Cascade Equinox Festival - Where to Eat, Drink & Stay in 2025
Cascade Equinox is more than just a music festival out at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond. It’s three days of music, art, camping, and late nights that roll straight into the early morning. People come for the lineup of course. But the food, drinks, and community atmosphere are what make it feel like Central Oregon’s own.
Inside the grounds you’ll find everything from craft cocktails and farm-to-table dinners to food vendors serving meals that actually keep you going all weekend. Step outside the festival and you’ve got Redmond’s diners, breweries, and coffee shops close by. Plus Bend’s bigger food and drink scene just down the road. Well worth the trip!
This guide pulls it all together so you know where to eat, drink, and stay during the festival weekend. From grabbing breakfast before the gates open to finding a late-night beer garden or a quiet camping spot, here’s how to make the most of your Cascade Equinox weekend in 2025.
Cascade Equinox Festival is at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo in Redmond Oregon from September 19th-21st, 2025.
Table of Contents
Don’t feel like reading the whole guide? Here’s a TLDR:
Onsite – Eat & Drink
Culinary Commons: Local and regional food vendors with options for everyone.
The Grove: Craft beer, cocktails, and a laid-back hangout space.
Feast to Festival: Farm-to-table dinner on Thursday night to kick things off.
Onsite – Stay
Car Camping: Standard, Premium, and Deluxe options right by your vehicle.
RV Camping: Standard through Deluxe with power hookups.
Specialty: Family Camping area and 7 Peaks Glamping Yurts for extra comfort.
Redmond (Closest Town)
Food: Quick bites like The Burger Cart, hearty smoked meats at Sisters Meat & Smokehouse, and sit-down favorites like Diego’s or Brickhouse.
Breweries: Wild Ride, Kobold, and Initiative Brewing.
Coffee: Local spots like Sisters Coffee, Green Plow, Tite Knot, and Rockin’ Roasters.
Stays: Convenient hotels like SCP, Comfort Suites, and Best Western.
Bend (20–25 minutes south)
Food & Drink: Big brewery scene (Deschutes, 10 Barrel, Crux), food cart pods, and restaurants like Zydeco, Spork, and Jackson’s Corner.
Coffee: Roasteries like Thump, Lone Pine, and Backporch.
Stays: Boutique hotels like Oxford or Campfire, plus plenty of Airbnbs.
Other Nearby
Sisters: Cozy coffee shops, Three Creeks Brewing, small-town charm.
Tumalo: Tumalo Feed Co. Steakhouse, Pisano’s Pizza, The Bite food cart lot.
Terrebonne: Smith Rock Brewing, Terrebonne Depot, and diner-style eats.
Pro Tips
Grab brunch or coffee before heading in since music starts afternoons.
Nights get chilly in September, so bring layers.
Eat & Drink Inside the Festival
Cascade Equinox has plenty of food and drink options right inside the gates, so you don’t have to leave the grounds to eat well. The festival makes a big effort to showcase local flavors, sustainable choices, and a good mix of comfort food and healthier options. Here’s what to look for:
Culinary Commons
https://cascadeequinox.com/culinary-commons/
The Culinary Commons is the heart of the festival food scene. It’s not your average festival food court with overpriced nachos. This is a curated lineup of local and regional vendors.
You’ll find vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and globally inspired dishes, so there’s something for everyone.
Menus rotate across cuisines, but think along the lines of gourmet sandwiches, hearty bowls, and creative food truck fare.
The vibe is casual and social, with lots of people grabbing a meal and hanging out between sets.
Local tip: Hit the Commons earlier in the evening before peak dinner time. By 8 or 9 pm, lines can get long when everyone suddenly realizes they’ve been dancing since noon.
The Grove
https://cascadeequinox.com/the-grove-cascade/
The Grove is the festival’s chill-out zone. It’s where you can regroup with friends, take a break from the crowds, and enjoy a drink without rushing.
Expect local craft beer, Central Oregon wines, and cocktails.
Artisan vendors and small bites are also mixed in here, making it a good “reset point” in between big sets.
The layout is designed for comfort, so if you need to pace yourself, this is the spot.
Local tip: If you’re a craft beer person, this is where you’ll find better pours than the standard light lagers. Bend and Redmond breweries often show up here.
Feast to Festival
https://cascadeequinox.com/feast-to-festival/
The weekend actually kicks off early with Feast to Festival, a farm-to-table dinner on Thursday, September 18, from 4:30 to 8:30 pm.
It’s a sit-down dining experience that highlights local farms and chefs.
