Bend Oktoberfest returns to downtown Bend on September 19

Bend Oktoberfest will be held Saturday, September 19 from 2-9 p.m. on the lawn of the Deschutes Historical Museum in downtown Bend, offering live music, traditional Oktoberfest games, local food and a Bark Bash dog event.

Bend Oktoberfest will return Saturday, September 19 from 2-9 p.m. on the lawn of the Deschutes Historical Museum in downtown Bend. The free, family-friendly festival is organized by Lay It Out Events and brings Bavarian-themed music, traditional games, local food and craft beer to Central Oregon. The event includes community competitions and a Bark Bash dog event hosted in partnership with the Humane Society of Central Oregon. Some activities require advance registration and fees apply for food, beverages and certain contests. Event highlights: - Date and location: Saturday, September 19, 2-9 p.m., on the lawn of the Deschutes Historical Museum in downtown Bend. - Admission is free; food, beverage and activity registration fees apply. - Planned activities include live music, Stein Holding, Pretzel Toss, Beer Relay, Barrel Rolling Race, Yodeling Competition and a Costume Contest; advance registration is required for games and space is limited. - Bark Bash runs from 2-4 p.m.; registration is $20 per dog, proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Central Oregon, day-of registration opens at 1:30 p.m., and proof of rabies vaccination is required. - Vendor applications for marketplace and restaurant vendors are open and organizers provided a website with full event details and registration information. Summary: The festival is presented as a community gathering pairing seasonal entertainment with local food, breweries and animal-welfare fundraising. Organizers say vendor applications are open and that advance registration is required for many contests; they provided a website with full event details and registration information.