Oregon Natural Desert Association Conference and Wild and Scenic Film Festival
thursday 20 and friday 21
How often do you think about the desert? Not enough we’re guessing. Now’s your chance to find out more about the landscape you live in. Sit next to desert experts, land managers and wilderness advocates at workshops and panels for two days of in-depth discussion on the most critical issues facing the deserts of Oregon. Conference activities will be held mostly during the day on Thursday and Friday. Check out onda.org/desertconference for more information. If you can’t get out of work, make sure to get yourself to the Wild and Scenic Film Festival starting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday night. Go to see beautiful places and be inspired. Old Stone Church, 157 NW Franklin Ave.
OSU-Cascades Impact on Education Town Hall Meeting
friday 21
It’s still all the rage—a four-year university in Bend. But exactly would a free-standing OSU-Cascades mean for education in Bend? How will Bend-La Pine Schools be affected? What about COCC? Come learn about the implications for education in the community from Bend-La Pine School District Superintendent Ron Wilkinson, COCC President Jim Middleton, and OSU-Cascades Vice President Becky Johnson. Sign-up at bendchamber.org. 7:30 a.m. Bend Golf & Country Club, 61045 Country Club Dr.
M. Ward
friday 21
Portland musician and producer Matt Ward may not be a household name in Bend, but his prolific studio work has established him as one of the more influential artists on the indie/Americana scene. Ward has been in the spotlight as of late for his collaboration with actress/artist/cutie Zooey Deschanel as She and Him, whose debut album Ward produced. For more on Ward, turn to page 17 to read our interview. Bonus! Eric D. Johnson of the Fruit Bats opens. All ages. $25.50/bendticket.com. 9 p.m. Domino Room, 51 NW Greenwood Ave.
Day of Play
saturday 22
Remember those glorious moments of elementary school called field days? This day of silly games and physical challenges is like that except now you get to drink beers after. Among the wacky and fun stuff happening in Riverbend Park this Saturday is archery, canoeing, a bicycle skills course, scooter races, a fitness challenge course, a soccer shootout, touch-a-truck, wheelchair basketball, water play, a giant chalkboard, a hoop shoot, and a football skills course. You might even be able to talk them into a sack race or two. Bring the whole family—live music and vendors also on site. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Riverbend Park, 799 SW Columbia St.
Project Connect
saturday 22
Dental care. Immunizations. Animal spaying and neutering. Haircuts. Legal Advice. Employment information. Hot meals. You’d be hard pressed not to find what you need most at Project Connect, an annual fair for the people of Central Oregon who are struggling to make ends meet. The event is in Redmond, but transportation from every city in CO is free. Visit projectconnectco.org. Free. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, 3800 SW Airport Way.
McMenamins Oktoberfest
saturday 22
A full day of beer, bratwurst and beats. While brothers Brian and Mike are best known for their Irish heritage, the McMenamins don’t hold back when it comes to this German-themed day of drinks and dancing. The event is family-friendly and includes plenty of food and entertainment, but the highlight is the music line-up that includes performances by the High Five Polka Band and up-and-comer Andy Frasco who dubs his horn-laden funk “party blues with a touch of barefoot boogie.” However, Americana icon Danny Barnes’ 4 p.m. appearance might just be the free show of the year. No cover. All ages. 1 p.m. McMenamins Old St. Francis, 700 NW Bond.
Ashton Eaton Parade of Olympians
sunday 23
Bend welcomes home former Mountain View standout and University of Oregon All American Ashton Eaton after his gold-medal winning performance in London. Eaton, who dominated the decathlon, will be joined by a host of other former Olympians from Bend. The event includes a downtown parade and a chance for kids to dash down Wall Street with the Olympic champion. Free. All ages. 1 p.m. Parade starts at Franklin Avenue and Bond Street.
George Winston
tuesday 25
With music ranging from lonely contemporary piano riffs to bouncing jazz-influenced solos, Winston has kept a vast audience of modern-classical enthusiasts entertained for decades. With sixteen albums under his belt, this Grammy-Award winning, multi-platinum-selling pianist is one of the more interesting entertainers to visit town this year. Tickets $29 at towertheatre.org. 7 p.m. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Bond St.
Candidates Forums
tuesday 25 and thursday 27
Deschutes County Commission candidates Alan Unger and Tom Greene will face off at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday at the Deschutes County State Building, 1300 NW Wall St. Later in the week six of the twelve candidates running for the Bend City Council will explain why they should lead the city. 5:15 p.m. Thursday Bend City Hall, 710 NW Wall St.
Rose's Pawn Shop
wednesday 26
These boys sound just right, if, like most of the free world, you happen to like banjos, guitars, mandolins, fiddle, bass and thundering drums. Gonna be a rollicking good time and it’s free! All ages. 7 p.m. McMenamins Old St. Francis School.
