Memorial Day in Sunriver

Will you be spending Memorial Day in Sunriver? Great! We’ve got a list of local happenings for you. Whether you want to hang out up at the mountain, walk through nature or spend some time down in the Village at Sunriver, you’ll find something that fits.

Saturday, May 26th:

Saturday Bird Walks at the Sunriver Nature Center: Head out to the Sunriver Nature Center and Oregon Observatory on Saturday with Tom Lawler, expert local birder and nature photographer to discover the habitats of local birds. On this walk, you will be introduced to a variety of species that are found in the wetlands, meadows and forests that surround the Nature Center. Bring your binoculars and a bottle of water and wear some comfortable walking shoes. Expect to see lots and to walk approximately three to four miles along different trails. Do not bring a stroller or dog please. This walk is from 8:30am – 10:30am. Early registration is encouraged and will cost $5.

Kids Day in May at the Village at Sunriver: After you finish your nature walk, get the kiddos ready for some fun and games in the village. From 11am – 4pm the Village at Sunriver will be hosting a variety of activities for all ages. Visit the petting zoo or jump until you can’t jump any longer in the inflatable bounce houses. Test your hands and feet at climbing the rock wall and fuel the adventure with some cotton candy. The event is free for all, activities cost $1 each. To top the day off, portions of the proceeds benefit nonprofit organizations in South Deschutes County.

Stargazing at the Oregon Observatory at Sunriver: Why not end the day with a full circle. Head back over to the Sunriver Nature Center and Oregon Observatory for some stargazing once the sun drops. From 8pm – 10pm, the observatory will open their doors to the public and offer guided constellation tours and expert assistance. There’s no better place to view the night sky than the Oregon Observatory at Sunriver. They will open for night viewing on Saturday nights only in April & May so mark your calendars. And of course, it is weather dependent. Admission for Evening Program is $10 for adults, and $8 for children under 12.

Snow Beach at Mt. Bachelor: If you’re more interested in heading up to the mountains than staying around the village, Mt. Bachelor has got just the thing for you. 10 Barrel Snow Beach is a fun-filled couple of hours with all of the games you love to play at the beach, but the games are bigger, better…. and, in the snow! Play some GIANT cornhole or croquet. Participate in the dunk tank and so much more! There will be games, beer and live music. Just head up to the West Village Base Area and you won’t  be able to miss this fun filled event.

Sunday, May 27th:

Dog Day in May at the Village at Sunriver: Did you bring your doggie with you? Great, here’s an adventure that you and your bud will definitely want to experience together. The Village at Sunriver is hosting Dog Day in May on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. Enter the Bark of Life 5k Poke Dog Walk/Run in the morning, followed by dog focused events in the village all day. Does your dog have some unique tricks or great talents? Enter him into the amateur dog talent contest! There will also be lots of dog related vendors offering canine products and services.

Memorial Day in Sunriver is special for lots of reasons. Take advantage of the events in the area, plan your own adventures your way, or enjoy the awesome deck and BBQ at your Village Properties vacation rental. Stock up on some traditional BBQ food, soak up some relaxation and make some memories!

Still planning your Memorial Day adventures? Let us help. Call our team of Sunriver experts today.

What to do on a rainy day in Sunriver

So, you traveled to Sunriver for vacation and it’s raining? While it’s a rare occurrence around here, it does sometimes rain. So, what to do with a rainy day in Sunriver? Head inside for a couple of hours while those drops pass by and keep the play going.

Below, we share our 5 favorite things to do in Central Oregon when the weather insists on sending you inside.

Read on for your rainy day in Sunriver activities:

1. Live Laugh Love Art – From painting a wood sign, a canvas or pottery to glass fusing, this shop offers lots of indoor fun, perfect for a rainy day in Sunriver. Located in building 23 at the Village at Sunriver, Live Laugh Love Art offers creative fun for all ages. No appointments necessary, just drop in and choose your activity. Guests of Village Properties at Sunriver receive a free fountain drink with any activity. Grab some candy and a drink and let the creative juices flow until that rain passes.

