The fifth annual Winter PrideFest, a celebration of winter sports among the LGBTQ+ community and allies, is returning to one of the country’s top destinations for outdoor recreation for four days of on- and off-mountain sports and social activities, March 1-5, 2023, at Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Ore.
“Winter PrideFest was conceived as a way to bring the LGBTQ+ community together over a shared passion for outdoor recreation and winter sports, and to do so in a way that is inclusive, social, educational, and above all, fun,” said Jamie Nesbitt, president of OUT Central Oregon, which organizes the annual event. “What started as a local grassroots effort in year one has quickly evolved into an event with regional and national cache, and we think there’s no better venue to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in the outdoors than in Bend, Ore., and at nearby Mt. Bachelor.”
At Mt. Bachelor, Winter PrideFest will feature daily Alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. In town, attendees can take part in a Welcome Snocial, ice skating, a film festival with Tower Theatre and Tin Pan, along with a Après ski celebrations, dance parties, and much more.
Most Winter PrideFest events are free to attend, though space is limited for certain events and activities, and advance registration is encouraged. For more information or to register for Winter PrideFest, March 1-5, 2023 at Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Ore., visit www.outcentraloregon.com/winter-pridefest/ or the Winter PrideFest Facebook Event page which should be updated with the 2023 offerings soon.
About OUT Central Oregon:
OUT Central Oregon, a public charitable organization, promotes inclusivity and visibility for LGBTQ+ people by enabling and fostering community engagement. Working within the social, cultural, and economic landscape of Central Oregon, OCO develops and builds partnerships with businesses, government, and other organizations to promote and support the LGBTQ+ community. OUT Central Oregon educates the LGBTQ+ community and the public by providing public discussions, lectures, documentary screenings, social gatherings, and outdoor activities. For more information visit www.outcentraloregon.com, email info@outcentraloregon.com, or call 458-206-0588.
Diva Drag Brunch – Campfire Hotel
Monthly Diva Drag Brunch with Justin’s Buckles productions featuring drag’s ‘best of the best’ from Portland, along with local Bend favorites, Diva Drag Brunch includes drag, burlesque, acrobatics, dancing, and guest appearances by the notorious Jayla Rose.
Together with Campfire Hotel, Canteen is helping to spearhead an inclusivity movement in Central Oregon through a partnership with OUT Central Oregon and Come OUT Bend. In addition to brunch, the Canteen bar hosts monthly Drag Bingo nights benefiting various local non-profits, and is a host property and participating venue for the annual Winter PrideFest, which celebrates and promotes inclusivity in the outdoors.
About Campfire:
The Campfire Hotel in Bend, Oregon, gives Oregon Camp Culture an urban adventure spin. With 100 freshly renovated and vintage camp-inspired guest rooms, an onsite pool, and plenty of space to store your outdoor gear, you'll have plenty of space to unpack, unwind, and hang out by the Fire. In addition to the best night of sleep you'll have in Bend, we offer all our guests: ● 900-sq foot in-ground guests-only swimming pool and hot tub ● Community fire pit for hanging with your crew or meeting new folks ● Canteen lobby bar & café ● Local adventure add-ons for epic outdoor fun ● complimentary use of acoustic Instruments from Breedlove & Dean Guitars● Free local coffee in the lobby, plus a highly-curated Campfire store ● Free guests-only WiFi for planning your daily escapades ● Friendly and knowledgeable staff who double as Bend adventure experts.
Photos by Amanda Photographic