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☀️ Days are getting longer

☀️ Days are getting longer

Dirksen Derby cancelled, Westman hotel opens, and The Pavilion turns 10

Derek Carlson
December 19, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend! Goodbye, evening darkness, as the days only get longer from here after the winter solstice passes on Sunday. So maybe it’ll take a few days before the changes are really noticeable, but we’ve gotta take the wins where we can!

In today’s Bend Buzz:

🏂️ Dirksen Derby cancelled
🏨 Westman Hotel opens in downtown Bend
⛸️ The Pavilion turns 10

Let’s get to it.

— Derek Carlson & Emily Elaro

SNAPSHOTS

🏂️ Dirksen Derby Cancelled

Mt. Bachelor’s annual snowboarding event that brings together pros and amateur boarders alike has been cancelled for 2025 due to low snowpack. While the races themselves are cancelled, you can still catch the movie premiere, wall ride contest, and other in-town events taking place over the weekend. Full details can be found here.

❄️ Mountain Preparations Underway

In slightly more uplifting, snow-related news, Mt. Bachelor has announced that preparations are underway to open as soon as there is enough snow. As a result, all uphill travel is closed until the mountain opens for the season. So if you’re looking to hike for some turns over the next few days, you’ll have to find a different spot.

🚂 Catch the Train Man at the Library

Join Michael Lavrich, aka “The Train Man,” for his 25th annual train display at the downtown library. Watch and listen as historic Lionel, Dorfan, Ives, and American Flyer trains come to life. You can catch the show today through Tuesday with 20-minute slots available each day between 10 AM and 12:30 PM and 3 to 5:30 PM.

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

🏨 Westman Hotel opens in downtown Bend: The Westman Hotel is now officially open in downtown Bend. Located in the former post office at the corner of Wall and Franklin, the newly renovated space has been transformed into a 23-room boutique hotel. The space will also feature a brand new bar called Minnie’s, which is located in the old post office lobby.

⛸️ Bend Pavilion celebrates 10 years: Come down to the Pavilion for an evening of ice skating, music, and celebrating as BPRD is throwing a party to celebrate the ice rink’s 10-year anniversary. Make sure to bring a non-perishable food donation, and you’ll receive discounted admission to the open skate. Friday at 6 PM at The Pavilion

🍄 The Loving Fungi grand opening: The Loving Fungi (you might recognize them from some of the farmers and holiday markets around town) are officially opening the doors to their brand new apothecary on Friday. Stop by to check out their offerings like tinctures, drinking chocolate, supplements, and much, much more! Friday from 3 - 6 PM at 519 NW Colorado Ave

@THEBENDBUZZ

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TOGETHER WITH COACHING PEACE

Imagine a workplace where people feel heard, connected, and genuinely supported.

That’s the work of Coaching Peace. Founded in 2012 by Bend local Diana Cutaia (she/her), Coaching Peace aims to understand the heart of your team and uncover strategies to create more inclusive and compassionate environments. Diana partners with groups of all sizes, taking the time to truly understand their dynamics and designing thoughtful, practical experiences that meet people where they are.

From team retreats and strategic planning sessions to leadership intensives, every engagement is customized to support real connection and sustainable growth. Coaching Peace also works one-on-one with individuals seeking more intention, emotional resilience, and clarity in their lives.

If you’re ready to create a more connected team or community, reach out to Diana today.

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Friday 12.19

🎭️ Ukrainian Vertep mask-making workshop: Come take part in a hands-on workshop where you'll design, craft, and paint your own Ukrainian Vertep mask. There will also be tea, music, and plenty more holiday cheer. 4 PM Cafe Des Chutes

🧠 Dirty Minds Christmas Trivia: Test your holiday wit and naughty knowledge in this hilarious trivia night. Expect clever questions, playful competition, and plenty of laughs—ideal for friends, coworkers, or anyone ready to bring their A-game. 7 PM Craft Kitchen

🎅 PJ Dance Party: Throw on your favorite Christmas jammies and dance the night away at Wonderland Chicken. 7 PM Wonderland Chicken

🌸 Winter Flower Bar: Sip, craft, and design your own winter-inspired floral arrangements. Seasonal blooms, expert guidance, and a cozy atmosphere make this a fragrant, festive, and creative holiday outing. Can’t make this one? There is another tomorrow at 4 PM The Grove

🛍️ Vintage Rendezvous: Find one-of-a-kind treasures, nostalgic pieces, and local vintage gems at this seasonal market. Perfect for holiday gifts—or treating yourself to a unique piece of Bend flair. 4 PM Crux

✍️ Journey Through Journaling: Learn how to use journaling as a path towards self-inquiry and to set intentions for the rest of the month. Come ready to explore your thoughts, feelings, and dreams in a supportive and welcoming environment. 6 PM Unity Community of Central Oregon

🎁 Holiday Pop-Up & Kids Makers Market: Shop local, support small makers, and let the kids craft, explore, and make their own holiday magic. Sweet treats, handcrafted goods, and community energy abound. 4 PM Holm Made Toffee Co.

