Hayden Homes Amphitheater set to showcase record 50-plus concerts, ranging from EDM to country

(Update: Adding video, comments from Hayden Homes Amphitheater, Old Mill District marketing director)

Second off-season of upgrades aimed at accessibility, quicker entry for concertgoers

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend is finishing up Phase 2 of its upgrades and renovations as it gets the 8,000-capacity riverfront venue all set for summer concertgoers, with a record of 50-plus acts due to visit and perform.

The first of the busy string of concerts will be the rock band ZZ Top on their Raw Whiskey Tour, set for next Tuesday, followed by a special guest.

The Phase 2 upgrade work that began in January is making the amphitheater more accessible, and provide more room for concertgoers and 10 food carts.

Concertgoers also will notice cabanas, a VIP deck and a new entrance -- the south gates were moved back and the river trail was rerouted. It's meant to help people get into the venue faster without blocking the river trail for others.

"It's going to be a great crowd," Beau Eastes, marketing director for the Hayden Homes Amphitheater and Old Mill District, said Thursday. "I think a lot of people are excited to see what the venue looks like this year, coming off of a second off-season of improvements and upgrades."

The amphitheater also installed underground power throughout the venue, for better Wi-Fi access and lighting.

"This is our most diverse lineup that we've ever had as far -- we've got country, we've got some great '90s rockers, we've got EDM for the first time, we've got stand-up comedy," Eastes said. "I encourage everyone to go to Bendconcerts.com. I think there's going to be a show or shows for just anyone that's excited to rock-and-roll a little bit this summer."

To attend the concerts, policies include a clear bag policy, a cashless venue, and lets people bring a yoga mat or bath towel. All vendors on hand will only accept debit, credit or gift cards. For the lawn, the yoga mats or bath towels need to be 30-by-60 inches or smaller.

As for Covid-19, a majority of the shows don't have protocols.

To see the entire summer lineup, visit https://bendconcerts.com/.