The 2026 Ember Sauna Bend Fall Festival returns to downtown Bend October 2-4, bringing together fine artists, local makers, live music, food and beverages and seasonal fun.
The 2026 event will feature the inaugural Bend Fall Festival Harvest Bake-Off, in which home bakers and chili makers will compete for ribbons, prizes and a Best in Show title. Contest categories include pies, breads and chili, with limited entries available in each. Entrants are encouraged to create festive presentations for a special Best Display Award.
“The Harvest Bake-Off is a natural fit for Fall Festival,” said Megan Burton of Lay It Out Events. “We’re celebrating the creativity and traditions that make autumn so special—from incredible local artists to family recipes that have been passed down for generations. We can’t wait to see what our community brings to the competition.”
Home bakers interested in participating in the Harvest Bake-Off can now register online. Entry is $5 per submission, and participation is limited to 20 pie entries, 20 bread entries and 15 chili entries. Advance registration is required.
Visitors of all ages to the downtown Bend event can browse hundreds of booths, discover handcrafted goods and art, enjoy local cuisine and beverages and explore interactive activities.
The festival announced its 2026 live music lineup, including:
- Fleetwood Mask, acclaimed Fleetwood Mac tribute band, will bring the timeless hits of Fleetwood Mac to the Fall Festival stage.
- LowDown Brass Band, an energetic Chicago-based ensemble known for blending brass, funk, hip-hop, soul and jazz, will have the crowd dancing.
A full schedule of music and other entertainment is available on the event website.
Admission to Bend Fall Festival is free.
