📆 A packed September weekend ahead

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend! We’ve got an absolutely packed weekend of events happening around town!

In today’s Bend Buzz:

• 🛍️ First Friday is back

• 🔧 The tool lending library opens

• 📆 A very busy September weekend ahead!

Let’s get to it.

— Emily Randolph & Derek Carlson

SPONSORED BY AUSTIN BUSKOHL REAL ESTATE

The Rate Cut Is Coming… Right?

Lately, there's been a lot of buzz about a potential rate cut, and the idea that mortgage rates will drop soon after. Many buyers are already gearing up to make a move the moment that happens.

But here’s the thing: we’ve been here before.

Around this time last year, the job market showed early signs of softening. The Fed suggested a rate cut might come in September, and mortgage rates began trending down. Sound familiar? Fast forward to that September cut, and within a month, mortgage rates climbed back over 7 percent.

Could we see something similar play out in 2025? Possibly. It’s still too early to call. But if you're waiting for lower rates before you act, the window may already be opening, and it could just as easily close.

If your current home feels a little too tight (or maybe a little too big), now is a smart time to start that conversation. Today’s market still leans toward buyers, and sometimes the best move isn’t about waiting. It’s about preparing.

🧭 Curious what that could look like for you? I’m happy to help map it out. No pressure, just clear guidance for your next step. 

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

SNAPSHOTS

🛍️🍷 First Friday is Back for September

It’s time again for your monthly invitation to sip and snack your way through the Old Mill and downtown Bend at First Friday. As always, the art studios at the Old Mill will be open from 3 - 6 PM, and the downtown festivities will run from 5 PM - 8 PM.

🛞 Friendly Reminder About Your Winter Tires

I’m only sharing this because I’ve already booked my winter tire changeovers (jk…maybe), but did you know that you can book seasonal tire changeover appointments months in advance at Les Schwab (not sponsored)? Appointments at Discount Tire (also not sponsored) open 45 days in advance, so you’ll have to wait a bit to book with them. Just saying, it beats waiting in a line of cars at 6 AM in early December, hoping to grab a walk-in spot…

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

🔧 Central Oregon Tool Library opens for business lending: On Friday (today!) the new Central Oregon Tool Library officially opens for lending. This is the spot to go if you need to borrow a staple gun, a miter saw, or any other tool to help you complete the task on your honey-do list. The library is located at the Habitat ReStore parking lot and will be open (for now) Fridays from 4 - 6 PM, Saturdays from 9 - 11 AM, and Sundays from 3 - 5 PM.

🚲️ Star Cycle's 2nd anniversary: Star Cycle is celebrating its two-year anniversary in style on Saturday. Classes at 8:30, 9:30, and 10:30 will all include raffles, and there will also be vendors and treats to enjoy after getting your workout in.

🤸‍♀️ Lava City Cirque 1st anniversary party: Come party with Lava City Cirque at their 1st anniversary celebration. There will be live aerial silk performances, free open gym, face painting, snacks, and more! Saturday 1 - 3 PM

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TOGETHER WITH APOGEE BEND

☀️ Exploring New Options for Your Child’s Education?

If you’ve been thinking your child could thrive in a more hands-on and engaging learning environment, Apogee Bend might be the right fit. Their program emphasizes leadership, independence, and project-based experiences designed to spark curiosity and growth.

The next session begins October 27th, and enrollment is continuous, so families can join when the time feels right. Tours are happening daily, so come see how Apogee is rethinking education here in Central Oregon.

✨ Founding family discounts are still available.
📆 Book a tour today and learn more about what Apogee can offer your family.

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Friday 9.5

🎪 The Circus Comes to Town: The circus is coming to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds for two weeks of Broadway-style fun with acrobats, jugglers, magicians, and plenty more! Sept 4 - 14 Deschutes County Fairgrounds

🚶 Walk for Recovery: Join the movement to end Oregon’s addiction crisis at this community walk through Drake Park. The event brings together individuals, families, and advocates to honor recovery, reduce stigma, and show support for those impacted by addiction. 5 PM Drake Park

🎸 Buck Naked & The Trapper Keepers: Get ready for a cheeky twist on live entertainment—Bend Burlesque is bringing their high-energy show to Bunk + Brew’s backyard stage. Expect glitter, sass, and plenty of playful surprises. 8 PM Bunk + Brew

😂 Comedy at Craft Kitchen: Get your laughs in with an evening of sharp stand-up. Local and touring comics keep the energy high—pair it with dinner and drinks for the perfect night out. 7:30 PM Craft Kitchen

🤠 Boots & Brews: Dust off those boots and head to Worthy for a night of country fun, live tunes, and plenty of craft beer. It’s a little bit honky-tonk, a little bit Bend. 6 PM Worthy Brewing

🚪 Porch Party: Revival Vintage is hosting a porch party to get the weekend started off right. There will be DJs, vendors, bevs & bites, and a raffle that includes prizes like two tickets to the Cascade Equinox Fest! 5 PM Revival Vintage

🎶 Guitar Night: Presented by Breedlove Guitars, this evening brings together Bend’s musicians and community for a soulful night of guitar-driven music. A cozy, creative way to kick off the weekend. 5 PM Volcanic Theatre Pub

🎤 The Savages Comedy Hour: Silver Moon is keeping the laughs flowing with The Savages Comedy Hour. Expect a mix of stand-up, improv, and straight-up silliness paired with your favorite local brews. 7 PM Silver Moon Brewing

