#tenthmonthbend

10 Things You Might Have Missed During Tenth Month in Bend, Oregon

Bend Leaves Photo by Pete Alport

Well, that was fun.

October in Bend is always an adventure. We hope you enjoyed Tenth Month and had the chance to attend a few conferences, hit a few trails, knock back a few beers and revel in the creativity of our quirky mountain town. Feeling like you might have missed out on a few moments of awesome? It’s all good. We’ve got the rundown of events to take the edge off your FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out… it’s totally a thing).

1. All things equal

Maggie Renzi led a dynamic conversation about filmmaking and gender equality at the "Film Fatales: Women in Film" panel discussion during the BendFilm Festival.  Advocacy, policy and a renewed commitment to nurturing future talent were a few of the topics explored with candor and passion.

2.  That one time, in 1979….

Indie film icon John Sayles and producing partner Maggie Renzi presented their groundbreaking 1979 first feature film "Return of the Secaucus 7" and discussed the hurdles of making a first feature and how it impacted their future careers. Their presentation kicked off BendFilm's "First Features" program showcasing renowned independent filmmakers, screening the first films that catapulted their careers. Afterwards they host a panel discussion with filmmakers presenting their first feature films at BendFilm Festival.

3.  For the love of design

What goes into making a first book? According to Aaron Draplin of Draplin Design Co, “lots and lots of hours.” When he was working 19 hour days to get his new book, Pretty Much Everything, out into the world, he sometimes drove back and forth from home to studio in his underwear. Draplin entertained the Swivel Conference audience with tales of meaningful design as well as a few wild stories, like the time he received actual death threats because of the logo he did for www.recovery.org, an Obama administration project.

Photo by Cody Rheault RouxPhoto.com

4.  Draw more stuff

Dave Gray’s Visual Thinking keynote and the three hour workshop on day 2 led by Dave’s team member, Nina Narelle, were one of the highlights of the Swivel Digital + Creative Design Conference. Dave, founder of XPLANE, a management consultant and author of three books, taught the crowd how to use pictures and drawings to stimulate the mind. Why drawing? According to Gray, you draw:

for yourself, to see the world from a new perspective

to think better

to imagine things you wouldn’t normally think of

to align. Words tend to divide, pictures tend to unite.

to show

Head over to the Swivel blog for more highlights -- and marketing tips -- from the conference.

Photo by Cody Rheault RouxPhoto.com

5.  Check out these numbers

This year’s Bend Venture Conference funded a total of 12 companies, the most ever in its 13 years. Almost $4MM was awarded… $3,918,000 to be exact. That’s a lot of moolah going out into the world to support the goals and growth of business dreamers and doers. BVC is one of the top angel conferences in the country, bringing together investors, companies and their supporters.

6.  It pays to network

Bend Venture Conference intern Stephen Sehgal was offered an opportunity to serve on the grad investment fund at University of Oregon as a result of his involvement with BVC. This is a great example of the impact of business networking.

7.  Getting social

Bend Venture Conference’s social impact category introduced a round of for-profit companies located in Oregon with a social or environmental mission built into their business model, each vying for investment money. This year’s Social Impact winners were Sudara, OpConnect and Hemex Health. New for 2016, the Social Impact Track of Bend Venture Conference brought the original BVC investors back. It also allowed conference newcomers to get a taste of the conference for only $45, with nearly 300 in audience attendance.

8.  We need to talk

This year’s Bend Design Conference gathered attendees together for a little bit of convo and a whole lotta inspo. Following the first day of speakers, Mash Up conversations included moments with John C Jay at Hot Box Betty, screen printing at the Liberty HUB with Greenline Press, painting with Victor Saad and April Soetarman at Crow's Feet Commons, and tree weaving at The Dogwood with Ashley Shaffer and Ann Friedman.

Hosted Conversations, scheduled and facilitated by attendees interested in collaboration, creativity and design, happened simultaneously at Joolz, The Drake, 10 Below, Barrio and The Wild Rose. Topics covered animation, citizen design, digital and user experiences, human-centered design and designing for hyper-engaged communities.

9.  Failure is an option

Failure is part of what makes us human. The trick is to NOT become paralyzed by it. More than sixty Failure Certificates were awarded to participants of the "Come Fail With Us" workshop led by Joshua Berger and Niko Courtelis from PLAZM during the Bend Design Conference. It was a rousing lesson about using failure as inspiration for living a more creative life.

