Going to Cascade Equinox Festival? What Not to Miss in Bend, Oregon

I might not be a Bend, Oregon native but I’ve lived here long enough to be a local. After driving through Central Oregon thirteen years ago, I stumbled upon this vibrant little town and decided to call it home. Bend is beloved as an outdoor lover’s paradise, a beer drinker’s dream, and a haven for heavenly cannabis cultivation. It’s also a psychedelically curious town, filled with laid-back and open-minded folks. 

Anyone who visits is instantly charmed by its magic, hence the reason our population is exploding with excited new residents looking for a taste of the Bend lifestyle. Who can blame them? I was that person over a decade ago and will always be a Bend fangirl. 

Yet, there are some big city delights that we are missing here, and like many smaller towns, we don’t always see the same kind of entertainment roll through. So, when I found out that the Cascade Equinox Festival was happening at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds, I was eager to dig in and cover the topic. This fest will surely draw in music and art lovers from all over the Pacific Northwest, and our small-town community is thrilled to have a new playground for all things psychedelic enchantment. 

If you read our interview with the event founder, Josh Pollack, then you already know how incredible this event is going to be. So rather than dig into the details (which you can read more about here), I’d like to offer you a true Bend guide to all the greatest places to eat, drink, play, and stock up on Oregon-grown cannabis while you’re here. 

Oregon and the Psychedelic Scene

Oregon is well known for embracing a progressive and forward-thinking mindset, making it a magnet for free-spirited souls seeking a place that celebrates individuality. From the original “Keep Portland Weird” motto to our thriving arts and music scenes, Oregon exudes a unique charm that captivates visitors from near and far.

One of the things that make Oregon stand out is its psychedelic curiosity. It has become a hub for those interested in exploring consciousness expansion and entheogenic experiences. Oregon made history with Measure 109, becoming the first state in the United States to regulate the therapeutic use of psilocybin. This groundbreaking decision has opened up doors for exciting research and promising advancements in mental health treatment, fostering an atmosphere of exploration and innovation.

But Oregon’s progressiveness doesn’t stop there. In a bold move, the state passed Measure 110, which decriminalized the personal possession of small amounts of all drugs. This shift in focus from punishment to compassion marks a significant milestone. Oregon recognizes addiction as a public health issue and emphasizes harm reduction, treatment, and support instead of incarceration. 

By championing drug decriminalization, Oregon is challenging long-held stigmas and leading the charge in reevaluating drug policies. Yet another one of the many reasons I love to be a resident of this forward-thinking community. Whether or not you choose to partake in this culture, Bend offers something for everyone to enjoy, with or without enhancements. 

Best Daytime Adventures

While the eats and drinks are superb in Bend, nothing beats the great outdoors. Head any direction from town, and you’ll find yourself immersed in lush nature and gorgeous landscapes. Here are a few epic ways to get outside and explore Bend. 

Float, Paddle, or Kayak the Deschutes River

The Deschutes River flows all the way through town, and it’s a popular spot for floating on tubes, paddleboarding, and kayaking. During the summer, this is the absolute place to be, but you’ll find people enjoying the charming part of town all year long. You can rent floatables for the day, or just hit up Bi-Mart or Dick’s for something more affordable that you can take with you. If you’re into surfing, we’ve got that, too! Check out the surf spot midway through the town float and test your skills on the rapids. 

Walk or Bike the River Trail

If it’s a little too chilly to get on the water, take a walk on the Deschutes River Trail. The entire trail is 11 miles, but there are plenty of places to get on or off and take in the scenic beauty of the Deschutes. Bendites love a cold plunge any time of year, so if you’re feeling adventurous, take a dip during your river walk!

Visit Tumalo Falls

Tumalo Falls is a 97-foot waterfall flowing into Tumalo Creek. It’s just west of Bend, and the hike to the falls is just minutes away from the trailhead. If you enjoy biking, there are trails galore in this area. Pack a picnic and explore the vast landscape, or just take in the beauty of the falls. If you keep hiking up the creek, you’ll find more waterfalls on the way up. 

Take a Trip Through the Cascades

The Cascades Lakes Highway will take you up to Mt. Bachelor – the illustrious winter legend that draws many skiers and snowboarders to Bend in the winter. But in the warmer months, people flock to the 14 alpine lakes for hiking, climbing, biking, camping, and water sports. Devil’s Lake is right off the highway, and with the sparkling turquoise waters, it’s hard to miss (pictured above). Hosmer and Elk Lake rank high on my list of favorites for any kind of daytime outing. 

Hike up Pilot Butte

Pilot Butte is an ancient cinder cone offering panoramic views of the towering Cascades and the vast high desert. You can spot it from just about anywhere in Bend, like a north star of sorts. Hiking the 2-mile trail takes about an hour and is perfect for your furry friends. Not feeling like an upwards climb? You can drive to the top and enjoy the views well. Once there, enjoy benches, informational signs, and breathtaking vistas. 

