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Things to Do in Bend in September: Fall Festivals, Outdoor Fun & Seasonal Highlights
As the summer heat eases and the leaves begin to turn, September is one of the best times to visit Bend, Oregon. With crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, and a jam-packed events calendar, this season offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to soak up the season, here’s your guide to the best things to do in Bend in September.
Hike or Bike Among Changing Leaves
With average Bend weather in September hovering in the low 70s during the day, it’s an ideal month for hiking and biking. Head to Shevlin Park or the Deschutes River Trail for golden aspens and cottonwoods, or take a scenic drive up to the Cascade Lakes Highway for higher-elevation trails and early signs of fall color. Mountain bikers will also find prime conditions at Phil’s Trail, where dry, tacky dirt makes for a dream ride.
Sip Seasonal Brews at Local Craft Breweries
Bend’s legendary beer scene doesn’t slow down in the fall. In fact, many local breweries release seasonal IPAs, Oktoberfests, and pumpkin brews just in time for sweater weather. Stop by Crux Fermentation Project for sunset views and a seasonal pint, or visit Bend Brewing Company to sip riverside.
Explore Bend’s September Event Calendar
Bend’s calendar of events in September is packed with concerts, farmers markets, food festivals, and comedy shows. A few highlights to look out for:
- Farmers Market at Worthy Brewing
- Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts at the Hayden Homes Amphitheatre
- Bend SurfFEST
- Art in Nature: Bend Camerata at Fort Rock
If you’re staying at Tetherow, it’s a short drive to many of these events, especially downtown and the Old Mill District. Ask the team for local tips or transit help, they’ll point you toward the best way to explore.
Paddle, Float, or Fish the Deschutes River
The Deschutes River is still warm enough in early September for water activities, and the crowds are fewer than in July and August. Rent a paddleboard or kayak and float the calm stretches, or cast a fly rod and try your luck with rainbow trout. For a peaceful morning, paddle through the Old Mill District at sunrise.
Day Trip to Smith Rock or Tumalo Falls
Cooler temps make September an excellent month for day trips. Smith Rock State Park, just 40 minutes north of Bend, offers world-class rock climbing and panoramic hikes like Misery Ridge. Or head west to Tumalo Falls and enjoy a short hike with a big payoff, a 97-foot waterfall surrounded by evergreens and early fall foliage.
Want to take it easy afterward? Wind down with an evening cocktail and firepit session back at Tetherow, where the views of the high desert are just as stunning.
Enjoy Al Fresco Dining Before the Chill Sets In
Patio season isn’t over just yet! Many of Bend’s best restaurants and cafés keep outdoor seating open into the fall. Enjoy brunch at Jackson’s Corner, a sunset dinner at Greg’s Grill in the Old Mill, or coffee and a pastry at Sparrow Bakery’s westside location. With September’s cool mornings and warm afternoons, outdoor dining hits the sweet spot.
Twilight Putts & Pints at Tetherow
Where Birdies and Beers Go Hand in Hand
Looking for a fun way to wind down your September evenings in Bend? Head to Tetherow for Twilight Putts & Pints, a weekly event that brings together casual competition, cold beer, and Cascade Mountain views.
Held right on Tetherow’s scenic putting green, this event invites players of all levels to test their skills in a laid-back putting challenge.Winners will have the chance to take home some prizes, but whether you’re sinking birdies or just sipping by the firepit, it’s all about good times and great company.
Twilight Putts & Pints is open to guests, members, and locals alike, making it one of Bend’s most relaxed and social ways to enjoy the outdoors after hours.
Plan Your Visit to Bend in September
If you’re wondering when to book your trip, now is the time. Bend weather in September is among the most pleasant of the year, with sunny skies, fewer crowds, and a full lineup of things to do. Whether you’re chasing fall colors, sampling local brews, or joining in on a community celebration, Bend in September delivers.
Looking for a place to stay? Located just minutes from downtown and surrounded by national forest, Tetherow blends luxury, adventure, and relaxation, with spacious hotel rooms, vacation rentals, an award-winning golf course, and direct trail access. It’s the perfect home base for your fall getaway in Bend.