10. What about…

Did you see that stunning sunset on October 7th? How about that piece of local art hanging in Tin Pan Alley? Or that most perfect IPA crafted with love a few weeks ago at one of Bend’s breweries? No? That’s okay. While each Bend sunset, piece of art and pint of beer is unique, there’s plenty more where that came from. Keep exploring. You’ll find inspiration everywhere in Bend.

October, it’s been swell. Thanks for all of the inspiration. See you next year for Tenth Month!

Photo of Megan Phallon’s custom painting inspired by Tenth Month that one lucky Tenth Month attendee won! 

LOVE OCTOBER? DON’T MISS THESE 10 BEND OREGON EXPERIENCES

Awesome photo of Sparks Lake in Bend, Oregon by Nate Wyeth Photography

So you’ve been to a festival and a conference or two. Inspiration? Check. Brilliant ideas written down in a notebook? Check. While you may be tempted to shelve it all in favor of pulling your secret Snuggie from the depths of the closet and bingewatching Netflix, keep your inspiration alive and kicking with these additional Tenth Month experiences.

1. Stop dreaming, start doing

Ever wanted to design your own product? Maybe you’ve been mulling it over in your mind for weeks years, but the “hashing it out pen-to-paper” method just isn’t working. Enter DIY Cave and their October 20th design event. Experts from Solidworks, a 3D CAD design software company, will show guests how to bring their designs to life.

2.  It’s like being transported into a Wes Anderson movie

The Central Oregon Symphony launches their Fall Concert Series on October 22nd with the unique musical stylings of 3 Leg Torso. With beginnings as a violin, cello and accordion (!) trio, 3 Leg Torso has morphed into an eclectic quintet performing original world-mix compositions. Their music is creative, exciting and unexpected… a trifecta of inspiration.

3.  Debauchery + popcorn + beer

When “immaturity welcome” is part of the business model, you know you’re in for a night of enlightened shenanigans. Mix a talk show with music and comedy and throw in a dash of local community members, and the The Night Light Show is what comes out the other end… like an Easy-Bake oven, but without the molten lava brownie core. Host Shanan Kelley’s wicked sense of humor packs Tin Pan Theater to the gills. The October 25th event is your “Pre-Election Relief” show. (Because who doesn’t need to burn off a little political steam right now?)

4.  Coffee is always a good idea

Did you know that Bend has six gourmet coffee roasters? (Hey, where there’s good beer, there’s good coffee!) Dozens and dozens of coffee houses serve up the “bean juice” to spirited Bendites every single day. So if you l-o-v-e coffee, hop on the Bend Brew Bus October 24th or 31st. Visit three coffee houses and explore each of the six roasteries. Part walking, part being chauffeured around in style, at the end of the tour you are rewarded with your very own bag of some of Bend’s finest coffee.

5.  A quick hit of illumination

Imagine that you are standing on a large stage and only have five minutes to deliver your message. The crowd hangs on your every word. Oh… and there are 20 Powerpoint slides automatically advancing every 15 seconds whether you like it or not. Crazy? Or crazy cool?

Ignite Bend believes that anyone can present ideas and stories. It’s a fast and fun evening of speedy presentations designed to enlighten people… quickly. Ten brave speakers will hop on stage at this free community event on October 27th.

6.  Down by the river

Live jazz by the river? Heck, yeah! On October 28th and 29th, Riverhouse on the Deschutes is bringing in the Mel Brown Septet to tickle the earholes of Central Oregon jazz lovers. If one had to choose a “Godfather” of the Portland jazz scene, Mel Brown would be it. From hard bop style, to straight-ahead bebop and soul, The Mel Brown Septet will inspire you with their horn-centric homage to one of American’s original art forms.

7.  Cue the ravenous zombies

If witnessing a full-fledged zombie attack sounds like a fun way to spend a Friday night, plan on attending OperaBend’s Maelstrom on the COCC campus October 28-30th. Part zombie movie, part opera, part stage play, you’ll laugh, cringe and laugh some more as the fast-paced 90 minute show weaves the story of Anna and her husband trying to escape the clutches of an oh-so-hungry hospital staff.

