❄️ Christmas week roundup

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend! We hope that everyone has a very merry holiday season. This will be the only edition of the Bend Buzz this week as we need a little time to wrap presents, sip on some eggnog, and maybe even get a little skiing in. Below you’ll find the full roundup of events for the entire week ahead, and we’ll be back in your inbox next week.

In today’s Bend Buzz:

• 🚲️ New pedestrian path connecting Bend and Sunriver

• ❄️ Mt. Bachelor snowstake gets an upgrade

• 📆 Your event schedule for the holiday week ahead

Let’s get to it.

— Derek Carlson & Emily Elaro

SPONSORED BY BALLERS & BREWS

Meet Ballers & Brews — the new pickleball and hangout hub in NE Bend.

Our warmer-than-usual winter has kept the pickleball courts humming at the park, but the weather is shifting. If you’re looking for a more comfortable spot to practice your game (and enjoy some food and a drink after), give Ballers & Brews a look.

Located in NE Bend, this new community spot features two enclosed pickleball courts, a bright taproom pouring local favorites, and a stellar lineup of food carts. It’s family-friendly, friend-friendly, and a great place to spend an afternoon.

Got an event coming up? Their rooftop is available for private rentals, and it’s one of the coolest spots on the east side for a birthday, team party, or holiday get-together.

If you’re into pickleball, good food, or just a welcoming place to hang out, Ballers & Brews is worth adding to your rotation.

Check them out at ballersandbrews.com.

P.S. Keep an eye out for our next pickleball meetup at Ballers & Brews, coming in January.

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

SNAPSHOTS

 🚲️ New Path Between Bend and Sunriver

The long-discussed pedestrian path connecting Bend and Sunriver along Highway 97 looks like it’s finally a go. The 6.2-mile paved pathway will connect Bend at Knott Rd to the Lava Lands Visitor Center with a tunnel passing under the highway at the High Desert Museum. Construction is slated to begin in the fall of 2026 and will take approximately a year to complete.

❄️ Mt Bachelor Gets A New Snowstake

File this one under news unique to Bend (and other ski towns). Frequent watchers of the snow stake at Mt. Bachelor now have a new view as the old snow stake has been replaced with one a little…different. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but one thing is for certain: no one will be complaining when it's buried, and the mountain is finally open for the season.

⛷️ Skiing is Back…Kinda

While we’re still waiting on a little more snow for Bachelor to open, fans of xc skiing can start to get their fix. Meissner has begun limited grooming with their snowmobile and roller, and ungroomed trails at Swampy and Dutchman generally have enough coverage for some laps. While you might want to wait a bit before you break out your carbon racing skis, at least this is a start! Just a reminder that all nordic trails at Bachelor are closed until opening day (that goes for uphill access as well!).

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

No business happenings this week as we’re a little pressed for space with a full week of events below.

@THEBENDBUZZ

📸 @ryliephoto |📍Smith Rock
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TOGETHER WITH FIX & REPEAT

Looking for a fresh, feel-good spot in Bend? Fix & Repeat is a community-minded vegan cafe serving plant-based eats and feel-good fuel in the Box Factory. From refreshing smoothie and acai bowls to hearty macro bowls, toasts, salads, cold-pressed juices, and cozy lattes, there’s something satisfying (and healthy) for breakfast or lunch.

More than just food, Fix & Repeat brings good vibes and community to every visit, supporting local artists and doing good for the planet.

Don’t miss their colorful menu highlights and fun behind-the-scenes on Instagram — @fixandrepeat — where every post makes plant-based look delicious and fun.

Swing by for a bowl, juice, or smoothie and feel the aloha right here in Bend.

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Monday 12.22

🎷 Patrick Lamb’s A Charlie Brown Christmas: Settle in for a jazzy, feel-good afternoon as Patrick Lamb brings this holiday classic to life. Smooth sax, cozy vibes, and a timeless soundtrack that feels like Christmas wrapped in a bow. 3 PM The Oxford Hotel

🍕 Pizza with Santa: Need to get in some last-minute gift requests with the big guy? Santa will be making an appearance at Little Pizza Paradise for two hours. 5:30 PM Little Pizza Paradise

🍺 Special Edition Monday Trivia Night: Your favorite UKC trivia gets a holiday remix, on a Monday! Gather your team, grab a stein, and test your knowledge with festive twists and friendly competition.  7 PM Prost!

