After an idyllic day of play in Central Oregon, nothing’s better than diving into a night of great music. From national touring acts and trending new artists to Northwest favorites, our festivals have it all, each with its own flair and mountain-style fun that’s bound to make great memories.
In 2024, you’ll find everything from folk, dance-pop, roots and soul to rock, classical and more. It all happens with our backdrop of stunning landscapes, served up with culinary delights, craft beverages and a friendly atmosphere — the essence of Central Oregon.
Upcoming Music Festivals in 2024
No matter your favorite genre or performer, you’ll find plenty of great tunes this summer and fall. Here’s a breakdown of music festivals across Central Oregon in 2024.
Photo courtesy of Mt. Bachelor
RendezVan Festival – May 2024
RendezVan, Mt. Bachelor’s signature, free music festival, returns May 2-5, with a one-of-a-kind celebration that combines spring shredding, van-life culture, music, food and more.
It all unfolds with the ultimate backdrop — the stunning Cascade Mountains. The music lineup includes electronic-funk powerhouse The Floozies, the dance-pop of Robert DeLong, the kaleidoscopic sound of Saint Motel and rhythm-and-blues from The Dip. Plus, you’ll find DJs, a silent disco and pop-up live music across the mountain.
Navigate food trucks and bars, try your hand at axe-throwing, capture memories in a van photo booth, or chill with guided, slopeside yoga. Bring your pup and break out the best of your wardrobe for the beloved dog parade and Retro Threads Walk Off.
New this year are Daytripper VIP and Camper VIP options, too.
When: May 2-5, 2024
Where: Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Oregon
More Info: RendezVan.com
4 Peaks Music Festival — June
Celebrate the summer solstice weekend with world-class music featuring national, regional and local acts. With the Cascade Range for a backdrop, performances happen on multiple stages and bucolic, grassy fields, and all ages are welcome. There’s camping under the high desert stars, yoga with Nicole Baumann, Kidlandia, Silent Disco by Mobile Dance Party and activities throughout the weekend. Expect chill areas, too, and an abundance of local food and beverage offerings plus creative craft vendors.
The music lineup for the three days and nights of the event includes Neal Francis, Alo, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Southern Avenue, Diggin Dirt, Miko Marks, Tray Wellington, Ural Thomas and The Pain, Pixie and The Partygrass Boys, Magnolia Boulevard, Bon Bon Vivant and more.
When: June 20-23, 2024
Where: Stevenson Ranch in Bend, Oregon
More Info: 4 Peaks Music Festival official website
Photo credit: @johhnyfiverogers, lighting designer
Photo credit: @bigponderoo
Big Ponderoo Music Festival — June
Longing for the days when festival-going was simpler, more intimate, and accessible? Big Ponderoo is on a mission to stay true to homegrown roots — at the intersection of small-town charm and world-class live music for an unforgettable, warm, and personal experience.
Bring your own chair, grab a beer in less than 10 minutes, make friends with the people sitting around you, and have enough space to bust a move.
The lineup of outstanding Americana and bluegrass musical performances includes Shinyribs, Oliver Wood Trio, Silverada (Formerly Mike and The Moonpies), The Brothers Comatose, Bella White, Hogslop String Band, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, The East Pointers, Shadowgrass, The Sam Chase & The Untraditional, Skillethead, Skybound Blue, The Parnells, Fog Holler, Rock Ridge and Joanna Lee.
The venue is Village Green Park, with its shady, towering ponderosas in downtown Sisters. Stop in before or after the shows to unique shops and vibrant restaurants. Camping at the park is available for weekend-pass holders.
When: June 29-30, 2024
Where: Sisters, Oregon
More Info: Big Ponderoo Music Festival official website
Bend Summer Festival — July
The heart of Downtown Bend is transformed into a hub of artistic expression, cultural celebration, and community engagement with three days of live music on two stages. It all happens amidst diverse food offerings and a selection of beer, cider and spirits.
Tactics, the renowned Oregon-based skateboarding brand, injects some adrenaline with two thrilling days of action at their pop-up skate park. Family-friendly attractions include the Family Play Zone and the Kids Summer Sprint. The festival also presents the Bend Business Showcase, Oregon Lifestyle exhibits, and a Conscious Living Showcase. If you’re looking for accommodations to suit your style, from luxurious to rustic and family-friendly to romantic, here are our recommendations for some of the best places to stay in Bend and Central Oregon.
When: July 12-14, 2024
Where: Downtown Bend, Oregon
More Info: Bend Summer Festival official website and Bend Summer Festival event listing
Photo courtesy of Taylor Regulski
FairWell Festival – July 2024
One of the newest additions to Central Oregon’s music scene, the FairWell Festival comes roaring back this year with three days of nationally known artists, local libations and delicious fare-with-flair, July 19-21, 2024 at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds and Expo Center. Catch more than 36 performances in folk, blues, rock, country, and soul for nonstop fun.
The stellar 2024 lineup includes: Brandi Carlile, Billy Strings, Jason Isbell and the 400 unit, Caamp, The War and Treaty, Sierra Hull, LeAnn Rimes, Shakey Graves, Whiskey Myers, Black Pumas, The Revivalists, Colter Wall, Black Belt Eagle Scout and many more.
