Cultural Byways

Explore the cultural diversity of Central Oregon along the first of its kind Cultural Byways route. Plan your trip through Warm Springs, Jefferson, Crook and Deschutes Counties, enjoying art, museums, history, performances, heritage, music, festivals, county fairs, quilts, rodeos and more!

 

Four County Cultural Coalitions developed this unique tour route. Each coalition receives an annual financial allocation from the Oregon Cultural Trust. The funds are granted to non-profit organizations to support cultural activities, awareness and to promote the authentic experience travelers in our region can enjoy. Additional support for the Central Oregon Cultural Byways comes from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

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WARM SPRINGS

Home to the Warm Springs, Wasco and Paiute Tribes, the Warm Springs Indian Reservation was created in 1855. It stretches from the crest of the Cascades to the Deschutes River.

 

Lincoln’s Birthday Pow-Wow

Small pow-wow in Simnasho, Warm Springs. The second weekend of February.
WarmSprings.com | 541-553-1968

 

The Museum At Warm Springs

Telling the history and displays the art of the Wasco, Warm Springs and Paiute Tribes. Check for new exhibits and art demonstrations. Gift Shop features local arts and crafts. Native American Heritage Marketplace in November.
MuseumAtWarmSprings.org | 541-553-3331 

 

Pi-Ume-Sha Treaty Days Pow-Wow

Traditional dance contests, all-Indian rodeo, golf tourney, fun run, endurance horse race, and men’s/ women’s softball tournament. Third weekend in June.
WarmSprings.com | 541-553-1968

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MADRAS

Agriculture, irrigation and railroad wars provide the picturesque setting for this culturally rich county seat.

 

Air Show of the Cascades

An up-close world-class aviation experience with a spectacular scenic backdrop of the Cascade Mountain Range. Airshow proceeds support local non-profit organizations.
AirshowOfTheCascades.com | 541-475-0155

 

Central Oregon Livestock Auction

Central Oregon’s premier livestock marketing facility. See real cowboys, horses, and cattle at weekly cattle auctions every Monday.
CentralOregonLivestockAuction.com | 541-475-3851

 

Erickson Aircraft Collection

See over 20 vintage, rare aircraft that are still in flying condition, such as the P-38 Lightning, P-51 Mustang, Ki43 Hayabusa and B-17 Flying Fortress.
EricksonCollection.com | 541-460-5065

 

Art Galleries 

Art Adventure Gallery: Open 11:00am – 5:00pm Monday thru Saturday, New exhibits shown the First Thursday of each month. ArtAdventureGallery.com | 541-475-7701
Studio on 5th Street: Open afternoons, call for day/time. | 541-475-5557

 

Historic Farmstead 

Visit a pioneer homestead and other seasonal events at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
co.Jefferson.or.us | 541-475-5390

 

Jefferson Co. Historical Society Museum 

Closed, look for re-opening in 2017. Objects, artifacts, records, and photographs tell stories from Indian times to the homestead and railroad-boom era to the advent of irrigation, dam construction, light industry and tourism.
JeffCoHistorical.org | 541-475-5390

 

Madras Performing Arts Center 

Beautiful, new performing arts center is adjacent to the High School hosting a diverse array of cultural programs throughout the year.
Jcsd.K12.or.us/PAC | 541-475-4327

 

National Register of Historic Places 

Visit the airport buildings, McCoin Orchard & Old County Courthouse. http://NationalRegisterOfHistoricPlaces.com/Or/Jefferson/State.html

 

 

METOLIUS

Surrounded by rich fertile farmland and steeped in railroad history, Metolius basks in the beauty of

Mt. Jefferson.

 

1911 Oregon Trunk Railroad Depot 

Discover a restored 1911 Oregon Trunk Railroad Depot. Monthly pancake breakfasts are held on the fourth Saturday of each month.
Waymarking.com/Waymarks/WM1841 | 541-546-5533

 

 

CULVER

Culver is Oregon: celebrate cultural diversity in a picturesque small city surrounded by farms, views and nice people.