2. Sunriver Brewing Company – While the rain pours, why not let a beverage and some super yummy food put your mind at ease. With a well-stocked play area for the little ones, an extensive drink and food menu, you won’t find this stop disappointing at all. Very close to Live Laugh Art Love, this brewery is located in building 4 at the Village at Sunriver. If you enjoy craft beer and good food, make sure to stop here. We recommend a Vicious Mosquito IPA and some General Tso’s Cauliflower!

3. SunriverVR Virtual Reality Arcade – Many folks I know have always wanted to try it but haven’t taken the time. A rainy day in Sunriver is the perfect time to try out virtual reality. Walk on the bottom of the ocean, stand in the cosmos, Virtually go anywhere in the world, meet a whale, hunt dinosaurs, battle zombies, defend your castle gate, play fetch with “Mono” your robotic dog, be a noble knight, use a light saber, fight with your favorite music, create 3D art, be the Bridge Crew of a Starship, use a jet pack and fly thru the city putting out fires, walk the plank 40 stories up, race cars, fly spaceships, shoot down drones, save the world… there are over 200 mind-blowing games and experiences to choose from, with 5-10 new added every day. You’re on Vacation – Try Something New.

4. The High Desert Museum – Learn about the history of Central Oregon as you take a journey through time in the museum’s immersive exhibits. Experience whichever exhibit is on during your stay with the ever-changing exhibit. The museum has 12 new exhibits each year. Learn about some local animals at the Birds of Prey or the Otter exhibits. Swing through the museum cafe and gift shop for snacks and souvenirs. By the time your day is done, you’ll have forgotten that rain tried to dampen your vacation and feel thankful for the new plan!

5. SHARC – If your days plans included SHARC, don’t let the rain push you away. The pools typically stay open in the rain, and the water is quite warm. If you’re swimmers are feeling brave and still want to take that plunge, we say do it! If the weather has forced the outdoor pools closed, you’ll still have the option to visit the indoor pools. Remember that many of the Village Properties vacation rental homes include complimentary SHARC passes adding a huge value to your vacation home rental!

Remember that our friendly Sunriver experts are on hand from 8-5, 7 days per week to help you plan your stay. We can help you find the perfect vacation rental, plan out your activities and so much more. If you’d like to map out your adventures before arriving, there is no need to spend hours online researching the best activities for your vacation. We’ve got the best local activities and adventures right here, in one place! Be sure to check it out!

Day Trip – Hike the Fall River Trail

Are you looking for a hike that is close to Sunriver? Perhaps you need a trail that is kid-friendly. Then this is the hike you are looking for. The Fall River Trail is great for those of all skill levels.

I recently walked this trail with my 4 year old and 4 month old sons. My 4 year old strapped on his helmet, hopped onto his Strider bike and cruised on down the trail, no problem. We fell behind a bit, as I unfolded the stroller and secured the car seat in, but easily caught up once moving. The well-maintained trail is quite easy with a stroller. Take note that as you begin descending, the trail feels a bit narrow and slightly slanted (while pushing a stroller). Don’t let that scare you away, however, the rest is very doable.

To get here, drive out of Sunriver and, at the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto S. Century Drive. Turn left onto S. Century Drive after .6 miles. After 3.1 miles, turn right to stay on S. Century Drive. Drive up this road for 7.8 miles and you will see a parking area on the left. Park here and you will see the trail to the right of the parking area. It’s quite easy to find and so worth it!

Once you park, you’ll notice a winding and strikingly clear river below. This is the Fall River. It’s breathtaking in its beauty and temperature. This is not the water you’ll want to jump into on a hot summer day, but it is sure lovely to look at.

Fall River Trail - Sunriver OregonAs you weave along the trail, you’ll be able to enjoy the sights and smells of the red bark on the toweringPonderosas all around you, hear the birds chirping and the squirrels rattling the leaves as they race each other through the forest. If you are lucky, you may even spot a deer along the trail. The trail does parallel the highway in some spots, but it is far enough away that the occasional car does not intrude on your nature experience.