Beyond the shows unfolding on three stages, you can sip your way through local craft beer and wine offerings and savor fare from some of the region’s favorite restaurants and eateries. VIP and Platinum Tickets options elevate your experience with prime views, exclusive lounges, luxury amenities and more.
When: July 19-21, 2024
Where: Deschutes County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon
More Info: FairWell Festival official website and FairWell Festival event listing
Munch & Music – July-August 2024
Let your ears lead the way. Follow the sound of live music, and take a short stroll from downtown to Bend’s iconic Drake Park. There, along the banks of the Deschutes River shimmering in the early evening sun, Bend’s free Munch & Music festival plays out at an outdoor amphitheater. It’s the perfect spot to throw down a blanket or low-back chair for a night of fun tunes from some of the region’s favorite acts.
As for the munching part, local culinary vendors are on hand to satisfy a range of palates. Sip cold craft beer, wine and spirits from local brewers, vintners and distillers. Browse the booths of community artisans creations. The Kids Zone makes this a family night, too. Everyone’s welcome at this summer tradition in its 33rd season.
When: Thursday evenings July 11 through August 15
Where: Drake Park in Bend, Oregon
More Info: Munch & Music official website
Sunriver Music Festival – August 2024
Experience eclectic, world-class music with some of America’s finest musicians at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend and the historic Great Hall at Sunriver Resort, the award-winning destination property. The Sunriver Music Festival’s esteemed conductor, Maestro Brett Mitchell, leads world-class orchestra musicians and acclaimed soloists in a remarkable 47th season August 10-23.
Highlights include: classical concerts of music from Beethoven and Gershwin to Debussy and Mozart; a “Classical Elements” theme of music inspired by earth, water, fire and air; a 100th anniversary celebration of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”; A Tribute to Broadway & Film Music, and a “Discover the Symphony” concert for families.
Round out your trip with more fun and engaging goings on from our Sunriver events calendar.
When: August 10-23, 2024
Where: Tower Theatre in Bend and the Great Hall at Sunriver Resort in Sunriver
More Info: Official Sunriver Music Festival website
Bend Roots Revival – September 2024
This beloved, free, family friendly event showcases everything from singer-songwriters, blues, bluegrass, and country artists to hip-hop, jazz, reggae, funk, punk-rock, heavy metal and rock at stages throughout Bend.
Bend Roots created the festival to celebrate Central Oregon’s diverse musical creativity. Throughout the year, the organization hosts fun, interactive events such as the “Church of Neil” tribute show to Neil Young, and Grateful Dead tribute shows “Dead at the DOJ” and “A Grateful Evening,” hosted by the High Desert Music Hall in Redmond.
Excited to see what else is happening around the city? Check out our Bend calendar of events to get inspired for your next trip. And if you’re looking for a place to stay, here are some of our favorite hotel recommendations in Bend and across Central Oregon.
When: September 13-15, 2024
Where: Various venues throughout Bend, Oregon
More Info: Bend Roots Revival official website
Sisters Folk Festival – September 2024
Americana unfolds throughout the streets of this little mountain town filled with old-West style, and permeates its revered music festival, too. World-class, multi-genre music and the friendly local vibe make for an irresistible experience in an unforgettably picturesque setting.
High profile and lesser-known artists, songwriters, and bands perform on seven stages throughout town, from expansive tents to a historic church and courtyard venues of local restaurants. The 27th annual Sisters Folk Festival will feature more than 30 artists from around the world representing multiple genres of roots music including: Aoife O’Donovan, Hawktail, The Mammals, Fantastic Cat, Balla Kouyaté & Mike Block Band, Peter Mulvey, SistaStrings, Cris Jacobs, Kittel & Co, Jourdan Thibodeaux et Les Rôdailleurs, Kyshona, Melissa Carper, Luke Winslow-King & Roberto Luti, The Langan Band, Cassandra Lewis, San Miguel Fraser, Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves, Jenner Fox & Jeremy Elliott, and Glitterfox.
For more fun happenings around Sisters that will inspire your next visit, check out our Sisters calendar of events.
When: September 27-29, 2024
Where: Sisters, Oregon
More Info: Sisters Folk Festival website
Photo courtesy of Sisters Folk Festival
Cascade Equinox Festival – September 2024
Celebrate the autumn equinox with an immersive art and entertainment experience that is the Cascade Equinox Festival, at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Redmond.
This magical mashup mixes emerging musicians and veteran artists with performance art installations, live painters and a healing garden with a range of wellness offerings such as acupuncture, Thai massage and yoga. Locally inspired cuisine and local beer, wine, cider and libations fuel the fun. It’s family friendly, with free admission and activities for kids, too.
On-site tent camping makes it all feel like a pop-up city on 340 acres with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, lush trees and meandering creeks. Or, check out our round-up of RV parks and campgrounds in Central Oregon.
Ready to visit? See what else is happening around town with our Redmond calendar of events.
When: September 20-22, 2024
Where: Deschutes County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon
More Info: Cascade Equinox Festival official website
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