Central Oregon’s Winter Fest brings community together for winter fun
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Residents from across the Northwest gathered in Central Oregon this weekend for Winter Fest 2026. Despite a lack of significant snowfall, attendees enjoyed a wide range of festivities including food, crafts and live entertainment.
The event drew visitors from as far as Idaho and Portland to celebrate the season in Bend. Activities included a dog show featuring frisbee-catching pups, while various local vendors showcased their products and services to a community eager for winter-themed engagement.
Vendors at the festival reported positive interactions with the crowds throughout the weekend. Sarah Wellman, owner of Well Created, noted that people attending the event seemed genuinely interested in the local businesses.
"We've been having a great time. All the other vendors and people have been amazing," Wellman said. "People are just so kind and generous and, really, genuinely interested in what we're here to. To sell and bring."
Other business owners emphasized the social aspect of the gathering. Nataliya, owner of Crepe Oh! Holics, described the event as a festival that unites the community.
"Winterfest is really very cool," Nataliya said. "Festival, this unites people, community. So we just enjoy to be here."
The festival grounds featured unique amenities such as fires and saunas to complement the winter theme.
Avalon Disko, co-owner of Zap Trip Mobile Tattoos, highlighted the specific atmosphere of the event. "I like the area we're at," Disko said. "We have all these fires and dogs and saunas. So. Yeah, it's been fun."
While the spirit of the event remained high, many participants noted the unusually low snow levels for February. Silas Baker, a resident of Bend, said he wished for more snow but still found the celebration exciting. Lincoln, co-creator of Sasquatch, described the lack of snow as "kind of bad" and expressed his hope for its return.
"I really, I hope for snow to be here," Lincoln said.
The absence of snow raised concerns for some about the upcoming summer months. Bend resident Lacey mentioned that while the weather remains cold, the lack of snow could lead to more wildfires.
Tracey Barnett, co-owner of Crazy About Crystals, pointed out the inherent unpredictability of the region's weather. "It's cold, but there's no source for it, right? We're in central Oregon. You never know if you're going to have snow by 5 feet or 5 inches," Barnett said.
Participants and organizers at the festival said they are still hoping for fresh snowfall to arrive soon.