Fall River Trail - Sunriver OregonRemember your snacks or pack a picnic. There are some off-shoots of the trail that lead to the river banks with some flat dry areas for sitting and enjoying the sound of the water streaming by. If your young ones want an additional challenge, give them a list of treasures to find.

Our list went as follows:

  • A full pinecone
  • An eaten pinecone
  • A stick with a purpose (a walking stick, or one that resembles a wand or a sword… pretty easy, eh?)
  • A stick with moss attached
  • A smooth rock
  • A lava rock
  • Trash x 3
note: Here’s some good news. We couldn’t find a single piece of trash. We brought the amount to find down to 1 to make it easier. Still nothing. We ended up tossing a wrapper from our snacks next to us so that our son felt like he completed the list. (Don’t tell him!)
  • BONUS: A deer (we were not fortunate enough to spot one on this outing)

Overall, this was such a nice hike. It even rained on us a bit, but we didn’t mind. We felt sheltered by the forest and revitalized by our hike and time together.
If you are planning a trip to Central Oregon soon, be sure to check out our list of vacation rentals. From any of these, you’ll be close to this trail and SO much more!

Kid-Friendly Activities in Sunriver That Help Parents Relax

There are lots of kid-friendly activities in Sunriver. There is ice-skating in the village in the winter and bumper cars and mini golf in the summer. These Pavilion activities are a must when visiting the area. Another must-do and well-known kid-friendly activity in Sunriver is the SHARC. Most of our homes come with complimentary SHARC passes for your whole crew so the kids can swim to their hearts content.

But, what about that last day or two? The kids have hit the Pavilion activities and their skin has become pruned from all the swimming at SHARC. We know that feeling. Mom and dad are feeling the need for a bit of rest outside of entertaining the little ones. Here are a couple of ideas that will please the kids and give the adults a moment of peace.

Crafting in the Village!

Live Laugh Love ArtLive, Laugh, Love, Art in the Sunriver Village offers classes and activities galore for the whole family. Choose a square or rectangle pallet and a design to paint your own wood sign to take home. If you prefer the more traditional route, the store offers blank canvases for you to paint a masterpiece. You may also choose from ready-to-paint pottery. Tons of options like mugs, plates, tiles and more are waiting for you to pick up and glaze. The store has quick kiln firing so you can take your piece home the same day. If painting a project doesn’t sound like it’s for you, then choose the glass-fusing project. Piece beautiful glass together to be fired and fused into one complete piece. Projects like night-lights, votives, coasters and more are ready to go. Mom and Dad, set the kids up with a project, grab a beer or a glass of be sure to check out the gallery of projects that are for sale in the store. When the kiddos finish flexing their creative muscles, treat them to a soda at the old-fashioned soda bar. Village Properties at Sunriver guests take advantage of 10% off of fountain drinks with any art activity! To soak up this fun, visit Building 23 in the Village at Sunriver. No appointments are necessary, stop in any time and create!

Enjoy a Brew and Have a Conversation!

Beer service at SR Brewing. Take the kids to play while you kick your feet up! Sunriver Brewing has a kid-friendly play area.

You may have walked past the awared-winning Sunriver Brewing Co. a few times during your stay. You probably chose to not stop due to having the kids with you and the word “Brewery” being in the name. Fear not, this is not only a kid-friendly restaurant, kids are welcome with open arms. Walk on into the restaurant and you’ll see plenty of tables, a bar for those that want to belly-up and chat with the friendly staff and… yes, a play area for the little ones. Ask your host/hostess to seat you near the area and you won’t see your kids again until you have to pry them away from the toys. Mom and dad, grab a brew and some nachos and enjoy a full and uninterrupted conversation!

Spring in Sunriver – Part 2

With the mild winter we’ve experienced in central Oregon this year, we just can’t stop thinking about Spring. Blue skies, comfortable temperatures and longer days are giving us spring fever. That said, here are some more super fun ideas for your spring adventure in Sunriver.

Mountain Biking

There are tons of amazing mountain biking trails in central Oregon. A favorite for us locals is Phil’s Trail. This trail, located just outside of Sunriver, is a system of over 100 miles of interwoven trails. The trails vary from beginner to advanced difficulty levels. Not only is this trail a local favorite, but it’s I one of the most popular in the Pacific Northwest. Find directions from Sunriver here.

