☀️ Another Beautiful Weekend Ahead

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend! Happy opening day for the road to Broken Top. If you decide to drive up in your 2WD hatchback, make sure to send me pictures.

In today’s Bend Buzz:

• ⚾️ Elks make the playoffs

• 🥾 A shorter hike to Broken Top

• 🍖 Sisters Smokehouse coming to Bend

Let’s get to it.

— Emily Randolph & Derek Carlson

SPONSORED BY AUSTIN BUSKOHL REAL ESTATE

Thinking of Selling? This One’s for You.

We’ve officially entered the final month of the year when buyer activity is typically at its strongest.

That makes now a window of opportunity—but only if the right strategy is in place.

Here’s what the numbers are saying:

• If you’re priced in the $500K range, you need to be 1 of 40 homes that sells.

• In the $600K range? You need to be 1 of 43.

• Selling between $1M–$2M? You’re aiming to be 1 of just 61.

Each of these price points already has 100+ listings on the market in and around Bend.

And for those who miss the mark on price and prep? Those odds shrink with each passing month, impacting both days on market and final sale price. Worse yet, there’s a growing risk of becoming part of the 1 in 3 homes that won’t sell this year, a trend supported by the fact that we're on pace for the second-highest number of cancelled listings in a decade.

This isn’t to scare, it’s to clarify. The market is still moving, but it’s not forgiving.

🧭 Curious what sets the ones that sell apart from the rest? I’m happy to share what I’m seeing behind the scenes, no pressure, just a clear conversation to help you make a smart next move.

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

SNAPSHOTS

⚾️ Bend Elks Make the Playoffs

The Bend Elks season isn’t over yet as they played their way into the West Coast League playoffs. If you want to cheer them on during the first round against the Corvallis Knights, you’ll have one chance, and it happens tonight (Friday) at 6:35 PM! The Elks will be hosting the Knights at Vince Genna Stadium before heading over the pass for games two and (if necessary) three.

🥾 Road to Broken Top & Crater Ditch Opens for the Summer

Want to make the trek up to Broken Top or No Name Lake, but don’t want to make the 13-mile round-trip hike from Todd Lake? You’re in luck (although the same may not be said for your car) as the road to the Broken Top & Crater Ditch trailheads from Todd Lake is officially open as of today.

Drivers BEWARE, as this road has been described by some as one of the worst in the entire state (although it seems like every year we hear about a 1996 Toyota Corolla making it to the top). If you have a high clearance vehicle and are willing to put your driving skills to the test, then grab a permit and head on up.

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

🍖 Sisters Smokehouse x Bend Brewing: A while back, we shared a report that Sisters Smokehouse was going to be opening an outpost in Bend, and now we know the exact location as well as who they’ll be joining forces with. Come Spring of next year, Bend Brewing Co. and Sisters Smokehouse will be teaming up to open a bar at the new Jackstraw development by the Box Factory. The new spot will be called Way West and will feature an indoor/outdoor bar and deli.

💐 Firefly Fields U-pick Open for the Season: Central Oregon may not be blessed with an abundance of U-pick options for berries, apples, peaches, and other tasty fruits, but what we lack in sweet treats we make up for with flowers! One of our favorite U-pick flower farms in the area is once again open for the season. Firefly Fields is a little bit of a drive (they’re located in Terrebonne), but we promise it’s worth it! Just make sure to reserve your bucket before you head over.

@THEBENDBUZZ

📸 @wanderingypsy9📍Old Mill
Tag @thebendbuzz to get your photos featured!

TOGETHER WITH MT BACHELOR

Sun Country Tours and Mt. Bachelor are teaming up to provide the ultimate summer adventure. Splash through the lower Deschutes on the Big Eddy Thriller, offering mellow currents and thrilling class 3 rapids, then experience the high alpine like never before on the Northwest’s fastest, steepest, highest elevation zip line.

Both trips take approximately two hours and are perfect for a family outing, unique date, or memorable group bonding experience with friends or coworkers.

Get the best deal when you bundle online – tackle both activities on the same day, or space them out this summer. 

📲 Book Your Adventure

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Friday 8.8

🎭 The Wolves: A fierce, funny, and fast-paced play about a high school girls’ soccer squad navigating life, loyalty, and a lot of attitude—on and off the field. Expect sharp banter, raw honesty, and moments that will have you laughing one minute and holding your breath the next. 7:30 PM Greenhouse Cabaret

🚵 Gravity Series #5: Send it into the weekend with another round of downhill mayhem. Riders will hit the dirt for big berms, high-speed straights, and plenty of “did you see that?” moments. Whether you’re racing or just watching, it’s pure adrenaline. 5 PM Mt. Bachelor

🧘 Sunset Yoga at Smith Rock: Watch the famous cliffs light up in golden hues as you flow through a grounding, open-air practice. Perfect for soaking in nature, finding your center, and maybe spotting a few climbers still on the wall. 6:30 PM Smith Rock

🌕 Lionsgate Full Moon Dance: Step into the cosmic portal of 8/8 under a glowing full moon. Dance barefoot on the earth, connect with community, and soak up high-vibe energy all night long. Glitter, flowy clothes, and free spirits welcome. 7:30 PM Hanai

🎬 Movies in the Park – Inside Out 2: Bring your blanket, grab some snacks, and watch Pixar’s crew of emotions in their next big adventure—this time, there are even more feelings to meet. Perfect for families or anyone who wants to laugh and maybe cry under the stars. 6 PM Ponderosa Park

🕯️ The Dez Evening Market: Celebrate the arrival of the full moon at The Dez with their full moon evening market. There will be vendors, art, tarot, astrology, & music to keep the evening rolling. 6 - 9 PM The Dez

