🎆 Fourth of July Game Plan

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend! We’re taking Friday off to watch the pet parade and cook hot dogs, so this edition of the Bend Buzz is going to be a little longer than usual. We’ll be back to our normal M/W/F schedule next week.

In today’s Bend Buzz:

• ⚾️ Fireworks night at the ballpark

• 🎆 4th of July events roundup

• 🎂 The Bend Buzz turns one

Let’s get to it.

— Emily Randolph & Derek Carlson

SPONSORED BY HIGH DESERT SPORTS & SPINE

Living an active life in Central Oregon means long days on the trail, powder-filled mornings on the mountain, and soaking up every season outdoors. When injuries or pain slow you down, High Desert Sports & Spine and their team of board-certified fellowship-trained physicians are here to help you recover and return to the activities you love and do them faster, stronger, and with confidence.

Their services include:

•  Interventional pain management for lasting relief through targeted procedures

• Treatment and evaluation of acute injuries and chronic conditions

• Regenerative medicine to support your body’s natural healing

• Interventional orthopedics for precision treatments

• Shockwave therapy (ESWT) to jumpstart tissue repair and mobility

Whether you’re facing a recent injury or a long-standing issue, their team will create a personalized plan to help you heal and stay active. Best of all, they don’t require a referral to schedule, so you can get in fast!

📍 Bend-based. Trusted by athletes. Backed by results.
👉️ Learn more or schedule a consult now.

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

SNAPSHOTS

🎂 The Bend Buzz turns one

Thank you to everyone who has subscribed to and supported the Bend Buzz over the past year. Exactly one year ago, I sent out the first newsletter to just 50 people. Fast forward to today, and there are now 12,378 Central Oregonians on the list. I love that you not only take the time to read this newsletter but also show up to support the local businesses we feature in each and every edition.

Just a quick ask before we move on - if you’ve found value in the Bend Buzz over this past year and want to support us directly, we would be forever grateful.

🥳 Downtown’s First Friday moves to next week

If you were looking forward to heading downtown for First Friday, you’ll need to wait an extra week this month. Downtown Bend is moving the festivities to July 11th due to the holiday. If you still want to get out and peruse some art with a glass of wine in hand, the Old Mill will be hosting a limited First Friday gathering, including a group show at Tumalo Art Co.

🚧 Bend Whitewater Park construction update

On Tuesday, I posted a note about needed repairs at the Bend whitewater park and did a pretty bad job of communicating that this project isn’t slated to take place for a few years. So, there's no need to worry about the park and rapids shutting down anytime soon!

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

👓️ Warby Parker opens at the Old Mill: Fans of affordable and stylish glasses and sunglasses are getting a new option in town as Warby Parker is opening their new Old Mill location on July 5th. They’ve moved into the space previously occupied by Victoria's Secret and will offer free tote bags to customers who purchase a new pair of glasses on opening day.

🪓 Unofficial Logging Co shuts down: Sad news for folks who are fans of throwing axes at blocks of wood. Downtown Bend’s Unofficial Logging Co. announced on Facebook that their last day of business will be today, July 2nd.

💆‍♀️ Dear Skin Studio opens: If you’re in need of an eyelash lift, brow tint, or glow facial, there’s a new option in town as Dear Skin Studio has officially opened its doors as of yesterday. Their shop is located on the east side of town at 2570 NE Twin Knolls Dr.

@THEBENDBUZZ

📸 @erikkerr1 |📍Deschutes River
Tag @thebendbuzz to get your photos featured!

TOGETHER WITH BEND BREAKFAST BURRITO

You’ve probably seen Bend Breakfast Burrito slinging breakfast at their carts around town, but did you know they also cater and deliver?

Yep. Breakfast burritos (obviously), banana bread muffins, hot coffee, and more, brought straight to your office, home, or event space. Whether it’s an early morning meeting, a celebration, or you just want to surprise your crew, they've got you covered. Vegan and gluten-free options? Absolutely.

Free delivery on orders over $50. It’s fast, easy, and guaranteed to make people happy. Order online today and let them handle breakfast!

