Thanksgiving in Bend, OR (2025)
Thanksgiving in Bend, Oregon – A Local Guide
Get out there and trot before that big meal!
Thanksgiving in Bend feels a little different than in most places. The pace slows down, the air gets crisp, and snow usually dusts the mountains. Locals lean into the season with a mix of cozy gatherings, quiet outdoor time, and a few festive events sprinkled in. Whether you’re a longtime Bend resident or just visiting for the weekend, there’s plenty to enjoy.
This guide covers where to eat, what to do, where to stay, and how to make the most of the long weekend. We’ve pulled together the kind of info locals look for: places that actually stay open, hidden gems, and ways to get outside without needing chains on your tires. Scroll through, make a few plans, and enjoy the weekend.
Table of Contents
Thanksgiving Weekend Events and Things to Do (2025)
While Thanksgiving Day itself is pretty quiet in town, the weekend brings a few fun local happenings. From trivia nights to turkey trots to live music, there’s usually something going on if you know where to look.
Thanksgiving Dinner in & near Bend, Oregon
Black Butte Ranch
Thanksgiving dining details and reservations
Elk Lake Resort
Thanksgiving dinner at the lodge. Check hours, menu, and booking
Sunriver Resort
Holiday dining and Traditions schedule
Thanksgiving at Tetherow (The Row)
Menu and reservations
McMenamins Old St. Francis School
What’s on for the holiday at the property
Thanksgiving Day Things To Do
I LIKE PIE Fun Run & Walk
https://cascaderelays.com/events/i-like-pie/
Classic Bend Thanksgiving morning tradition at Riverbend Park in the Old Mill District.
2025 registration is open.
Festive 1.5-mile or 5K loop between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Finish-line celebration with music, community photo ops, and pie.
Register: https://registration.cascaderelays.com/registration/allevents
Redmond Turkey Trot
https://www.redmondturkeytrot.com/
Annual Thanksgiving Day fun run and walk in Redmond.
Family-friendly event with festive energy, community spirit, and a great way to start the holiday with some exercise before dinner.
Live Music at The Grove Market Hall
https://www.instagram.com/the_grove_bend/
The Grove, Northwest Mount Washington Drive, Bend.
Live music Thursdays and Saturdays, 6–8 p.m.
Check Instagram for the Thanksgiving week lineup.
Rest of Thanksgiving Weekend
SAA 4th Friday Artwalk in Sisters
https://www.sistersartsassociation.org/4th-friday-artwalks
Friday, November 28, 2025, 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Downtown Sisters.
Free self-guided gallery walk featuring fine art, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass, and jewelry.
Meet artists, see demos, and explore sponsoring restaurants and food venues.
Food Cart Fridays at Discovery West
https://discoverywestbend.com/community/events/
Friday, November 28, 2025, Discovery Corner.
Rotating local musicians, family-friendly games, and top Bend food carts like El Sancho, Dump City Dumplings, Pizza Cart, Saute Korean Bowls, and Cuppa Yo.
Limited seating. Bring low-back chairs.
Introduction to Wine Tasting: Glassware Exploration
Sunday, November 30.
Ambassador-guided tasting of 4 wines in different glass styles.
Includes tasting mats and a $30 wine credit toward a two-bottle purchase the same day.
Other Places to Eat on Thanksgiving
Plenty of restaurants close on Thanksgiving Day, but a handful stay open and serve special holiday menus. You’ll also find several local shops offering take-home meal kits, pies, and sides to simplify your holiday cooking.
Dine-In Thanksgiving Dinner Options
Local restaurants that often serve a Thanksgiving meal (check ahead for reservations):
Brasada Ranch – Upscale buffet-style meal with traditional and gourmet dishes.
Black Butte Ranch (The Lodge) – Scenic views with a full Thanksgiving menu.
10 Below at the Oxford Hotel – Classic Thanksgiving dinner in a cozy downtown setting.
Sunriver Resort – A bit outside town, but a great option with multiple dining settings.