8.  Collective goodness for the win

On October 29th, over two hundred women will gather at TEDxBendWomen for an enlightened day of curated talks from the TED series. Will you be one of them? The talks will serve as catalysts for panel discussions as well as small group collaborations. Each has been thoughtfully selected to both inspire dreams and ignite the passion needed to affect change.

9.  A break from reality

Head over to Deschutes Brewery and the Old Mill District on October 29th for an epic day of Cross Crusade cyclocross action. Cheer on your favorite riders as they pedal, jump and schlep their bikes through the tricky course.

That evening, plan on attending Bend’s party of the year, held inside the Deschutes Brewery warehouse. The theme of this year’s Halloween bash?  “An Immersive Alternate Reality Experience.” From freaky deaky to scary and creepy, it’s a night where anything can happen.

10.  The enchanting art of Japan

View a private collection of rare antique Japanese prints at the Atelier 6000 gallery. Three centuries of art is on display, folks. (Your great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather wasn’t even a twinkle in someone’s eye when some of these pieces were created!) The Opening Japan show runs through November 20th, leaving you plenty of time to view at your leisure. Walk slowly. Breathe it all in. It’s magnificent.

Inspired by Japanese art? Dip your creative toe into a few of the workshops offered by A6. Learn courtesan and kabuki prints on October 23rd. Make an origami envelope book on October 28th. A haiku workshop follows in November.

Is there anything better than a Bend October? Ochre leaves glide through the juniper breeze. Pumpkin spice fills every nook and cranny. Puffy jackets and wool socks come out to play.

It’s a time to explore.

In Bend, everyone knows that October is a month for inspiration, not hibernation. Tenth Month is crammed full of happenings and adventures to stoke the creative fire and inspire new ways of thinking. While Bend is bursting with iconic spots to explore and enjoy between events (helllllloooooo, Drake Park), if you really want to dig in and experience that famous Bend quirk, check out these hidden gems:

1. Explore the Tin Pan Alley Art Collection

Tucked between brick buildings off of Minnesota Avenue, Tin Pan Alley is an ideal location to explore local art, catch an indie flick or enjoy what’s rumored to be Bend’s best cup of coffee. Scattered throughout the alley are works of art created by local Bendites. Sip on an obsessively-crafted cappuccino from Lone Pine Coffee Roasters as you wander the alley and explore the art collection adorning its brick walls. Afterwards, head to Tin Pan Theater for an unforgettably quaint movie experience.

Enter to win a "Tenth Month" inspired original painting by artist Megan Phallon. Stop by the Bend Visitor Center before October 31, 2016 to drop your name in the box! While you're there, check out more of Megan's original art and revel in her chalk artistry skills on Visit Bend's cement pillars -- Megan is the current featured artist for the Pillars of Art pop-up gallery now showing through October 2017.

2.  A community of creativity

On a quiet street close to the Old Mill District sits a reincarnation of the former Bend Iron Works. Only now, it’s a place for artists to gather, create and share their work. As a platform for local artists, The Workhouse provides high-quality, locally-made, sustainable art for purchase as well as studio workshop sessions for those wanting inspiration, instruction and ideas. The Last Saturday Art Walk takes place at the end of each month. Friends gather to eat, drink, shop, chat and revel in Bend’s creative energy.

During your visit to The Workhouse, don’t forget to pop into Sparrow Bakery and snag a world-famous Ocean Roll. These savory cardamom-infused pastries are a Bend favorite.

3.  Come for the heated benches, stay for the good vibes

While downtown Bend offers an abundance of dining options, those looking for an über-casual experience head to The Lot. Located in a bustling neighborhood off of Galveston Avenue, The Lot features five food trucks and a taproom featuring 16 brew options. The empty commercial “lot” has been transformed into a gathering place for families, friends and cool dogs. (Hey, you’re in Bend!) With heaters, heated benches (perfect for those crisp Autumn evenings) and an open-air concept, The Lot is a unique dining experience that captures the heart and soul of Bend.

4.  Boho in Bend

Walking into McMenamins is like opening the door from Kansas to Oz. Previously an old Catholic schoolhouse, McMenamins has been converted into a pub/brewery/hotel/movie theater/event space/soaking pool conglomerate of awesomeness. Stained glass windows, original furnishings and antique fixtures have been carefully preserved and lend to McMenamins quirky nature.