Another great ride is the Deschutes River Trail. You may choose to do a portion of the trail or ride the entire thing from Sunriver to Bend or vice versa. With views of lava flows, the Deschutes River and the chance to spot some wildlife, you won’t be disappointed with this ride. There are several access points. Check here for more. Spring bike riding in the area is not to be missed

Mt Bachelor

One of our favorite things about central Oregon is that you can take advantage of all that Mt. Bachelor has to offer through the spring! Ski, snowboard or check out the tubing hill through Memorial Day weekend. There are also some cool events to check out up there through the spring. Check out our other blog post about spring to check those out.

Floating the river

Down in the lower elevations we won’t be waiting for snow to melt to begin those summer-like adventures. Check out some of our favorite favorite local floats for fall here. Though this post was meant for fall, these floats are wonderful in the spring and any time of the year.

Marathons and races

For you runners, Central Oregon has lots of marathons all year long. In March, don’t miss out on the family friendly March Mudness right here in Sunriver. Later in the spring head to Bend for the Salmon Run 10k or 5k runs.

Your A-Z List of Things To Do In Sunriver

There is no shortage of things to do in Sunriver, but it can be difficult to find all of the amazing activities and sights. That’s where our A-Z guide comes in. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of things to do in Sunriver that is sure to keep you busy no matter how long your stay is!

YR = Year Round
Sp = Spring
S = Summer
F = Fall
W = Winter

Art (YR) – From roundabout art in Bend, to a plethora of art galleries throughout the area, there is not shortage of unique and local art to be enjoyed in Sunriver and beyond.

Beer/Breweries (YR) – Known as “Beertown USA”, Bend and the surrounding communities are a hot spot for beer lovers. With well over 20 breweries and counting, the area is home to some of the best beers in the nation. Beer is such an attraction in the area that there is even a Brewery passport you can work on filling up with the Bend Ale Trail. As a guest of Village Properties at Sunriver, you will receive a discount to the Bend Brew Bus, a service that will take you and your crew to breweries in the area.

Cross Country Skiing (W) – Take in scenes that you can only see in the Deschutes National Forest. Cross Country Skiing is a peaceful and rewarding activity that is available at the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center or from any of the areas many Sno-Parks.

Dog Sledding (W) – Central Oregon is home to Oregon Trail of Dreams, owned by Rachael Scdoris, her husband Nick and her father, Jerry. Rachael is a world-renowned athlete and had her first Iditarod finish in 2006. Stay warm in the sled while a real dog sled team takes you on an unforgettable winter adventure.

Elevation (YR) – With the Cascade mountains nearby, you can easily gain some elevation in Central Oregon. In the winter, see some epic views and speed down the mountain from the top of Mt. Bachelor on the Summit Express lift. In the summer, Mt. Bachelor offers scenic chairlift rides on the Pine Marten Lift. From mid-mountain you’ll be able to see some breathtaking views. Or, head up in the evening for dinner at the Pine Marten Lodge with sunset views.

Floating the Deschutes (Sp, S, F) – When the days are long and warm, visitors and locals alike love floating the Deschutes River. There are several great spots to put-in throughout Central Oregon. We share just a few of many ideas here.

Golf (Sp, S, F) – With more than two-dozen golf courses, Central Oregon is a must-visit destination for golf-enthusiasts. Be sure to visit a nearby course on your stay, or even plan an entire vacation surrounding golf. As a guest of Village Properties at Sunriver, you will receive discounts at a select few courses in the region.

High Desert Museum (YR) – Discover the natural world and cultural history of the West’s High Desert through artful exhibits, alluring animals, engaging programs and meaningful history at the High Desert Museum. Open all year, this is a fantastic activity for the whole family.

Ice Skating (W) – Ice skating is a necessary family tradition in the winter. The Village at Sunriver offers a newly remodeled Ice arena for this activity. With skate rentals and even a viewing area for those that don’t want to brave the ice, you won’t be sorry you chose this activity.