Takeout & Heat-at-Home Meals
For a stress-free holiday at home, these places usually offer full meals for pickup:
Market of Choice – Prepped Thanksgiving dinners, sides, and pies.
Newport Avenue Market – Custom meal packages and a great local pie selection.
Wild Oregon Foods – Heat-and-serve gourmet meals made from scratch.
Jackson’s Corner – Sometimes offers limited pre-order meals and baked goods.
Bakeries and Pie Shops
No Thanksgiving is complete without dessert. Local favorites include:
Nancy P’s Cafe & Bakery – Classic pies, rolls, and baked goods. Order early.
Too Sweet Cakes – Pumpkin cheesecakes, cupcakes, and holiday treats.
Sparrow Bakery – European-style holiday bread, pies, and seasonal pastries.
Black Friday and Small Business Saturday in Bend
Black Friday might be all about the big-box stores elsewhere, but in Bend, Small Business Saturday is where the fun is. Local shops offer unique gifts, art, home goods, apparel, and specialty items you won't find anywhere else.
Here’s where to check out:
Downtown Bend
Walkable and packed with independent shops. You’ll find boutiques, bookstores, home décor, and plenty of cozy coffee shops to warm up in.
The Box Factory & Old Mill
A mix of larger retailers and small businesses, plus places to grab a bite or a pint in between shops.
Makers District
Locally made pottery, candles, leather goods, and art. Worth checking out if you’re after something one-of-a-kind.
Bend Holiday Pop-Ups
Throughout the weekend, look for indoor holiday markets in event spaces and breweries. Many vendors are local artisans and small-batch food producers.
Pro tip: Bring a reusable bag, wear layers, and plan on making a few spontaneous stops. The best finds are usually the ones you weren’t looking for.
Outdoor Things to Do Over Thanksgiving Weekend
Even in late November, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Bend — especially if you’re dressed for the weather. Snow often starts accumulating in the mountains, but lower elevation trails may still be clear.
Great Late-Fall Hikes
Shevlin Park Loop – Peaceful, scenic, and often snow-free through November.
Deschutes River Trail (Old Mill section) – An easy walk with river views and access to coffee and beer nearby.
Benham Falls – Short hike near Sunriver with beautiful rushing water views.
Scenic Drives
Cascade Lakes Highway – May be partially closed, but the open section offers incredible mountain views.
Smith Rock via Terrebonne – A dry-side option if Bend is wet or snowy.
Early Winter Fun
Snowshoeing or Sledding at Wanoga or Meissner Sno-Parks – Check snow levels first.
Mount Bachelor (if open) – Early season skiing or just head up to play in the snow.
Relaxed Outdoor Vibes
Fire pit patios at local breweries like Crux, Bevel, Bend Brewing Co., and Monkless.
Hot coffee walks around Drake Park or First Street Rapids.
Cozy Cabins and Places to Stay
Thanksgiving is a great time to book a quiet cabin, mountain lodge, or stylish rental. Whether you're visiting family or planning a peaceful holiday escape, there are options all around town and just outside city limits.
Here are some local favorites:
FivePine Lodge (Sisters) – Beautiful, romantic cabins just a short drive from Bend.
Tetherow Lodges – Modern rooms with mountain views and an onsite restaurant.
Sunriver Vacation Rentals – Perfect for families, with kitchens and hot tubs.
Downtown Bend Airbnb Cabins – Close to everything with a cozy local vibe.
Look for places with:
Full kitchens if you plan to cook
Pet-friendly options if traveling with dogs
Fireplaces, hot tubs, and easy trail access for added comfort
Tips for Visiting Bend Over Thanksgiving
If you're planning a Thanksgiving trip to Bend, a little preparation goes a long way.
Dress for layers – Mornings and evenings are cold, but afternoons can be sunny.
Make reservations early – Restaurants fill up fast, especially for Thanksgiving Day.
Watch the roads – Snow is possible. Check road conditions before heading up to higher elevations.
Be aware of holiday hours – Many places close or reduce hours on Thursday, so double-check before heading out.
Support local – This is the perfect time to buy from small businesses, local artists, and community-owned spots.