Catch a movie in the converted theater that was once the parish hall of the old Catholic school. Settle into a cozy boho love seat, place your food and beer order and dine and sip while watching your flick. Afterwards, head over to the Turkish bath and take a soak in its relaxing, magical waters. At the end of the day, wander over to O’Kanes (on the other side of the parking lot), grab a spot by the fire pit and request a Greyhound. McMenamins goes the extra mile with this delicious drink, using fresh grapefruit and serving it up in an actual pint glass.  

5.  A bench with a view

Pilot Butte rises over 500 feet out of the ground in northwest Bend. It’s not exactly something you need to search for. Turn. Look. There it is. Providing a fantastic panorama view of the high desert and the Cascades, Pilot Butte is a favorite spot for watching the sun sink below the mountains. If you’re looking for THE best place to watch a breathtaking Central Oregon sunset, avoid the droves of cars heading up the hill. Instead, park your vehicle at the bottom and hike the winding foot trail. Eventually you’ll come to the perfect (and usually empty) bench to sit and enjoy nature’s great show. Located below the ogling crowds, the view is just as spectacular and it’s almost guaranteed you’ll have it all to yourself.

Fuel your Pilot Butte hike with dinner at Pilot Butte Drive-in. Get there before 7 p.m. or you’ll miss out on one of the best burgers in town. A Bend icon since 1983, Pilot Butte Drive-in is know for it’s friendly service, thick milkshakes, and large portions.

6.  Back-of-the-bus cool

Coffee, beer and gear? Heck, yeah! Located just past The Old Box Factory, Spoken Moto is Bend’s newest gem. Hang with a coffee in the morning. Chill with a beer at night. Enjoy a meal from a collection of food trucks, including Himalayan Bites, Addy Macs, Curb BBQ, and Jacked Up Waffle. Don’t forget to snag some of the coolest gear (hats, hoodies, tees, etc.) and become part of the legend.

7.  Top secret beer run

You won’t find any frills at Boneyard Beer. The focus is on making good beer. So if you L-O-V-E beer (and don’t really care about reclaimed wood bar stools or truffle-infused sweet potato wedges), this is the place to go. Tucked away in an almost top-secret downtown neighborhood, Boneyard Beer is all about beer-to-go. Bring your growler(s) and hit the tasting room for a fill of RPM, their wicked-good IPA that the locals can’t seem to get enough of.

8.  Tiny kitchen, big flavor

Located in NW Crossing, Sunny Yoga Kitchen offers organic and sustainable meals and snacks. From bowls to salads to sandwiches, everything is made with the freshest ingredients and a whole lotta love. Yoga classes are held almost every day in the adjoining studio. Sunny Yoga Kitchen is all about healthy, happy living and is a fantastic little place to unwind and replenish.

9.  Art that knows how to have fun

Dubbed the “art tour for active souls,” the Roundabout Art Route offers visitors and locals the chance to explore the 23 roundabouts scattered throughout Bend. At the center of each is a unique sculpture designed by artists from all over the country. (You can always count on Bend to transform something like a boring traffic circle into a jaw dropping piece of art!) The Bend Visitor Center offers a self-guided map to guide your Roundabout Art journey.

10.  Anything but bad

Head east for 12-ish miles and you’ll find the Badlands. Anything but bad, the Badlands are a distinct contrast to the forested hiking and biking trails found along the Cascade highway. At just under 30,000 acres, the Badlands are raw and wild. It’s a land of jumbled lava flows, desert flora and ancient junipers. Enjoy the silence and solitude of over 50 miles of trails. Bring sturdy shoes and leave your bike at home. (Sorry, folks. This area is reserved for hikers only.)

The BLM has provided an excellent map for exploring this rugged yet beautiful section of Central Oregon.

Some of these Bend gems are not so undiscovered, but they feel that way to us. At the end of the day, what makes a place special is the fact that you found it, explored it and enjoyed it.

Not a Designer? That’s okay… 10 People Who Should Attend Bend Design Conference

“I wish I could design something amazing like this.”

Have you ever mumbled these words to yourself as you stood in front of a soulful sculpture, scrolled through a flawless website or held a beautiful pen between your fingers? We marvel at the creativity surrounding us in the world, yet often perceive design as “something other people do.”

