When summer hits Central Oregon, Sunriver becomes the place to be. This scenic resort town is packed with charm, adventure, and a calendar full of local happenings that bring people together. Whether you’re here for the mountain air, family-friendly vibes or laid-back atmosphere, you’ll find that the town’s events give you even more reason to stay outside and soak it all in. From live music and art to holiday festivities and community markets, Sunriver’s summer event lineup is full of ways to connect, explore and enjoy the season. Here’s your guide to the top Sunriver Oregon events happening this summer.
Sunriver Saturday Market
The Sunriver Saturday Market brings together the best of local food, handmade goods and community spirit. Held from 9 am to 1 pm on the last Saturday of each month from May through September, this market is located at SHARC and has quickly become a summer tradition. Locals and visitors alike gather to explore everything from fresh produce and artisan crafts to food trucks serving up inventive snacks and drinks. It’s a place where you can shop with your dog, listen to live acoustic sets and run into friendly faces who are always up for a chat.
What makes this market special is the atmosphere. With music playing, kids laughing, and vendors sharing stories about their products, it’s a way to feel part of the Sunriver community. Each market date sometimes comes with a unique twist too. Themed events like Oktoberfest or special seasonal holiday markets give the already festive vibe an extra reason to celebrate.
It’s also incredibly walkable and accessible. With nearby parking and wide pathways, families with strollers or those with mobility needs will find it easy to get around. The shaded seating areas let you relax between browsing, while the local coffee stands and breakfast vendors make it easy to spend a whole morning enjoying the sun.
If you’re visiting Sunriver in the summer, plan your trip around one of these market dates. It’s a memorable way to get a taste of local life and find something one-of-a-kind to bring back home.
Summer Concert Series Sunriver
Few things define summer like live music under the stars, and the Summer Concert Series in Sunriver brings that magic to life every weekend. Hosted in the Backyard at Sunriver Resort, the series runs Friday and Saturday evenings, with bands hitting the stage from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Whether you’re into folk, rock, country or indie, the lineup has something for every musical taste. Families lay out blankets on the lawn, friends sip local brews and the whole crowd sways to the music as the sun sets behind the Cascade Mountains.
It’s not just the music that draws people in. The setting itself feels special. You’re surrounded by nature, close to the river, and there’s always a light breeze to keep things cool even in the heart of summer. Food vendors offer everything from barbecue to tacos and there’s usually a local brewery pouring craft beer. Wine and cocktails are also available, so you can pair your tunes with your favorite drink.
One of the best parts is how laid-back everything feels. Kids run around safely while parents get a few peaceful moments to unwind. The performers often stick around after their sets, creating a friendly vibe that encourages conversation and connection.
It’s the kind of event you’ll want to attend more than once. Each weekend brings a new artist, a new flavor of food and a different energy. Whether you’re a full-time local or a first-time visitor, it’s an experience that leaves you feeling like you’re part of something. Mark your calendar, bring your blanket and get ready to make some memories.
4th of July Festival and Bike Parade
The 4th of July in Sunriver is the kind of celebration that brings out the best in small-town charm. Held in The Village at Sunriver, the festival is a full day of patriotic fun, starting with a bike parade that’s become a local legend. People of all ages join in, decorating their bikes with streamers, flags and festive red, white and blue designs. From toddlers on trikes to adults riding vintage cruisers, it’s a joyful kickoff to the day.
Once the parade wraps up, the Village transforms into a lively fairground. Carnival-style games, food vendors, pony rides and inflatable bounce houses keep kids entertained for hours. Meanwhile, live entertainment and local musicians set the mood for the day. You can grab a funnel cake or a pulled pork sandwich, sit under a shady tent and just soak in the festive spirit.
Emergency services also join the fun, allowing kids to explore fire trucks and police vehicles. These interactive displays create teachable moments and photo ops that parents appreciate. There’s a climbing wall, balloon animals, face painting and more. Tickets are just a dollar each and all proceeds go to local charities that support children and families in the area.
