Sunrise activities and nocturnal outings

Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, there’s no shortage of fun early-morning or late-night activities in Bend. From star-filled observatories to 6 a.m yoga classes, Bend offers unique experiences for each kind of person. Here are a handful to consider, whether you’re up at the crack of dawn or long after the sun has set.

Early Bird.

Tuesday morning group runs

If you like to treat yourself after a good workout, join this Tuesday morning running group that meets and ends at Thump Coffee on York Ave. The long group starts at 7 a.m. and does a 6-mile run at an 8:30 pace, and the short group starts at 7:30 a.m. and does a 2- mile run at a 10:00 pace. Meet other runners in Bend and make meaningful connections!

6 a.m. Yoga classes

Want to get some exercise before classes? Take a 6 a.m. yoga class just 4 minutes away from campus at Groove Yoga Studio. Drop in with your student ID for only $12 per class. You can also register for a “1 month unlimited” membership for $69 or a “2 weeks unlimited” membership for $40.

Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint sunrise hike

Interested in experiencing a spring morning in Central Oregon? Enjoy a beautiful and rewarding sunrise hike at Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint. This 1.8-mile roundtrip hike will give you the best views of Bend and the snow-capped Cascade Mountain Range. It is recommended that you start your hike around one hour before sunrise.

Sunday morning plunge in the river

Studies have shown that cold plunges can help reduce stress, improve sleep schedules and aid in muscle recovery and pain relief. Every Sunday at 7:30 a.m., you can participate in a free cold plunge in the Deschutes River at Riverbend Park. Everyone is welcome whether you’ve cold plunged before or not. It is recommended that you bring a swimsuit, lots of layers for after, a towel, and waterproof shoes.

The original pancake house

Are you a breakfast lover? Get a reasonably priced breakfast at The Original Pancake House! This restaurant opens at 6 a.m., which makes it a perfect early bird destination. Their menu features everything from biscuits and gravy to omelets, waffles and pancakes. They are best known for their signature apple pancakes. Grab an early breakfast to start your day off right.

Coffee shops that are close

Take a nice 20-minute stroll down Mount Washington Drive and find yourself at Sparrow, a local coffee shop and bakery. Try their well-known Ocean Roll, a vanilla and cardamom pastry, or their COCC cookie that has cranberries, oats, chocolate chips, and coconut.

COCC bobcat trail

Looking for a free outdoor fitness activity on campus? Take a break from studying and try the Bobcat Trail! It is a 1.35-mile hike with amazing views of the snowy mountains and surrounding wildlife. This trail is perfect to soak in the spring sunshine and fresh air – and it is pet friendly!

Night Owls.

Observatory at Worthy Brewing and at Sunriver

Interested in seeing the night sky up close? On a clear night, the Hopservatory at Worthy Brewing and the Sunriver Observatory offer a closer look through some of their amazing telescopes. Both locations have research-level telescopes that allow viewers to see planets, galaxies, clusters of stars and nebulae. The Hopservatory is open for public viewings on Thursdays from 8-9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 8-10 p.m. They also offer solar viewing but have yet to release their 2025 schedule. They suggest a donation of $5 a person. At the Sunriver observatory, they offer both day and nighttime viewing as well. For the daytime viewing of the sun, the observatory is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Viewing is included in the nature center ticket, which is $9 for adults and $6 for children ages 4-12. For the nighttime viewing, reservations are required; viewings are offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays as well as Tuesdays and Fridays for private star viewing parties. Admission for Wedenesdays and Saturdays is $36 for adults and $30 for children ages 4-18.

Paula Dreyer

Paula Dreyer’s piano flow live ski concerts provide those who cross country ski and snowshoe with a unique outdoor experience. Participants can expect a silent disco style experience when listening to Paula’s live piano concert while cross country skiing or snowshoeing along a candlelit trail. In the past, snow concerts have been held at places like Mt. Bachelor and Meissner Sno-Park on Saturdays in the evening. Throughout the entire year, Paula provides different experiences to go with the seasons with her water series, land series and snow series. Although there are no more piano flow concerts for the snow season, be sure to look out for upcoming events in the spring and summer on Paula’s website.

Half off movie nights at Regal on Tuesdays

If you are a movie guru, then the Old Mill Regal is the place to be on Tuesday nights. If you become a member of the Regal Crown Club, you are eligible for their Regal Value Days which get you half-off movie tickets and popcorn on Tuesdays. Grab your friends, get some popcorn and buy a movie ticket – all for under $20!

Lava Lanes bowling

Lava Lanes provides a fun time with their bowling, arcade and good vibes. From Monday through Thursday they are open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays they are open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. If you want to go even earlier, you can go on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. A game with shoe rentals usually runs adults about $12 a person. They also have bowling specials that include a Rent-a-lane Special, which is $25 per lane, per hour on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There’s also a Monte Carlo bowling special, where you can win money and prizes on Tuesdays at 11:50 a.m. The cost is $15 per person.

Tin Pan Theatre, movies every night, cheap (~$12 per ticket)

If you want a more unique and nostalgic experience than the regular Regal theatre in Old Mill, then look no further than the Tin Pan Theatre in downtown Bend. Owned and operated by the Bend Film Festival, it offers classic films as well as newly released films that play in a small, 36-seat space that has a cozy feel to it. On Wednesdays they have a special movie night called “Spaghetti Western Wednesdays,” which features a surprise film and a buffet style spaghetti dinner. Tickets for this are $25 per person, and the doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the film starting at 6 p.m. The theatre is open every day, with daily showings usually starting around 6:30 p.m. A full schedule of what is currently playing and what is upcoming can be viewed on their website. You can even rent the theatre out to have a private movie party with the film of your choice on the big screen.

Cross-Eyed Cricket line dancing

At the Cross-Eyed Cricket Watering Hole, free line dancing lessons are offered for kids and adults who want to learn how to dance the proper way. On Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., kids can have line dancing lessons with an instructor. For adults there are line dancing lessons with an instructor offered on Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Every last Saturday of the month there is a special hip hop night. Occasionally there are lessons on Friday nights from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. The full schedule of line dancing lessons and other events like concerts can be found on their website.

The Dez Lounge (mocktail bar)

The Dez Lounge offers a wide selection of mocktails and other N/A beverages like wine and beer. To pair with the N/A beverages there is also a small food menu with things like charcuterie boards and locally made desserts. The Dez Lounge is open Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.

If those night owl activities sound too late for you, here is a list of some of the early bird activities and restaurants that open at the crack of dawn.