🍽️ Couples dinner club on tap

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend! Thanks to everyone who braved the elements and joined us for our second pickleball meetup at Ballers & Brews. And thank you to today’s title sponsor, Austin Buskoh,l for providing the drinks!

In today’s Bend Buzz:

• 🍽️ Couples dinner club on tap

• ❄️ Lowest snow year…ever?

• 📆 Your weekend event lineup

Let’s get to it.

— Derek Carlson & Emily Elaro 

SPONSORED BY AUSTIN BUSKOHL REAL ESTATE

The "Wait and See" Market is Over

We are officially through the holiday lull, and the data is already starting to speak.

Based on how December concluded, the market was projected to see roughly 186 homes go under contract this month. As of this morning, we are on pace to hit 177.

In real estate, "average" is often exactly what a seller wants to hear. This pace indicates a stable, healthy environment where buyer activity is consistent. More importantly, this engagement is actually outperforming what we saw at this time last year. The takeaway is clear: the buyers are not just "looking", they are actively shopping and making moves.

If you are one of those people currently weighing a move, or if you just want a clearer picture of how these January shifts affect your specific neighborhood, reach out. I’m happy to grab coffee or hop on a quick call to answer any questions you’ve been saving for "after the holidays”.

Featured Opportunity: If you, or someone you know, is looking for a new spot to call home in a 55+ community in Sisters, don't miss this great home.

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

SNAPSHOTS

❄️ Lowest Snow Year…Ever?

Folks who have been making their way up to Bachelor or other area snow parks probably don’t need to be reminded of this but the snowtel sites for Central Oregon (these are spots that track snow depth each year) are showing numbers that puts this winter near the worst since they started tracking the data in 1981 (1981 is showing as slightly worse but it also included two less data collection sites so…). At this point, it would take snowfall 90% higher than normal for the rest of the winter just to get us back to the mean. You can check out the depressing chart here.

🍽️ Next Dinner Club

So far, we’ve hosted two dinner clubs and had over 160 folks show up to make new friends over a tasty meal. The one question we’ve got more than any other, though, is if we can throw a dinner specifically for couples. Well, we’ve chatted with some restaurants, and it’s looking like we can make that happen. But first, we need to make sure the interest is there. So, would you be interested in attending a dinner (think some time for drinks and appetizers, followed by a family-style dinner) where you can hang out and connect with other couples? Let us know below 👇️ 

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

Last week, I included a note about how we give shoutouts for new companies or spots celebrating milestones/moves/etc. Well, a few of you all sent in some info about a few new businesses that have popped up recently, so we’re sharing those below!

🚗 Lou’s Detail: Have your kids turned your car into their own personal trash heap, or want to get your rig showroom-ready so you can sell it? Lou’s Detail recently opened in Bend and offers top-notch interior and exterior car detailing service.

🤝 Divorce Doula: Natasha Bacca is a Bend-based divorce doula, certified high-conflict divorce coach, and certified mediator who recently launched a trauma-informed divorce support practice serving people navigating separation, custody changes, and high-conflict dynamics. Her work focuses on helping people understand their options, regulate emotions during the process, and reduce unnecessary legal conflict and costs.

⚕️ Alpine Wellness: Alpine Wellness is a membership-based primary care clinic—no insurance billing—offering unlimited access, same-day or next-day visits, and significant savings on medications and lab tests. Their goal is simple: remove barriers and bring care back to relationships and access. You can learn more about them and how the DPC process works on their website.

@THEBENDBUZZ

📸 @bendrugby |📍Pine Nursery Park
Tag @thebendbuzz to get your photos featured!

TOGETHER WITH CALL OF THE WILD

Call of the Wild — Off-Leash Adventures for Bend Dogs

Let your dog run free, explore new terrain, and burn off energy with Call of the Wild — Bend’s outdoor off-leash adventure service built for active pups who love more than a regular walk. Whether your dog thrives on wide-open spaces, social play, or scenic trail time, Call of the Wild provides safe, supervised outings that keep tails wagging and bodies moving.

Perfect for busy weekdays or anytime your dog needs real outdoor adventure.

Ready to get your dog outside and happy?

📞 Call or text Josh at 541-241-6158
✉️ Email [email protected] to reserve an adventure today.
📸 Follow along on Instagram @callofthewildbend

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Friday 1.23

🛹 Game of Skate 2: Skaters go head-to-head in this friendly-but-competitive game of SKATE. Expect creative tricks, hype energy, and plenty of cheering from the sidelines. 5 PM Volcanic Theatre Pub

🎤 Mumbo Jumbo Tour: One of comedy’s hottest names, Mark Normand, brings his sharp, fast-paced stand-up to Bend. Fresh off his hit Netflix special Soup to Nuts and praised by Jerry Seinfeld, expect nonstop laughs from a true crowd favorite. 7 PM Midtown Ballroom

🎶 Songwriters in the Round: An intimate evening of storytelling and stripped-down originals featuring Beth Wood, Megan Alder, and Alicia Viani. Come for the lyrics, stay for the vibes. 7 PM Open Arts Center