🥂 Celebrating 2025: A Gathering of Gratitude: Reflect, connect, and toast the year gone by in this intentional, heartfelt gathering. Enjoy live music, inspiring conversation, and a moment to express gratitude with your community. 6:30 PM Hanai

💃 Whiteout West Coast Swing Party: Swing into the holiday season with live music, dance partners, and an energetic evening of West Coast Swing. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a first-timer, it’s a festive way to move and mingle. 6 PM The Space

Saturday 12.20

🎹 Piano Flow Concert: Imagine gliding across the snow under the moonlight while listening to beautiful piano melodies playing in your ear. That’s exactly what pianist Paula Dreyer offers at her piano flow concerts. The first one of the year is taking place at Meissner Sno-Park, with plenty more to come. 5 & 7 PM Meissner Sno-Park

🇺🇦 Ukrainian Caroling Night: Gather for a luminous evening of caroling, delicious holiday foods, and a joyful community sing-along rooted in tradition. 4 PM Cafe des Chutes

🎷 Holiday Blues Happy Hour: Take a break from the holiday chaos and kick off your weekend with soulful tunes, holiday cocktails, and good cheer. 12 PM Oregon Spirit Distillers

🔧 Holiday Makers Market: Still need to pick out some last-minute gifts? Swing by the Midtown Yacht Club for their holiday makers market, where you can find locally made goods along with warm drinks, festive fun, and a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus. 12 - 5 PM Midtown Yacht Club

🎶 Rhythm and Blues Holiday Bash: Let the music move you at this high-energy, soulful holiday concert. Groove to classic R&B hits, toast the season, and dance your way into a festive mood. 4 PM Silver Moon

💃 Babes in Toyland: A cheeky, theatrical holiday burlesque show with laughs, glam, and unapologetic fun. Expect music, dance, and a festive wink for a grown-up night out. 8 PM High Desert Music Hall

🥾 Ruck & Talk: Start your Saturday with movement, conversation, and connection before the holiday madness hits. RuckTalks is hosting a free men’s ruck to get outside, move together, and grow alongside a like-minded group of men. Time & location shared after signup

🥞 Pancakes & Pajamas with the Grinch: Breakfast meets holiday chaos in this family-friendly morning. Eat pancakes, enjoy festive mischief, and snap photos with your favorite green grump. Pajamas encouraged! 10 AM Currents

🖌️ Paint Your Partner Night: Get ready to create a timeless work of art, or a hilariously bad one, at Paint Your Partner Night at Two Suns Art Studio. This is one of those times when a lack of artistic ability makes for an even better result. 5 PM Two Suns Art Studio

🌿 Ale Apothecary Winter Market: Find artisan gifts, seasonal botanicals, and unique creations in a cozy market setting. Perfect for holiday shopping with local flavor. 2 PM The Ale Apothecary

🎩 A Night at the Speakeasy: Step back in time for a mysterious, jazzy evening. Cocktails, live music, and an intimate, hidden venue make for a glamorous holiday escape. 6:30 PM Secret Location

🏂 Deck the Walls: Watch skiers and snowboarders take on a massive 16’x12’ wall ride in this high-energy competition. The plexiglass wall with round metal coping promises big tricks, big air, and big fun—cheer on your favorite riders and soak up the stoke! 5 PM Bend Brewing

🎬 Christmas Movie Night: Grab a seat, some popcorn, and your favorite holiday drink for a cozy day and night of classic festive films. All day 10 Barrel East

🎁 Dogwood Holiday Market: Enjoy an afternoon of shopping, holiday beverages, dancing, and more at Dogwood’s holiday market. 11 AM - 3 PM Dogwood at the Pineshed

🤣 Improv Showcase 500: Bend Institute of Comedy brings the laughs at their monthly improv comedy showcase. 7:30 PM Open Space Event Studios

🎲 Family Game Night: Celebrate the beginning of winter break with a fun-filled evening of holiday music, classic games, and good cheer at Rally Recreation’s family night. 7 PM Rally Recreation

Sunday 12.21

🧊 Winter Solstice Dance Party: Celebrate the shortest day of the year and the impending return of evening daylight in style with a dance party and coldplunge with Get Up & Groove. 10 AM Miller’s Landing

🎥 Home Alone: Relive the chaos, laughs, and holiday hijinks of Kevin McCallister’s iconic adventure. Perfect for the whole family—or your inner kid. 3 PM Tin Pan Theater

🧶 Intro to Crochet Workshop: Learn the basics of crochet in a fun, hands-on class. Make a cozy piece for yourself or as a gift while enjoying a creative morning with other makers. 11 AM Two Suns Art Studio

🍽️ Winter Solstice Dinner: Celebrate the season’s longest night with a festive, locally inspired dinner. Seasonal ingredients, warm ambiance, and a toast to the returning light. 4:30 PM Monkless Brasserie

🎿 Sierra to Baker Film + Live Music: Experience epic bike-to-board adventures on the big screen with a live soundtrack to elevate the thrill. Adventure, music, and winter stoke all in one night. 7 PM Volcanic Theatre Pub

🛎️ Winter Solstice Sound Bath: Relax, recharge, and honor the solstice with healing vibrations, calming tones, and restorative energy. A perfect reflective end to the weekend. 7 PM Bend Yoga Center

🐾 Paw-liday Market: Shop festive pet-friendly gifts and treats while supporting local makers. Fun for the whole family—furry friends included! 12 PM 10 Barrel West

🛍️ Resellers Row: Discover secondhand treasures, vintage finds, and unique gifts. Perfect for sustainable shopping and holiday browsing with a festive flair. 11 AM Dogwood at the Pine Shed

LIVE MUSIC

Friday 12.19

Saturday 12.20

Sunday 12.21

THANKS!

Stay warm, and thank you again for reading!

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☀️ Days are getting longer

Dirksen Derby cancelled, Westman hotel opens, and The Pavilion turns 10

SPONSORED BY JUNIPER DERMATOLOGY

SNAPSHOTS

🏂️ Dirksen Derby Cancelled

❄️ Mountain Preparations Underway

🚂 Catch the Train Man at the Library

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

@THEBENDBUZZ

TOGETHER WITH COACHING PEACE

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Friday 12.19

Saturday 12.20

Sunday 12.21

LIVE MUSIC

Friday 12.19

Saturday 12.20

Sunday 12.21

THANKS!