With fall arriving, it seems that professional life for many has kicked into high gear. Check out our favorite picks if you’re looking for a professional or community event in Bend, Oregon, during October. From the arts to fundraisers, Central Oregon has a handful of ways to connect with the community.
BendFilm Festival 10/6 – 10/9
This locals-favorite event returns for in-person and virtual attendance to celebrate local filmmakers. Hosted at various locations throughout town, 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.”
With several independent films to choose from, BendFilm offers screenings for an average cost of $12 per showing. Attend the free social event held a Bunk + Brew on Saturday, October 8 at 9:30 p.m. If you miss the in-person event, you can attend the virtual event from October 10 through October 23.
Buy Tickets to BendFilm Festival
Ronald McDonald House Hope-Raiser Gala 10/8
Bend is beyond lucky to have a Ronald McDonald House Charity in town. The Ronald McDonald House offers a home-away-from-home for families of children traveling from out of the area to receive life-saving medical treatments.
Ronald McDonald House offers comfortable housing, meals, and activities for children at no cost to families, along with 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 Audi of Bend for an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts. Bid on auction items and mingle with friends while supporting this incredible community organization.
Get tickets to Ronald McDonald House Hope-Raiser Gala
Bend 101 for Newbies 10/11
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.
Join this event at Tetherow Resort Event Pavillion from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for an evening of discussion followed by drinks, small bites, and mingling. Of course, you’ll be able to take in the gorgeous views of Central Oregon’s Cascade Mountain range. Admission is $15 for all.
Outdoor Industry Coworking & Coffee 10/12
Join The Haven Coworking as we co-host October’s Outdoor Industry Coworking & Coffee with Maren Hamilton of The North Face. If you’re in the outdoor industry and looking to make connections, we welcome you to this free event.
Meet us for coffee on the deck of The Haven, followed by a coworking space tour. All attendees will receive a complimentary day pass to The Haven to use at their discretion. Sip on Bellatazza coffee while building community with local remote and outdoor industry professionals.
Register for Outdoor Industry Coworking & Coffee
Bend Venture Conference 10/19 – 10/20
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 at nearby eateries and mingling. A networking event is held at Tetherow Resort on the evening of October 19, with a “boozy breakfast” held at check-in on the morning of October 20.
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