Central Oregon's Winter Fest Celebrates Community Despite Lack of Snow

Annual event in Bend brings together residents and visitors for winter-themed activities and entertainment.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Despite a lack of significant snowfall, the annual Winter Fest in Bend, Oregon drew crowds from across the Northwest to celebrate the season with a wide range of festivities including food, crafts, live entertainment, and unique winter-themed amenities like fires and saunas. While some participants expressed disappointment over the low snow levels, the event was praised for its ability to unite the community.

Why it matters

Winter Fest is an important annual event that brings the Central Oregon community together during the colder months. The festival's ability to foster social connections and showcase local businesses is especially meaningful in a region where winter weather can be unpredictable and challenging.

The details

The festival featured a variety of activities and attractions, including a dog show with frisbee-catching pups, local vendor booths showcasing products and services, and unique winter-themed amenities like fires and saunas. Vendors reported positive interactions with the crowds, with one business owner describing the event as a 'festival that unites the community'.

  • Winter Fest 2026 took place on the weekend of February 14-16, 2026.

The players

Sarah Wellman

Owner of Well Created, a local vendor at the festival.

Nataliya

Owner of Crepe Oh! Holics, a local vendor at the festival.

Avalon Disko

Co-owner of Zap Trip Mobile Tattoos, a local vendor at the festival.

Silas Baker

A resident of Bend, Oregon who attended the festival.

Lincoln

Co-creator of Sasquatch, a local vendor at the festival.

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What they’re saying

“We've been having a great time. All the other vendors and people have been amazing. People are just so kind and generous and, really, genuinely interested in what we're here to. To sell and bring.”

— Sarah Wellman, Owner of Well Created (ktvz.com)

“Winterfest is really very cool. Festival, this unites people, community. So we just enjoy to be here.”

— Nataliya, Owner of Crepe Oh! Holics (ktvz.com)

“I like the area we're at. We have all these fires and dogs and saunas. So. Yeah, it's been fun.”

— Avalon Disko, Co-owner of Zap Trip Mobile Tattoos (ktvz.com)

“I really, I hope for snow to be here.”

— Lincoln, Co-creator of Sasquatch (ktvz.com)

“It's cold, but there's no source for it, right? We're in central Oregon. You never know if you're going to have snow by 5 feet or 5 inches.”

— Tracey Barnett, Co-owner of Crazy About Crystals (ktvz.com)

What’s next

Organizers and participants of Winter Fest 2026 are hopeful that more snowfall will arrive in the coming weeks to fully embrace the winter season in Central Oregon.

The takeaway

Despite the lack of snow, Winter Fest demonstrated the resilience and community spirit of Bend and the surrounding region, as residents and visitors came together to celebrate the season and support local businesses. The event's ability to adapt and thrive in the face of unpredictable weather underscores the importance of these types of community-driven festivals in bringing people together during the colder months.