Everybody should have an eccentric Uncle Mick. You know, the relative who comes around for friendly get-togethers and is always the life of the party. He loves telling stories about the past over a good meal with a craft beer, or an occasional whiskey. And he loves cutting a rug to contemporary music and watching the latest movies.
If you live in Bend – or one of about two dozen other towns in the Pacific Northwest – you’ve got an Uncle Mick nearby, although you might know him better by his given name: McMenamin’s.
Don’t look now, but Bend’s own fun-loving McMenamin’s is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this weekend, November 8 and 9. On top of that, they’re reflecting on 88 years since the old Catholic school was built and became a fixture in downtown Bend.
The special two-night and one-day bash will feature live music by The Garcia Birthday Band, free history tours (on Saturday) and two commemorative beers from Vance, McMenamin’s award-winning brewer. Vance’s Hop Blanket IPA and Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary pilsner both deliver notes of citrus and tropical fruit, and are a perfect compliment the traditional and seasonal offerings from our kitchen.
The history tours will take you on an hour-long peek behind the scenes into the halls and classrooms that are now comfortable accommodations and hideaway bars for guests. The free tours are scheduled Saturday at Noon, 1:30 and 3:00, and are and open to all ages, but reservations are required.
Starting at 7:00 pm both nights in in Father Luke’s Room, the Garcia Birthday Band from Portland will present one of their live shows that are as unique as any Grateful Dead concert. More than just a Dead tribute band, GBB draws on decades of the individual and shared experiences of some of Oregon’s greatest live players and makes every show an act of exploration both musically and spiritually.
Come hang out with your Uncle Mick and rediscover what makes Bend’s McMenamin’s so unique and easy to get along with. For more info, visit https://www.mcmenamins.com/events/257273-old-st-francis-schools-88th-birthday and https://www.mcmenamins.com/events/257274-old-st-francis-schools-88th-birthday
About The Author