It’s easy to spend the entire day enjoying the event. The atmosphere is cheerful and welcoming, and it feels like the whole town comes out to celebrate. Local businesses often offer discounts or promotions, and there’s usually an ice cream stand nearby for a perfect summer treat.
The event isn’t just for tourists either, many locals mark it as their favorite day of the year. Whether you’re riding in the bike parade, winning a prize at a carnival booth or just soaking it all in, the 4th of July Festival in Sunriver offers the kind of Americana summer memories that stick with you long after vacation ends.
Sunriver Art Fair
Held in August and hosted in The Village at Sunriver, the Sunriver Art Fair is a major highlight of the summer season. Featuring over 70 juried artists, this fair brings together a wide array of creative talents, from painters and photographers to sculptors and jewelry designers. The fair stretches across multiple days, usually from Friday to Sunday, and each morning begins with fresh excitement as new visitors arrive to explore the booths.
Artists come from all over the region and beyond, but what really sets this fair apart is its community feel. You’re not just buying art, you’re meeting the people who made it. Many of them are more than happy to talk about their process, materials and inspiration. These conversations often lead to a deeper appreciation for the pieces on display, and sometimes even spark connections that last beyond the event.
There’s a strong sense of purpose behind the fair too. All net proceeds go to nonprofits serving South Deschutes County through the Sunriver Women’s Club Grant Program. So, every painting, necklace, or hand-carved bowl you purchase also supports a good cause.
It’s also incredibly well-organized. Volunteers keep things running smoothly, and there are plenty of signs and maps to help you find your way around. Food vendors and nearby restaurants keep you fueled as you shop, and shaded seating lets you take a break and regroup.
Even if you’re not in the market to buy, the fair is worth attending for the experience alone. The quality of work is impressive and there’s always something new to see. Kids enjoy the creative displays and adults often leave inspired. It’s a true celebration of the arts and one that has become a favorite tradition for Sunriver locals and visitors alike.
10th Annual Sunriver Antique & Classic Car Show
If you’re a fan of vintage charm and automotive craftsmanship, the Sunriver Antique & Classic Car Show is the place to be. Held annually in early September, this event takes over The Village at Sunriver for a few hours of pure nostalgic joy. From 10 am to 2 pm, you can walk through rows of classic cars that span generations, from 1920s roadsters to 1980s muscle cars. Every vehicle is lovingly restored and meticulously displayed, making it a dream day for car buffs.
What makes this event especially engaging is the personal connection. Many of the car owners are right there beside their vehicles, ready to share stories about the history, restoration process and quirks of their rides. It’s not uncommon to hear about a car that’s been in the family for decades or one that was rescued from a barn and brought back to life piece by piece.
The show also features live music, which adds an extra layer of fun to the relaxed, open-air atmosphere. There are prizes awarded in various categories and lots of photo ops for families and enthusiasts alike. It’s casual and approachable, which means you don’t have to be a gearhead to enjoy it. People of all ages find something to appreciate, whether it’s the gleam of a vintage chrome bumper or the roar of an engine that hasn’t gone out of style.
The Sunriver Car Show is free to attend, making it an easy way to enjoy a day in the sun while taking a step back in time. Grab a coffee, bring your camera and stroll through automotive history with the laid-back Sunriver crowd. It’s another reason why summer here feels both special and timeless.
Book Your Summer Rental with Arrived
Sunriver shines in the summer, but your stay here can be even better with the right place to call home. At Arrived, we specialize in matching guests with vacation rentals that check every box. Whether you’re looking for a pet-friendly cabin, a modern home near the river or a spacious retreat with room for a large group, our properties are equipped with the amenities and features that turn vacations into true escapes.
You’ll find pools, hot tubs, game rooms and outdoor living spaces that let you make the most of every moment. Many homes come with EV chargers and garages for added convenience. Private decks and patios offer quiet places to enjoy your morning coffee or evening drink, while well-designed interiors give you room to spread out and unwind. High-speed internet, fully stocked kitchens and cozy living spaces mean you don’t have to give up the comforts of home.