 

High Desert Community Theater 

Offering an opportunity to participate in theatrical comedy, to gather together and Laugh-Out-Loud. Two performance/year in Fall and Spring at various locations in Jefferson County.
HighDesertCommunityTheater.Blogspot.com

 

 

REDMOND

At the geographic and commercial center of Central Oregon, Redmond has been transformed by a recent cultural renaissance into a gem of the High Desert.

 

Art Around The Clock 

Art in select public locations and situations to create a unique sense of place and enhance community identity throughout Redmond.
facebook.com/RedmondPublicArt | 541-923-7763

 

Historic Walking Tours 

Take the Heritage Walk and view historic buildings in downtown Redmond, or view Streamline Moderne and Art Deco homes and buildings on the Moderne Architectural Movement Walking Tour.
VisitRedmondOregon.com | 541-923-5191

 

Festival of Culture 

The Festival of Cultures recognizes insights and traditions of other cultures with exotic flavors and performances. SThe second week in September. Celebrate individuals’ completing the legal path to citizenship!
LatinoCommunityAssociation.org | 541-382-4366

 

Oregon Summer Quilt Expo 

At Deschutes Fair and Expo Center; The second Saturday of July (same weekend as the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show)
Expo.Deschutes.org | 541-548-2711

 

Redmond Community Concert Association 

RCCA brings world-class performances and music to Redmond and the Central Oregon community. October – April.
RedmondCCA.org | 541-350-7222

 

 

POWELL BUTTE

On the high desert, nestled between Smith Rocks and Powell Butte, lies the community of Powell Butte: “The home of good crops, good stock, and good neighbors.”

 

Lord’s Acre Day 

Arts & Crafts, quilts, famous homemade baked goods, pit bbq and 10K run/5K walk. First Saturday inNovember, Powell Butte Christian Church.
PowellButteChurch.com | 541-548-3066

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PAULINA

The upper country town of Paulina is steeped in western heritage roots that date back to Chief Paulina.

 

Paulina Rodeo

Saddle up and enjoy a bit of cowboy entertainment. Labor Day weekend.
PaulinaOregonRodeo.com | 541-477-3357

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SISTERS

Named for the towering trio of peaks (all over 10,000 feet) to the west, Sisters is home to several cultural festivals, art galleries, and a growing public art collection.

 

Sisters Folk Festival 

Thousands of fans converge to hear local, regional, and nationally-known performers. Americana, folk, and blues can be heard at various venues. September.
SistersFolkFestival.org | 541-549-4979

 

Sisters Harvest Faire 

Enjoy this annual event featuring over 175 quality handcrafted products made by the vendors. The second weekend in October.
SistersCountry.com | 541-549-0251

 

Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show 

The largest outdoor quilt show in the world unfolds the second Saturday in July.
SistersOutdoorQuiltShow.org | 541-549-0989

 

Sisters Rodeo 

Riding high for over 75 years, this iconic event attracts the very best cowboys and cowgirls in the sport. “The Biggest Little Show in the World” runs the second weekend in June.
SistersRodeo.com | 541-549-0121

 

 

PRINEVILLE

On the high desert, surrounding the rim rocked plateauand the Ochoco Valley, lies a community rich in cowboy culture, country charm and historical architecture.

 

Bowman Museum 

Immerse yourself in local history, explore exhibits and tour the Crook County Courthouse and bell tower (Tues./Thurs.). Call ahead.
BowmanMuseum.org | 541-447-3715

 

Crooked River Round-Up/Race 

Meet Rodeo, horse races, and Prineville Rockhound Pow-Wow. Rodeo and Pow-Wow are held the last week in June. Horse races in July.
CrookCountyFairgrounds.com | 541-447-6575

 

Fiber Market Day 

High Desert Wool Growers feature wool & fiber products from locally raised sheep, goats, llamas, rabbits, and alpacas. Last Saturday in March, Crook Co. Fairgrounds.
CrookCountyFairgrounds.com | 541-447-6575