Jazz (F, W) – Jazz at the Oxford, that is. Currently in its 8th year, Jazz at the Oxford brings world-class artists to the area over 5 separate weekends in the fall and winter. Enjoy fine dining and incredible music in a tranquil setting.

Kayak (Sp, S, F) – With the Deschutes River and too many gorgeous lakes to count, kayaking is a favorite activity in the Sunriver area. If you are visiting and want to try a kayak out, Village Properties guests will receive a discount on kayak and gear rentals at some great local businesses.

Lakes (Sp, S, F) – If kayaking isn’t your cup of tea, simply visiting the lakes for some photo opps is still necessary if you’re in Sunriver. The high mountain lakes are stunning and often make you feel as if you’re standing in a postcard.

Mt. Bachelor (YR) – Mt. Bachelor has an activity for every season. From biking, hiking, site-seeing or disc golf in the warmer months to skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, sled dog rides, snowblast tubing and more in the winter, you will find an activity for everyone up at the mountain.

Nature Center (YR) – A non-profit and educational organization, the Sunriver Nature Center offers hands-on activities, programs and exhibits that will keep the kiddos engaged and interested in the natural world.

Oregon Observatory (YR) – Your gateway to an expanding world of information and natural sciences. The Oregon Observatory at Sunriver offers daytime and nighttime viewing options as well as lots of programs and special events. Be sure to check with the Village Properties staff to see if we can offer you any special deals.

Paddle (Sp, S, F) – As mentioned in the Kayak section above, there are tons of options for paddling your kayak, canoe or even a paddleboard. Regardless of which method of paddling you choose, it’s worth doing while visiting the area. Check out your options at Good 2 Go Food and Fun or Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe. Both great companies will offer guests of Village Properties at Sunriver great discounts.

Quiet (YR) – Picture the snow falling outside and all you hear is the crackling of a fire in your vacation rental. Imagine lying on the shore of the Deschutes River and all you can hear is the water streaming by you, some birds chirping and a light breeze in the trees. No matter what time of year you visit, you’re sure to find some peace and quiet to help you relax and rejuvenate.

Relax (YR) – Sunriver and the surrounding areas offer beauty, nature and more to help you feel rested. Whether you go out for a long walk in the forest, a dreamy paddle on the river or a speedy ride down the mountain on your skis, you’re sure to feel a sense of rejuvenation after visiting the area. If a massage or pedicure sounds more appealing, be sure to check out Sage Springs.

Sledding (W) – There are plenty of winter activities that we could mention here. We chose sledding because it’s an activity that is truly fun for the whole family. Especially at Wanoga Sno-Park.

Tubing (W) – Sno-blast tubing is the name and Mt. Bachelor is the place to go to experience an 800 foot ride, full of rollers. Fun for all ages!

Unplug/Unwind (YR) – Why not come to Central Oregon for a true escape. Come to the quiet, relax and unplug. Turn the phone off and don’t look at your laptop. Instead, bring a book, kick up your feet and let the unwinding begin. Check out Sage Springs, a local club and spa to reserve a massage and/or a pedicure to help you out.

Visit (YR) – So, you came to Central Oregon with your family. Maybe it’s not the best time to unplug. But, it’s the perfect time to visit. Take the time to reconnect with those that you’re with. Walk in nature and just be together. Bond over a cup of coffee while watching the deer stroll through the forest. Visiting with those that you love while in Sunriver is easy.

Walk/Bike (YR) – No matter what Mother Nature is offering you, the miles of paved trails in Sunriver offer endless options for walking and biking. Many of our vacation rentals are in close proximity to the Village at Sunriver and other attractions. The paved trails of Sunriver offer you walking or biking as an option for getting around.

EXplore (YR) – Sunriver and the surrounding areas offer an endless amount of options for exploring. From lakes and rivers to caves and mountains. From the forest and hiking trails to fishing and sightseeing, the options are never-ending. Be sure to check with the Village Properties staff if you have any questions about our area. Our staff is local and very knowledgeable about the area and all it has to offer.

Yoga (YR) – In Sunriver, Sage Springs offers Yoga classes all year round. This beautiful club and spa will not disappoint. Or, grab your mat and take a short walk to enjoy some yoga on your own out in nature.