A great way to ease into the festival vibe before the music ramps up.
If you’re coming in from out of town and want a special start to your weekend, this is worth the ticket.
Local tip: Think of it as the “soft opening” of Cascade Equinox. You’ll meet people, eat well, and be set up for the weekend.
Stay Inside the Festival
One of the best parts about Cascade Equinox is that you don’t need to leave the grounds when the music stops. The festival has a wide range of camping and lodging options so you can stay close to the action. From simple car camping to boutique yurts, here’s a breakdown of what’s available.
Car Camping Passes
https://cascadeequinox.com/pass-options/
Standard Car Camping
Park your car and set up camp right next to it. You’ll get a 20’x20’ space for your vehicle and tent. Simple and convenient.
Premium Car Camping
A step up with more space and closer access to the heart of the festival. Great if you want shorter walks and a little extra room.
Deluxe Car Camping
Larger campsites and more comfort. Ideal if you’re coming with a group and want to spread out.
Local tip: Arrive early to get the best camping spot in your section.
RV Camping Passes
https://cascadeequinox.com/pass-options/
If you’ve got an RV, the festival has multiple tiers depending on your setup.
Standard RV Pass
A basic RV spot with the essentials.
Premium RV Pass
Better placement with easier access.
Deluxe RV Pass (30 AMP)
Power hookups to keep your RV running comfortably.
Deluxe RV Pass (50 AMP)
Maximum comfort with higher-capacity power. Best for larger rigs or if you want to run everything without worry.
Local tip: These spots go fast. If you’re planning to bring an RV, secure your pass as early as possible.
Specialty Camping Options
Family Camping Pass
This is a quieter section of the campground, reserved for families who want a more relaxed experience. You’ll get a Premium Car Camping Pass located close to the entrance, making it easier for kids and parents to come and go.
7 Peaks Glamping Yurts
This is the festival’s boutique glamping option, located at the Alpenglow Campground. You’ll have a fully set-up yurt waiting for you, complete with premium amenities. It’s right outside the festival epicenter, so you can immerse yourself in the action but still retreat to a comfortable, private space.
Local tip: If you want comfort without the hassle of setting up a campsite, glamping is worth the splurge.
Feast to Festival + Lodging Kickoff
https://cascadeequinox.com/feast-to-festival/
The weekend officially kicks off on Thursday, September 18, with Feast to Festival, a farm-to-table dinner experience from 4:30–8:30 pm. If you’re already camping on-site, this dinner is the perfect way to settle in and get a taste of what the weekend has to offer.
Eat & Drink in Redmond
If you’re camping at Cascade Equinox you’ll probably eat most of your meals inside the festival, but Redmond is just a few minutes away and it’s packed with good options. This is your go-to for breakfast before the gates open, a coffee run, or a sit-down dinner if you want a break from festival food.
Quick Bites Near the Fairgrounds
The Burger Cart – Great local vibe with juicy burgers, crispy fries, and beer on tap. Quick service keeps it real and tasty.
Sisters Meat & Smokehouse – Redmond – Not just a butcher shop. This place serves seriously good smoked meat sandwiches. A hearty, convenient meal you’ll appreciate on the go.
Madaline's Grill & Steak House – Simple, booth-lined restaurant & bar serving steak, pasta, seafood & some Mexican items.
Local Favorites
One Street Down Café – Cozy spot for breakfast or brunch with a strong local following. Their scrambles and baked goods are worth the stop.
Diego’s Spirited Kitchen – Bold Mexican-inspired flavors with a Pacific Northwest twist. Easy on the feet and elevated in flavor.
Brickhouse – Classic steakhouse in a relaxed setting. Great if you’re craving something sit-down and solid.
Breweries & Taprooms
Redmond’s brewery scene has been growing quickly, and it’s a solid alternative to Bend’s bigger beer culture.
Wild Ride Brewing – Family-friendly with a big outdoor patio and rotating food trucks.
Kobold Brewing/The Vault Taphouse – Smaller craft brewery with a loyal local crowd.
Initiative Brewing – Great mix of IPAs, sours, and lagers plus a good pub menu.
Coffee & Breakfast Spots
For the mornings when you need caffeine and a real breakfast before diving back into the music.
Tite Knot Craft Coffee – Handcrafted drinks and bakery treats that feel like a hug in a mug. Their lattes, bold espressos, and iced brews come paired with unique scones, muffins, and biscuits baked in-house.
Rockin’ Roasters – Cozy, clean coffee stand with intentionally crafted beverages and rotating pastries from stellar local bakeries.
