Welcoming Week
Through Welcoming Week, the City of Bend aims to bring together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity.
Welcoming Week 2026 will be held September 10-19.
Welcoming Week this year centers the Stories We Share, recognizing and celebrating voices in our community
who are actively building welcoming spaces by practicing belonging and resilience. On this page we’ll be
sharing some of the stories of community organizers and leaders told through their voice and lens. Join us
around town from September 10-19 for programming that models a more inclusive Bend.
Join the Celebration!
Welcoming Week returns September 10-19, 2026 with opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate the people and cultures that make Bend a great place to live.
Event Schedule
What is Welcoming Week?
On June 21, 2017, in large part due to the advocacy of the Latino Community Association, the Bend City Council unanimously supported a resolution for the City of Bend to be recognized as a Welcoming City during Immigrant Heritage Month (observed June). You can find more information about the Immigrant Heritage Month Proclamation, Welcoming City Resolution, and Welcoming America Membership Principles to which the Council committed in item 3C of the Council Agenda.
For Welcoming Week 2026, we are thrilled to announce the ninth annual celebration of Welcoming Week in Bend, from September 10-19. This year, we’re refocusing Welcoming Week to align more intentionally with the work of Welcoming America, centering immigrant, refugee, and undocumented community members and creating opportunities for connection and belonging across Central Oregon. The City of Bend proudly supports Welcoming Week alongside numerous community partners in the shared commitment to foster a welcoming environment for all in Bend.
Past events have been hosted by organizations and individuals including the Latino Community Association, Vamonos Outside, Partners in Care, Bend Park & Recreation District, Deschutes County Health Services, NeighborImpact, Tower Theatre, Benditas, The Environmental Center, Restorative Justice and Equity Group, Volunteers in Medicine, Mosaic Community Health, Bend Police Department, Oregon State University, Envision Bend, and Bola Gbadebo.
We invite our community to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more information and look forward to celebrating Welcoming Week with you all!