But what if you could design? It might not be a rejiggering of the spoon or the next mind-blowing MoMA art installation… but that’s okay. Instead of believing that design is simply what things look like, what if design could be celebrated as a way of thinking? A way of being?

These are the questions the Bend Design Conference is eager to answer.

Who should attend this conference that explores, embraces and engages the dynamic (and often misunderstood) concept of design?

1. Professionals driving the “This is How You Get Things Done” bus

At its core, design is about problem solving. As a city planner, banker, architect, mechanic or person taking care of business and keeping people happy, your day is filled with the wash/rinse/repeat cycle of making decisions and solving problems. Whether you work with people, products or ideas, the Bend Design Conference will explore how to look at challenges from a new perspective and determine innovative ways to solve them.

Do not miss: Molly McLeod’s October 21 workshop, Design: Your Civic Duty

2.  Entrepreneurs disrupting that pesky little thing called “the norm”

Status quo has never really interested you. You’re all about changing the world and making a ruckus in the process. The Bend Design Conference will provide you with creative tools and ideas to merge design with ambition.

Do not miss: John C Jay’s October 20th keynote address

3.  Students planning for tomorrow

Life is moving at warp speed and it’s a white-knuckle ride. Change… like bad hair days… is inevitable. Design is a process that embraces change and manifests as reinvention. Whether it’s designing your living space, your education or your future, the Bend Design Conference will inspire you to embrace change as a catalyst for growth and transformation.

Do not miss: April Soetarman’s October 20th keynote + October 21st workshop, Introduction to Sound

4.  Writers seeking a fountain of ideas

Where do ideas come from? How can you bring them to life? How can you get people to embrace new ways of thinking through the power of words? And how do you leave the “meh” behind and do it with passion and originality? The Bend Design Conference will plumb the inner depths of your writer’s soul and sharpen your word-slinging process.

Do not miss: Ann Friedman’s October 20th keynote address.

5.  Creative professionals expanding their imagination

Whether you’re a web developer, a game designer, an inventor or simply a person who creates better experiences for the world, the Bend Design Conference is the perfect place to stretch your imagination. The conference offers opportunities for conversations, tours, interactive workshops and hands-on exhibits, all designed to inspire new ways of thinking.

Do not miss: Evan Clabots’ October 20th keynote + October 21st workshop, Does the World Really Need Another Chair?

6.   Non-profit crusaders needing inspiration

Getting people to care is one of the toughest parts of your job. Design involves morphing the old into the new and creating “aha” moments that open people’s minds… and wallets. The Bend Design Conference is the perfect opportunity to course-correct and find inspiration in unexpected places.

Do not miss:  Niko Courtelis’ + Joshua Berger’s October 21st workshop, Come Fail With Us.

7.  Educators molding minds

The Bend Design Conference embraces creativity in anything and everything. Design shapes and translates ideas, opening up a world of profound possibilities. Take this newfound inspiration and insight back to your students.

Do not miss:  Victor Saad’s October 20th keynote and October 21st workshop, Leap! An Experiment in Learning Anything Through Experience

8.  Marketing managers handling All The Things

At the Bend Design Conference, you’ll learn how to ask better questions so that you can design better answers and shape outcomes. Start with why…  then what… then how. Explore ways to ignite your crowd’s curiosity and make your brand stand out in a crazy, crowded world.

Do not miss: Ashley Shaffer’s October 20th keynote address

9.  Retirees wanting to make a difference

Design has a way of making the world work better. How can you use your life experiences and talents to create new ways of thinking and being? The Bend Design Conference will stoke your creative fire.

Do not miss: Beth Duckles’ October 21st workshop, Ethnography for Everyone

10.  Curious and passionate people exploring the world

How will you make your mark? How can you design a better experience not only for yourself, but for the world you love? The Bend Design Conference embraces those questions and does a deep dive into design as an artful and innovative approach to whatever challenges and opportunities life offers.

Do not miss: Daniel R. Smith’s October 21st workshop, How to Give a Sht

Look around. Design is everywhere. It is electrifying and ever-changing. And people like you belong in the center of it. Be inspired by possibilities and celebrate design thinking and design doing in the stunning mountain town of Bend, Oregon this October 20 + 21.

