Arts & Culture in Central Oregon
Growth of the region over the past few decades has also brought an influx of new arts and cultural activities in addition to traditional community events held throughout the year. These activities include the performing and visual arts as well as special events for every taste. For more information, keep reading or link to Bend Visitors Association, the Central Oregon Visitors' Association (COVA), or go to COVA's Visitors Center located at 661 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 1301 in Bend's Old Mill District.
Performing Arts
When it comes to live performances, the word to remember in Central Oregon is “intimate” – top talent in a variety of genres have the region as a “must do” on their tours. Special annual festivals include the week-long Cascade Festival of Music in August which is preceded by the Sunriver Music Festival, and followed by the Sisters High Mountain Jazz Festival in September. Clear Central & Clear Summer Nights Concert Series run year round with top pop and jazz talent. For an eclectic mix of pop and world music and local cuisine, check out the free Munch & Music in downtown Bend’s beautiful Drake Park every Thursday night during the summer. Classical music enthusiasts will enjoy the Central Oregon Symphony, Obsidian Opera, Central Oregon Concert Band, and the Cascade Chorale – all which provide performances year-round.
The Les Schwab Ampitheater, an outdoor riverfront amphitheater, opened in the historic Old Mill District in 2001. The Amphitheater was named in honor Les Schwab, founder of Les Schwab Tire company, and the source of management inspirations for many Central Oregonians. The venue accommodates nearly 8,000 guest for concerts and other events in a casual outdoor setting. The Les Schwab Amphitheater has presented some of the biggest names in entertainment, from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Sheryl Crowe, from Coldplay to Willie Nelson. In summer, there are free concerts on Sunday and when the amphitheater is not being used for ticketed events, it is open to the public to enjoy the expanse of riverfront property along the Deschutes River.
A number of other small venue opportunities exist for live music including weekly “Jazz Nights” at Broken Top, old-time country/gospel at the Diamond B Chuck Wagon, live band performances at a number of restaurants and clubs, as well as a variety of big-star concerts throughout the year at the new 15,000 seat Deschutes Event Center at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds Expo Center.
Theatre lovers will enjoy Central Oregon Community College’s Fine Arts Department theatre performances as well as those by the Community Theatre of the Cascades which has been providing intimate live performances of classical, modern, and musical and dinner theatre since 1978. The opportunity is also available for classical ballet instruction and annual performances by the Central Oregon School of Ballet.
Cultural Events
In addition to the periodic opportunities to experience the arts, there are a number of quality special events in the Spring, Summer and Fall. For instance, Bend’s High Desert Western Arts Gathering houses traditional Cowboy poetry and song. If this type of entertainment is what you are looking for, there are a number of rodeos throughout the region, including Sisters, Madras, Prineville, and PRC events at the new $37 million Deschutes County Fairgrounds. Or check out the Bend or Redmond Summerfests featuring food, music and fine arts. In Madras, the big shindig of the year is the annual Collage of Culture which features the performing and fine arts from a variety of ethnic origins.
In reality, there are just too many events to mention (at least one or two every weekend!) so look up the Central Oregon Arts calendar or contact any one of the Chambers of Commerce in the region.
Fine Arts
Central Oregon’s outstanding livability has attracted a diverse and talented group of artists (photography, painting, sculpture, glass, etc.) who either reside or vacation here. Consequently, a vibrant gallery community is present throughout the region that caters both to tourists and residents (contact the Central Oregon Arts Association at (541) 317-9324 for more information). For those who appreciate the fine arts, First Friday Gallery Walk (April – December) in downtown Bend and Madras are popular monthly events. Numerous seasonal events such as the Confederated Tribes Artists Art Show, Starry Starry Night annual art benefit action, Bend Downtowners Art Hop, Redmond’s Walk the Art Beat, and the Sister’s Art Stroll.
In addition to the many events in the area, Arts Central is developing art throughout the communities in Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook Counties. The organization is providing leadership in public art projects, cultural tourism, technical assistance, marketing venues for artists and links to regional cultural partners.
Dining
Central Oregon, by all accounts, has one of the highest per capita rates of restaurants to residents of any place in the state. Outstanding dining can be found of any ethnicity, including Japanese, Italian, Thai, Chinese, Mexican, German, French, and a host of fine establishments specializing in Pacific Northwest cuisine. For a sampling of what the region has to offer, go to the Chambers of Commerce link on our pages and request a dining guide.
Museums
Discover the legends, treasures and natural legacy of Central Oregon at the High Desert Museum south of Bend, or celebrate the history of the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute Indian tribes a the Museum at Warm Springs – Central Oregon’s two largest museums.
Schools
We encourage you to visit the Education page within our Web site for further information on our educational opportunities, and the region’s quality schools.
In the Publications section, EDCO Profiles and Data - Demographic, Consumer Expenditure, and Business/Workforce from Oregon Prospector may be helpful.