Bend Brewfest 2023 Postponed, Hopes to Return in 2024

Nancy Patterson, owner and creative director of Eat Drink Bend, sitting at a restaurant table with food.
By Nancy Patterson

This week, the Old Mill District announced that it would postpone the 2023 Bend Brewfest. The second-largest craft beer festival in the Pacific Northwest has been put on pause until it can return to the Hayden Homes Amphitheater. 

Bend Brewfest, held annually at the amphitheater before the COVID-19 pandemic, returned last spring on the east side of the Deschutes River in the Old Mill District as portions of the music venue were under construction. Still, the festival was successful in its new location and raised more than $15,000 for organizations such as Latino Community Association, Northwest Youth Discovery, Bend Fire Community Assistance Program, and Out Central Oregon.

Bend Brewfest event-goers celebrate the return of the beer festival in 2022 after a three-year hiatus. Photo courtesy Old Mill District.

Bend Brewfest 2023 Postponed

Its organizers have opted to pause the event until it can return to Hayden Homes Amphitheater, which is set for a third phase of upgrades this winter and spring. 

“We loved the turnout last year and are so thankful we could all get back together again,” said Bend Brewfest marketing director Beau Eastes. “But to be able to put on the kind of brew festival guests want, we need to wait until it can return to the amphitheater.” 

Resuming after a three-year hiatus, the 2022 Bend Brewfest was held May 13-14 on the east side of the Deschutes River in the Old Mill District. More than 65 breweries and cideries poured approximately 100 different craft beers and ciders at the 2022 festival, which drew more than 10,000 beer lovers from across the Pacific Northwest. The 2022 Bend Brewfest was the first year the festival was staged in May after nearly two decades of being held in late August at the amphitheater.

Bend Brewfest 2022 was hosted along the Old Mill District riverwalk for the first time since its inception in 2002. Photo courtesy Old Mill District.

Bend’s Spider City Brewing and its Deer Garden Hazy IPA won Best Local Beer at the 2022 Bend Brewfest. Great Notion Brewing, based out of Portland, took home top honors for a brewery outside of Central Oregon with its Bicycle Day fruited sour. And Eugene’s Cyderish and its B.O.M.B. Cider – Boring Old Mango Brew – won the top prize for best cider. 

Since its inception in 2002, the Bend Brewfest has given more than $100,000 to local non-profit organizations. While disappointing, we’re looking forward to the revival of Bend Brewfest when it can be hosted at Hayden Homes Amphitheater. The 2022 Bend Brewfest, while exciting, seemed to lack its usual vibe and flow. Last year’s attendees likely recall the event feeling overcrowded as Pole Pedal Paddle participants shared the riverwalk with Bend Brewfest.

About Bend Brewfest

Founded in 2002, the Bend Brewfest annually showcases the most creative and innovative craft breweries in the Pacific Northwest in a gorgeous setting along the banks of the Deschutes River in the Old Mill District. The Bend Brewfest has become known as an event where brewers can highlight their specialty, hard-to-find brews on the festival’s X-Taps. Find more information at BendBrewfest.com.

Bend Concerts Food & Drink Guide 2022

One of the best perks of summer in Central Oregon is the summer concert series. Whether you’re floating the Deschutes river, shopping in the Old Mill District, or living nearby, there’s a chance you’ve heard some of the fun happening at Hayden Homes Amphitheater. While the headlining band might draw you to the show, you may wonder, “what are the food and drink options at the Bend concerts?” Here, we have your guide to eating, drinking, and being merry at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater Bend concerts in 2022.

Visiting Hayden Homes Amphitheater

Before heading to a Bend concert, it’s crucial to understand how the venue works. To start, we suggest reading the guidelines for attending a Live Nation show. You’ll want to note what’s allowed at the venue (and what’s not) and what to expect.

Because the venue is committed to sustainability, the following food and drink guidelines are followed as a part of their Take Note Initiative:

  • All single-use dishes, utensils, and cups are 100 percent compostable
  • Single-use plastic is banned, including water bottles
  • Ticket holders can bring in their own empty reusable water bottles
  • Free water filtration stations are set up throughout the venue
  • The “Green Team” is on staff to efficiently sort recycling, waste, and compost bins
Hayden Homes Amphitheater is the home to Bend concerts.

Where to eat at the Bend concerts

Let’s be honest—one of the best perks of living in or visiting Central Oregon is the amazing food scene. So, you shouldn’t have to compromise when it comes to attending a show! Luckily, many local food carts are available at Hayden Homes Amphitheater all summer.