Saturday 9.6

🍽 Beer Dinner: A culinary and craft beer collaboration worth savoring. This dinner pairs Luckey’s Woodsman’s cozy, elevated menu with the unique, wild-fermented brews of The Ale Apothecary. 5:30 PM The Ale Apothecary

💙 Out of the Darkness Walk: Join the movement to raise awareness for suicide prevention. This heartfelt walk at Alpenglow Park honors loved ones and builds community support for mental health. 11 AM Alpenglow Park

🚵‍♀️ Women of the Dirt Camp: A full two days designed to help women riders sharpen their mountain biking skills, connect with the community, and shred the slopes with confidence. 9:30 AM Mt. Bachelor

🎵 Summer Concert Series: Kick back at the base of Bachelor and take in the tunes. The summer series delivers live music with a mountain backdrop, local food, and plenty of good vibes. 12 PM Mt. Bachelor

🏃 Run Your Happiest Fall Training Group: Lace up with Ceiling Unlimited’s supportive run crew. This group session helps you build training consistency while finding the joy in running. 8 AM The Grove

💜 Tumalo Lavender Volunteer Harvest Day: Roll up your sleeves for a fragrant morning of harvesting lavender at one of Central Oregon’s most beloved farms. Volunteers get hands-on in the fields and enjoy the scents of late summer. 9 AM Tumalo Lavender

🌿 Schilling’s End of Summer Garden Party: Celebrate the end of the season with Schilling’s! Expect plant sales, garden goodies, and seasonal inspiration at this community market. 9 AM Schilling’s Garden Market

🐾 Sunriver Dog Fest: Bring your pup and celebrate all things canine at this fun-filled fest with vendors, treats, and a dog-loving community atmosphere. 12 PM Century Commons Taps & Trucks

🎭 Keep Your Head Up, Bend!: An afternoon show filled with laughter, creativity, and some unexpected twists. A perfect way to spend a lazy Saturday with live entertainment. 2:30 PM Volcanic Theatre Pub

🚗 Driven Through the Decades: Car Show & Anniversary Party: Vintage rides, local spirits, and live music collide at Crater Lake Spirits’ anniversary bash. Come for the classic cars, stay for the cocktails. 3 PM Crater Lake Spirits

💃 Boogie Down the Rabbit Hole: La Bon Burlesque presents an electrifying evening of dance, glitter, and theatrical fun. Expect a playful, dazzling night that bends reality (and hips). 7 PM Craft Kitchen

😂 Andie Main: Cocaine Yogi Comedy Show: Sharp, wild, and a little unhinged—Andie Main brings her Cocaine Yogi comedy tour to Bend. Grab a pint and settle in for a hilarious ride. 8 PM Silver Moon Brewing

☀️ Camp Clay Summer Market: Join Camp Clay for one last summer market before they transition into the holiday season. Along with some stunning locally made pottery, they will also have live music and drinks on hand. 10 AM - 5 PM Camp Clay

🚗 High Desert Car Show & Swap Meet: Want to peruse old cars and old jars (and lots of other antique stuff) at the same time? Now’s your chance as the High Desert Car Show & Swap Meet returns to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds. 7 AM Deschutes County Fairgrounds

Sunday 9.7

🧠 The Brainy Bunch Trivia: Gather the squad for an afternoon of brain teasers, laughs, and craft food cart fare. River’s Place keeps trivia lighthearted but competitive. 12 PM River’s Place

🚣 Whitewater Kayak Series: A perfect chance to sharpen your paddling skills, learn about safety, and connect with Bend’s growing kayak community. Beginners welcome! 9 AM Vamonos Outside

🥏 Flight Fest Kan Jam Tournament: A backyard classic meets Bevel brews. Rally your team and show off your Kan Jam skills in this fun, disc golf tournament. 12 PM Bevel Brewing

🏍️ Summer’s End Motorcycle Ride: Join your two-wheeled crew at Boneyard for their annual Summer’s End ride and enjoy some live music in the beer garden at the end. 9 AM Boneyard Pub

🦆 The Great Drake Park Duck Race: An iconic Bend tradition! Watch thousands of rubber ducks race down the river in this fun and family-friendly fundraiser. 11 AM Drake Park

🎲 Not’ Cho Grandma’s Bingo: Forget sleepy bingo halls—this event puts a wild twist on the game with humor, prizes, and plenty of beer to keep things interesting. 9 AM Silver Moon Brewing

LIVE MUSIC

Friday 9.5

Alex Winters | Ponch’s Place | 6 PM 
Coyote Rider | Bend Cider Co | 6 PM
Mavis Bretz Project | Currents at the Riverhouse | 7 PM
Unplugged | McMenamin’s | 7 PM | Tickets
Aladinsane | The Commonwealth Pub | 7:30 PM
Not Your Ex Lover, Altar Girl & House of Warmth | Silver Moon | 7:30 PM | Tickets

Saturday 9.6

Beverly Anderson | Schilling’s Garden Market | 3 PM
Dive Bar Theology | Schilling’s Garden Market | 5 PM
Use’ta Do | River’s Place | 6 PM
Superball | Bend Brewing | 6 PM
Huck Finn Yacht Club | On Tap | 6 PM
Driftless Revelers + Roman & the Long Haul | Silver Moon | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Cover City | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM

Sunday 9.7

Mari | Currents at the Riverhouse | 11 AM
Jordan Wolf | Schilling’s Garden Market | 1 PM
Free Creatures | Volcanic Theatre Pub Courtyard | 4 PM
Joey Harkum & Jeshua Marshall | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets
Sam Grisman Project | Tower Theatre | 7:30 PM | Tickets

THANKS!

Stay cool, and thank you again for reading!

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