Zesty food (YR) – There is no shortage of dining options in Sunriver. The area is home to several talented chefs that share their expertise with many tasty restaurants. Remember, Village Properties at Sunriver guests will receive discounts to some of these local restaurants.

Plan your Sunriver Valentine’s Getaway

February 14th is right around the corner and now is the time to plan a romantic Sunriver Valentine’s getaway for you and your loved one. Read on for just a few ideas for you and your loved one to up the romance level on your trip.

Stay in:

Be sure you reserve one of our romantic vacation homes that has a hot tub. Don’t forget a bottle of champagne. With a soak under the stars and a glass of bubbly, you have one night of your getaway planned already.

Go out dancing:

On Valentine’s Day night treat your sweetheart to a romantic date in Sunriver with dinner and a concert at the Sunriver Great Hall. The Sunriver Music Festival presents Patrick Lamb and band for live music and dancing as well as a hosted happy hour and a gourmet meal, all in a beautiful setting. The cost is $80 per person and reservations are required.

An intimate dinner:

For an even more romantic dinner in Sunriver without the music and dancing, consider Marcello’s Cucina Italiana. Offering contemporary and traditional Italian food, with a Northwest twist in a cozy setting, your palate and your partner will be very pleased. As another perk, Marcello’s will offer you a discount as a guest of Village Properties at Sunriver.

An adventure:

For those adventurers, how about going out for a nighttime snowshoe tour that ends with a bonfire on the snow. Wanderlust Tours is offering this spectacular tour on Valentine’s Day evening as well as throughout the following weekend. Relax near a glowing bonfire while enjoying sweet treats and warm drinks after a rewarding snowshoe hike through the quiet forest. This will surely be a night to remember. Guests of Village Properties receive a discount with Wanderlust Tours.

The Bend Ale Trail Beer Tour

October 27th is American Beer Day. October is also the month when folks start to consider activities that may keep them indoors a bit more. With that in mind, we want to tell you about the Bend Ale Trail Beer Tour.

Here’s What You Need to Know About the Bend Ale Trail

Explore Breweries in Central Oregon

This is a fantastic way for visitors and locals alike to get to know the breweries in Central Oregon, so grab a Bend Ale Trail Atlas and Passport and start your adventure! You can pick these items up at participating breweries, at the Bend Visitors Center downtown, at the ticket mill in the Old Mill District, or at any Central Oregon brochure rack. We carry them in our office in the Sunriver Business Park as well. For those that are more digitally inclined, you can print yours here or download the free app for your iPhone or Android to get your passport virtually stamped.

Bend Ale Trail Beer Tour Prizes

In Bend, November is considered Bend Ale Trail month! If you get all 16 stamps and bring your completed passport to the Bend Visitor Center within the month of November, you’ll even receive a trophy!

If you can make it through 10 breweries, stop by or send your completed passport to the Bend Visitor Center (please note their hours of operation) to receive your souvenir, a commemorative Bend Silipint! If you’re able to grab a stamp from all of our local breweries we’ll also give you a nifty Bend Ale Trail bottle opener.

Keep in mind that it is not required (nor wise) to complete the entire Bend Ale Trail in one day. Grab a growler or two of your favorite beers to take to your cozy Village Properties home each afternoon and plan your group of breweries for the next day.

Bend Brew Bus

Another fun and safe option to explore the Central Oregon breweries is to take advantage of the Bend Brew Bus, offering daily guided brewery tours. The Bend Brew Bus will take you to up to 4 breweries per day. The cost for pickup in Sunriver is $80 per person. This includes beer samples at each brewery you visit, an appetizer at one of those breweries, an expert guide with knowledge to share about the history of the brew culture in Central Oregon as well as a behind-the-scenes peek in at least 2 of the breweries you get to visit.

If you’d like to have dinner in Bend, the Brew Bus can arrange to drop you at a location of your choice and you can set up a ride back to your Sunriver home after your day. As a guest of Village Properties at Sunriver, you will receive a 10% discount to the Bend Brew Bus tours!

