Here’s what you should know for Bend’s summer concert season

I’m not saying I have a countdown clock on my phone to alert me how many days, hours, and minutes until the start of Bend summer concert season 2025. 

But If I did have a countdown like that, I’d be dancing on tables right now because GUESS WHAT, GUYS! Outdoor concert season in Bend is almost here!

We’ve got so many amazing shows slated for Hayden Homes Amphitheater, plus a fab lineup for the third season of FairWell Festival. As we gear up for getting our groove on, here’s what you need to know about the 2025 summer concert season in Bend, Oregon.

Who’s playing this summer in Bend?

While I routinely stalk social media feeds for the Hayden Homes Amphitheater and subscribe to their newsletter for access to giveaways and promotions, I know not everyone does that. 

Trust me when I tell you there’s tons to be giddy for this year, including the legendary James Taylor (!!!) kicking off the season, then two shows from Sting (the first performer I ever saw in the ‘80s!), Kruangbin (one of my favorite shows from 2022!), Mumford & Sons (I literally screamed when I saw this announcement!), and Yacht Rock Review (fun concept!).

While there may be a few more announcements rolling in, here’s the current Hayden Homes concert lineup for 2025:

Which shows are sold out at Hayden Homes Amphitheater?

As of April 24, a few of the 2025 shows have already sold out. Those include Lainey Wilson, The Lumineers, Jon Pardi, Jerry Seinfeld, Red Clay Strays, Rufus Du Sol, Matt Rife, and the first-night shows for both Sting and Mumford and Sons (though you can still find night-two tickets for both of those shows). 

Don’t panic if you have your heart set on a sold-out concert, since you can still find Verified Resale Tickets on Ticketmaster. Steer clear of scalpers or secondhand sellers, no matter how tempting the price may be. I’ve heard too many horror stories of folks getting burned by too-good-to-be-true deals on tickets from non-verified sellers.

I’ll also note that several more shows are on the brink of selling out, so buy tickets soon if there’s a show you reeeeeeallly want to see.

What are the rules at Hayden Homes Amphitheater?

2025 marks the five-year anniversary of the venue’s partnership with Hayden Homes. They’ve done a bang-up job of taking this venue to the next level, hosting more than 150 shows and welcoming 700,000+ concertgoers through the gates since the partnership started.

If you haven’t seen a show there for a few years, there are a few things to be aware of.

Clear bags are the only type allowed in the venue, so leave regular purses or backpacks at home. You can bring a small clutch/handheld bag that’s not clear, as long as it’s 6”x 9” or smaller. 

Regular chairs are not allowed, nor are blankets or strollers, but you can bring seat cushions measuring 16”x16” or smaller. As an alternative, you’re permitted to have a yoga mat or a beach towel measuring 30”x60” or smaller. You can rent chairs at the venue, or at the time you purchase your ticket (while supplies last). 

More questions about rules? Visit the Hayden Homes Amphitheater website BendConcerts.com for the latest updates and a FAQ page I swear will answer just about anything.

What’s new this year at Hayden Homes Amphitheater?

Aside from a concert lineup that includes plenty of first-time acts at the venue, the biggest change is a new-and-improved Deschutes Deck. What’s the Deschutes Deck? It’s that premium seating area at the rear of the venue, and it’s been completely redone for 2025. The new format includes more tables and comfortable spaces for small groups, so it’s a great way to treat the whole fam or that big group of girlfriends you groove with. There’s also the cabana section on the opposite side, which gives you another VIP option for seating.

Another big change is the food cart lineup. You’ll see some familiar choices like Island Noodles and my personal fave, Dump City Dumplings (so easy to eat with my hands while sitting in the grass!) But the rest of the options are new and refreshed, and I’m jazzed to try them all. Keep your eyes peeled this year for Life and Time, Let’s Roll (hooray for poke bowls!), Titan’s Greek Gyros, ACME Hot Dog Co., and BONTA Gelato.

Another new perk on the beverage front is a new Gateway Bar near the main entrance. They’ll serve a rotating variety of craft beer, including local faves like Sunriver Brewing’s Bondi Beach Party IPA. That’s on top of the beer selections at other spots in the venue, which will include other local picks like 10 Barrel Pub Beer, Van Henion Pilsner, Boneyard RPM, Deschutes Fresh Squeezed, and Spider City’s Widow Stout.

How do I do Bend summer concerts on a budget?

Is it just me, or is everyone’s wallet a little bit leaner this year? Given the cost of everything these days (literally everything) I don’t blame you for seeking out budget-friendly ways to hit Bend’s summer concert season.

As a world-class cheapskate, allow me to share some of my favorite tips.

