In Bend, professional networking kicks back into high gear during the fall. If you’re looking for a professional or community event in Bend, Oregon, during fall 2025, check out our favorite picks! From the arts to fundraisers, Central Oregon offers numerous opportunities to connect with the community.
Fall 2025 Professional Events in Bend, Oregon
Learn about Bend’s growing entrepreneur scene, its plans for growth, and what’s happening economically for local businesses.
Bend Venture Conference
The largest angel conference in the Pacific Northwest is held right here in Bend at the Tower Theater. Hosted by Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), hundreds of community members, angel investors, and entrepreneurs join to watch budding businesses pitch to investors.
Three rounds of investments are awarded, including competitions for Growth Stage, Early Stage, and Impact categories. Halfway through the day, the event breaks for lunch and mingling at nearby restaurants.
And, don’t miss out on the biggest networking event of the year! October 16 at Broken Top Club, mingle with local and regional professionals and entrepreneurs before the big day.
Dates: October 16–17, 2025
Get tickets to Bend Venture Conference
Bend 101 for Newbies
New to Bend? We’ve got the perfect event for you! Hosted by the Bend Chamber, Bend 101 is a way to welcome new members into our community. Hear from city and local officials on how Bend is handling its rapid growth and development, and how it affects our community.
This season: discover how Bend is evolving and the role you can play in shaping what’s next. This special Bend 101 session highlights the City of Bend’s recently unveiled Growth Plan, with insights from a panel of local leaders and interactive discussions about the opportunities and challenges of a growing community.
Whether you’re new to town or a longtime local, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of where we’re headed, how decisions are made, and the many ways to get involved.
Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025; 5:00 to 7:30 PM
Networking Events for Bend Professionals
Entrepreneurs, business owners, local professionals—this is where the networking magic happens! There’s no shortage of networking opportunities in Bend, including these top networking events.
What’s Brewing: Local Entrepreneurship
Oregon was recently ranked the fourth-best state in the nation for entrepreneurial success in 2025, according to Business News This Week. Bend is a shining example of that momentum—but what’s really driving it forward? Join the Bend Chamber for an engaging evening as they explore how bold ideas, local determination, and wise investment are shaping the future of Bend’s business community.
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025; 5:00 to 7:30 PM
Commerce & Coffee
Start your morning with coffee, breakfast burritos, and mingling with local professionals! Hosted by the Bend Chamber, this event brings together business owners, thought leaders, and the working community to help extend professional networks and foster new connections.
Dates: Tuesday, September 9; 8:00 to 9:30 AM (Element Hotel Bend)
Wednesday, November 12; 8:00 to 9:30 AM (Kernutt Stokes)
Fall 2025 Community Events in Bend, Oregon
Get to know your community members at these fundraising and culture events!
Ronald McDonald House Hope-Raiser Gala
Bend is fortunate to have a Ronald McDonald House in town. The Ronald McDonald House provides a home-away-from-home for families of children traveling from out of town to receive life-saving medical treatments.
Ronald McDonald House offers comfortable housing, meals, activities for children and families at no cost to families, and 24-hour concierge services from staff. With its proximity to St. Charles, families can easily travel using provided golf carts to-and-from the hospital with ease.
The annual Hope-Raiser Gala raises funds to keep these life-changing and crucial services available to families. This year, the Hope-Raiser Gala is hosted at the Bend Elks Baseball Fieldhouse for an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts. Bid on auction items and mingle with friends while supporting this incredible community organization.
Date: Friday, October 10, 2025, at 6:30 PM
Get tickets to Ronald McDonald House Hope-Raiser Gala
BendFilm Festival
This locals-favorite event returns for in-person and virtual attendance to celebrate local filmmakers. Hosted at various locations throughout Bend, the BendFilm “celebrates independent cinema’s unique power to enrich lives, amplify diverse voices, and inspire change while educating future storytellers and bringing vibrant festival experiences to communities across Central Oregon year-round.”
Dates: October 8–12, 2025
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