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The comprehensive LGBTQ+ guide to Bend, Oregon
The city of Bend is home to a small but growing queer scene, with tons of festivals, outdoor adventures and eateries.
Portland, Oregon has a well-known LGBTQ+ scene but is far from the only inclusive city in the Beaver state. In Central Oregon, the city of Bend is home to a small but growing queer scene that includes two annual Pride festivals and, beginning in 2025, a PNW take on Mardi Gras.
During June, Bend hosts a full calendar of outdoor-themed Pride events, from a 5K run/walk to a Roller Pride skate party to OUT on the Runway, a do-it-yourself handmade queer fashion show. Celebrations culminate in the second-largest Pride parade in Oregon.
Mountain adventures!
Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure
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Get to know Bend’s vibrant snowy side in early March with OUT Central Oregon’s Winter PrideFest. A gay ski weekend packed with drag performances (you might catch local queen/environmental activist Pattie Gonia) inclusive all-ages dance parties, and a raucous apres-ski pool party held at the gay-owned Campfire Hotel.
Shop ’til you drop
Downtown Bend is cute and walkable. Look for “You Are Welcome Here” Pride flag stickers to identify inclusive spaces. Explore queer-owned shops like Royal Juice Co. and Somewhere That’s Green, a plant store that offers rare plants, gifts for witchy queers, and expert houseplant help.
Spend an afternoon exploring Bend’s many LGBTQ+-friendly businesses, or head to the High Desert Museum to catch Andy Warhol’s “Endangered Species,” a vibrant print series created to raise awareness of the Endangered Species Act. Pop-art images of endangered critters are paired with some of the artist’s other iconic artworks, including the famous Marilyn print.
Out and about
Bend’s queer social scene isn’t just oriented around gay bars or clubs. Here, the LGBTQ+ community heads outdoors. Brush up on your rock climbing skills at the monthly Queer Climb Night hosted at Bend Rock Gym. Or head outside with OUT in the Wild Adventures, which is building queer community through rock climbing classes and meetups.
LGBTQ+ Bend
Hotels
Campfire Hotel
This old motor lodge turned campy boutique hotel functions as the social hub of Bend’s gay scene. Rooms are stylish and comfortable, though with amenities like a heated pool, hot tub, and outdoor fire pit, chances are you won’t spend much time inside.
Restaurants
Turtle Island Coffee
Queer and indigenous-owned Turtle Island Coffee Shop is a relative newcomer to downtown Bend, opening in June 2023. The coffee shop is a safe space for queer and trans-BIPOC, with artwork and events that celebrate the community. Stop by for a Native American wild rice bowl, bagel sandwich, or coffee drink; stay for a Drag Race viewing party or queer game night.
Sparrow Bakery
The Sparrow Bakery Northwest
Chic and popular 2748 NW Crossing Dr · Bend, OR 97701(541) 647-2323
Website
Lesbian-owned Sparrow Bakery is famous for its Ocean Rolls, a sugary vanilla and cardamom treat. They also make a full range of breakfast sandwiches, breads, and drinks in a cozy, family-friendly café setting with indoor and outdoor tables.
Bo’s Falafel Bar
A food truck turned falafel restaurant, Bo’s Falafel Bar is best known for its falafel bowls and pita sandwiches, topped with pickled vegetables, creamy tahini, and spicy sauces. The restaurant is proudly inclusive, hosting queer-friendly events like bingo and drag brunch.
Spork
Spork is a beloved local hotspot celebrated equally for its global street-food-inspired cuisine, craft cocktails, and a strong commitment to LGBTQ+ allyship and inclusivity. Spork often hosts LGBTQ+ community events. The global menu is vegan-friendly and has racked up impressive accolades. Spork doesn’t take reservations, so go early or be prepared to wait–and people watch.
Nightlife
The Greenhouse Cabaret
The team behind Somewhere That’s Green launched a theater and drag venue to rave reviews. They’re presenting Proof by David Auburn this August; previous shows have included campy classics Little Shop of Horrors and Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
Canteen Bar
Canteen at Campfire Hotel
Live music and drag bingo 721 NE 3rd St · Bend, OR 97701(541) 668-6904
Website
Hosting pool parties, drag bingo, and live DJs, Canteen Bar is a popular, inclusive gathering spot. Canteen Bar isn’t gay-owned, but it’s inside the gay-owned Campfire Hotel, and parties tend to draw a queer crowd. Summer events include a Thursday ”Beats N’ Boards” live DJ and board games night, Friday and Saturday night DJ dance parties, and Sunday night karaoke.
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