🎁 A busy weekend ahead

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend! I hope you all have your walking shoes ready because there is so, so much happening around town the next three days.

In today’s Bend Buzz:

• 🎁 Holiday market season is here

• 🎅 Holiday parade and tree lighting

• 📖 A Novel Idea launches

Let’s get to it.

— Derek Carlson & Emily Elaro

SPONSORED BY RETHINK WASTE

Holidays are a time to reflect, spend time with loved ones, and celebrate joy. They are also a time when household waste increases by more than 25 percent, according to the EPA. Being more mindful in celebrating our holidays can not only reduce waste; the intention behind it can also lead to a more meaningful celebration of this time of year.

From cooking only what you need for holiday meals, to considering experiences for gifts and shopping local, to being creative with reusing materials as gift wrap, learn tips to both reduce waste and cultivate more joy this holiday season with our guide to low-waste holidays.

—

You might have heard that we’re working on a reusable takeout container program for our region. As we shape this early-stage effort, we need your help gathering data and insights. 

Your input will ensure the program reflects the needs, habits, and priorities of the people who will use it.

_{Interested in featuring your business in our next ad spot? ⬆️ Fill out THIS FORM!}

SNAPSHOTS

📚️ 2026 Novel Idea Launches at the Library

The downtown Bend library is hosting an event for the launch of the 2026 edition of A Novel Idea. For those not in the know, A Novel Idea is a community-wide book club that answers the question: What if everyone in town read the same book? This event is the first chance for the community to see this year’s picks (there is one book for adults/teens and one for early readers). And since it's a party after all, there will be snacks, a no-host bar, and trivia. Saturday at 6 PM at the downtown Bend Library

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

💧 Celebrate the grand opening of Flux: Swing by Flux Thermal Lounge for their grand opening celebration. Starting at 10 AM, there will be a dance party with Get Up & Groove, goodies, coffee, giveaways, and more! Saturday 10 AM - 1 PM

🖼️ Kristine Cooper opens her new art studio: Kristine Cooper of Cooper Art & Abode (we’ve shared her work a few times on here) is opening up a public studio for the first time at The Stacks Gallery in the Old Mill (above LUSH). Swing by, grab a glass of wine, and say hi during the first Friday festivities from 3 - 6 PM.

@THEBENDBUZZ

📸 @seedtotable | Sisters, Oregon
Tag @thebendbuzz to get your photos featured!

TOGETHER WITH FLAWLESS FIBERS

Flawless Fibers – A Smarter Way to Clean Carpets & Upholstery in Bend

Hey, Central Oregon! I'm Richard Berry, owner of Flawless Fibers. With the holidays approaching, now's the perfect time to prepare your home for family and guests—and to think differently about carpet care.

Why Low-Moisture Beats Steam Cleaning
Traditional steam cleaning drenches carpets with gallons of soap and water, leaving sticky residue that attracts dirt. Our five-step low-moisture system lifts out dirt, pet stains, and allergens while balancing pH so your carpets stay cleaner longer. No soggy floors, no leftover grime.

Protect Your Home, Not Just Your Carpets
Regular low-moisture cleaning keeps carpets fresh between deep cleans, reduces allergens, and helps everyone breathe easier—all without the risk of mold or mildew from over-wet carpets.

Eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and non-toxic, our process protects your floors and your air quality. We take the time to do it right—no shortcuts, no soaps, no soggy mess.

✨ Eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, biodegradable & non-toxic
🎁 Holiday Special: 15% off your first appointment!

Call or text Richard at 541-480-1387 for your free estimate.