Wild & Free Charcuterie

If you’re a wine and charcuterie kind of concertgoer, you’re going to love the menu at Wild & Free charcuterie. First of all, they offer an adorable 6” by 6” board with all of your favorite grazing board fixings. What’s more, they’re now serving wine! Get a glass of Stoller Pinot Noir or Pinot Gris to pair with your pre-show grazing board or plates:

  • Board for Two: Board in a box served with meats, cheeses, dried and fresh fruits, chocolate-covered pretzels, crackers, and olives.
  • Caprese Salad: Roma tomatoes, truffle oil marinated mozzarella, and basil drizzled with a balsamic glaze.
  • Paulina Platter: Hummus served with carrots, cucumber, mixed peppers, and pita.
  • Newberry Cheesecake: Topped with fresh berries, chocolate drizzle, and dark chocolate nibs.

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Tots!

Local favorite, Tots!, joins Hayden Homes Amphitheater to feed concert-goers with their loaded tots. All tots are made from scratch, hand-scooped, and fried to perfection. Or, as Tots! would call them, “golden balls of deliciousness.”

Loaded tots are available in four varieties:

  • Pork ‘n Fork: slow-cooked pulled pork, cotija cheese, guacamole, pickled red onion, chipotle aioli, and cilantro
  • Buffalo Style: classic buffalo sauce, bleu cheese crumbles, ranch drizzle, green onions, and more buffalo sauce
  • Cheeseburger Style: seasoned ground beef, beer cheese, tomato, white onion, romaine, and burger sauce
  • Bak’d ‘n Loaded: sour cream, beer cheese, bacon, and green onion

If you want just the tots, get them seasoned in either Nashville hot, salt and vinegar, honey BBQ, or sea salt. Jazz it up with a side of beer cheese, extra bacon, or extra sauce.

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bowl of tater tots topped with red aoili and bunch of bright green cilantro
Pork ‘n Fork tots from… Tots!

Alley Dogz

Corn dogs, hot dogs, and even vegan “dogs” are the specialty at Alley Dogz. They’re widely known for their vegan Bratwurst, made with Beyond plant-based meat. However, if you’re in the mood for a ÂŒ-pound all-beef hot dog, try one of these combinations. All hot dogs are served on a Big Ed’s artisan bun.

  • Alley Dog: Get it fully loaded with sauerkraut, relish, and pepperoncini.
  • Seattle Dog: Topped with cream cheese, bell peppers, and grilled onions.
  • Cowboy Dog: Drizzled with Sweet Baby Ray’s, BBQ sauce, jalapeños, and a slice of bacon (wow!).

Hand-dipped corn dogs are also available with Beyond meat. Try the “grilled cheezus”—served on Big Ed’s sourdough bread—with Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses. Add jalapeños, ham, or bacon (or all three!) for a small charge. Further, the vegan grilled cheezus is available with Field Roast plant-based cheese. Don’t forget a side of shoestring fries!

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Dump City Dumplings

Dump City Dumplings is a popular spot for locals and returning visitors, serving up food for everyone from Bend concertgoers to Mt. Bachelor snow enthusiasts. All dumplings are available a la carte from the following assortments:

  • Chinese-Style Pork: slow-braised pork shoulder with carrots, cabbage, garlic, ginger, green onions, and cilantro, all tossed in soy, sesame, and rice vinegar
  • Pad Thai (Vegan): marinated tofu, roasted peanuts, and sauteed onions mixed with vermicelli noodles in a peanut chili soy sauce
  • Four Cheese Pizza: melted parmesan, Tillamook cheddar, queso fresco, and provolone cheese with a hint of their house-made marinara

Don’t skip out on their awesome house-made sauces! Choose from cilantro sweet chili garlic, teriyaki, Sriracha sauce, Frank’s Red Hot, and coconut lime peanut. Even better, their ingredients are organically-sourced, using all local meats and veggies.

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Red hot sauce covers a dumpling rolled in fresh green herbs
Hello, beautiful four-cheese dumpling!

The Pizza Cart

Bend’s traveling pizza cart has made a seasonal stop at Hayden Homes Amphitheater to serve hungry visitors. The Pizza Cart makes its own sourdough crust and secret sauce, all from scratch.

The Pizza Cart’s hand-rolled, thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas all come with red sauce and a blend of Mozzarella and Asiago cheeses, in addition to:

  • Cheese: That’s it!
  • Pepperoni: Yep, cheese and pepperoni
  • Maui Wowie: Canadian bacon, pineapple, and jalapeños
  • The Best: Fresh basil and roasted garlic
  • The Greek: Black olives, fresh spinach, red onion, and feta
  • Meat Lovers: House-seasoned sausage, pepperoni, and Canadian bacon

Gluten-free crusts and vegan cheeses are available for those with dietary restrictions. Now that’s a win-win!