More about catering →

Place a catering order →

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Wednesday 7.2

📖 Super Summer Storytime: Perfect for little listeners! Enjoy a lively morning of stories, songs, and movement. 10:30 AM East Bend Library

🎨 Kids Collagraph Printmaking Workshop: Young artists ages 7–10 can learn the basics of printmaking using textures and shapes. Free, but registration required! 10 AM Freak’N Art

🥕 Downtown Bend Farmers Market: Your 4th of July picnic doesn’t have to be all hot dogs and brews. Pick up some healthy veggies (or locally made brats if you want to fancy things up a bit) at the Bend farmers market. 11 AM - 3 PM Brooks Alley

🧘‍♀️ Guided Meditation & Connection Circle: Looking to reset and reconnect? This free evening gathering is all about slowing down, tuning in, and being in good company. Expect a grounding meditation, thoughtful reflection, and the option to share (or just soak it in). 7:30 PM The Blissful Heart

📚 Current Fiction Book Club: Join fellow book lovers at Roundabout Books for their monthly dive into fresh fiction. July's pick: "The Librarianist" by Patrick DeWitt. 6 PM Roundabout Books

🌲 Clarity & Reflection Walk: Feeling mentally fried? This one-hour walk is your reset button. Start with a grounding meditation, then stroll, journal, or simply breathe. No pressure, no performance—just a way to make space in your head and reconnect. 9 AM Shelvin Park

Thursday 7.3

🎭 Liza’s Lounge: Head to the Greenhouse Cabaret for an evening of elegance. Dress to impress at this evening filled with live performances and hors d’oeuvres from Foxtail. Thursday - Saturday 7:30 PM The Greenhouse Cabaret

🎶 Munch & Music: Grab a blanket, hit the food trucks, and enjoy an evening of live music from Motel Kalifornia in the park. Summer’s iconic concert series is back! 5:30 PM Drake Park

📣 Bingo night w/ Think Wild: Head over to Cascade Lakes Brewing for a night of bingo and supporting local wildlife. 5 PM Cascade Lakes Brewing

🐶 Trivia at Ponch’s Place: Bring the family (fur babies included) to Ponch’s Place for an evening of trivia fun. 6 PM Ponch’s Place

🍸️ Yappy hour: Let’s keep the run of animal-related events rolling with Yappy Hour at Crater Lakes Spirits. There will be cocktails for the adults and pup cups for your furry friends. 3 - 5:30 PM Crater Lakes Spirits Tasting Room

🎆 Fireworks in the Park: Join the Bend Elks for fireworks at the park after the conclusion of their game against the Walla Walla Sweets. 6:05 PM Vince Genna Stadium

🎆 Fourth of July 🎆 

🐕️ Pet Parade: The Pet Parade gets an earlier start this year to keep the pets out of the heat (although the forecast is looking downright pleasant). The lineup starts at 8:30 AM, and the parade begins at 9:30 AM sharp. So grab your favorite spot and watch as the dogs, goats, horses, and more walk by in this uniquely Bend parade. 9:30 AM Downtown Bend

💃 Party at the Commons: First Friday may be pushed back a week, but the Commons Cafe is still holding their block party. After the parade is over, head to their courtyard for dancing to music from Skillethead. After the parade Commons Cafe

🎸 Summer Music Fest: Celebrate the 4th with some tunes up at Seventh Mountain Resort. There will be food and drinks, so you’re not stuck grilling hot dogs at home. 5 PM Seventh Mountain Resort

🏉 Bend Rugby 50th Anniversary Golf Tourney: Bend Rugby is celebrating their 50th(!!!) anniversary with a golf tournament at Lost Tracks Golf Club. All are welcome! 8 AM Lost Tracks Golf Club

🎆 Fireworks on the Butte: Let the kids stay up late and close out the 4th with the annual fireworks show on Pilot Butte. No need to drive to the butte, as anywhere in town with a clear view of the summit will allow for a good view of the show (and inevitable fire that follows). 10 PM

Saturday 7.5

🦸 Super Sexy Superheroes: Trade fireworks for fire dancing (credit to them for coming up with a more creative tagline than I could have) at this show that will be part burlesque, part aerial acrobatics, and part fire dancing. 8 PM Silver Moon Brewing