10 Things You Might Not Know About the Bend Venture Conference

1. Lucky 13

The Bend Venture Conference is the largest angel conference in the Pacific Northwest. Now in its 13th year, BVC (as those time-crunched, acronym-loving people like to call it) draws in over 450 attendees and prominent investors to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and bold thinking.

2.  Hello, dreamers and doers

Think Bend Venture Conference is just for tech companies? Nope.  BVC is dedicated to supporting the entrepreneurial ambitions of diverse companies, from equine equipment to medical catheters to snowboards to software. BVC is for the dreamers and doers of the world. It’s powered by a community of individuals and businesses inspired by entrepreneurship and the gumption and creativity needed to make bold ideas come to life.

3.  Getting social

This year’s conference will feature a new competition category: Social Impact. It’s open to for-profit companies located in Oregon with a social or environmental mission built into their business model. This year’s award will range from $75,000 to $150,000 (with $75K already committed). An investor group will select the winner after the Thursday panel discussion.

Doing good along the way definitely has its perks.

4.  Changing lives

After listening to the pitches, the BVC audience will choose the Early Stage winner, businesses with great ideas that are closing in on “proof of concept.” The category originally started with 22 Central Oregon businesses vying for the $15,000 cash prize, then was whittled down to 10, and finally five competitors were chosen at the September 22nd Central Oregon PubTalk. The Early Stage competition is one of the most electrifying parts of the Bend Venture Conference.

5.  Moolah. Lots and lots of moolah.

Over $900,000 in funding is already committed to this year’s conference, with more expected over the next few weeks. BVC conference organizers (Economic Development for Central Oregon, or EDCO) anticipate the total amount to exceed all previous years.. Quite often, more than one business in the Growth Stage category walks away with investment money. In fact, last year all five Growth Stage companies received investment dollars.

6.  The ultimate power duo

Bend Venture Conference’s two keynote speakers have set the dial to dazzle this year. Thursday’s Social Impact keynote speaker is Rebekah Bastian, Vice President of Product at Zillow. She will speak on how she has used her position at the company as a platform to discuss social issues. Rebekah launched Zillow’s Community Pillar program to help connect low-income renters with affordable housing.

On Friday, Loni Stark from Adobe will speak to the crowd about go-to marketing strategies and global product positioning. She brings a unique perspective to those companies working their way through early product iterations. Loni is the Senior Director of Strategy and Product Marketing as well as a mentor at Alchemist Accelerator, named one of the top five accelerators in the U.S. in 2015.

7.  Go ahead, rub some elbows

Often cited as the highlight of the Bend Venture Conference, Thursday night’s networking reception gives attendees the chance to mix and mingle with hundreds of friends and new connections. Held at Broken Top Club in Bend, the event includes food, drink and spirited conversation.

8.  The whole enchilada

Your ticket to Bend Venture Conference gets you into every single seminar, keynote and gathering held during the two days. Events include: pre-conference seminars, the Social Impact competition, the Thursday night networking reception, a full-day of conferencing on Friday (including a Dine Around lunch ticket), and the Friday afternoon Awards Reception.

If 13 years of BVC history tells us anything, tickets for the conference WILL sell out. Get yours now.

9.  Where they are now?

BVC companies receiving funding have gone on to do amazing things. For example:

Since winning 2015’s Growth Stage competition, Perfect Company added to their lineup of revolutionary kitchen scales for use with interactive recipes. Their product is now sold across the internet and can be found at Best Buy.

Elemental Technologies, a company providing software-defined video solutions for multiscreen content delivery, was acquired by Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS) in September of 2015. Elemental won the 2007 BVC Growth stage competition.

Big things emerge from Bend Venture Conference.

10.  Dream on

The most revered aspect of Bend Venture Conference is that anyone with a dream can apply for funding. All it takes is one crazy idea backed by determination, perspiration and contagious passion. Start getting your big idea ready for 2017. The world is waiting for you.

Dream on.

Surround yourself with radical thinkers and trailblazing entrepreneurs at the Bend Venture Conference on October 13-14, 2016. Held in the vibrant mountain town of Bend, Oregon, BVC will inspire how you think about life, work and play.