Blacksmith Public House – Coffee, pastries, and light breakfast in a rustic setting.
Local tip: Redmond is smaller than Bend, but don’t underestimate it. For festival-goers staying nearby, it’s quicker and easier than driving into Bend, especially if you just need good food and a caffeine fix before heading back.
Eat & Drink in Bend
If you’re staying in Bend during Cascade Equinox, you’ll have no shortage of food and drink options. Bend’s dining scene has everything from quick food carts to craft breweries and cocktail bars. It’s about a 20–25 minute drive to the fairgrounds, so plan your meals before heading up or grab a nightcap when you get back into town.
Breweries
Bend is known for its breweries, and if you’ve got a free afternoon or want to make a pre-festival stop, you’ll find some of the best beer in the Northwest here.
Deschutes Brewery - Bend Public House – The OG of Bend’s beer scene with a full pub menu.
10 Barrel Brewing (West Side) – Lively spot with wood-fired pizzas and plenty of outdoor seating.
Crux Fermentation Project – Known for experimental beers and a huge lawn with mountain views.
Boneyard Beer Pub – Famous for RPM IPA, with a low-key vibe.
Food Carts & Casual Dining
Bend’s food cart pods are great for groups who can’t agree on what to eat.
The Lot – One of Bend’s first food cart pods, with a variety of rotating carts.
Podski – Popular downtown with lots of choices and a beer/wine bar.
The Midtown Yacht Club – Great mix of carts plus a covered seating area and taproom.
For quick bites beyond food carts:
Parrilla Grill – Casual spot for burritos and wraps, popular with locals.
Planker Sandwiches – Cozy lunch joint with sidewalk seats making hearty burgers & sandwiches with housemade condiments.
Sit-Down Restaurants
If you want a proper meal before or after the festival, Bend has plenty of options.
Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails – Local favorite for elevated comfort food with a Southern twist.
Spork – Global street food flavors in a casual but stylish setting.
Jackson’s Corner – Cozy spot with great brunch, sandwiches, and pasta.
Bos Taurus – High-end steakhouse if you’re splurging.
Coffee Shops
Festival mornings can be rough, and Bend’s coffee scene has you covered.
Thump Coffee – A local roaster with multiple locations and strong coffee.
Lone Pine Coffee Roasters – Minimalist vibe with excellent espresso.
Backporch Coffee Roasters – Friendly staff and a rotating selection of beans.
Cocktail Bars & Nightlife
If you still have energy after the festival or want a pre-festival drink, Bend has a fun cocktail scene.
Velvet – Small downtown bar with creative cocktails.
Dogwood Cocktail Cabin – Cabin-themed with a strong menu of drinks and late-night bites.
San Simón – Hidden gem with Spanish-style tapas and a cozy bar.
The Stihl Whiskey Bar – Large whiskey list and hearty bar food.
Local tip: Bend fills up fast on weekends, especially at popular breweries and dinner spots. Make a reservation if you can, or plan to go early before the lines stack up.
Late-Night Food in Bend and Redmond
Cascade Equinox runs into the night, and after hours of dancing you might be ready for something hearty before heading back to camp or your hotel. Redmond and Bend both have a few solid late-night food spots, though options thin out the later it gets.
Redmond
Rigoberto’s Taco Shop – Open 24 hours, classic drive-thru Mexican. Burritos and rolled tacos taste even better at 2 am.
Jersey Boys Pizzeria – Known to stay open later on weekends. Big slices, quick service.
Sonic Drive-In – Not exciting, but open later than most. Easy comfort food stop if you’re starving.
Bend
D&D Bar and Grill – Dive bar downtown serving greasy-spoon classics until late. Burgers, fries, and strong drinks.
Parrilla Grill – West side burrito spot that stays open until about 10 or 11 pm. Lively crowd.
Domino’s / Pizza Mondo – Pizza Mondo closes earlier, but Domino’s delivers until late. Not fancy, but it gets the job done.
Local tip: Don’t bank on Bend having 3 am food across the board. Central Oregon is not Portland. If you want a late-night meal after the festival, Redmond’s Rigoberto’s is your most reliable bet.
Other Nearby Spots
If you want to explore Central Oregon a little further during the Cascade Equinox weekend, there are a few nearby towns worth a stop. These aren’t as close as Redmond or Bend, but they offer some unique dining and drink options that feel very Central Oregon.
Sisters
About 30 minutes from the fairgrounds, Sisters is known for its small-town charm and mountain backdrop.
