Frosty pine trees? Check. Heaps of snow on the mountains? Check. Hearts and flowers in the windows of Bend’s shops? Check, check, and lookie here…it’s February in Bend!

In February 2025, there’s extra love flowing through Bend like the mighty Deschutes winding past ice-glazed rock banks. Mt. Bachelor currently boasts the deepest snowpack in North America, and Bend hotels have lined up with bargains aimed at bringing you here to enjoy it. 

Ready to discover what’s amazing to do, see, eat, and drink around Bend for the shortest month of the year?  Here’s what’s happening in Bend this February.

Bring on Valentine’s Day in Bend

Confession: When I’m not writing about Bend, I’m a bestselling romance author programmed to see Cupid’s arrow everywhere.

But I don’t have to look far in a city practically simmering with love. Over the years of writing this blog, I’ve penned plenty of Valentine’s-like romantic date ideas in Bend, and it’s easy to plan your own romantic night out. This time of year, Bend restaurants bust out specialty menus filled with cozy comfort foods and prix fixe dinners designed for romantic dates. 

If you’re more into outdoorsy romance, tour companies like Wanderlust bust out Valentine’s packages each year. You could even do what a co-worker did and arrange your whole freakin’ wedding on a romantic snowshoe adventure with Wanderlust.

Maybe you’re feeling more like a posh Valentine’s treat. Book a couples’ massage at a Bend day spa, or do a special wine dinner at Flights Wine Bar.

Take a romantic twirl together on a skate date at The Pavilion’s ice rink. Pick up a Bend Sno-Park pass at the Bend Visitor Center and make snow angels together. Heck, go the freebie route and use a fingertip to draw a heart in frost on your honey’s car window.

No sweetie in your arms this year? Show your love for Bend’s wild places when you practice Leave No Trace principles while exploring outdoors.

If the love of your life walks on four legs and licks your face, take Fido to one of Bend’s many off-leash dog parks, then over to Bend Pet Express for a fresh bag of treats and a blingy new collar.

This time of year, there’s so much love to go around. Spread some in Bend this February!

Holy snow day, Batman

Mother Nature always brings tons of snow to our mountains in February, but she outdid herself in 2025.

Snowstorms in December and January brought record-breaking piles of powder to the Cascades. No joke, one series of storms in late December brought five feet of snow in a weekend. As a result, Mt. Bachelor currently has North America’s deepest base. That’s something to celebrate with a ski run or twelve.

Not only that, but Mt. Bachelor also boasts one of the longest ski seasons in North America, spanning from November through the end of May (weather permitting).

Not to pile too much love on February, but it’s really the ideal time to hit Bachelor’s pristine slopes. March and April get busy with spring breakers flocking from around the Pacific Northwest, and May snow starts to get thinner. But February—particularly in a heavy snow year like this—is nothing short of epic. Now’s the very best time to schedule some ski lessons or that sled dog ride you’ve been dreaming of.

While Winter Pridefest isn’t until March, you’re wise to buy tickets early. Some popular events can sell out, plus it’s fun to plan ahead for this celebration of inclusivity in the outdoors happening March 6-9.

If you’re intrigued by snowmobiling, now’s the best time to book that grand adventure. Add it to a romantic winter getaway complete with a couples’ cross-country ski outing or a snowshoeing trip to a snuggly, cozy warming hut.

We’re back to romance again, aren’t we?

Love beer? You’ll love February in Bend

If you’re smitten with Bend’s craft beer scene, grab a red marker and draw a big ol’ heart around February.

Zwickelmania and its assortment of tours, tastings, and prizes is one of my favorite beer events of the year. Sponsored by the Oregon Brewers Guild, It takes place this year on February 22. It’s more intimate than many Bend beer events, with a chance to chat with brewers and sample seasonal beers. Some even offer kiddie games and other family fun.

Can’t make it out that weekend? February’s still a great time to sample all those hearty winter ales and thick porters along the Bend Ale Trail. Bevel Brewing’s Milk Chocolate Stout tastes just like a pint of liquid boozy chocolate, making it the perfect winter belly warmer. Over at Wild Ride, the Nut Crusher Peanut Butter Porter is a favorite for fans of thick, hefty brews (not to mention peanut butter!)

Bonus:  With summer’s crowds a distant memory, you’ll have an easier time finding tables or fireside sipping spots at your favorite Bend brewpub. 

Not much of a drinker? You don’t need to knock back a boozy pint to hit Bend’s craft beer scene. Tetotalers and those extending Dry January will be delighted to discover how many pubs on the Bend Ale Trail now brew their own non-alcoholic beers.

Embrace Bend’s love of live music

For a pipsqueak of a month, February packs a lot of great music into 28 days.

The historic Tower Theatre busts out the year’s best lineup (in my humble opinion) each February. This year includes a deliciously long run of the musical, Annie, plus concerts ranging from folk and western to a freakin’ harmonica blowout (how cool is that?!) Grab tickets early, since some shows are likely to sell out.

Speaking of tickets that get snapped up fast, it pays to plan ahead for Jazz at the Oxford. This seasonal series spans November through March, and it’s tough to score tickets for some shows. Take a look at what’s on tap for February, then cross your fingers you snag seats for this uber-cool series.

While you’re feeling classy, browse the schedule for Central Oregon Symphony. Winter concerts range from brass musicians to string shows and more. Tickets often sell for tiny prices at modest venues like local high schools. If opera’s your jam, it’s worth a look at what’s happening with Opera Bend.

Hike your little heart out

Here’s what I love (there’s that word again!) about Bend winters: While our mountains are covered in white stuff, the lower-elevation trails around Bend often stay dry and snow-free. It’s the magic of elevation, and it makes me so dang happy!

This roundup of inspiring winter hikes includes some of my very favorite trails to hit this time of year. From Sawyer Park to the Oregon Badlands Wilderness to good ol’ Pilot Butte, you’ve got snow-free trails to explore without busting out snowshoes or skis.

One of my favorite things to do this time of year is tackle a hike with some elevation gain like the Tam a Lau Trail or Chimney Rock to the north. Once I’ve earned a relaxing interlude, I’ll schedule a dreamy experience at ChillWell, which offers float therapy, cold plunge, and sauna.

Not a huge fan of hiking? You’ve still got ways to enjoy Bend’s popular trails in uniquely wintery ways. We’re still a few months out from snow gates opening at popular spots like Tumalo Falls, the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, and Newberry National Volcanic Monument, but you can see them in a different way on a fat bike tour with Cog Wild. If biking on snow isn’t your scene, you’ll find plenty of snow-free bike routes on the Cascades Gravel Scenic Bikeway.

Take a chance on only-in-winter adventures like snowshoeing or ice skating, then wrap things up with some fireside suds at your favorite Bend brewery.

Cheers to this short but oh-so-sweet month in Bend!