For weeks I’ve been humming “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” inspired by the arrival of Bend’s summer concert season. Lucky for you, this year’s musical acts have way more talent than I do (though to be fair, my Grammy-caliber air guitar encore rules). 

With another epic season slated at Hayden Homes Amphitheater, plus a great lineup on tap at the FairWell Festival, here’s everything you should know about summer concert season in Bend.

Who’s playing this summer in Bend?

Shockingly, not everyone stalks the Hayden Homes Amphitheater social media feeds for the concert announcements that get me dancing with glee each winter and spring. While a few more show announcements could roll in over the next few weeks, here’s what the lineup now looks like for the 2024 season:

A few of those have sold out, including Riley Green, Foreigner & Styx, Stick Figure, Tyler Childers, and Hozier, though you can still find Verified Resale Tickets on Ticketmaster. Several more shows are on the brink of selling out, so buy tickets now if you hope to catch a concert at Hayden Homes this summer.

What are the rules at Hayden Homes Amphitheater?

This venue has changed a lot since its early years as the Les Schwab Amphitheater, but the magic of dancing barefoot in the grass by the river remains largely unchanged. 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”x9” or smaller. If you forget, there’s a bag check outside the venue where they’ll hold your goodies for a small fee.

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 for the latest updates and a FAQ page I swear will answer just about anything.

How do I hit all these concerts without selling a kidney?

Penny pinching music fans: I feel your pain. With everything costing more these days, carving out funds to see your favorite shows can put a serious crimp in the family budget.

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 when Live Nation runs limited-time sales or when the theater itself does prize giveaways.

Make sure you bring a reusable water bottle to fill up inside the venue and 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. I’ll be right there with you this year.

Where else can I find live music in Central Oregon?

While the Hayden Homes Amphitheater series is the biggest game in town and spans the whole freakin’ summer, another music bonanza landed on Central Oregon’s concert map last year. I’m talking about FairWell Festival, which takes place at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond and OH. MY. DOG. You guys! I attended the inaugural event last year and had so much fun jamming to three fab days packed with music.

The 2024 festival is slated for July 19-21 with an epic lineup that includes Billy Strings, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Katie Pruitt, Caamp, Ryan Bingham with the Texas Gentlemen, Leann Rimes, Shaky Graves, Tanner Usrey, Kacey Musgraves, Whiskey Myers, the Black Pumas, the Rivavalists, and so much more. Seriously, friends—this festival is off the charts.

This year’s event has a few improvements over last year, including a variety of shuttles, expanded parking options, additional camping spots, and more. They also have several luxury and VIP experience upgrades, so scope out their site for details.

Among my lessons learned from last year: 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 night, and left it at home entirely for the second and third day. 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 three 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.

What should I know for 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 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.
• 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.