The Bend Paddle Trail Alliance partners with Subaru Outside Games for the first Pickin’ & Paddlin’ of the season featuring The Pitchfork Revolution.  

Tumalo Creek’s Annual Pickin’ & Paddlin’ Summer Music Series has grown from a couple of bluegrass pickers singing songs to kayakers on the back deck of the Tumalo Creek shop, to an all-out festival atmosphere that feels like a party the whole town is invited to. Over the years, more food carts were added, more kegs were tapped and most importantly, more money was raised for the non-profit Bend Paddle Trail Alliance ($10,000 last year alone!), the organization that is working to transform the Colorado Dam into a whitewater recreation area.  

The series will kick off this year on June 13 in conjunction with the Subaru Outside Games. Oregon’s feistiest bluegrass band, The Pitchfork Revolution will get the crowd dancing in the grass as the sunsets behind the Cascade Mountains and pint glasses and beer will be on sale, served from the Bend Cycle Pub.  

Come early from 4 – 7pm to demo boats and stand up paddleboards in the Deschutes River. Both manufacture’s representatives and Tumalo Creek’s expert staff will be on hand to get you comfortable in your future boat and get you safely out on the water. Even if you have never been paddling before, this is a great opportunity to try out the sport in a supportive and fun atmosphere.  

The line-up of bands this year has also expanded from a local focus, to a regional one, with the intention of keeping things fresh and bringing some of the Northwest’s best bluegrass and Americana bands to music lovers in Bend. This year’s line-up includes: July 25, Shook Twins; Aug 29, Eight Dollar Mountain and September 19, Polecat.  

Mark your calendars for this year’s Pickin’ & Paddlin’ Music Series, and look forward to uniting with new friends and old, swapping paddling stories and enjoying and evening by the river. With your support, it will be just a few years until the whitewater park becomes a reality.

First photo credit, Travid Reid. Pitchfork photo courtesy of The Pitchfork Revolution.  
Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe
805 SW Industrial Way
Suite 6
Bend OR  97702
www.tumalocreek.com
541-317-9407