It’s almost May and things are starting to heat up in Bend, and what better way to enjoy the new season than to give back and get involved in our local community? Enjoy all the beauty that Bend has to offer, from the majestic caves to the friendly people, while also giving back.
May 7th, 2022: Cave Clean-Up – Voluntourism
9am – 1pm, FREE
Wanderlust Tours is organizing a day to gather a group of local volunteers to help clean up some of our favorite caves in southeast Bend. Registration is free but required.
First time cleaning a cave? Don’t worry! Wanderlust has you covered to help clean the mouth of the caves, the insides, and possibly some sandblasting to remove any graffiti.
Transportation, headlamps, lanterns, trash bags, and buckets are all provided. Enjoy a tasty brew from Deschutes Brewery afterward, as thanks for all your hard work.
Please bring warm layers as the caves can be cool. Gloves, close-toed shoes, and a water bottle are all great ideas. Also, you’ll probably get hungry, so pack some snacks and a brown bag lunch.
Donations are accepted and appreciated to help ongoing cleaning and maintenance of Oregon’s Caves. Wanderlust Tours’ local partners are the Oregon High Desert Grotto, Deschutes National Forest, Visit Bend, Visit Central Oregon, SOLVE Oregon and other local businesses to clean up our local caves.
To gather more information, share the event with your friends, and register for free, visit the Wanderlust Tours page.
May 14th, 2022: Central Oregon Autism Color Walk
10am – 2pm, Adults $14 – Kids $11
Let’s get moving – for a cause! The Central Oregon Autism Movement (COAM) is hosting its annual Central Oregon Autism Walk Fundraiser Event on Saturday, May 14th, a half-mile family-friendly color walk.
Everyone is welcome to participate – all children, all ages, individuals, and teams – small and large! Gather friends to walk together! Prizes this year for the largest and highest fundraising teams include a medal, goodies, and leading the parade together.
But that’s not all; enjoy a silent auction, raffles, bounce houses, face painting, a family carnival, sensory stations, Autism awareness merch, community resource tables, vendors, kids’ crafts, and more! Bring the whole family to benefit your neighbors and community!
Register and make donations online. Lunch is provided with your registration, thanks to Bend Food 4 Less.
May 14th, 2022: SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle
Registration Deadline: May 11th, 2022
The Pole Pedal Paddle is back – and it’s bigger and better than ever. This annual fundraiser provides life-changing athletic programs to over 600+ athletes annually.
Participation rewards you with meeting new friends, a mental and physical challenge, and increased confidence, motivation, and self-determination. You won’t want to miss this year’s exciting course!
The 2022 Pole Pedal Paddle includes six events:
- The Alpine Leg – Skiers will start at the top of Mt. Bachelor’s Red Chair, sprint 200 feet uphill, and then ski down the LeeWay run.
- The Cross Country Leg – Participants will skate ski for 8km to the Nordic Lodge parking area where the exchange to cycling takes place.
- The Bike Leg – Riders will enjoy a beautiful 22-mile ride into Bend along Century Drive.
- The Run Leg – Runners will participate in a 5-mile, single-track trail run along the Deschutes River and finish at Bend’s Riverbend Park. Kid teams 12 and under (each member has to be 12 or younger) will do a shortened course.
- The Canoe/Kayak/SUP Leg – Starting at Riverbend Park, boaters will paddle upstream from the put-in point for 1/2 mile on the Deschutes River to Healy Bridge, then back downstream for 3/4 mile, then back upstream for 1/4 mile to the sprint exchange.
- The Sprint Leg – Sprinters will run a 1-mile paved course across the river.
For more information, view all participant categories, and to register, visit http://pppbend.com
Calling all kids and youth! Not quite ready for the full Pole Pedal Paddle? The mini-event takes place the following weekend (May 22nd). For more information, visit SELCO online.
May 21st, 2022: Happy Girls Bend
8am – 5pm, $40 – $100 – Riverbend Park
Grab your bestie and take in the beauty of Central Oregon as you embark on a tour of majestic scenery in this year’s host city and our favorite, Bend.
Happy Girls is all about embracing every woman’s fitness level. We believe that running is a way to achieve personal goals while overcoming fears and obstacles. Choose from three distances: half marathon, 10K, and 5K. Let’s go, ladies!
Ready to plan your race and start training? Happy Girls has you covered and will help you train like a mother! (https://happygirlsrun.com/bend/plan-your-race/)
Signing up to train like a mother earns you a swag bag, connection to an engaged community, coaching, and weekly newsletters and webinars to enhance your training knowledge—and performance on race day.
Register as an individual or team at happygirlsrun.com.
Downtown Dollar Gift Cards
While spending time in downtown Bend, Downtown Dollar Gift Cards allow you to shop your favorite retailers, restaurants, services, and entertainment in one place. Use the Downtown Dollar gift card at all participating locations in the city — there is truly something for everyone! Find your favorite participants and purchase gift cards online.