Art Walk in Bend, Unlocked
There is, perhaps, no better way to feel the soul of the town than by walking through its heart during First Friday Art Walk- a monthly celebration of local creativity, music, and community that takes place in Downtown Bend on the first Friday of each month. Strolling through downtown during First Friday feels like stepping into a living, breathing gallery. You’ll encounter open doors, live performances, and conversations spilling onto the sidewalks. Locals and visitors alike gather to browse original artwork, connect with artists, sip drinks, and enjoy a vibrant evening rooted in culture and connection.
Featured Art Galleries in Downtown Bend
Here are some of the downtown galleries that participate in the Art Walk and contribute to the city’s creative heartbeat:
• Mockingbird Gallery – Representational fine art from regional and national artists
• Peterson Roth Gallery – Contemporary painting, sculpture, and innovative mixed media
• Red Chair Gallery – A cooperative featuring 30+ local artists in glass, fiber, ceramics, and painting
• Layor Art + Supply – A hybrid space offering both premium art supplies and rotating exhibits
Each space offers its own voice and vibe -some refined and serene, others bold and buzzing with energy. Together, they create an immersive cultural experience that reflects the creative spirit of Central Oregon.
Enter Drop Thesis: A New Way to Experience the Art Walk
While many who attend First Friday enhance their evening with a glass of wine or a local craft beer, there’s a growing interest in a different kind of enhancement- one that deepens presence and expands perception without fogging the senses. Microdosing offers just that. Drop Thesis is a state-licensed clinic right in the heart of Downtown Bend offering guided psilocybin journey’s and daily microdosing clinics. For those new to the concept, microdosing involves taking a sub-perceptual dose of psilocybin- one that does not cause hallucinations but may enhance mood, creativity, sensory perception, and emotional connection. Numerous studies, including those from Johns Hopkins University and Imperial College London, have found that psilocybin can support increased neuroplasticity, emotional openness, and connection to music, nature, and other people. In microdoses, many users report an enhanced appreciation for color, texture, and sound, as well as an ability to be more present and engaged in social situations. In other words, microdosing doesn’t overwhelm your experience, it gently amplifies it. Instead of numbing you like alcohol can, it invites you into deeper awareness and connection—to yourself, to the artwork, and to the people around you.
How It Works
• At least 24 hours before your planned microdose, stop by Drop Thesis to complete a short intake and consent process.
• From then on, you’re welcome to return anytime to receive a $25 microdose session.
• After a brief 20-minute stay in the clinic to ensure you feel safe and supported, you’re free to leave our facility, and walk downtown to enjoy artwalk (or enjoy any of your other Central Oregon plans.
Plan to stop by Drop Thesis on a First Friday afternoon, and you may find yourself moving through the Art Walk with a new kind of presence- more attuned, more open, more deeply moved by the textures and tones of both the artwork and the atmosphere.
The Art of Being Awake
Bend’s First Friday Art Walk is already a beautiful celebration of local culture and human creativity. But when paired with a microdosing experience designed to support presence and emotional resonance, it becomes something even more powerful… a portal into deeper connection, not just with art, but with yourself and the world around you. If you're ready to experience art, community, and consciousness in a whole new way this fall, Drop Thesis is here to support your journey. Give us a call today, and we’ll be happy to answer all your questions.