Bend WinterFest Raises $7,000 For Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon

The annual winter festival in Bend, Oregon brought the community together for music, winter sports, and philanthropy.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The recent Bend WinterFest raised $7,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon (BBBSCO), according to the event organizers at Lay It Out Events. The three-day festival in Bend's Old Mill District welcomed over 25,000 attendees and featured live music, winter sports competitions, a 5K run, and other family-friendly activities. The donation to BBBSCO will support the organization's youth mentorship programs across the region.

Why it matters

Bend WinterFest has become an annual tradition that not only celebrates the winter season but also strengthens the local community. By supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters, the festival is helping to provide valuable mentorship opportunities for young people in Central Oregon, empowering them to build confidence, achieve academic success, and explore new possibilities.

The details

The Boss Mortgage Bend WinterFest featured an exciting lineup of entertainment and activities, including the return of The Rally, a high-energy snowboard and ski pump-track competition. Live music performances from artists like Saxsquatch, Brandi Cyrus, and pop icon Tiffany were also highlights of the weekend. The Hot Cocoa Run on Sunday brought runners and walkers together for a festive 5K along the Deschutes River, complete with a hot cocoa bar and spirits from Crater Lake Spirits.

  • The Bend WinterFest was held from February 13-15, 2026.
  • The $7,000 donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon was announced after the conclusion of the festival.

The players

Lay It Out Events

The event production company that organizes the annual Bend WinterFest.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon (BBBSCO)

The nonprofit organization that provides one-to-one youth mentorship programs in the Central Oregon region, and is the recipient of the $7,000 donation from the Bend WinterFest.

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What they’re saying

“WinterFest is about celebrating winter in Bend, but it's also about strengthening our community. We're proud that the festival continues to support the important work Big Brothers Big Sisters does for local youth.”

— Aaron Switzer, Event Producer at Lay It Out Events (mycentraloregon.com)

What’s next

The Bend WinterFest is an annual event, so the next iteration of the festival is expected to take place in February 2027, continuing to bring the community together and support local nonprofits like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon.

The takeaway

Bend WinterFest has become a beloved tradition that not only celebrates the winter season but also fosters a sense of community and supports important local causes. By donating $7,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, the festival is helping to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people in the region, providing them with valuable mentorship opportunities that can empower them to reach their full potential.