Enjoy our area, the brews and the fun that comes along with this activity.

Fun fact: To date, Central Oregon has 28 breweries! There are 22 in Bend, 3 in Redmond and 1 in Sisters, Prineville and Sunriver. Cheers!

Your Guide to October Events in Central Oregon

Our goal at Village Properties is to provide you with just the right home in Sunriver while giving you plenty of ideas of things to do in the area. Check out our list of October events in Central Oregon as you plan your trip to the area! We hope you enjoy your stay.

Here Are a Few of Our Favorite October Events in Central Oregon:

Bend Fall Festival | October 6 – 8

bend fall festivalOne of our favorite October events in Central Oregon is the Fall Festival. As the light slants and softens, bringing the harvest in its wake, our thoughts turn to the coziness of the fall season. Celebrate with the delights of The First Interstate Bank Bend Fall Festival 2017. All the traditions that you love about this event will be there – pumpkin carving, gourmet food and wine, a harvest market, and outstanding music. New this year is the Fall Into Fashion Area, highlighting a carefully selected group of creators, retailers, and reps for both clothing and accessories which will be featured in street fashion shows.

Prepare to have your appetite whetted by the crispness of the season and an outstanding collection of vendors and do a little holiday shopping in the most unique marketplace in Central Oregon.

Friday, October 6th (5pm – 11pm)
Saturday, October 7th (11am – 11pm)
Sunday, October 8th (11am – 5pm)

Sandhill Cranes | October 12

Join the Sunriver Nature Center for a fascinating introduction to the origins and travels of three Pacific Flyway Sandhill Crane subspecies that breed and migrate through Oregon. For over 20 years, Dr. Gary Ivey of the International Crane Foundation has been actively involved in ecological research, habitat management, and conservation efforts aimed at Sandhill Cranes. Dr. Ivey will provide an intimate look at the unique natural history of this bird and its status throughout Oregon.

The lecture will take place in the Pozzi Building at Sunriver Nature Center.

Project Ponderosa Fall Seedling Sale | October 13- October 22

Project Ponderosa was founded in 2005 by Sunriver resident Lee Stevenson to promote student environmental engagement and Ponderosa Pine restoration in Sunriver, Oregon and the upper-Deschutes River ecosystem. Since the project’s inception, over 8,000 seedlings have been potted and maintained by students at Three Rivers School and La Pine High School and more than $10,000 has been raised to support non-profit organizations both locally and internationally.

Ponderosa Pines are a hardy, majestic native conifer but have been historically heavily logged. However, they are significantly more resistant to disease, mountain pine beetles, drought, and wind damage than Lodgepole Pines. They are also fire resistant when mature, due to their thick cinnamon-colored bark. Planting Ponderosa Pines helps to restore forest diversity in the Sunriver ecosystem while preserving the Sunriver community’s “Tree City USA” catchphrase.

Sunriver Nature Center is proud to support Project Ponderosa through a biannual Ponderosa Pine seedling sale and educational opportunities throughout the year. The fall 2017 seedling sale is scheduled for Friday, October 13 through Sunday, October 22 (closed Monday and Tuesday) at the Nature Center. Seedlings will be available in various sizes and prices will range from $8 to $30. Detailed planting instructions will be provided with all seedling purchases and can be viewed here.

Mushroom Foraging Field Trip | October 20

The Central Oregon Mushroom Club will lead a field trip in search of wild and edible mushrooms in the local area. On this field trip, participants will receive an introduction to fungi diversity and learn to identify different types of mushrooms in the forest. Instruction will also be provided on how to ‘hunt’ and collect mushrooms as well as how to identify mushrooms that are safe for eating.

The field trip is limited to 20 people (adults only, no pets please) and pre-registration is required. Please meet at the Nature Center parking lot by 9:30 am. Individuals are responsible for their own transportation to the National Forest. Individuals planning to collect mushrooms must first obtain a free Forest Products Free Use Permit from the U.S. Forest Service office in Bend. Each participant should bring this permit to the field trip. In addition, each individual should bring a wide-bottomed container (bucket, basket) and a sturdy knife or small garden trowel for mushroom collection.