🔔 Sunriver Music Fest Family Concert: Bring the family down to Benham Hall (not falls) for this Friday matinee concert featuring the festival orchestra & Fiona Curley (2025 Young Artists Scholarship Recipient). Kids will have a chance to check out the instruments prior to the concert, so show up early! 3 PM Benham Hall at SHARC, Sunriver

Saturday 8.9

🥞 Breakfast Club Dance Party: Roll out of bed, grab a coffee or mimosa, and dance like you’re in an ‘80s movie montage. DJ beats, big energy, and a crowd that’s all about starting the day with a groove. Leg warmers optional but encouraged. 9 AM 10 Barrel West

🗝️ Deschutes Historical Museum Antique Fair: Come search for those old oddities and goodies you didn’t know you needed at the Deschutes Historical Museum antique fair. 9 AM - 4 PM Deschutes Historical Museum

🎶 Bend Ukulele Showcase: A full day of strumming, singing, and spreading aloha. Hear from local uke masters, join in on group jams, and soak up the sunshine with this laid-back festival vibe. 10 AM Seven Peaks School

🌊 River Surfing Info Session: Curious about Bend’s surf scene? Meet at the whitewater park to learn about gear, safety, and how to catch a wave in the heart of the city. Watch experienced surfers in action or dip a toe into the sport yourself. 10 AM Bend Whitewater Park

🎹 Lavender Field Piano Flow: Picture it—lavender fields, soft golden light, alpacas grazing, and live piano melodies filling the air. Wear comfy clothes, sip on a tasty beverage, and let the music transport you. 6 PM Tumalo Lavender

🧩 Puzzle Swap at the Library: Need to refresh your puzzle stock before the winter season? Bring your gently used (no missing pieces, please) to the downtown library for a community puzzle swap. 10 AM - 12 PM Downtown Bend Library

🪷 Sgraffito Ceramic Workshop: Join Krista from La Luce Studio at Pomegranate Home for a hands-on workshop where you'll craft a beautiful clay dish guided by your creativity. 2:30 PM Pomegranate Home

🎒 Ruck & Talk: Movement. Connection. Growth. Join a growing group of local men who meet weekly for a weighted walk and real conversation. Sign up to be added to the list. Details are sent out each Friday evening for the Saturday morning rucks.

Sunday 8.10

🍳 Brunch & Bingo with OAS: Eggs Benedict meets bingo cards in this fundraiser for Oregon Adaptive Sports. Win prizes, support a great cause, and eat well while you’re at it. 11:30 AM On Tap

🍷 Sunday Afternoon Pop: Unwind in a vineyard setting with sparkling wines and live music. Bring your sunhat, grab a seat on the lawn, and let the good vibes flow. 12 PM Maragas Vineyards

🌿 Wildfire Care Workshop: Learn herbal remedies and self-care techniques for dealing with smoke, stress, and seasonal challenges. Take home knowledge (and maybe some goodies) to keep you feeling your best during fire season. 4 PM The People’s Apothecary

🎨 Ceramic Berry Bowl Workshop: Spend your Sunday making something beautiful and functional—a handcrafted berry bowl that’s perfect for summer’s sweetest fruit. All materials included. 5 PM Tumalo Lavender

🚲 Second Sunday Spokes: Join a fun, social group ride through Bend—no spandex required, just a bike, a smile, and a love for cruising around town. 9 AM Columbia Park

🛍 9th Street Village Makers Market: Sip a pint while wandering booths from talented local makers. Expect jewelry, art, home goods, and maybe a snack or two you didn’t know you needed. 12 PM Bevel Brewing

UPCOMING EVENTS

🍶🧀 Sake & Cheese Pairing Class: Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind class with Teri Tith from Talking Cheese, where you’ll explore the art of pairing artisanal American cheeses with premium Japanese sake. You’ll learn how to read a sake label, dive into the craftsmanship behind both cheese and sake, and taste how beautifully they come together.

Seats are going fast, so if this sounds like your kind of night, don’t wait to grab your spot. The class takes place at Hanai on Wednesday, August 13, at 5:30 PM.*

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LIVE MUSIC

Friday 8.8

Tedeschi Trucks Band & Whiskey Myers | Hayden Homes | 5:30 PM | Tickets
The Cutmen | River’s Place | 6 PM
Kel & Cal | Ponch’s Place | 6 PM
Broken Charley | Worthy Brewing | 7 PM
Danger Gently | Thump York Cafe | 6 PM
Cover Story Band | Tumalo Feed Co | 6 PM
An Evening With the Mostest | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets
The Living Room | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM

Saturday 8.9

Jason Burky Music | The Grove | 6 PM
LCD Soundsystem | Hayden Homes | 6:30 PM | Tickets
Critical Blues Band | WildWood | 7 PM
Sleepless Truckers | Worthy Brewing | 7:30 PM
Funk Around & Find Out | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets
Non Ether, Not Your Ex Lover, & High Glow | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets
Eel Salad & Matt Mitchell | Silver Moon | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Richard Taelour Trio | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM
Yachtley Crew | Volcanic Theatre Pub | 9 PM | Tickets
Shade 13 w/ Delta 13 | M&J Tavern | 9 PM

Sunday 8.10

High Strung | Downtown Library | 3 PM
The Hasbens | Volcanic Theatre Pub | 5 PM | Tickets
Piña Colada | River’s Place | 6 PM
LCD Soundsystem | Hayden Homes | 6:30 PM | Tickets

THANKS!

Stay cool, and thank you again for reading!

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