10 Reasons to Buy Your BendFilm Festival Pass Today

1. Get the party started.

No one wants to arrive late to the party. Revel in the spirit of provocative

storytelling at the October 6th Opening Night event. Portland native and

BendFilm alumnus Ian McCluskey will open the festival with his latest

documentary, VOYAGERS WITHOUT TRACE. Gather with other film

lovers and celebrate independent cinema at the Opening Night reception

held at The Oxford Hotel’s eclectic restaurant and lounge, 10 Below.

2. John Sayles is awesome.

Known as the godfather of the nation’s independent film movement, John

Sayles will launch the Festival’s “First Features” program. Showcasing

renowned independent filmmakers screening the first films that catapulted

their careers, First Features is a brand new BendFilm Festival program.

Sayles is a two-time Academy Award nominee for Best Original

Screenplay. Your pass gets you into the First Features panel where you

can absorb Sayles’s wise commentary on filmmaking.

3. Two words: Special Screenings.

Your pass is your invitation to special events and screenings scattered

throughout the week. Attend Opening Night and get first peek at the most

anticipated films of the festival. Snag a seat at the Saturday night Awards

Reception and honor the talent of our filmmakers.

4. Experience the creative buzz of indie films.

BendFilm Festival is not your ordinary “movie night.” It’s so much more

than simply sitting in a dark room watching million-dollar- stars blow stuff up.

Independent films are brave, surprising and full of heart. The buzz behind

this year’s festival is electric. By purchasing a pass, you are supporting the

creative soul of independent cinema, not Hollywood’s stranglehold on the

film industry.

5. Meet a filmmaker.

Filmmakers are often in attendance at BendFilm Festival. They are

approachable, casual and eager to share their work with enthusiastic

filmgoers. Perhaps you’ll sit next to one at The Tower Theatre or sidle up to

a burgeoning legend as you make a wild dash for coffee between films.

6. Priority seating is the b-o- m-b.

BendFilm Festival passholders receive preferred seating. No more standing

in line scrolling through your Facebook feed while secretly panicking about

seats filling up. (You don’t need that kind of stress in your life, right?) As a

passholder, simply show up 20 minutes before showtime to claim your seat.

Having a pass allows you to explore the film lineup at your leisure.

7. Make a difference.

Part of the mission of BendFilm Festival is “to provide brave and talented

independent filmmakers exposure, opportunity and, well, CASH. The

creation of film without the burden of box office concerns is a luxury

BendFilm cultivates for filmmakers. One of our favorite pursuits toward that

end is creating new ways to add cash to the BendFilm awards. For those

who demonstrate mastery in the craft of filmmaking, BendFilm salutes them

and then provides capital that will help them to continue their work.”

By purchasing a pass, you’re contributing to the creation of more

independent films.

8. Hang out in beautiful Bend, Oregon.

Go on an outdoor adventure. Dine at award-winning restaurants. Enjoy a

hoppy pint of beer or glass of wine on a bustling sidewalk. Explore hidden

alleys and dusty trails. Then gather to behold the work of talented

independent filmmakers.

A word of warning… you just might fall in love with Bend.

9. Each venue is unique.

The BendFilm Festival offers diverse viewing opportunities for film

screenings. From the iconic Tower Theatre to the cozy Tin Pan Theater to

the hip Volcanic Theatre, each venue has its own distinct spirit and energy.

10. Walk away with indie cred.

Being a BendFilm Festival passholder means you get to claim indie cred.

Because of your support, independent filmmakers continue to make brave

films for a world that craves creativity and passion. Many BendFilm Festival

entries have appeared in some of the top independent film festivals in the

United States and around the world, including Berlin, Sundance and SXSW.

Your support helps make that possible.

Whether you are a diehard indie film fan or just dipping your toe into the

cinematic pool, the BendFilm Festival has something for everyone. Stories

of love, quirky comedies, blow-your- mind conspiracies and audacious

outdoor adventures… all created with a love for soulful storytelling.

The BendFilm Festival runs from October 6th through the 9th and passes

are on sale now. Please visit www.bendfilm.org to purchase your pass. 