🎅 A Very Merry Monday: Ease into the week with holiday cheer, seasonal drinks, and a laid-back vibe. A perfect after-work stop to toast the season with friends. 5 PM On Tap

🎬 Christmas Movie Trivia: From nostalgic classics to modern favorites, this trivia night is all about holiday films. Bring your movie-buff brain and your competitive spirit. 6 PM Bevel Brewing

🏠 A Gingerbread Christmas Party: A sweet and creative holiday gathering where kids can decorate, craft, and celebrate all things gingerbread. Messy fun encouraged. 11:30 AM Beat of My Art

🚂 Train Man at the Library: Enjoy one last week of Michael “The Train Man” Lavrich’s impressive model train display at the downtown library. The exhibit will be open Monday & Tuesday, and then again Friday through Sunday. 10 AM - 12:30 PM & 3 PM - 5:30 PM Downtown Library

🎶 Music Bingo: Music bingo mania is sweeping the nation! Well, if not the nation, then Bend at the very least. Beach Hut Deli is the latest spot to hop on the train with a night of bingo featuring song clips instead of numbers on your bingo board. 6 PM Beach Hut Deli

Tuesday 12.23

🎁 Holiday Gift Wrapping: Skip the scissors and tape struggle. Bring your gifts and let volunteers wrap them beautifully while you enjoy a calm, festive afternoon. 1 PM Unity Community

🎹 Piano Flow Live: Live piano music paired with snowy surroundings makes for a magical winter experience. Bundle up, grab a warm drink, and enjoy music in the mountains. 5 PM Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center

🎥 Die Hard: According to Tin Pan, it is a Christmas movie. Catch this action-packed holiday debate-starter on the big screen with fellow fans. 8 PM Tin Pan Theater

🏂 Wax Clinic: Learn how to properly wax and maintain your skis or snowboard just in time for holiday laps (hopefully 🤞). Great for beginners and seasoned riders alike. 7 PM Pine Mountain Sports

Wednesday 12.24

🛼 Holiday Skate: Lace up and hit the ice for a festive afternoon skate at The Pavilion. Expect holiday vibes, seasonal music, and plenty of room to glide, spin, and show off your best winter moves. 1 PM The Pavilion 

🎄 Christmas Eve at Hawk & Huck: Slip into the holiday spirit with a cozy Christmas Eve gathering at Hawk & Huck. Expect festive cocktails, warm vibes, and a relaxed afternoon perfect for toasting the season with friends or family. 2 PM Hawkeye & Huckleberry

🎄 Christmas Eve Dinner at Currents: Celebrate Christmas Eve with a polished, festive dinner overlooking the Deschutes. A classic holiday meal in an elegant setting—perfect for families, couples, or a special night out. 3 PM Currents at the Riverhouse

🎬 Love Actually: End Christmas Eve with a beloved holiday rom-com. Multiple love stories, British charm, and just the right amount of festive nostalgia on the big screen. 6:30 PM Tin Pan Theater

🎅 Christmas

🥐 Juniper Preserve Christmas Day Brunch Buffet: Start Christmas morning with a bountiful brunch buffet in a beautiful resort setting. Expect classic holiday favorites, decadent bites, and a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere. 9 AM Iris

🍳 Christmas Day Brunch Buffet at Currents: Sleep in, then head to Currents for a festive brunch overlooking the river. A delicious way to celebrate the day without lifting a finger. 9 AM Currents at the Riverhouse

🍽️ Dinner at ROAM: Keep the holiday easy with a cozy Christmas Day dinner at ROAM. A welcoming spot to unwind, reconnect, and enjoy a warm meal together. 5 PM ROAM

🎥 Home Alone: Laugh through the chaos of this holiday classic. A perfect mid-afternoon movie break for families, friends, or anyone craving Christmas nostalgia. 3:30 PM Tin Pan Theater