🎨 Storytime Art: A creative afternoon for little artists, blending storytime with hands-on art projects in a relaxed, playful studio setting. 1 PM Two Suns Art Studio

🧘 Breathwork with Gong Sound Healing: Join breathwork instructor to the stars, Jon Paul Crimi, at this guided breathwork with gong sound healing class that will leave you refreshed and ready to take on the weekend. 6:30 PM Riverhouse Convention Center

⚡️ Energize Bend Social: Meet up with the crew from Energize Bend for an evening of connection and learning how to electrify your life. 6 PM The Podski

Saturday 1.24

🔥 Riddim & Fire: A high-energy reggae showcase spotlighting local talent. Expect deep bass, smooth rhythms, and a dance floor that doesn’t quit. 4 PM Silver Moon

😂 Bend Bachelorette Comedy Show: A comedy show inspired by the drama, chaos, and group chats of modern dating. Perfect for a girls’ night—or anyone who loves a good roast. 8 PM Craft Kitchen

🤣 Bangers and Brews Comedy Night: Stand-up comedy paired with beer and sausage—because honestly, what more do you need? A laid-back night with guaranteed laughs. 8 PM Bangers and Brews

🖼️ Paint Your Partner Night: Show off your artistry skills (or lack thereof) at paint your partner night at Two Suns Art Studio. 5 PM Two Suns Art Studio

❄️ Saturdays at Skyliner: A wintery outdoor morning with guided nature activities and cozy lodge vibes. Great for families looking to get outside and explore. 9 AM Skyliner Lodge

🧠 Trivia Night: Put your trivia knowledge to the test and support a good cause as Flights Wine Bar has teamed up with the Anti-Trafficking Project for this evening of friendly competition. 5:30 PM Flights Wine Bar

📚️ Queer as Flock Book Club: Too cold for bird watching? How about a nice book club instead? This is the first meeting for the new club, so bring your book recommendations for the year. 4 PM The Commons

🌲 Junior Ranger with Discover Your Northwest: Kids can learn about the mountain environment through hands-on activities led by naturalists. Educational, interactive, and fun. 10 AM Early Riser Yurt (Mt. Bachelor)

🧘 Soup for the Soul: Step into an experience aligned with the season that holds space for both personal reflection and community fellowship. This offering is a combination of Soma’s “Journaling with Intention” workshop, fused with a yin class and of course, good vibes and good soup! 6:30 PM Namaspa

🛼 80s Night at Rally Recreation: Grab your spandex, parachute pants, and all your other classic gear and rock out to music from the ‘80s while playing games you love. 7 PM Rally Recreation

Sunday 1.25

🎸 School of Rock Bend Kickoff Concert: A ’90s Experience: Local student musicians shred their way through iconic ’90s hits. Think grunge, alt-rock, and major nostalgia. 5 PM Domino Room

🎤 Early & Dirty Comedy: An earlier comedy show with unapologetically bold material. Laugh hard, head home early—or keep the night going. 6 PM Stars Cabaret

🫖 A Sparkling New Year’s Tea: Sip bubbly, enjoy sweet and savory bites, and ease into Sunday with a classy, cozy tea service. 10 AM The Cellar

🤸 The Peking Acrobats: A jaw-dropping performance featuring gravity-defying stunts, precision movement, and centuries-old acrobatic traditions. 7:30 PM Tower Theatre

💘 Speed Dating: A fast-paced, low-pressure way to meet new people ages 21–40ish. You never know who you’ll click with. 4 PM COYOTE

🏓 Intro to Pickleball: New to pickleball? This beginner-friendly session covers the basics—plus you can grab a drink afterward to celebrate your new obsession.12 PM Ballers & Brews

🐈‍⬛ Cat Breed Bingo: Join Playful Paws Cat Cafe for Cat Breed Bingo! Whether you're a feline aficionado or just love some friendly competition, this event is purr-fect for you! 4 PM Playful Paws Cat Cafe

❄️ Winter Wonder at Shevlin: New Friends Bend is hitting the trails for a day of outdoor fun at Shevlin Park. Dogs are welcome! 1 PM Shevlin Park

LIVE MUSIC

Friday 1.23

Alex Winters | Ponch’s Place | 6 PM
Tony Smiley | Portello Lounge | 6:30 PM
Chained to Stone | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets
Huck Finn Yacht Club | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets

Saturday 1.24

Reggae Showcase | 4 PM | Silver Moon | Tickets 
Sundive, The Solo Study & Annika Hankshaw | Silver Moon | 6 PM | Tickets
SQWERV | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM
KR3TURE | Volcanic Theater Pub | 8 PM | Ticket
Dexter and The Moonrocks | Domino Room | 8:30 PM | Tickets
The Slappy's, It's Chaos + Beau Crum | M&J Tavern | 9 PM

Sunday 1.25

Talamh Dubh & Friends | The Commonwealth Pub | 4 PM
KC Flynn | River’s Place | 5 PM

THANKS!

Stay warm, and thank you again for reading!

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