Every year as summer nears, the anticipation for concerts at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater increases. This beloved venue has hosted many notable artists, including Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan and Mumford and Sons.
Located on the Deschutes River, the amphitheater draws roughly 8,000 Bendites and surrounding community members. Fans gather to take in the Cascade views and enjoy Central Oregon’s best food carts and assortments of beer. For the majority of Bend residents, these concerts are an integral part of summer. Starting in May and continuing through early fall, the amphitheater becomes the prime gathering place where attendees can spread a blanket out on the lawn as the smell of food carts creeps through the air and music fills the atmosphere.
Rather than a blend of genres that Bendites expect, this year’s lineup has less variety. A noticeable number of performances fall into the country music category, a direction that may not appeal to all Bendites.
While country music has always been a part of the amphitheater’s identity, the lack of variety leaves some locals feeling disappointed with this year‘s lineup, as it falls short of the diverse mix they have come to expect. Although some may welcome the change with excitement, most will feel less inclined to attend.
The previous years’ lineups have set a high standard, bringing major names and legendary performers to Bend each Summer. Due to this history, locals have come to expect recognizable artists to be on stage. Those shows built the amphitheater’s reputation as a place where longtime fans or even new listeners could see big names perform on a small stage.
Bendites aren’t afraid of trying something new or listening to a different genre. But, the variety is a reason for the amphitheater’s success. While there are still talented musicians scheduled to perform, many are less widely known than those who have performed in previous years. Popular headliners provide the opportunity for more people to come together and enjoy the artists. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing; new or smaller artists can still put on an incredible show, but it does make this year fall short of the high standard that has been built over the years.
The shows are meant to be varied as that is what creates new experiences and audiences. One night can bring indie folk while the next may attract energetic punk crowds or electronic dance music fans. For instance last year, on Aug. 9 and 10, LCD Soundsystem took the stage, and the following days, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Rüfüs Du Sol and The Lumineers performed. Lineups like these created new experiences, as each night brought different crowds, vibes and genres.
One Summit junior, Hazel Southam, has attended several concerts with different genres at the amphitheater across the years, and pointed out that the range of genres has been part of the appeal for her.
“I’ve been to The Lumineers twice and Dropkick Murphys with my dad,” she said. “That was super different from the other concerts that are usually there. It was like a mosh pit.”
Southam’s experience reflects how varying genres bring different experiences. The Lumineers could have more of a sentimental and intimate vibe, whereas Dropkick Murphys had a more sweaty and chaotic energy.
Country music fans may have been pleased to see the 2026 lineup which includes upcoming artists like Bailey Zimmerman, Luke Bryan and Parker McCollum. Bella Demarco, a country music-loving sophomore, feels that this year’s lineup is promising.
“I wish there were more country artists,” she said. “I’m going to see Bailey Zimmerman. He’s such a big country artist, so I’m excited that he’s coming to Bend.”
That enthusiasm reflects how some audiences may enjoy this shift, but others may feel that the lineup doesn’t leave room for other artists. While country artists are favorites of some, they don’t represent Bend communities at large.
Other students were less enthusiastic to see many unfamiliar artists headline the 2026 lineup and expressed disappointment in seeing fewer headliners across a range of genres. While bringing in new or smaller artists can be exciting, well known artists often bring larger crowds, creating a shared energy that our amphitheater is known for.
“I’m going to Jack Johnson, which is very exciting,” said Summit sophomore Della Gerken. “I don’t know many of the other artists this year, but it’s cool that smaller artists get to come.”
While newer artists still put on memorable shows, popular artists attract larger crowds that the amphitheater is known for. And still, the balance has tipped too far in the western direction. With headliners being mostly male country artists, there is less room for other genres. For a community venue, music diversity matters, as different genres bring different crowds, cultures and experiences.
Regardless of this year’s lineup debate, the amphitheater remains a staple of Central Oregon summers. When the sun sets behind the Cascades and music filters the slightly smoky evening air, thousands still will gather and create more shared memories, which is the classic Bend summer experience.