Friday 12.26

🎭 The Roundabouts Holiday Improv Show: Fast, funny, and completely unpredictable. Local improv favorites turn post-holiday chaos into big laughs with a special seasonal twist. 7 PM Silver Moon

🎤 Jasmine Rogers Comedy: Sharp, bold stand-up from Jasmine Rogers, paired with cocktails and late-night energy. Come laugh it out after a long holiday week. 8 PM Craft Kitchen

😂 Bend Comedy Holiday Special: A stacked lineup of local comics bringing their best (and worst) holiday material. Casual, cozy, and guaranteed laughs. 8 PM Upp Liquids

💃 Merry Hangover Dance Party: Shake off the leftovers and hit the dance floor—this late-night party is all about big beats and zero responsibilities. 10 PM Silver Moon

🔥 Club Reggaeton: Club Reggaeton is back! High-energy beats, nonstop dancing, and a packed dance floor all night long. If you’re ready to move, this is the place to be. 10 PM Midtown Ballroom

🎄 Ugly Christmas Sweater Beer Pong Tournament + Karaoke: Holiday chaos at its finest—rock your ugliest sweater, sink some cups, and belt out karaoke classics. Holiday sweaters encouraged, dignity optional. Volcanic Theater Pub

Saturday 12.27

🤣 Leftovers Comedy Show: Because the laughs shouldn’t stop after Christmas. A stacked lineup of comics helps you use up the last of that holiday energy. 7 PM Craft Kitchen

🎙 Comedy Night at Abe Capanna’s: An intimate comedy night with strong punchlines, good drinks, and cozy vibes. 8 PM Abe Capanna’s East Side

🎭 Winter Solstice Masquerade Ball: Dress to impress and mask up for an elegant night of music, dancing, and solstice magic. 5:30 PM High Desert Music Hall

🎉 Bridge City Sinners NYE Party: Kick off your NYE celebrations a little early with The Bridge City Sinners at Volcanic Theatre Pub. 8 PM Volcanic Theatre Pub

🥷 Parents Night Out: Need a bit of a reprieve from the kids after a week of Christmas and school break? Free Spirit Yoga has you covered with a ninja night. Drop the kids off for a night of ninja gym fun while you enjoy a little peace and quiet. 5:30 PM Free Spirit Yoga

Sunday 12.28

⛷ Mt. Bachelor National Ski Patrol Fundraiser: Grab a bingo card and a drink and support the ski patrol that keeps Mt. Bachelor running safely all season. Prizes, community, and a great cause all in one. 10 AM Silver Moon

🐎 Carriage Rides at Black Butte Ranch: Bundle up for a classic winter experience—scenic horse-drawn carriage rides through a snowy Central Oregon backdrop. 11 AM Black Butte Ranch

👕 Rewoven: A Community Clothing Swap: Refresh your wardrobe the sustainable way at this community clothing swap. Bring gently loved pieces, trade for something new-to-you, and enjoy a cozy, feel-good gathering centered on reuse, connection, and conscious fashion. 11 AM Pine & Prism Wellness

LIVE MUSIC

Monday 12.22

Bluegrass Collective | Silver Moon | 7 PM

Tuesday 12.23

Harris Blake Band | Greg’s Grill | 5 PM 
Henry Ivie-Gardner w/ Bella Rue | Silver Moon | 6:30 PM | Tickets

Wednesday 12.24

Jingle Belle & Beau Duo | On Tap | 5 PM
DJ Muhlaika | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM

🎅 Christmas

McKenna | The Commonwealth Pub | 3 PM

Friday 12.26

Sweet Motor | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets
TEB | Wildwood Bar & Grill | 7 PM
Heller Highwater | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM

Saturday 12.27

Mavis & Bretz | Bend Cider Co. | 3 PM
Long Gone Wilder | Portello Lounge | 6:30 PM 
Matt Martin and The .45's | WildWood | 7 PM
Bridge City Sinners | Volcanic Theater Pub | 8 PM | Tickets
Mama’s Boy | Domino Room | 8 PM | Tickets 
Juju Eyeball | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM

Sunday 12.28

Bobby Lindstrom Duo | River’s Place | 5 PM 
Juju Eyeball | McMenamins | 10 PM

THANKS!

Stay warm, and thank you again for reading!

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