Summer is fast approaching, which means the start of music festival season around Bend and Central Oregon—when up-and-coming acts, regional favorites, and national touring artists alike descend on the region for multi-day extravaganzas full of good music and memorable experiences.
And in 2023, visitors to Central Oregon can hear everything from folk and soul in Sisters restaurants to country legends and rock stalwarts at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Redmond. Many of these exciting events, meanwhile, pair the performances with local cuisine, craft beer, and wine—creating an only-in-Central Oregon experience that showcases the best of the region.
Upcoming Music Festivals in 2023
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 2023.
FairWell Festival – July 2023
New to the Central Oregon music scene this year is the FairWell Festival, taking place July 21-23, 2023, at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds and Expo Center. The event brings together national musicians and local libations for three days of non-stop fun.
In all, 36 blues, folk, rock, and country artists will perform on three stages—with a star-studded lineup that includes Willie Nelson & Family, Sheryl Crow, Trampled By Turtles, Gary Clark Jr., Band of Horses, and Morgan Wade.
Beyond the shows, fans can also enjoy local craft beer and wine, as well as flavorful fare from some of the region’s favorite restaurants and eateries.
When: July 21-23, 2023
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 2023
Munch & Music zigs where other music festivals zag, trading a few days of performances for nearly two months of weekly sets from regional acts along the Deschutes River in Bend.
The free festival takes place on Thursdays at Drake Park, a short walk from downtown Bend, and showcases much of what makes the area so special: Regional musicians (such as Storm Large and Precious Byrd) perform upbeat sets while attendees enjoy fresh fare from on-site food carts, sip crisp craft beer from local producers, and browse works from local artisans at booths throughout the park.
When: Thursday evenings throughout July and August 2023
Where: Drake Park in Bend, Oregon
More Info: Munch & Music official website
Sunriver Music Festival – August 2023
Every summer, the Sunriver Music Festival brings some of the country’s top artists to Central Oregon for nearly two weeks of classical concerts, pops performances, solo piano shows, and other engaging events.
Led by artistic director and conductor Brett Mitchell, the Sunriver Music Festival’s orchestral musicians will showcase their talents at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend and the historic Great Hall at Sunriver Resort—one of many epic destination resorts throughout the region. In all, the performances will highlight the work of acclaimed soloists, introduce fans to orchestral music, and showcase pieces by Brahms, Mahler, and other legendary composers.
After you’ve booked your trip, see what else is going on around the community with our Sunriver events calendar.
When: August 4-17, 2023
Where: Tower Theatre (Bend) and the Great Hall at Sunriver Resort (Sunriver)
More Info: Official Sunriver Music Festival website
Bend Roots Revival – September 2023
Celebrate the creativity and artistry of Central Oregon musicians with Bend Roots Revival, a weekend-long festival that showcases roughly 100 acts and workshops across numerous stages in the heart of Bend. Those musicians, largely acts on the come up, perform a bit of everything—including funk, jazz, bluegrass, folk, blues, and rock.
The free Bend music festival is put on by Bend Roots, which offers a series of art and music events throughout the year—including Church of Neil (a tribute show to Neil Young) and Dead at the Doj (where performers pay tribute to the Grateful Dead).
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 15-17, 2023
Where: Various venues throughout Bend, Oregon
More Info: Bend Roots Revival official website
Cascade Equinox Festival – September 2023
Another new festival in 2023 is the Cascade Equinox Festival, taking place during the autumn equinox at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Redmond.
The community-minded festival features a mix of emerging musicians and veteran acts, locally inspired cuisine from regional chefs, a relaxing common area (serving local beer, wine, cider, and cocktails), children’s activities, interactive art pieces, a self-care station that offers acupuncture and Thai massage (among other services), arts and crafts from local vendors, on-site tent camping, and more for a truly immersive experience. (If you’d rather camp on your own, 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 22-24, 2023
Where: Deschutes County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon
More Info: Cascade Equinox Festival official website
Sisters Folk Festival – September-October 2023
Over the years, the Sisters Folk Festival has earned as much praise for its notable performers as the variety of its venues—essentially, just about anywhere musicians can play shows in the Old West-inspired community.
At the end of every September, the three-day festival showcases dozens of artists on seven stages around Sisters—including the Sisters Art Works art center, the bucolic Village Green Park, and several intimate eateries (including the historic Sisters Saloon & Ranch Grill). Musicians range from local performers to national touring acts, with genres including acoustic rock, jazz, bluegrass, and Cajun-influenced zydeco; performers in 2023 include John Craigie, Katie Pruitt, Darlingside, and another dozen or so acts.
In addition to boot-stomping live shows, the Sisters Folk Festival rounds out its offerings with question-and-answer sessions, workshops, and other unique events.
The festival is one of many fun happenings around Sisters; get inspired for your next visit with our Sisters calendar of events.
When: September 29-October 1, 2023
Where: Sisters, Oregon
More Info: Sisters Folk Festival website
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