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Friday 12.5

🎅 Santa Pajama Jam: Roll out of bed and straight into the holiday fun—pajamas encouraged! Free Spirit hosts this playful morning with Santa, mixing ninja play, and festive cheer for little ones (and their grown-ups). 9:15 AM Free Spirit Yoga + Ninja + Play

🛍️ Thump Holiday Market: Downtown Thump is turning into a festive little marketplace packed with local makers, gifts, art, and holiday cheer. Grab a latte, browse the goods, and ease into your weekend with peak cozy energy. 4 PM Thump Coffee (Downtown)

🧸 Toy Drive Benefit Concert: Come enjoy an evening of family-friendly music and fun at the Volcanic Theatre. Admission just costs one toy, which will be donated to the Bethlehem Inn, NeighborImpact, and Shepard’s House Ministries. 6 PM Volcanic Theatre Pub

🖼️ First Friday: Stroll through the Old Mill and downtown Bend as they celebrate First Friday with art, music, sips, and plenty of seasonal sparkle. 3 - 6 PM Old Mill District & 5 - 8 PM Downtown Bend

🎻 High Desert Chamber Music Gala: An elegant evening benefitting High Desert Chamber Music, complete with performances, curated auction items, and a warm community atmosphere. Dress up, show up, and enjoy the arts. 5:30 PM Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

🚒 Santa Express: The Bend Fire Department is rolling out its Santa Express route, collecting donations and spreading holiday cheer as they cruise through town. Bundle up, wave to Santa, and help support neighbors in need. 6 PM Brosterhous Rd & Goldenrod Ln

🎭 Head Over Heels: Summit High School brings big energy to this vibrant musical—a joyful mashup of classic storytelling and pop hits that will have you smiling from curtain to curtain. 7 PM Summit High School

Saturday 12.6

🎄 Mistletoe Miler: A festive run (or walk!) to kick off your Saturday. Start at Bend Brewing Company, cruise through a cheerful course, and earn those post-race holiday vibes. 9:30 AM Bend Brewing Company

💜 Tumalo Lavender’s Holiday Shopping Market: Wander through lavender-scented bliss while browsing artisan goods and perfectly giftable treats. Holiday shopping has never smelled this good. 10 AM Tumalo Lavender

🪴 Magical Markets of Merriment: Weekend #2 of Somewhere That’s Green’s Magical Markets of Merriment is here. Each week brings a whole new lineup of local makers, so be sure to check out the full list. 10 AM - 5 PM Somewhere That’s Green (Sat & Sun)

🏋️ Lift & Coffee: Kick off a busy day of holiday activities with a morning session of lifting followed by some community building over coffee. RuckTalks & Lift Fitness Studio are hosting this free men’s gathering to strengthen both your body and your mind. 6:15 AM Lift Fitness Studio

🌿 Schilling’s Makers Market: A cozy, plant-filled wonderland of handcrafted goods, local artists, and holiday charm. Wander slow, sip something warm, and take home something with heart. Just a reminder that parking reservations are required! 10 AM Schilling’s Garden Market (Sat & Sun)

🏃‍♀️ Biomechanics of Human Movement: Come get a super approachable crash course in how your body actually moves and why it matters. Kristen Sowalsky, PhD, is leading a one-hour class at Foundation Health & Fitness that breaks down the basics of biomechanics. 11 AM Foundation Health & Fitness

🧭 Overland Gear Bazaar: Gear up (literally). Oregon Adventure Trucks rolls out a rugged wonderland of overlanding equipment, trail-ready toys, and some sweet giveaways. 10 AM Oregon Adventure Trucks

🛍️ The Grove Holiday Makers Market: The Grove transforms into holiday heaven with makers, bakers, designers, and dreamers. This is prime gift-finding territory—festive, bustling, and full of the good stuff. 11 AM The Grove (Sat & Sun)

✨ Groove Yoga’s Holiday Spirit Market: High vibes only. This market blends art, healing, craft, and community in one warm, soulful afternoon. It’s the feel-good holiday outing your nervous system will thank you for. 11:30 AM Groove Yoga

🍻 Bevel Holiday Market: Bevel goes big with a festive collision of local makers, great beer, and lively patio energy. Come for the holiday finds, stay for the hop-fueled cheer. 12 PM Bevel Brewing (Sat & Sun)