Sisters Coffee Company (original location) – Cozy, rustic café and roastery. Great for a morning drive out of Redmond.
Three Creeks Brewing Co. – Popular local brewery with hearty pub fare and a lodge-style atmosphere.
Sno Cap Drive In – Classic old-school burger and shake stop. A favorite with families.
Tumalo
Tumalo sits right between Bend and Redmond on Highway 20, so it makes an easy stop if you’re traveling back and forth.
Tumalo Feed Co. Steakhouse – A bit of an institution. Known for prime rib, cowboy vibes, and friendly service.
Pisano’s Woodfired Pizza – Small pizzeria that punches above its weight. Locals swear by it.
The Bite Tumalo – Food cart lot with a taproom. Casual and perfect if you’re traveling with a group.
Terrebonne
Terrebonne is best known as the gateway to Smith Rock State Park, but it also has a couple of great spots to eat and grab a drink.
Terrebonne Depot – American fare in a converted train station. Nice patio, good burgers.
Smith Rock Brewing – Cozy brewery with views of the park and a relaxed vibe.
Pump House Bar & Grill – Divey, welcoming, and exactly what you want after a long day outside.
Local tip: These towns are best if you’re already planning to explore outside the festival. For example, a morning hike at Smith Rock or a scenic drive through Sisters pairs nicely with grabbing a meal in town.
Where to Stay Beyond the Festival
Not everyone wants to camp. If you’d rather recharge with a real bed and hot shower, you’ve got plenty of options in Redmond and Bend. Both towns are close enough to make the commute manageable, and Central Oregon has some unique stays if you want to turn the weekend into more of a getaway.
Hotels in Redmond
Redmond is the most convenient place to stay off-site. You’ll be just minutes from the Deschutes County Fairgrounds, which means you can leave the car parked most of the day and get back quickly after the music winds down.
Comfort Suites Redmond Airport – Reliable option with bigger rooms and breakfast included.
Best Western Plus Rama Inn – Central location, clean, and dependable.
SCP Hotel Redmond – Boutique, eco-friendly hotel downtown with a stylish vibe.
Local tip: Book early. Rooms in Redmond fill up fast around big events at the fairgrounds.
Hotels & Airbnbs in Bend
If you want more variety, Bend has the bigger hotel and Airbnb market. The trade-off is the 20–25 minute drive each way, but you’ll have way more options to match your budget and style.
Oxford Hotel – Bend’s high-end downtown boutique hotel. Pricey but comfortable and walkable to bars and restaurants.
Campfire Hotel – Retro motor-lodge feel with a pool and social vibe. Good if you want something more fun than standard chain hotels.
Airbnb options – From modern condos near downtown to cabins on the outskirts, Bend has plenty of short-term rentals.
Unique & Boutique Stays in Central Oregon
If you want something different from the standard hotel or Airbnb, there are some memorable stays nearby.
Brasada Ranch (Powell Butte) – A luxury resort with cabins, golf, and sweeping views of the Cascades. About 25 minutes from the fairgrounds.
Juniper Preserve (Bend) – A resort tucked away east of Bend with spa and golf options.
Suttle Lodge (Sisters) – Lakeside cabins and rustic-chic vibes about 40 minutes away. Great if you want a mix of festival and outdoor escape.
Local tip: If you plan to stay off-site, factor in late-night driving. The festival can run into the early morning hours, so think ahead about carpooling, having a designated driver, or grabbing food in town before heading back to your hotel.
Pro Tips & Local Insights
Festival weekends in Central Oregon are fun but can also be chaotic if you don’t plan ahead. Here are a few things locals know that will make your Cascade Equinox experience smoother.
Timing: The festival typically starts in the afternoon and runs into the early morning hours. Grab brunch or lunch in town before heading in, then plan to eat at the Culinary Commons or The Grove once you’re inside.
Transportation: Redmond is closest, but if you’re coming from Bend expect a 20–25 minute drive. Parking fills up, so carpooling saves time and headaches.
Weather: September in Central Oregon means warm days and cool nights. Pack layers, especially if you’re camping.
Food balance: Enjoy the festival food scene, but don’t skip local restaurants in Redmond or Bend. Splitting meals between the two keeps things fresh and avoids waiting in long lines inside the festival.
Late nights: If the festival does run late, know your food options. Redmond has the better late-night eats.
Locals say…: Bring a reusable water bottle, a flashlight or headlamp for camping, and don’t underestimate how dusty the fairgrounds can get.
Checkout other festivals in Bend after you attend Cascade Equinox!
