00 p.m. Mosley Wotta

True North Parenting Kids Stage

11:00 a.m. Americana Project
12:00 p.m. Janelly Bean
12:45 p.m. Mother Goose – Magic and Storytelling
1:15 p.m. Central Oregon School of Ballet
1:45 p.m. Heather Pearl – Magic
2:45 p.m. Americana Project
3:30 p.m. Wabi Sabi Tournament Pajamy Jam!
6:00 p.m. Heather Pearl
6:45 p.m. Janelly Bean
7:30 p.m. Mother Goose

Sunday July 11th

Clear 101.7 Main Stage – Saxon’s Fine Jewelers Sunday Gospel Brunch – Tickets are $14 and can be purchased at Saxon’s

11 a.m. Sonos
12:30 p.m. Contemporary Gospel Choir of the Cascades
2:30 p.m. Booher Brothers
4:00 p.m. Carolyn Berry

Pronghorn Jazz, Wine & Gourmet Foods Stage

12:00 p.m. Trio Brazil
2:00 p.m. Lino
4:00 p.m. Andy Warr

KPOV Locals Stage

11:00 a.m. Bare Roots
1:00 p.m. Andrew Cooper
3:00 p.m. Tim Moore Group

True North Parenting Kids Stage

11:00 a.m. Janelly Bean
12:00 p.m. Mother Goose
1:00 p.m. Skyler Kruger and Drew Costa
2:00 p.m. Heather Pearl
3:00 p.m. Wabi Sabi Tournament

Hope to see you at the Bank of Cascades Summer Festival in Downtown Bend,  we’ll be headed downtown Bend early afternoon with our walking shoes on.  The kids are ready for the excitement!

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