Our Sunriver vacation rentals are located throughout the area, so whether you want to be close to SHARC, on the river or tucked away in a quiet corner of town, we have options to suit your plans. We even offer concierge-style service to help with everything from booking to check-out.
Arrived makes it easy to find your perfect base for exploring all of Sunriver’s summer events. Start planning your trip today and discover what it means to truly relax and recharge in one of Oregon’s most beautiful destinations.
Your Summer Story Starts Here
Sunriver is more than just a pretty place. It’s where summer feels like it should. The events, the people, the scenery and the laid-back pace all add up to something special. Whether you’re dancing at a concert, buying art from a local vendor or cheering on a vintage car, every moment here feels a little more memorable. Pair your summer with a rental from Arrived and make it your best season yet. Book your Sunriver vacation rental today and experience a summer you won’t forget!
Looking ahead to another exciting year of traveling, you may be starting to budget for your time in Sunriver. It seems like the costs continue to rise year after year from everything from travel options to attractions and activities. By budgeting the cost of an Oregon vacation ahead, you are able to have an idea of what to expect when you visit the area. Take a look at how you can budget for a trip to Sunriver in 2025:
Plan to Visit During the Off Season
One of the best ways to look ahead at budgeting for a trip is to find out when the cost is at its lowest. This is where an off season comes in play for travel destinations. Off seasons can be at different points of the year when local attractions of activities are not at their peak. For Sunriver, we are most popular during the summer season when all of the outdoor activities are at their best. Sunriver is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, so do not let limit yourself to just the summer season when you visit. The fall season is fantastic to visit and offers daily highs in the mid 70s on average until later in the season. This makes it perfect to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking. The local trails continue to remain open so you will find there is plenty to explore and see.
The winter season is also on the slower side. When there is less demand in town, you will find that prices will be lower than usual including lodging. The winter season can be busier around the local ski slopes where you will find visitors skiing and snowboarding. If you enjoy winter sports, you can easily budget ahead. Bring your own gear to save on the overall cost of going down the slopes.
The spring season is the final part of our off season where the snow has melted. The trails can be muddy but are still enjoyable; just make sure to bring the right gear. The rivers will also be flowing at their highest, providing some great rafting experiences. By visiting during the off season, you will find lower costs on lodging and activities, helping your budget.
Explore the Summer Season
Visiting Sunriver in the summer season is always an option as well. This peak season is when Sunriver will see our highest amount of visitors in the area. Sunriver is most popular for aquatic activities with local sports such as windsurfing and sailing being very popular. The weather is absolutely beautiful and will encourage you to spend countless hours outdoors. While some of these activities such as sailing can be more expensive in the summer, you can still find plenty of free or lost cost activities to help with your budget.
Enjoy the local rivers by kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, or canoeing down the river. Simply relax in a river tube and float on down the river as you soak up the sun. Explore the trails that are perfect for hiking. Paved paths are great for mountain biking. The rivers are open for fishing at designated spots where you can try to reel up a fish. Many of these activities require items that you can always rent here in town. However, you can save on the overall cost by bringing them from home if you already own them. This is perfect for those driving to Sunriver and have bigger vehicles to haul the gear.
Traveling to Sunriver
Speaking of driving to Sunriver, your transportation is always a part of budgeting for your trip. Sunriver is located in Oregon, making it harder to reach if you do not live in the Pacific Northwest. If you do, you can easily take a short drive to our destination. Driving is always the cheapest option and lets you have more room for your gear and equipment to bring with you.
Driving also prevents you from having to rent a vehicle, saving even more on your overall costs. If you do need to fly into the area, you can always fly into Sunriver Airport. This is a privately owned airport, so your options for flights will not be expansive. For the most options, you can fly into Redmond, a local airport that serves all major airlines. Book your flight in advance and car rental in advance to save on potential price increases that can happen closer to your trip.
Time to Book in Sunriver
There is no better time to start budgeting and preparing for your time in Sunriver. Our vacation rentals can keep you close to the fun and offers plenty of exciting amenities helping you save on your overall costs for the trip. Book today and come enjoy Sunriver!