A Guide to Live & Local Music in Bend

| Photo by  Isaac Montoya  |

Object Heavy  performing for the Apres Ski Bash series at Crow’s Feet Commons in 2018. 

In Bend, we are known to spend bundles of time connecting with nature in our extensive and diverse outdoors. Within 30 miles of downtown, one can almost endlessly explore the beauty of the Cascade Lakes Highway, enjoy skiing down the magnificent Mt Bachelor, or experience the world class climbing at Smith Rock State Park. But after day breaks and everyone heads back to town, you’ll find the community connecting indoors with each other over a locally brewed beer and some truly outstanding home-grown tunes! In addition to the nature of our topography, music is another medium that Central Oregon uses to express itself. Each performance is individual and unique in its own way – you can’t see the same show twice. Here is a local’s guide of where to go for a unique and memorable evening soaking up the soundscape of your favorite mountain town.

One of our favorite venues to catch some local and live music is at the  Volcanic Theatre Pub. There is a wide spectrum of genres to witness at the Volcanic – one night, you might be boppin’ about to the punk infused folky jams by local heroes  Larry and His Flask , and the next night, the Volcanic crew may break out the comfy sofas while Portland’s  Haley Johnsen  serenades you with her velvety, va va voom voice. If you are staying at The Pine Ridge Inn, enjoy the mile walk over to the Century Center, which houses the Volcanic as well as the good vibes of  GoodLife Brewing Company. Fuel up for the show with a flatbread and their signature Sweet As northwest ale before walking the 20 yards over to the Volcanic. Expect admission price to be between $5 and $12. Check out their  Event Calendar  to find your favorite musical flavor!

Pro Tip:  Follow Good Life’s  Facebook  //  Instagram  to stay in the loop of their concert series on the lawn during sunny summer months.

Staying true to the funky McMenamins brand, Bend’s St. Francis location is a quirky campus that offers quality free concerts in  Father Luke’s Room. Shows are usually scheduled Tuesday’s through Thursday’s and feature some lively local acts, like the young and funky  Maxwell Friedman , or Portland’s  Jerry Garcia Birthday Band , for all of you Dead-Head’s out there. Arrive early with swim trunks and a towel for a pre-show soak in the  Saltwater Spa , then rinse off and grab a beer at the  Fireside Bar  before heading in for the music.

Pro Tip:  If you’re feeling adventurous,  follow the blue lights  after the show to unwind with a custom cocktail in the secret bar, The Broom Closet.

The Lot  is a hip gathering place surrounded by food carts and some friendly, Bend-y neighborhoods. If you brought along your guit-fiddle and are itching to play, come down to The Lot on Wednesday night for Open Mic where you can share your voice and bare your soul to the mob on The Lot! If it isn’t Wednesday (or you aren’t feeling particularly brave), head on down the rest of the week for some mellow, easy listening to compliment the easy drinking  Crux Pilsner  on tap behind the bar. Also, reference our recent  blog post  highlighting the best food carts in town for recommendations on how to navigate The Lot and narrow down the tough decision on which cart to choose.

Pro Tip:  If carts aren’t your thing, grab a bite and a pint across the street at  Sunriver Brewing , who offers the best food you can get at a Bend brewery – which is no small feat considering the stiff competition in town.

This list would not be complete without  M&J Tavern. M&J has truly taken local music in Bend under its wing, supporting an abundance of artists with a space to perform, and connecting them with their listeners through the love of music. Locals and agave enthusiasts choose M&J for this reason as well as their staggering 243 bottle tequila selection! With multiple bands playing on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights (and an open mic on Wednesdays) it seems that in a given year, you would have as much choice and variety in bands as you would tequilas. Experiencing music at this homey little tavern (complete with a laundromat) is always a unique, one of a kind time.

Pro Tip:  You can find  Silver Moon Brewery ,  The Domino Room , and  Midtown Ballroom on the next block east, towards the Parkway overpass. Just follow your ears – this NE slice of Downtown Bend offers live music most nights of the week.

Well, that’s the scoop on live and local music here in Bend. One last thing – we are proud to have two drummers in the scene and on our Pine Ridge payroll. If jazz and funk are your cup of tea, listen out for their beats in  The Same Coin  &  Soul Providers. We hope you enjoy the tasty tunes of our town!

Ready to move and groove?  Book a Stay  at the Pine Ridge Inn for welcoming service, large and comfortable rooms, and an unbeatable location close to these outstanding music venues.

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