The growing city of Redmond sits about 18 miles north of Bend in the heart of Central Oregon—and is beloved for offering visitors a captivating mix of natural attractions, home-grown parks, a blossoming arts scene, and enjoyable community-minded events.
Best of all: You can enjoy all those attractions in Redmond, Oregon, for the low, low price of free.
That’s right: Free sites and events across Redmond offer plenty of fun for budget-minded travelers—or those simply curious about connecting with the community in a variety of creative ways.
Here’s a breakdown of the many ways you can enjoy Redmond on a shoestring budget:
Keep reading for a round-up of free things to do in Redmond, Oregon.
Outdoor Adventures
Redmond sits surrounded by dusty canyons, colorful rock formations, and the crystal-clear Deschutes River—making it ground zero for all manner of outdoor activities that don’t cost a dime.
Get started at Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint, which sits along the Deschutes River less than five miles west of downtown Redmond. The quiet park offers the chance to kick back with a picnic and a hiking trail that heads to the park’s namesake waterfall; Cline Falls is about 20 feet wide and drops over a rocky shelf in the river. Learn more about visiting Cline Falls State Park to make the most of your next trip.
Right in town, Dry Canyon Trail invites hikers to follow a rocky gorge in the heart of Redmond. The gently graded path, which is dog-friendly, totals about 7.8 miles (round-trip).
Finally, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Smith Rock State Park. The park is among the most popular outdoor adventures anywhere in Central Oregon, but Oregon State Parks charges a $5 day-use fee per vehicle—making it one of the best cheap things to do around Redmond. So while it’s not technically free, Smith Rock State Park nevertheless offers incredible hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and wildlife-watching opportunities amidst khaki-colored rock formations and along the banks of the Crooked River. Note that admission is free with an annual Oregon State Parks pass. For more, check out our guide to climbing in Central Oregon.
Public Parks and Recreation
More than two-dozen city parks sprawl across Redmond, offering playgrounds, picnic tables, and other family-friendly offerings in bucolic settings.
One of the most popular is Sam Johnson Park, which sits just west of downtown Redmond and hosts tennis and pickleball courts, walking trails, picnic tables, and the expansive Hope Playground—the state’s largest inclusive playground.
Quince Park is another community institution. The neighborhood park offers a pair of creative playground areas—each designed for different age groups—as well as picnic tables, a pavilion for group gatherings, and walking and cycling paths.
American Legion Community Park sits just west of downtown and reflects the city’s character with a rock wall for growing climbers, access to the Dry Canyon Trail, a fun playground, and an amphitheater where local musicians perform in summer.
Cultural Sites
For most of Redmond’s modern history, the community’s economy has largely revolved around farming and ranching. And while those industries remain regional pillars today, a creative culture has emerged in recent years—giving rise to public art displays, downtown art walks, and more.
The city’s First Friday Art Walk invites visitors to view exhibits and galleries while mingling with local artists around downtown Redmond. Nearly a dozen venues take part in the monthly event, which runs on the first Friday of each month between April and December; there, you’ll find sculptures, paintings, woodwork, and more.
If you’re looking for other public art displays, check out two stops around Redmond that showcase massive paintings as part of the Central Oregon Mural Trail.
Learn more about fun things to see and do when you visit Redmond, Oregon.
Local Festivals and Events
Budget-friendly festivals and free events offer exciting ways to enjoy all that makes Redmond so special.
One summertime highlight is the Music on the Green outdoor concert series, held at Sam Johnson Park between late June and Labor Day weekend; the series includes performances from up-and-coming artists, as well as food, drinks, and crafts from local vendors.
The Redmond Farmers Market is another popular stop that shows off the best of the region. Open on Fridays between June and September, the market takes place in the city’s Centennial Park. There, visitors can browse locally grown produce, peruse crafts from regional artists, sample fresh food, and more.
If you’re looking for other ideas, check out our Redmond calendar of events—which includes live music, markets, art walks, and other fun things to do in Redmond, Oregon.
Other stories
More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.
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