2008 Central Oregon events

Visitors to Sisters will want to venture out for the many exciting events that the greater Central Oregon region offers.

• Munch & Music offers free a series concerts at Drake Park in Bend on Thursdays from July 10 through August 14. Arts and crafts and food booths lining the park make for a nice evening stroll amid performances by national and regional recording artists.

This year's music offerings include world music, blues and Cajun music. Visit www.munchandmusic.com for more information.

• Each summer the skies over Bend are filled with 20-25 colorful balloons in the Liberty Bank Balloons Over Bend celebration of man’s most charming soaring device. This fantastic display of beauty and magic comes together over the skies of Bend on Friday-Sunday, June 6-8 at The Old Mill District.

The event features a Saturday sunrise balloon launch from Jewell Elementary School. Early risers are treated to a truly spectacular display as over 25 hot air balloons inflate and begin their float through the Central Oregon sky against the Cascades. 

Events continue at The Old Mill District with live music, a children’s area, kite flying and more. There will be a Street Art Exhibition featuring local and regional artists. Saturday evening the sky over The Old Mill District comes alive with the Night Glow. The balloons inflate at sundown and provide a spectacular show of colors and patterns against a magical night sky. More activities are scheduled for Sunday.

Visit www.balloonsoverbend.com for more information.

• The Deschutes County Fair in Redmond held Wednesday, July 30 through Sunday, August 3, is the largest county fair in Oregon. The event offers traditional fair fun such as rides and carnival games; live entertainment by nationally acclaimed bands; a rodeo and performances and presentations by local 4-H participants.

• The Les Schwab Amphitheater in Bend offers concerts by top acts through the summer. Visit www.bendconcerts.com.