🗡️ Handmade Knife Show: Come browse the wares from some of Central Oregon’s best knife makers. You can also watch the live forging demonstrations and learn how you can make your own knife with a class at DIYcave. Saturday 9 AM - 5 PM & Sunday 9 AM - 3 PM DIYcave

🐶 Doggolympics: The Doggolympics are back at Greg’s Grill for year number two of the best athletic performances on four legs that you’ll ever see. Best of all - entry is free! 11 AM - 4 PM Greg’s Grill

🧶 Yarnbombing Collective: The Ellipse Theatre Community is looking for knitters and crocheters who want to help contribute to the stage decor for their upcoming production, Voiceless: A Musical. 10 AM Downtown Bend Library

🎧️ Outdoor Silent Disco: Need a reset after a day of celebration and fireworks? Join the crew at LOGE for a morning of silent disco yoga. 9:30 AM LOGE

🖼️ Art in the West Opens: High Desert Museum’s annual juried art show, Art in the West, officially opens today and runs through September 20th. The entire collection is available to view in person, or you can also check out all the art online! High Desert Museum

Sunday 7.6

🏓 Table Tennis Sunday: Put your table tennis skills to the test at this weekly round robin event at Commonwealth Pub. 4 PM Commonwealth Pub

🤞 Not’cho Grandma’s Bingo: Come join the liveliest bingo event in town at Not’cho Grandma’s Bingo. 9:30 AM Silver Moon Brewing

🦙 Piano Flow Alpaca Picnic: Live piano music from Paula Dryer, high tea, and an afternoon with the alpacas?? Need I say more to convince you that this will be a fantastic event? 2 PM Flying Dutchman Alpacas

🥕 Worthy Farmers Market: Need a restock on veggies, fresh seafood, or freshly baked bread for those healthy weekday meals? The Worthy Farmers Market has got you covered. 10 AM - 2 PM Worthy Brewing

LIVE MUSIC

Wednesday 7.2

Erin Cole-Baker | Crosscut | 6 PM
Haute Mélange | Silver Moon | 6 PM | Tickets
Lake Street Dive | Hayden Homes | 7 PM | Tickets
Bobcat | The Commonwealth Pub | 7:30 PM
CyDefects | McMenamins | 7 PM
Danger Gently | The Cellar | 6 PM
Watkins Glen | Worthy Brewing | 7 PM
Bill Powers | Cascade Lakes on Reed Market | 5:30 PM
Souljer Rising | Bevel Brewing | 6 PM

Thursday 7.3

Soul’d Out | River’s Place | 6 PM
RumPeppers | Mountain Burger | 6 PM
Cover Story | Stoller Wine Bar | 6 PM
Machado Mijiga | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets
Just Us | The Commonwealth Pub | 7:30 PM
Joe Martin | Bar Rio | 6 PM

Friday 7.4

Just Us | The Commonwealth Pub | 7PM
Katalysst | Bend Cider Co | 6 PM
Cascade Horizon Band and Festival Choir | Caldera High School | 3 PM
Summit Express Jazz Band | Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards | 6 PM | Tickets
That 90’s Band | Worthy Brewing | 5 PM
Dive Bar Theology | Bend Brewing Co | 5 PM
Party in the Back | Worthy Brewing | 8 PM

Saturday 7.5

Just Us | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM
Marivs Bretz Project | River’s Place | 6 PM
Long Gone Wilder | Portello Wine Bar | 6 PM
Van’s Child & Aage Birch | Silver Moon Brewing | 7 PM | Tickets
Almost | M&J Tavern | 9 PM
Jeshua Marshall Band | Worthy Brewing | 7:30 PM

Sunday 7.6

Richard Taelor | The Commonwealth Pub | 3 PM
Fluffalove | River’s Place | 6 PM
Chiggi Momo Trio | Bar Rio | 6 PM

THANKS!

Stay cool, and thank you again for reading!

Have an event you want to feature or want to advertise your business to our 12,000+ readers in Bend? Drop us a line here → [email protected]