TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend! After I hit send on Friday’s newsletter, I realized that I had given a newsletter the exact same title (The rock chucks are back) on March 11th last year. So it looks like they’re a few weeks early this winter.

In today’s Bend Buzz:

Let’s get to it.

— Derek Carlson & Emily Elaro

Learn More About the Library’s Next Chapter 

Preparation work is underway for a major remodel of the Downtown Bend Library that will increase public space in the building, as well as update and improve amenities and resources in this downtown Bend landmark. The building will temporarily close from April 11, 2026, through spring 2027 while construction takes place.

But the all-new Central Library in east Bend is nearing completion! Deschutes Public Library is excited to share this incredible new library with you when it opens in May (date announcement coming soon!). 

To learn more about this exciting last phase of Library bond projects and to get answers to common questions, visit the library’s website. To be the first to know when the new Central Library is set to open to the public, sign up for the Deschutes Public Library In the Know eNewsletter. 

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Stirrup Purpose, a local organization offering purpose and healing through meaningful equine experiences, is looking for folks to join them at their annual fundraiser, Paddle for a Purpose. The event takes place at Widgi Creek Golf Course (they also have pickleball courts) on Saturday, March 14th, from 4 - 8 PM and will feature an evening of pickleball, test your luck games, St. Patrick’s Day-themed food included, music, and a Silent Auction featuring a Mexico Pickleball getaway. You can learn more about the event and register here.

Two weeks ago, we shared that Bendite Bella Emry would be making an appearance on American Idol. Well, she wowed the judges and will be making another appearance on the show! If you want to watch live, you can tune in to ABC at 8 PM tonight, or you can join her in person for a watch party! She’ll be hanging out this evening at General Duffy’s in Redmond to watch the show and will even be putting on a live performance.

📬 Business moves for March: Looking to the month ahead, there will be a few new businesses popping up or closing their doors for good. In the dining world, Jackalope Grill served their last meal over the weekend and will be reopening on March 17th under new ownership and a new name, Rosemary & Fox. On the coffee side of things, Little Cole Coffee Co. will be relaunching their coffee cart at Somewhere That’s Green on March 7th. And last but not least, Schilling’s Garden Market will be reopening for another summer season on March 13th.

On the not-so-fun news to share side of things, Play Society will be closing their doors on March 20th, so swing by and say goodbye (and let the littles play for a bit) before they move on to other ventures.

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250 in the West, a new programmatic series at the High Desert Museum, explores the legacies of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. On Thursday, March 12, Flannery Burke, author and historian, flips the script on American regional narratives by centering the West in the cultural landscape. This one-of-a-kind experience includes an up-close look at objects from the Museum’s collection. $8, members get 20% off | doors open at 6:00 pm; program begins at 6:30 pm. Get your tickets today!

💻Coworking at the Grove: Start your week with good company and a productive morning at The Grove. A great option if you're working remotely and craving some human connection. 10 AM The Grove

🧠Dementia Care Empowerment Series: A meaningful and practical resource for caregivers, families, and anyone navigating the challenges of dementia. Come learn, connect, and feel a little less alone in the journey. 4 PM Sagebrush Speech Therapy & ABC Dementia

🌎Multilingual Monday: Whether you're a language learner, a native speaker of something other than English, or just curious, pull up a stool and join the conversation. 5:30 PM Broken Top Bottle Shop

🎤Public (ROCK) Choir – Sing Your Face Off: No audition, no experience required — just your voice and a willingness to let loose. Come belt out some rock classics with a crowd of strangers who will quickly feel like friends. 6 PM UPP Liquids

🥋 Self Defense Class: Learn how to protect yourself at this free self-defense class at Tula. You’ll be learning self-defense techniques, so come dressed for a workout. 7:30 PM Tula

🧠 Quizhead Games Trivia: Put on those thinking caps and kick off the week right with a round of trivia from Quizhead Games. 6 PM Greg’s Grill

⛷️Breakfast Club w/ Between Evergreens: Yes, this one starts at 6:30 AM on the mountain, and yes, it is absolutely worth it. A sunrise session with good energy before the rest of the world wakes up. 6:30 AM Mt. Bachelor

📚Wings of Fire Book Launch Party: The next book in the Wings of Fire series is here, and Roundabout Books is throwing a proper celebration. A great excuse to hit the bookstore before school. 7 AM Roundabout Books & Cafe

☕Coffee with a Cop: A low-key, no-agenda conversation with Bend police officers over coffee. A nice reminder that community and public safety can feel human. 9 AM WildRoots Coffee Westside

📃2026 Central Oregon Homelessness Forum: An important community conversation on one of the region's most pressing challenges. Come curious and ready to listen. 5 PM Westside Church

💃Bachata Workshop: Whether you're a seasoned dancer or have two left feet, this is a fun and welcoming way to spend a Tuesday night. Latin dance, good music, and guaranteed smiles. 7:30 PM Foundation Health and Fitness

🎤Women of Americana: A night of roots, grit, and gorgeous songwriting at one of Bend's most beloved venues. This one's not to be missed. 7:30 PM Tower Theatre

❓Trivia Tuesday: Gather your crew and put your random knowledge to the test over burgers and beers. A classic Bend Tuesday. 7:30 PM Mountain Burger

☕ Coffee & Clarity: Whether you're building a business, exploring a pivot, chasing a creative spark, or just craving real connection, this coffee and clarity sesh with Kristen Hinman is your perfect start to the morning. 8:30 AM Thump at The Grove

Bluegrass Collective | Silver Moon | 7 PM

Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light & Bootleg Rose | Silver Moon | 6:30 PM | Tickets
Shelby Natasha & Maria Jackson | Silver Moon Brewing | 6:30 PM | Tickets
CyDefects | The Commonwealth Pub | 7 PM
Cristina Vane & Brennen Leigh | Tower Theatre | 7:30 PM | Tickets

Friday:

😂 Sit. Stay. Laugh! at Silver Moon
🏳️‍🌈 Queer Comedy Night at Tower Theatre 
🎉 Winter Pridefest Welcome Mixer & Pink Party at Dogwood at the Pine Shed
🦌 Central Oregon Sportsman Show at Deschutes County Fairgrounds (all weekend)

Saturday:

🍷 Winemaker Dinner at Amaterra Kitchen + Social Club
😂 Shameless Championship at Crave Bend
🌈 Winter PrideFest at Mt. Bachelor
❄️ Snow Ball: The White Party at Midtown Ballroom
🏃‍♀ Free Learn to Run Workout with Ceiling Unlimited

Sunday:

🎙️ Hairy Situation: A Comedy Show at Midtown Ballroom 
🪡 Darn It! Mending Socks, Sweaters & More at Bevel Craft Brewing 
👯 DIVA Drag Brunch at Campfire Hotel

Live Music:

🎻 Pert Near Sandstone at Silver Moon 
🥁 The Coffis Brothers at Volcanic Theatre Pub
🎸 Billy and the Box Kid at The Domino Room
🪕 The Bluegrass Bend-r at Volcanic Theatre Pub
🎵 Zac Ross at Silver Moon

Stay warm, and thank you again for reading!

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