Summer is sounding sweeter than ever in Central Oregon as the Sunriver Music Festival opens its 49th annual summer concert series, bringing live classical and orchestral music to the region for another beloved season.
The festival, a long-running tradition near Bend, has delighted audiences for nearly five decades with performances that draw talented musicians and music lovers from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. This year’s series continues that legacy, offering residents and visitors alike the chance to experience world-class live music in a uniquely scenic Central Oregon setting.
In a gesture that underscores the festival’s commitment to building the next generation of music fans, the Sunriver Music Festival is offering free tickets for kids this summer. The family-friendly policy lowers the barrier for local families to attend, making it easier than ever for young concertgoers to experience the joy of live orchestral performance — perhaps for the very first time.
The festival’s opening comes at the same time that Bend is celebrating another homegrown musical milestone: local violinist Leah Beshore, who got her start teaching in Bend classrooms, has gone on to inspire audiences far beyond Central Oregon — with credits that include the hit Netflix series Bridgerton. Her journey from Bend’s schools to national stages is a testament to the rich musical culture that events like the Sunriver Music Festival help cultivate right here in the community.
Together, these stories paint a picture of a region that takes its arts seriously — nurturing young talent in the classroom, welcoming families to the concert hall, and sustaining beloved cultural institutions year after year. Whether you’re a longtime festival devotee or bringing a child to their first live performance, this summer’s Sunriver Music Festival promises to be a highlight of the Central Oregon season.
Tickets and schedule information for the Sunriver Music Festival’s 49th summer concert series are available through the festival’s official channels.
Sources: The Source – Bend, Oregon, The Source – Bend, Oregon, Central Oregon Daily