💫 Petersen Garden Wish Release: Join the crew at Petersen Rock Garden as they release the wishes from the wishing shack out into the wild. Make sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight. 5 PM Petersen Rock Garden

🎄 Bend Christmas Parade: One of Bend’s most beloved holiday traditions returns! Bundle up, grab some cocoa, and line the streets to watch floats, lights, music, and festive cheer roll through downtown. Pure small-town magic, every year. 12 PM Downtown Bend

✨ Holiday Magic – A Season’s Journey: A heartwarming seasonal show filled with music, dance, storytelling, and all the festive feels. 3 PM Tower Theatre

🎁 Festival of Trees: A beloved holiday tradition featuring beautifully decorated trees, live auction fun, and community spirit—all benefiting Hospice of Redmond. 5 PM Deschutes County Fairgrounds

🎬 The Open Arts Center Movie Night: Settle in for a cozy community movie night at The Open Arts Center with a showing of Come See Me In the Good Light. 6:30 PM The Open Arts Center

🎤 Comedy at Craft: Craft Kitchen lights up with a night of high-energy laughs as Eleanore Ryan takes the mic. Grab a pint, settle in, and let your cheeks hurt in the best possible way. 8 PM Craft Kitchen & Brewery

🐶 Paws & Clause Winter Market: Get ready for a festive and pet-friendly afternoon of music, holiday crafts and gifts, and plenty of seasonal bites and drinks at the Paws & Claws Winter Market. 12 - 5 PM VRCCO

🛍️ Holiday Studio Sale: Spread your wings and make the trip out to Sisters for the annual pottery sale with pottery artists Mitch and Michelle. 11 AM - 4 PM 17192 Jordan Rd (Sat & Sun)

❄️ Westside Village Holiday Bazaar: Have room for one more holiday bazaar? Swing by Westside Village to see what holiday goodies you can uncover. 9 AM - 2 PM Westside Village School

Sunday 12.7

🛍️ Kindred Holiday Market: Spork turns into a buzzing little holiday bazaar, packed with indie makers, handcrafted treasures, and that signature Spork warmth. Perfect for gifting and treating yourself. 11 AM Spork

👗 Vintage Pop-Up: UPP Liquids hosts a curated lineup of vintage gems—think cozy sweaters, statement pieces, and retro holiday sparkle. Sip, shop, and score something with character. 11 AM UPP Liquids

🎲 Bingo with My Gnomies: Cozy up at Silver Moon for a whimsical afternoon of bingo, prizes, and gnome-themed fun. A laid-back way to wrap up the weekend. 1:30 PM Silver Moon Brewing

📚 Jill’s Cookbook Club Holiday Party: Flights Wine Bar hosts a deliciously bookish gathering of home cooks, food lovers, and festive fun. Expect nibbles, conversation, and warm holiday cheer—cookbook optional, good vibes required. 4 PM Flights Wine Bar

🎄 Christmas Tree Lighting: Gather downtown for a classic holiday moment as the big tree in Brandis Square lights up the night. Carols, community, and pure December magic. 5 PM Brandis Square (Downtown Bend)

🐶Dog Photos with Santa: Have your pups made their way onto the nice list this year? If so, let them tell Santa what they want and get a photo with the big guy himself at Mountain Dogs Pet Resort. 10 AM - 2 PM Mountain Dogs Pet Resort (Sat & Sun)

LIVE MUSIC

Friday 12.5

FunkShui | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets
Rogue City Renegades | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets
Any Given Session | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets
Superball | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM

Saturday 12.6

Kara Grace Wilson | The Ale Apothecary | 6 PM
TEB | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets 
The Rumpeppers | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM
DJ SofaSoul | Wildwood Bar & Grill | 8 PM

Sunday 12.7

Talamh Dubh & Friends | The Commonwealth Pub | 4 PM
Flamingosis | Volcanic Theatre Pub | 8 PM | Tickets
Young Gun Silver Fox | Domino Room | 8 PM | Tickets

THANKS!

Stay warm, and thank you again for reading!

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