A Summer Slam for All Ages
The Boys & Girls Club in Bend is set to transform its gymnasium into a vibrant hub of competition and music from June 26 through June 28. The 3‑on‑3 basketball tournament, dubbed Beats and Buckets, will feature live DJs spinning tracks between games, creating a festival‑like atmosphere for players and fans alike.
Organizer Aaron Chambers explains that the event aims to cultivate a distinct basketball culture in Central Oregon, one that blends sport with the region’s growing love of electronic music. "We want kids and adults to experience the thrill of the game while enjoying the energy of live DJ sets," he says.
The tournament lineup includes a diverse roster of disc jockeys, such as DJ Mystic, DJ N8TURE, Gainon, DJ Cruz, DJ EmVy and DJ Chaos, who will provide continuous beats throughout the three days. June 26 will kick off with a 3‑point and free‑throw contest alongside a skills challenge, setting the tone for a weekend of friendly rivalry.
Competition will be organized into four divisions: sixth/seventh grade, eighth grade, high school and adult. Each division will play on a designated day, with the youth division taking the court on June 27 and the adult division on June 28. Games are played to 35 points, allowing both 2‑ and 3‑point shots, and every team is guaranteed at least three matches.
Participants can still register, with team entry fees set at $150 and general admission for spectators priced at $5 per day. Winners in each division will receive trophies and gift cards, adding a tangible reward to the competitive spirit. For those interested in joining or learning more, registration and ticket purchases are available through Tickettailor.
Beyond the games, Beats and Buckets serves as a community gathering point, bringing together families, local businesses and youth programs. Chambers hopes the event will inspire future basketball initiatives and reinforce Bend’s reputation as a hub for innovative, youth‑focused sports events.