 

NW Pro Rodeo Assoc. (NPRA) Finals

There is something for every rodeo fan when they see the top rodeo pros in the Northwest. Third weekend in September.
CrookCountyFairgrounds.com | 541-447-6575

 

Picnic in the Park 

Free, live summer concert series in historic downtown Pioneer Park. Wednesday evenings, 6-8 pm, mid-July through August.
CrookCountyFoundation.org | 541-447-1209

 

Prineville Art Crawl 

Stroll in and around downtown Prineville viewing the works of talented artisans. Second Friday, May – September. Prineville-Crook County Chamber.
VisitPrineville.org | 541-447-6304

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BEND

A mountain getaway with a cosmopolitan appeal, Bend has a vibrant cultural life. Take in the diverse art scene, visit a museum, or attend one of the many concerts or festivals.

 

Art in the High Desert 

Bend’s premier juried fine art and craft show, attracting more than 100 artists across the U.S. and Canada. Late August.
ArtInTheHighDesert.com | 541-322-6272

 

BendFilm 

Celebrating independent cinema through film, lectures, and education. Mid-October.
BendFilm.org | 541-388-3378

 

Deschutes Historical Museum 

This landmark teems with the history and relics of Deschutes County’s past. Explore the lives of native peoples, fur trappers, early explorers, logging & railroad barons, and pioneers.
DeschutesHistory.org | 541-389-1813

 

First Friday Art Walk 

Hop from gallery to gallery downtown and in the Old Mill District. Galleries stay open late to highlight opening exhibits.
BendGalleries.com

 

High Desert Museum 

Exhibits, wildlife, living history, and educational programs. Discover Native American history, peruse Western art and culture, and have a close encounter with eagles, owls and more.
HighDesertMuseum.org | 541-382-4754

 

Lava Lands Visitor Center 

The interpretive hub of Newberry National Volcanic Monument with events, bookstore, trails, and state of the art exhibits on area geologic and cultural history.
FS.USDA.GOV/Recreation/Deschutes | 541-593-2421

 

Public Art: The Round-About Art Route 

A collection of over 20 pieces of public art on display throughout the city in the center of Bend’s traffic circles. The collection of Northwest artists features numerous styles.
ArtInPublicPlaces.org

 

Tower Theater 

An Art Deco Modern live performance venue, hosting local, regional, national and international performances, from dance to drama, classical to comedy.
TowerTheatre.org | 541-317-0700

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SUNRIVER

A destination resort and residential community, Sunriver offers year-round outdoor recreation along with annual art festivals and concerts.

 

Sunriver Art Faire 

Sixty+ juried artists display and sell ceramics, glass, jewelry, metal, sculpture, mixed media, painting, photography, textiles and woodwork. Family friendly. August.
SunriverArtFaire.com

 

Sunriver Music Festival 

World-class orchestra musicians perform classical concerts. Plus master classes, music workshops, family concerts, fundraisers, open orchestra rehearsals, and parties. August
SunriverMusic.org | 541-593-1084

 

Sunriver Traditions 

Holiday concerts, magic shows, holiday light displays, a gingerbread house competition, and more. Thanksgiving through New Years.
Sunriver-Resort.com | 800-801-8765

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LA PINE

La Pine is a rural community that is the gateway to Newberry Volcano, many scenic byways, and forests surrounding alpine lakes where “the outdoors is your front door.”

 

Frontier Days 

La Pine‘s largest event. Parade, quilt show, talent show, races, games, fireworks, dutch oven cook-off and more. Fourth of July weekend.
LapineFrontierDays.org | 541-536-7821

 

Rhubarb Festival

Everything’s rhubarb at this homegrown festival. Vendors, food, live music, and plants to purchase. Early June at the L&S Gardens.
LSGardens.com | 541-536-2049

 

Newberry Event Music & Art Festival

An official Defeat MS Fundraiser. Live music, brews, and food. At Diamond Stone Guest Lodge, late July.
NewberryEvent.com | 541-536-6263