The 2024 Four Peaks Music Festival cleared a big hurdle Wednesday.

After public testimony and deliberations, Deschutes County Commissioners decided to grant a permit for next year’s event. 

Commissioner Tony Debone acknowledged concerns expressed by some neighbors, “This is a planned and organized event…talks about a claim that it is disorganized. It’s a live activity with a lot of people so it’s going to be managed real time with the check and balances in place. But I’m comfortable with the package and conditions as provided.”

Commissioner Patti Adair said it was important to consider those opposed to the festival, “I want to be respectful of the neighborhood. Because their comments were about evacuation and fire-risk. So just thinking ahead I think since they’ve been included in the past, I think it’s always good to be on the safe side.”

Four Peaks organizers had to show they met requirements for Fire Protection, Traffic and Crowd Control, Alcohol Consumption, and Attendance Monitoring among other criteria.

“I think all of the conditions for approval have been met. The best possible efforts have been made to comply with those criteria. So, I’m comfortable with approving this outdoor mass gathering permit,” Commissioner Phil Chang also said any code violations will be tracked for future permit requests.

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the mass gathering permit for the 150-acre ranch off Knott Road in Bend. A few minor wording changes are still needed before final consent.