About us
Whether you are new to Central Oregon or have lived here for many years, our group may be just the place for you. We offer a variety of fun activities and events that celebrate our beautiful area both in-town and out. If you are interested in developing new friendships and exploring Central Oregon’s vast opportunities for recreation, education, and merrymaking, our group just might be the place for you!
Our gatherings are as diverse as the group itself. Here are a few of the activities we host.
NEW TO TOWN HAPPY HOURS!
BEER / WINE TASTING
DINING OUT (locals' favorites)
MUSIC VENUES
HIKING/NATURE WALKS
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
MOVIE NIGHTS
GAMES NIGHTS
ART WALKS
AND anything else a member might suggest.
SIGN UP NOW FOR A FREE 30-DAY TRIAL
We charge a nominal annual fee of only $10 to help cover administrative costs including Meetup group fees. Our organizers are all volunteers and do what we do for the fun of it all. If you would like to give us a try, sign up for our free 30-day trial and make it a point to attend as many events as possible during the trial period. We have all been in your shoes and look forward to your becoming a part of our Friendly Connection.
We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Upcoming events
5
- $20.00

12th Annual Kentucky Derby Potluck Party
KY Derby Party, 2275 NE Tucson Way, Bend, OR, US"Until you go to Kentucky,
and with your own eyes behold a Derby,
you ain't been nowhere and you ain't seen nothing."
~Irwin Cobb
On this 1st Saturday in May, you're invited to the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby--the Greatest Two Minutes in Sports!
$20pp includes fan-favorite Mint Juleps!
Have fun with this! Proper attire is required for admittance: men will wear khakis and button down shirts, belts, loafers and NO socks; jacket and tie optional. Ladies, gentlemen, click on the link below: https://www.kentuckyderby.com/party/fashion
Prizes awarded to the best-dressed man, and the best-dressed woman, and a special prize for the best women's homemade Derby hat.
There will be lots of fun activities, as well as betting opportunities. Best to bring at least $20 in small bills.
As it's a Derby Party, we must have Derby food. I lived in Louisville, Ky for nearly 27 years, been to a lot of Derbys, been to a LOT of Derby parties.
DERBY-THEMED POTLUCK!
Don't cook much? That's ok, bring party food for a crowd. Here are some examples of Derby fare:.
*Pickled shrimp- Ham biscuit sandwiches
- Blackberry Jam mustard
*Baked cheese grits
- Black eyed pea salad
*Cucumber sandwiches
- Banana Pudding
*Banana Cream cupcakes
- Thoroughbred Pie (chocolate chip and pecans)
*Chocolate-walnut thumbprint cookies
- Pimento cheese dip.
*Skillet cornbread
- BBQ pullled pork mini sliders
*Coleslaw (must have poppy seeds)
- Pecan brownie pie
- Cheesy Deviled Eggs
*Corn pudding
- Tomato pie
*Southern potato salad
- Bacon mac and cheese
*Mini pepper poppers (fill them with anything)
*Bourbon balls- Pecan Pralines
*Bacon Brussels Sprouts
- Hush puppies
The easy way out: a bucket of fried chicken!!!
.
The Race will be aired at 3:45pm PST.
BYOB.
$20pp. It's Prepay-only via Venmo or PayPal. If you are bringing a guest, don't forget to add a plus-one to your rsvp.
Venmo > @Thomas-Cappy
541-408-6768
PayPal > beerfoodandwine@gmail.com6 attendees 
Wednesday Night Urban Hike - Old Mill to River Trail South bridge
Pastini Pastaria - Bend, 375 Southwest Powerhouse Drive, Bend, OR, USEvening urban stroll along the river trail in the Old Mill District in Bend.
WELL BEHAVED DOGS ON LEASH ARE WELCOME TO JOIN.
This will be a moderate paced walk up and down the River Trail South of the Old Mill. About 5 miles round trip, with negligible feet of elevation gain. we will head upstream. NOTE - this is a mixed trail, with some parts paved, and some parts an improved dirt trail
there are a couple of spots with a few large rocks to step over /around. a quick break at the pedestrian bridge, then we retrace our route back to Old Mill.Bring TWO light sources, a headlamp and flashlight are good options. You might also bring a small backpack with water, a snack and an extra layer jacket - could be windy.
AFTER THE WALK: We will go to the CrossCut Warming Hut for after walk beverages, food carts, and a warm fire if anyone is interested. THIS IS DOG FRIENDLY. It is a very short walk from our meeting place. https://crosscutbeer.com/.
2 attendees
Past events
2696



