The annual Bite of Bend takes over downtown Bend once again this weekend, kicking off at 5pm this Friday, June 17, and going on all day Saturday and Sunday. It’s Central Oregon’s largest food festival and there’s definitely plenty to do, taste, and see.

The Bite of Bend celebrates the region’s unique ingredients, cuisine and culture by bringing together chefs, bartenders, brewers, food enthusiasts, home cooks, and local purveyors for a three-day food party on the streets of downtown Bend. This year, the Bite of Bend will showcase over 40 food vendors from around the region. Festival attendees feast on bite after bite from chefs and restaurants directly as they make their way through downtown Bend.

Open at 5pm on Friday night, preview a taste of things to come when the full event opens on Saturday. Start with bites from local chefs, taste the region’s spirits and cocktails at the Mixology Showcase, watch the final 8 bartenders battle shaker to shaker in the Bartender Brawl and listen to the sweet sounds of Precious Byrd and Sassparilla!!

Come back on Saturday & Sunday for an event full of food, music, spirits, The Beer Run, Little Hopper Root Beer Run, Top Chef competitions & the final Bartender Brawl.

The usual downtown festival closures will be in effect: Minnesota and Oregon Avenues, and (based on last year’s map which they have on the website) Bond Street (and Wall?). There’s plenty of food (of course!) and alcohol, and I like that they have a “Locavore Alley” listed as well.

If you’re planning to go, keep an eye on the schedule, particularly for the live music. And don’t forget your rain jacket, since it’s supposed to have chance of showers on Saturday.