1. Goo Goo DollsGoo Goo Dolls and O.A.R. bring 2023 tour to Bend for the tour’s only Oregon stop
2. Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band to play at Hayden Homes Amphitheater in June
3. James Taylor and an all-star band to perform in Bend
4. Central Oregon music news: Summer shows, festivals announced

With Hayden Homes Amphitheater’s concert lineup for this year quickly filling up, it’s time to start planning a strategy to take full advantage of Bend’s largest concert venue.

The amphitheater, built in 2001 and formerly known as the Les Schwab Amphitheater, is located at 334 SW Shevlin Hixon Drive in the Old Mill District. Over the past couple of years, the amphitheater has undergone major renovations to its facilities, most notably the stage, which was enlarged to industry standards.

The amphitheater has a capacity for 8,000 people, which hasn’t changed since 2005 when the venue was initially expanded, Beau Eastes, marketing director for the Old Mill District and the amphitheater, said.

The amphitheater doesn’t only host top musical talent, but it also hosts a number of events throughout the year like the Pole Pedal Paddle multisport race, the Bend Brewfest, WinterFest, and local events.

But it’s the music most visitors come for and love. The amphitheater is expected to draw thousands of tourists from all over the region. Stats from last year showed about 60% of concertgoers came from out of town, and the remaining 40% were locals, Eastes said.

What’s the concert lineup?

Leading up to the 2023 season, the amphitheater has already announced 36 shows and counting. Last year the venue hosted 52 shows.

Concert announcements: Summer shows, festivals in Central Oregon

Hayden Homes Amphitheater will kick off its 2023 concert season May 27 with the Backroads Blues Festival featuring Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Other acts over the summer include James Taylor, Dave Matthews Band, Bon Iver and Ringo Starr. For the full lineup, go to www.bendconcerts.com/events-concerts.

How do I get concert tickets?

Depending on the popularity of the artist, tickets at Hayden Homes Amphitheater can sell out fast.

The average ticket price last year for general admission was $45 and $55.40 for all tickets, Eastes said. Children 2 years old can attend shows at no cost.

There are also season ticket packages, featuring box seats and private cabana areas, that include amenities such as private entrance and VIP parking.

Tickets can be purchased on the amphitheater’s website, on Ticketmaster or in person.

Tickets can be bought in person Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ticket Mill in the Old Mill District at 450 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 408. Tickets are also available at will call on the day of the show. For more information call, 541-318-5457.

What you can bring

For ticketed concertgoers, it is important to keep in mind that each show will have specific restrictions on what can be brought in. Concertgoers should check for specific restrictions before arriving.

For the majority of shows, the following are allowed:

• Binoculars
• Personal cameras
• Kid-carriers like backpacks and slings
• Personal umbrellas and ponchos
• A yoga mat or beach towel 30-by-60 inches or smaller
• A seat cushion 16-by-16 inches or smaller
• Empty water bottles, including empty reusable containers. The amphitheater does not sell single-use plastic water or soda bottles inside, and encourages guests to bring a water container to fill at the water fountains. Compostable cups are also available.
• A clear plastic, vinyl or PVC tote bag no larger than 12-by-6-by-12 inches with a single compartment, or a small clutch bag are permitted.

Read more: The best restaurants, breweries and more in Bend

What you can’t bring

Prohibited items include:

• Outside chairs
• Outside blankets.
• Weapons of any kind, or untying that is considered threatening.
• Strollers or wagons
• Anything smokable or vapeable
• Outside food or beverages
• Drones
• Selfie sticks or iPads
• GoPros or professional cameras with a detachable lens
• Golf umbrellas
• AeroLounger inflatable lounger
• Laser pointers
• Pets, including emotional support or companion animals
• Fireworks or sparklers
• Other items like Frisbees, flags, Hula-Hoops, confetti, streamers, balloons, projectiles and Silly String are also prohibited as part of an effort to keep the river clean.

What food and drink options are available?

The amphitheater will have several food and beverage options available for concertgoers, including food carts and local beers. This season’s food vendors are still be chosen, according to Hayden Homes Amphitheater’s website.

Where can I park for amphitheater concerts?

Parking for a show is available for every ticketed concertgoer at the amphitheater parking lot and at the gravel parking lot across the street from the venue.

Drop off on Shevlin Hixon Drive at the gate closest to the stage is also available. Bike parking is available near will call by the main gates to the venue.

Overnight parking and RV parking are prohibited. Camping info can be found on Recreation.gov.

Show sold out and no ticket? Listen from the river

But if you can’t get a ticket, not all is lost.

For last-minute visitors and music lovers on a budget, there is another way to enjoy the show. Stocking up on beverages and floating on the Deschutes River with friends and family during a concert couldn’t be a more Bend thing to do.

Eastes said there is nothing stopping people from anchoring on the lazy Deschutes right outside of the amphitheater. Music fans in canoes, kayaks, rafts and even paddleboards are not an uncommon sight on the river during a concert.

“Rivers are public right away. We have no control over the river, and we don’t want to control the river. That is a public right of way and anybody can float the river,” Eastes said.