friday-sunday 8-10
Downtown is transformed this weekend into the festival grounds for the annual Summer Fest, which includes three days of music, fine art, craft vendors, food, drink and more. The music lineup includes a nice mix of local and touring acts, including Toad the Wet Sprocket, Night Ranger, Mosley Wotta, David Jacobs-Strain and plenty others. And did we mention that Night Ranger, the authors of "Sister Christian" are playing on Friday night? Oh, looks like we did, but it's worth saying twice. Downtown Bend.
Bend Metal Fest
friday 8
Like loud electric guitar, extreme band names, and the color black? Us, too. Five of Bend's top metal bands (Exfixia, Shovelbelt, Stillfear, Tentareign and Embrace the Fear) lay down head-banging riffs all night long. As an alternative for those who find the Summer Festival music a bit too quiet. All ages, $5 at the door. 7pm. Domino Room, 51 NW Greenwood.
Alison Krauss and Union Station
saturday 9
This ain't rough-around-the-edges bluegrass - this is the polished version. Alison Krauss and her all-star band, Union Station, have long been recognized as one of the sharpest acts in bluegrass. Their new hit single, "Paper Airplane," was recently picked by NPR listeners as one of the top-50 songs of 2011, proving the group is still at the forefront of the music industry. $62 for reserved seats, $39 G/A, all ages. 6:30pm. Les Schwab Amphitheater, 344 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr.
Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show
saturday 9
Here's a quick trivia question for you wiz kids out there: What city is home to the largest outdoor quilt show in the country? Answer: Sisters. For real! The sweet little cowboy town with a heart of gold and boots of steel is welcoming quilters (and 1,300 total quilts) from all over the nation this weekend of stitched greatness. 9:30am-5pm Saturday, Jul 9. Downtown Sisters.
Sagebrush Community Challenge/Scramble
saturday 10
While Summer Fest is underway downtown, you should take some time during the morning hours to get in on the Sagebrush Community Challenge, a city-wide scavenger hunt that will send you (and the kids, if you want) on a dash to find the prescribed destinations. Come ready to walk, run, read a map and get to better know this fair city. And even better, the event is part of Deschutes Brewery's ongoing Sagebrush Classic events to raise cash for a number of local charities. To register, visit sagebrush.org/communitychallenge. $20/adults; $10/kids ages 5-13; 4 and under free. 10am. Downtown Bend,
Sagebrush Street Fare
wednesday 13
Who doesn't like a street festival? Bend residents proved on July 4 that they will turn out en masse for a block party. Sagebrush Street Fare keeps the feeling alive with couches on the curb, street food, live music and lots of beer from Deschutes. $10 cover and first pairing of food/beer, $5 for each additional pairing. 6pm-10pm. Oregon St, Downtown Bend.
Mt. Everest Slide Show
monday 11
On May 21, Bend's Eric Plantenberg reached the world's highest point - the summit of Mt. Everest. Plantenberg will share his story and photos at this special presentation. Find out how he accomplished this feat and why. 6:30pm. Jackson's Corner, 845 NW Delaware Ave.
Poetry Slam
saturday 9
This daytime poetry slam will make one talented poet $100 richer. The other folks who come out to throw down some rhymes and knowledge will be vying for some other prizes, too. But here's the catch - this is a socially conscious event and your rhymes need to be focused on the topics of poverty or homelessness. Free. 1pm-3pm. Downtown Bend.
Renee De La Prade and The Accordion Babes
wednesday 13
We get a lot of mail here at the Source. You know, CDs, DVDs, press releases, hate mail, you know - the usual stuff. But a few weeks ago, we received a calendar featuring a different woman holding an accordion with each month. That calendar, of course, featured Renee De La Prade and the Accordion Babes and is currently the coolest thing we've ever received from the postman. But sexy/hilarious calendar aside, this act should prove to be one of the most entertaining shows in the history of McMenamins free show series. Free. All ages. 7pm. McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 NW Bond St.