If you’re looking for fun October events in Central Oregon, this one can’t be beat.

FUNgi Day and Mushroom Show | October 21

Join Sunriver Nature Center and the Central Oregon Mushroom Club for a special day dedicated to appreciating and understanding fungi! Mushroom fun for the whole family includes:

  • Guided mushroom walks at 11 am and 1 pm (weather permitting)
  • Mushroom display showcasing a variety of local fungi
  • Meet a local mushroom expert – The Central Oregon Mushroom Club will be ready to answer all of your questions!
  • Identification Station – Bring your fungi specimen or photo for identification
  • Children’s activities and crafts
  • Education stations with information and resources for mushroom enthusiasts of all levels

Transplanting Forest Seedlings: Workshop and Field Trip | October 22

Lee Stevenson, founder of Project Ponderosa, will lead a hands-on workshop at the Sunriver Nature Center. Participants will learn how to identify and transplant a variety of native forest seedlings, including Grand Fir, White Fir, Mountain Hemlock, Snowbush, Manzanita, Mahala Mat, Kinnikinnick, Indian Paintbrush, and more. Information will also be shared about where to find these native species locally and how to successfully collect and transplant them into your own yard.

The first half of the program will be held at the Sunriver Nature Center and then the group will travel to one or more locations within 10 miles of Sunriver for plant collection. Please bring your own pots/containers and shovel if you have one. Participants should also obtain a free Forest Products Free Use Permit from the U.S. Forest Service office on Deschutes Market Road in Bend so they can collect transplants during the field trip portion of the program.

This program is limited to 12 participants and early registration is recommended.

The Secret Garden by The Sunriver Stars | October 26 – October 29

Sunriver Stars is an all-volunteer Community Theater group with several October events in Central Oregon. All positions from the Artistic Director on down are non-paid positions and, as such, require a strong commitment to the work at hand.
For the start of the 2018 season Sunriver Stars will present a fun and upbeat adaptation of the 1911 novel of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett, produced with permission by Pioneer Drama.

There will be a dinner show on Saturday, October 28th. Ticket purchase includes a reserved seat and dinner before the show. Refreshments will be available for purchase at all shows. $10 for kids and $15 adults. You may purchase tickets here.

Show Dates and Times:
Thursday, October 26th – 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM)
Friday, October 27th – 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM)
Saturday, October 28th – 7:00 PM
Sunriver Stars is offering dinner show tickets (limit 50) for this performance – your ticket purchase includes a reserved seat and a sumptuous dinner (see menu) before the show.

  • For those with Dinner Show tickets, doors open at 5:30 PM
  • For all other ticket holders, doors open at 6:00 PM

Sunday, October 29th – 3:00 PM (doors open at 2:00 PM)

  • All performances are presented at:
    The Door at Three Rivers in the Sunriver Business Park
    56885 Enterprise Dr, Sunriver, OR 97707

Sunriver’s Tasting Dinner Featuring Bendistillery | October 27

Finally, another of our favorite October events in Central Oregon this year, Sunriver’s October Sunriver Tasting Dinner will feature Bendistillery! At this tasting dinner, you will have the unique opportunity to learn about the inspiration, history, and techniques that were used to craft these spirits and learn why they are a Northwest favorite. The dinner will feature a gourmet autumn-themed five-course meal, specially prepared by the Sunriver’s award-winning culinary team and paired with cocktails featuring spirits from Bendistillery. The tasting dinner will take place at Carson’s American Kitchen, located in the Main Lodge at Sunriver. Cost is $84.37 per person. You can check it out here!

These are just a few of the October events in Central Oregon this year. We hope you enjoy your stay!

Halloween in the Village | October 31

The Village at Sunriver is excited to present Spooktacular fun on Halloween!  Kids of all ages are welcome to enjoy trick or treating with the village merchants ans how off their favorite costume during the costume contest where winners will receive frightfully fun prizes.  Join us for bounce house fun, a cupcake walk, ghoulish games at our spooky Halloween party. Event starts at 4pm and continues until 6pm, free of charge.

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