A Brewery, and an Observatory... in Bend's Old Mill District
If you're looking for things to do in Bend beyond the usual breweries, hiking trails and outdoor adventures, look up. The Hopservatory at Worthy Brewing offers one of the more unusual experiences in Central Oregon: the chance to explore the night sky from a working observatory located above a Bend brewery.
Opened in 2017 by the nonprofit Worthy Garden Club, the Hopservatory was created with a goal of making astronomy and science education accessible to the public. The observatory was designed to encourage visitors to better understand the scale and wonder of the universe—and to appreciate the natural world here on Earth.
Stargazing in Bend
The centerpiece of the Hopservatory is a 16-inch, research-grade telescope housed inside a rotating dome on the third floor of Worthy Brewing. Depending on the season and viewing conditions, visitors can see planets, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies and the moon. Guides are on hand during public viewing nights to help visitors find objects in the sky and explain what they're seeing.
Public night sky viewing is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservation required. A small suggested donation supports Worthy Garden Club's science programs and initiatives. Because viewing conditions and programming can change, visitors should check the Hopservatory's current schedule before planning a visit.
The experience begins before you even reach the telescope. On the ground floor, the Hopservatory's Transporter Room features colorful mosaic artwork depicting planets, comets and spacecraft, creating a fitting introduction to an evening spent exploring the cosmos.
More Than a Night at the Observatory
Night sky viewing is just one part of the Hopservatory's programming. The Worthy Garden Club also offers seasonal solar viewing, using a mobile Hydrogen Alpha telescope equipped for safe observation of the sun, including solar flares and sunspots. Private guided tours are available outside public viewing hours, while school groups and summer camps can arrange educational field trips combining astronomy with activities in the Worthy Garden.
The Hopservatory is also part of a larger effort by Worthy Garden Club to connect visitors with the natural world. The nonprofit operates the observatory alongside gardens and other educational programs focused on astronomy, dark skies, native pollinators and sustainable gardening.
Add the Hopservatory to a Bend Itinerary
One of the best things about the Hopservatory is how easily it fits into a Bend evening. Start with dinner and a locally brewed beer at Worthy Brewing, explore the brewery's gardens and outdoor spaces, then head upstairs for an evening of stargazing. Beer isn't permitted inside the observatory dome, but there's plenty of time to enjoy the brewery before or after your visit.
For visitors looking for things to do in Bend, Oregon, the Hopservatory offers a distinctly Central Oregon combination of craft beer, science and the night sky. It's also a reminder that some of the area's most memorable experiences don't require a day on the trail—sometimes, you just need to look up.
Planning a visit? Public viewing is weather-dependent, and hours can change seasonally. Check the Hopservatory's current schedule and programming before visiting.