10 Ideas For Making Tenth Month All Yours

- photo by Nate Wyeth Photography - 

1. BEND, OREGON ISN’T JUST CRAFT BEER AND EXTREME RECREATION

While good beer and good weather flourishes here, we are so much more than pedaling or hoofing it through a mountain playground and chasing your adventure down with a world-class IPA. What you may not know is that Bend is also a hub of creativity and ingenuity.

Tenth Month Bend is a month-long celebration of brave ideas and innovation in art, film, marketing, technology and design. Visitors to Bend are encouraged to build their own itinerary of favorite October events, from conferences to urban adventures to outdoor escapes.

October is our best-kept secret, a month of full-tilt inspiration and creativity.

2. BENDFILM FESTIVAL KICKS THINGS OFF (October 6-9)

The Bend Film Festival, now in its 13th year, is a celebration of independent cinema. The festival is dedicated to supporting brave and talented filmmakers while educating communities about the value of independent art. With venues sprinkled throughout downtown Bend, you’ll often find the filmmakers hanging with the audience.

3. SWIVEL DIGITAL + CREATIVE MARKETING CONFERENCE TURNS HEADS (October 10-11)

The Swivel Conference is a two-day boutique marketing experience held at the Oxford Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton, and the iconic Tower Theatre in downtown Bend. Thought leaders from around the globe gather together to exchange ideas and how-tos about the latest trends in digital marketing, search, social media, and creativity.

4. HIGH-LEVEL ENTREPRENEURIAL ENERGY FLOWS AT BEND VENTURE CONFERENCE  (October 13-14)

The largest Angel Conference in the Pacific Northwest, Bend Venture Conference spotlights entrepreneurship and innovation. Attendees play an active role in determining the Early Stage winner, with investments, awards and prizes totaling close to $1 million at last year’s conference.

5. BEND DESIGN CONFERENCE DISRUPTS THE NORM (October 20-21)

Embrace creativity in anything and everything. This is the ethos of Bend Design Conference. A celebration of design culture in the modern world, the two-day event will be filled with conversations, tours, interactive workshops and hands-on exhibits all designed to disrupt the norm.

6. OTHER EVENTS TO STOKE YOUR CREATIVE FIRE

Additional Tenth Month Bend events are scattered throughout October:

Opening Japan Art Exhibit

Venture Out Festival

Ignite Bend

Armchair Bend

The Tenth Month calendar is constantly updated as creative happenings in Bend emerge. Please visit www.tenthmonthbend.com to see what’s new.

7. THE SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE MERGES WITH THE SOUL OF CREATIVITY

Want to hit the trails AND the conferences? Sip good coffee AND munch on inspiration? There is no “either” in Bend… do it all! Tenth Month Bend is the perfect play and learn vacation.

8.  SCORE THE PERFECT FIND

Bend is full of unique shops, boutiques and galleries for every price point and pursuit. For a uniquely Bend experience, take a stroll through downtown Bend and score the perfect find to remind you of your Bend adventure. Ready to take a break from all that playing and learning? Head for the smokestacks… known as the Old Mill District… and leisurely browse a quirky mix of shopping and dining possibilities.

9. THE “ULTIMATE PASS” IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

Tenth Month Bend is offering an exclusive Ultimate Pass, which gives each recipient access to the four cornerstone events. The cost for the pass is $1010. Quantities are limited… seriously, only 10 Ultimate Passes are available… and will likely sell out.

Get yours here.  

10. WIN A TENTH MONTH BEND PRIZE PACKAGE

One lucky person will win an epic Tenth Month Bend Vacation experience, valued at over $3000:

Two Tenth Month Ultimate Passes (includes tickets to the following events: BendFilm Festival, Swivel Digital + Creative Marketing Conference, Bend Venture Conference, and Bend Design Conference)

2 Bike Rentals from Sunnyside Sports

2 Half Day Bike Tours from Cog Wild

$200 in Old Mill District gift certificates good for movies, concerts, shopping, dining & attractions

2 Half Day Tours of Your Choice with Wanderlust Tours

$100 gift card for Crux Fermentation Project

$100 gift card for RiverBend Brewing

$50 gift card for Jackalope Grill

Click HERE to enter before September 30, 2016

The month of October is often hunker-down-and-get-cozy time… think chunky sweaters, pumpkin flavored everything and getting ready for a long winter’s nap. Not in Bend, Oregon. We do things a bit differently around here. October is the time for inspiration, not hibernation.