Best Dispensaries in Bend

I moved to the West Coast to be a part of the growing cannabis industry and have had the pleasure of watching these shops open up and flourish. We have some great dispensaries here, but these are my top recommendations. 

Cannabend

Cannabend is an OG in the Bend dispensary game. The couple that owns it still personally runs their shop, has incredibly happy staff, and grows unbelievably fire cannabis. Lizette and Lyle are true aficionados, and if you see them out and about, they are smoking fat joints and socializing everywhere they go. If they wouldn’t smoke it – they wouldn’t sell, so everything you’ll find at Cannabend is top shelf. 

Pay them a visit at 3312 N Highway 97, Bend, OR 97703. Tell them I sent you!

Substance Cannabis Market

Substance has three locations, so no matter where you are in Bend, you’re probably close to one. They have a large variety of products from the best of the best Oregon producers, and the staff always seem genuinely interested in helping you find what you’re looking for. I always score great deals on pre-rolls at Substance, and if you’re in a hurry – order online for pickup.

Check them out at one of three Bend locations:

20365 NE Empire Avenue, Bend, OR 97703.

1814 NE Division Street, Bend, OR 97701.

61406 S. Highway 97, Bend, OR 97702.

Tokyo Starfish

The owners of Tokyo Starfish came up with the idea for the dispensary name while on a trip to Tokyo. There may or may not have been magic mushrooms involved. Either way – they’ve done it right. This place is a true nod to Bend culture and lifestyle, and the shelves are packed with premium strains. For an extended vacation, book a night at their Bud and Breakfast, located upstairs of their flagship dispensary on Arizona Street. Not only do you get a gift card for the shop, but there’s a full display case of dabs, edibles, and flowers that you can enjoy during your stay. Are munchies kicking in? Check out the amazing food cart lot right next door. 

Visit Tokyo Starfish at one of three locations: 

542 NW Arizona Avenue, Bend, OR 97703.

61230 S Hwy 97, Bend, OR 97702.

923 SE 3rd Street, Bend, OR 97702.

Dr. Jolly’s

Dr. Jolly’s is one of the first shops to open in Bend. It was founded by two brothers, affectionately nicknamed “Jolly” and “Doctor.” Together, they worked hard to bring quality medicine to the medical marijuana community and pushed through legalization to continue delivering terpene-rich, full-spectrum products that honor the true qualities of the cannabis plant. You can’t go wrong with any of their in-house flower or extracts.

Stock up your supply at 415 SE 3rd Street, Bend, OR 97702.

Oregrown

Oregrown is a Bend staple for a couple of reasons. One, it’s right at the entrance to downtown, so you can pick up a doobie for your pre or post-dinner stroll. And two, the brand embodies the outdoor Bend lifestyle well. They grow a good amount of their cannabis but also feature some of the best brands in the state. And if you require some new digs, their merch is cool too! 

Visit Oregrown at 1199 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97701.

Best Breweries in Bend

There are over 30 breweries in Bend, and believe me – none of them suck. But I have a few favorites, in no particular order.

Crux Fermentation Project

Crux is dearly beloved for its incredible beer, expansive setup, and gorgeous sunset views over the mountains. You can sip on drinks in the pub or lounge in the giant grass field attached. There are always food trucks as well as their kitchen, and you can often catch live music. This place is super family-friendly, and if you have a pup with you, they are most welcome. 

Top beers: 

• Half Hitch – Imperial Mosaic IPA
• Freakcake – Barrel-Aged Oud Bruin with Brettanomyces
• Doublecross – Dark Belgian-Style ale

Visit Crux at 50 SW Division St, Bend, OR 97702.

Boneyard Beer

Boneyard was one of the first craft breweries I ever loved. And it’s because of one beer: the RPM IPA. I can’t quite explain why it’s so incredible, but maybe it’s because it’s brewed with six different varieties of Northwest hops, making it much more hoppy than it is bitter. It’s deeply golden, with the perfect maltiness behind the hop-forward flavor. Oh, and they have pretty good food, too. 

Other must-try beers:

• Incredible Pulp – Blood Orange Pale Ale
• Nitro Peanut Butter Stout
• Diablo Rojo

Visit the Boneyard pub and enjoy a sunny afternoon on their patio at 1955 NE Division St

Bend, OR 97701.

Bend Brewing Company

The Bend Brewing Company, aka the BBC, is another timeless Bend classic. It was the second brewery to launch after the famous Deschutes Brewery, and it remains highly regarded by locals and tourists alike. The beer is great, but the location is magical. The BBC sits right on the corner of downtown, with Drake Park and Mirror Pond (also a famous Deschutes beer) right in its backyard. This is an ideal spot if you would like to enjoy a cold pint and a snack (nachos!) before strolling through downtown. 