First, consider buying Hayden Homes Amphitheater tickets in person at the Ticket Mill in the Old Mill District. There’s a $7 flat fee on any ticket purchased there, which is a heck of a lot less than the $8-$28 service fees you’ll pay for online purchases.

Next, keep an eye on the social media feeds for the Hayden Homes Amphitheater. That’s where you’ll see announcements for special sales and even ticket giveaways.

When it’s time to head to the venue, make sure you bring a reusable water bottle to fill up inside. There are plenty of fill stations so you can stay hydrated for free.

The beer, wine, and cocktail options for purchase inside the venue are pretty fantastic, so consider setting aside a few bucks to treat yourself. Same goes for food carts, which run the gamut from sushi to pizza to burritos and more. But if food and beverage splurges aren’t in the cards for you this year, there’s no shame in filling your belly at home before you go.

Who’s ready for FairWell Festival 2025?!

While it’s true that the summer concert series at Hayden Homes dominates Bend’s music scene, there’s another game in town.

That’s the FairWell Festival, which first hit the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in 2023. Now in its third season, this fabulous music fest has some new highlights this year. 

First, they’ve pivoted to becoming a two-day event, rather than three. But don’t think that means you’ll be shortchanged on music. They’ve got nearly the same number of shows, just condensed in a shorter window of time. I’ll be honest here—as an avid music fan who attended the first two seasons, I rarely went all three days. It meant too many trips back and forth, which got exhausting. But this new two-day format means less driving for more music, which feels like a win in my book. 

Another change this year is that FairWell Fest is going all-in on country music. Previously, it was more of a country/folk/bluegrass/rock kinda hybrid thing, which was amazing, no doubt! But the focus on country means a solid range of talent within that niche. 

The 2025 FairWell Festival is slated for July 18-19 with an epic lineup that includes Tyler Childers, Dwight Yoakam, Tanya Tucker, Sturgill Simpson, Ludacris (yes, really!), Sierra Ferrell, Flatland Calvery, Cameron Whitcomb, and So. Many. More. Seriously, friends—this festival is off the charts.

If you’re in the mood to treat yo’ self, check out their options for luxury and VIP experience upgrades. Carpooling’s a great plan, and you can purchase parking passes for Friday and Saturday both. 

Among my lessons learned from attending the first two years: Plan ahead with plenty of time to find parking and exit the venue at the end. Bring an extra-big water bottle, since it’s blistering hot at the Fairgrounds in July without much shade to be found. And while you are allowed to bring chairs inside (unlike Hayden Homes) I actually regretted bringing mine the first year. This is more of an on-your-feet kinda vibe, so at most you might want a lightweight blanket for those times you need to sit and rest. Otherwise, just wear comfy shoes and plan to dance your pants off for two straight days.

Looking for live music beyond those two major venues? Visit Bend’s event calendar is chock full of offerings, so plug in your dates and see where else you’re invited to get your groove on.

How do I have the best Bend concert experience?

In case it wasn’t obvious, I kinda live for live music. Bend’s summer concert season is the best in the land, and here’s what I’ve learned to help In case it wasn’t obvious, I kinda live for live music. Bend’s summer concert season is the best in the land, and here’s what I’ve learned to help maximize any summer concert experience:

• Read the rules carefully for each individual concert. Some have special rules, and some shows have unusual setups. For example, the Matt Rife comedy show is limited to folks 18 and older. No matter which show you pick, brush up on the rules before you go!
• Buy a stadium cushion with a back. If you hit a lot of shows at Hayden Homes, invest in one of those legless, flat-bottomed stadium cushions commonly used for football games. Crazy Creek makes excellent ones, and Coleman makes a budget-friendly option. You can also opt for a towel or yoga mat to keep your butt off the grass.
• If you’re renting a chair, do it early. Sometimes I want a better seat than my stadium cushion, and I’ve learned the hard way that Hayden Homes’ rental chairs sell out early. If you’re hoping to score one, reserve right away so you don’t get stuck sitting on the grass.
• Get yourself a small, see-through tote bag. Not only is it required at Hayden Homes, but it makes breezing through security nice and simple at other shows. Bonus: You don’t have to search as hard for your glasses or lip balm.
• Don’t buy from scalpers. Seriously, that’s a good way to lose your hard-earned cash to a scammer.
• No poaching the show from outside the venue. It’s private property, not to mention our pristine Deschutes River takes a beating when folks try to anchor outside Hayden Homes. Be kind to the touring artists who took hard hits from the pandemic and pony up the ticket fee to see them.
• Watch the weather. High desert temps can fluctuate wildly, especially with some of those shows later in the season. You might arrive to bright sunshine at the start of the concert and find yourself freezing by sundown. Bring an extra layer or two, and don’t forget sunglasses.

Be nice. You’re in Bend. This goes without saying whether you’re attending a concert or hiking the River Trail.