Labor Day Weekend in Bend, OR (2025)
Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer — and in Bend, it’s one of the best times to get outside, explore the mountains, and enjoy one last long weekend of sun before fall sets in. Whether you’re looking to unwind, celebrate, or squeeze in a final outdoor adventure, Bend has something for everyone.
Labor Day 2025 Things to Do
The 2025 Little Woody – Beer, Cider & Whiskey Festival
Dates: August 29–30, 2025
Time: Friday 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturday 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave, Bend, OR 97701
https://bendticket.com/events/the-2025-little-woody-beer-cider-whiskey-festival
A beloved craft beverage event celebrating wood-aged beer, cider, whiskey, and wine.
Hosted outdoors in downtown Bend with lawn games, music, and gnome costume contests.
Wristband and tasting glass allow entry for both days.
21+ only. Tickets typically sell out, so buy early.
The Cider Janes Labor Day Central Oregon Tour
Date: Exact times TBA
https://theciderjanes.com/event/5986083/713387772/the-cider-janes-labor-day-central-oregon-tour
A fun, live music tour across Central Oregon venues.
Expect folk-pop harmonies and cider-fueled good vibes.
Check the link for updated showtimes and stops across the region.
Family-friendly depending on the venue.
Bend Comedy Festival
Dates: August 29–31, 2025
https://www.bendcomedyfestival.com/
A multi-day comedy festival across downtown Bend.
20+ shows featuring national headliners and top Oregon talent.
Events held at Midtown Ballroom, Volcanic Theatre Pub, and Silver Moon Brewing.
Created by locals to spotlight Bend’s growing arts scene.
Tickets sold per show and in bundles; some venues are 21+.
NABA Labor Day Tournament – National Adult Baseball Association
Dates: August 30 – September 1, 2025 (Friday night games possible)
https://www.dugout.org/page/show/9011916-central-oregon-labor-day-weekend
Adult baseball tournament drawing teams from around the region.
Multiple divisions: 18+, 25+, 35+, 45+, 65+ (wood bat).
Games played across Bend’s top ballfields.
Open to the public for free viewing; bring a chair or blanket and cheer them on.
A fun outing for sports fans or families.
An Evening with Chicago (Live Concert)
Date: [Exact date/time TBA – check concert site]
https://www.bendconcerts.com/events/event/an-evening-with-chicago
Legendary rock band Chicago performs live at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater.
Expect a packed outdoor show with classic hits and a great summer crowd.
Tickets required and tend to sell quickly for big-name acts.
All ages welcome, but seating is limited—arrive early.
Labor Day Weekend at Sun Outdoors Bend
https://www.sunoutdoors.com/sun-outdoors-bend/events/bend/labor-day-weekend
Family-friendly celebration with games, crafts, and themed activities.
Events open to Sun Outdoors guests (book ahead if you want to stay there).
Located along the Deschutes River with access to kayaking, fishing, and swimming.
Perfect for families, RV travelers, or glampers.
Check their website for activity schedules closer to the date.
Labor Day Weekend at the Old Mill District
https://www.oldmilldistrict.com/blog/labor-day-weekend-in-bend/
Enjoy patio dining, shopping sales, and casual river walks.
Live music and pop-up events often take place in the plaza areas.
Great spot to rent a kayak, paddleboard, or bike for the weekend.
River trail and views of the Cascades make this a top Labor Day hangout.
Most stores and restaurants open regular hours through the weekend.
What the Weather is Like
Labor Day Weekend typically brings warm, sunny days with cooler mornings and evenings. Average highs are in the mid-70s to low 80s, and skies are usually clear — perfect for hiking, floating, or barbecuing. It’s one of the most comfortable weekends of the year weather-wise.
Tip: Evenings can drop into the 40s, especially in the mountains or at higher elevation campsites. Bring layers.
What Locals Do
Bend locals use Labor Day Weekend to:
Go camping in the Cascades or at nearby lakes
Take one last float on the Deschutes River
Barbecue or picnic with family and friends
Hit up local breweries, patios, or food trucks
Head to outdoor concerts, markets, and events
Sneak in a final summer hike or paddle before school starts
It’s a festive but laid-back weekend — not overly rowdy, but definitely busy.
What's Open and What's Closed
Most businesses in Bend remain open throughout Labor Day Weekend, including:
Restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries
Parks and recreation areas
Rental shops and outdoor gear stores
Grocery stores and markets
Many small businesses
Closed or limited hours:
Government offices
Banks and credit unions (closed Monday)
USPS (no mail delivery Monday)
Some medical/dental clinics
Is Bend Busy on Labor Day?
Yes — especially in popular outdoor areas. Expect higher-than-normal traffic at:
Downtown Bend and the Old Mill District
River float points like Riverbend Park
Tumalo Falls and Pilot Butte
Campgrounds and trailheads across the Cascades
Parking fills up fast at trailheads and parks by late morning. Arrive early or consider biking if you're staying nearby.
Best Things to Do Over the Weekend
Here’s what people typically plan:
Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, mountain biking, paddling, rock climbing, fly fishing, and trail running
Family Fun: Picnics at Drake Park, High Desert Museum visits, and river floats
Food & Drink: Patio dining, brewery hopping, local coffee shops, food trucks, and farmers markets
Relaxing: Spa visits, slow mornings downtown, and lazy afternoons at the lake
Shopping: Labor Day weekend sales happen at many local and chain stores, especially in the Old Mill
We'll add a full list of events, concerts, and pop-up markets in the next step.
Where to Stay
Accommodations fill up quickly. Book early if you plan to visit. Popular options include:
Downtown boutique hotels
Vacation rentals near the river or in Northwest Crossing
Campgrounds and RV parks in the Cascades or Deschutes National Forest
Pet-friendly cabins and glamping sites
If you're booking last-minute, try:
Hotels near the Bend Parkway or in neighboring towns like Redmond or Sisters
Hip motels like Campfire Hotel or LOGE Bend
Hipcamp listings and Forest Service campgrounds (some first-come, first-served)
Labor Day Tips for Bend
Pack layers – it’s hot during the day and cool at night
Reserve ahead – for lodging, rentals, and any tours or activities
Arrive early – if you're heading to trails, parks, or the river
Be respectful – Bend sees a lot of visitors, so clean up after yourself and follow local guidelines
Stay hydrated – the high desert climate can sneak up on you