Top beers:

• Ching Ching Sour Ale
• Metolius Golden Ale
• Elk Lake IPA

Stop by the BBC at 1019 NW Brooks St, Bend, OR 97703.

Monkless

I always forget about Monkless, and I’m not sure why because every time I’m there, I revel in the beauty of the view and the tastiness of the food and drinks. The location is primo – located in an area known as the Box Factory – which is right between downtown and the famous Old Mill District. When visiting Monkless, sit on the patio and enjoy both river and mountain views. Pro tip: get the Brussels sprouts!

Best beers: 

• Shepplekofeggan 
• Restitution
• Dubbel or Nothing

Check out Monkless at 803 Southwest Industrial Way, Bend, OR 97702.

The Ale Apothecary

I stumbled across the Ale Apothecary by accident a few years ago, and every so often, I get random cravings for their incredible brews. This is a sour beer brewery, so if that’s not your thing, read on. And if it is your thing – you’re in for a treat! All of their barrel-aged sours are made with locally sourced ingredients, including all the barley, wheat malts, honey, hops, and fruits. 

Best sours:

• Sahalie
• Sahati
• La Tache

While you can’t visit their brewery, you can check out the tasting room and sample these delicious sours at 30 SW Century Drive, Suite 140 Bend, OR 97702.

Best Restaurants in Bend

The festival eats at Cascade Equinox are going to be divine, but if you have time before or after the fest, you’ve got to try one of these Bend restaurants. 

El Sancho

Best. Tacos. Ever. This gem started as a food cart at Crux and now has two killer locations in Bend. Everything about this place is straight-fire, including the welcoming owners and the unbeatable menu. My favorite is the barbacoa taco, but the asada and mahi mahi are not to be missed. All of the margaritas are delicious, but the jalapeno serrano is worthy of a pitcher to share with your friends. Don’t sleep on the street corn!  

Visit El Sancho at:

335 NE Dekalb Street, Bend, OR 97701 and

1254 NW Galveston Avenue, Bend, OR 97702.

Spork

I’m pretty sure Spork makes every Bendite’s top-five list. It can only be described as a delicious global fusion featuring flavors for Asia, Latin America, and beyond. Their specials are always interesting (hello crispy rice watermelon salad), and the classics like the spicy fried chicken and dan noodles are out of this world. Do not be disheartened if you see a long line – it’s a testament to the absolute deliciousness awaiting you. If you fancy cocktails, order a Maui Z while you wait. 

Hang on the patio or dine indoors at 937 NW Newport Avenue, Suite 130 Bend, OR 97701.

Wild Rose Thai

Located right in the heart of downtown Bend, Wild Rose is a Thai food lover’s paradise. The owner is from Thailand and travels home once a year to purchase the spices used to create these authentic family-inspired dishes. The menu is huge, and there’s plenty to love, but locals agree that the fish sauce wings are nothing short of legendary. I would report back on other menu items, but I have been ordering the khao soi curry for years because I can’t imagine anything else stacking up (I’m sure every dish is just as incredible). 

Dine in or grab takeout for a picnic in Drake Park: 150 NW Oregon Ave, Bend, OR 97701.

Chow

First and foremost – you best get up early if you want to snag a seat at Chow. This small breakfast and brunch spot is packed, for good reason. They source locally and even grow some of their ingredients to create fantastic comfort foods and unique takes on classics. Biscuits and gravy, honey truffle fried chicken sando, and any of the eggs benedict will start your morning off right. They also have a delightful collection of cocktails, but I’m loyal to their spicy bloody mary. Pro tip: stop across the street and grab snacks for later at Newport Market. 

Visit Chow at 1110 NW Newport Ave, Bend, OR 97701.

900 Wall

900 Wall is a popular dinner spot in downtown, but I often find myself meandering in for their happy hour. Don’t get me wrong – the dinner options are fire, but who doesn’t love a good happy hour deal? The prosciutto and arugula pizza is my favorite pizza in town, and the fried green beans are worth sharing with friends. I’m also a sucker for their unique Caesar salad. If you enjoy oysters on the half-shell, the folks at 900 source some of the best in the region. 

Enjoy the ambiance both indoors and out at, yep, you guessed it: 900 NW Wall Street, Bend, OR 97701.

Every Day is a Good Day in Bend

No matter what you do while you’re in the area, you’re going to have a blast. Even if you never step foot outside of the festival (we don’t blame you), the magic of Central Oregon and the good vibes of the Cascade Equinox Festival are sure to deliver memories that last a lifetime. 

Are you coming to the festival? Drop your comments below! We’d love to hear what you are most excited about. Don’t forget to snag your tickets! We’ll catch you in the Cascades in September.

And who knows….maybe you’ll roll into this enchanted land and decide you’d like to call it home, just like I did so long ago. Enjoy the journey, stay safe, and stay curious. 

Get tickets to Cascade Equinox Festival

The Deschutes County Fairgrounds

September 22-24, 2023

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