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Hand holds a plate of pizza with jalapenos and pineapple at Bend concerts
Wood fired pizza from The Pizza Cart.

Bigfoot Barbecue

Satisfy your barbecue cravings with local favorite, Bigfoot Barbecue. If you want our suggestion, we can’t recommend enough the BBQ tacos. They’re served on warm flour tortillas and topped with cilantro, provolone, pickled onions, and jalapeños.

Choose from:

  • Smoked chicken
  • Pulled pork
  • Beef chorizo

If you haven’t yet tried a tortilla pie, here’s your chance! They come topped with sour cream, cilantro, provolone, pickled onions, jalpeños, and your choice of brisket chili or four-bean chile verde. While you’re there, grab some street corn to enjoy alongside your meal. Make sure to grab extra napkins!

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Bigfoot Barbecue’s BBQ tacos

You can also find the following carts at Bend concerts in 2022:

What to drink at Bend concerts

Regardless of your drink preference, Hayden Homes Amphitheater has a beverage to satisfy. From non-alcoholic to beer and wine, to cocktails made with local spirits, you’re sure to find a drink that fits your taste.

Non-alcoholic beverages

Whether you need a pick-me-up from Red Bull or prefer sparkling canned water from Liquid Death, you’re covered. Non-alcoholic beers are also available from the Bend concerts drink concession tent.

Additionally, local Altitude Beverages has their Sunset Vibes mocktails available in 12-ounce cans. These sparkling white tea mocktails have a functional blend of adaptogens (and relaxants like GABA and L-Theanine) for a naturally calming effect sans alcohol.

Premium cocktails

Choose your spirits from premium to library, then choose your mixer—like refreshing lemonade. Or, opt for the Powerhouse margarita with your choice of lime or watermelon cucumber. So refreshing!

Three hands cheers clear cups with ice and drinks while attending Bend concerts
Margaritas, sparkling water, and hard seltzers.

Beer and wine

Of course, you can find many of your favorite Central Oregon beers—like Deschutes Brewery and 10 Barrel Brewing Co.— at the Bend concerts. Additionally, you have the choice of domestic and premium brews.

Ciders and seltzers are available in various flavors, along with half bottles of wine. Choose from Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and even Sparkling RosĂ©. Heck, yes! After you and your party order your preferred libations, head to the Deschutes Brewery tent to “shoot your shot” and win some brew swag with a game of giant water pong.

Woman tosses a ball into a bucket of water at the Bend concerts in Oregon
Shoot your shot to win swag from Deschutes Brewery.

VIP Deschutes Deck

Take your summer nights at Hayden Homes Amphitheater to the next level—literally! The Deschutes Deck, otherwise known as the VIP deck, offers an elevated concert experience. With two levels of box seats, the Deschutes Deck allows concert-goers to relax and enjoy the show from above.

Deschutes Deck experience includes:

  • Designated box seats
  • Private lounge on both levels with bar tables, chairs, and sofas
  • Expanded food and drink menu
  • In-seat food and drink service
  • Lounge bar
  • VIP parking passes
  • Private VIP entrance
Bottle of sparkling rosé in a stainless chiller
In-seat drink service on the Deschutes Deck.

When you arrive at one of the Bend concerts at Hayden Homes Amphitheater, you can skip the general admission lines and head straight to the VIP/ADA entrance, accessible from the VIP parking lot. From there, you’ll show your ticket once to the VIP deck agent, who will provide you with a designated wristband.

Then, find your seats or get settled on one of the comfy chairs and sofas, and enjoy the experience! VIP ticket holders can access all of the general admission areas and amenities, including nearby food carts and drink stands.

However, there is a lounge menu from which you can order. In-seat service means no waiting in line, and everything is on one tab. Plus, the Deschutes Deck offers additional food and drink options exclusive to VIP ticket holders.

Woman holds a margarita while smiling and sitting on a sofa on the deschutes deck at bend concerts
Enjoy sofa seating on the Deschutes Deck’s lounge.

Visiting Central Oregon

If you’re visiting Bend, Oregon, you might be wondering where and how to start planning. Check out some of these local resources to make your trip to Central Oregon and Hayden Homes Amphitheater a memorable one!

Whether you’re here for the weekend or call Central Oregon ‘home,’ don’t miss an opportunity to spend a summer night enjoying good food and great company at Hayden Homes Amphitheater!

See the full line-up of concerts in Bend, Oregon in 2022 at Hayden Homes Amphitheater.

Thank you to Visit Central Oregon for supporting Eat Drink Bend and making it possible for us to create this Bend concerts food and drink guide.