🚧 Franklin Ave Construction Switches Directions

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend! Is it ok to be mixing chocolate bars from my kids’ Halloween candy in with my morning coffee?…asking for a friend.

In today’s Bend Buzz:

• 🎸 2026 concert announcements

• 🤸‍♀️ Form Pilates opens at Discovery West

• 🚧 Franklin Ave switches directions

Let’s get to it.

— Derek Carlson & Emily Elaro 

SPONSORED BY HIGH DESERT VETERINARY

If you haven’t met the team at High Desert Veterinary yet, you’re in for a treat. This locally owned, family-run clinic in Bend is the kind of place where your pet is greeted by name and treated like family. Dr. Post leads the team of veterinarians and techs who combine top-notch medical care with the kind of warmth and honesty you’d expect from a trusted neighbor.

From wellness exams and dental care to those “uh-oh” moments every pet owner faces, they take the time to explain, listen, and make sure both you and your pet feel cared for. It’s modern veterinary medicine with small-town heart—and it shows in every wag, purr, and smile that walks through their doors.

Here’s a bonus: mention “Bend Buzz” when you book anytime in November, and you’ll get a FREE wellness exam for your pet. Trust me—your furry family members will thank you! 

www.highdesertvet.com | 541.382.9262

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SNAPSHOTS

📚️ Changes Coming to the Libraries

Over the coming weeks and months, there will be some big changes happening at the libraries around town. First up, the East Bend Library will be closing for good on November 15th as its lease runs out at the end of the year. Any holds you had at that library have now been transferred to the downtown library.

That is just a warm-up for the changes happening this spring as the new Central Library at Stevens Ranch is on track for opening in late spring, and the downtown library will be closing for a year for an extensive remodel. As of today, here is the projected timeline for the openings and closures of these two libraries.

• February 2026 - Downtown Bend Library’s second floor closes to prepare for remodel; limited browsing of collections, holds pick-up, limited public computers, materials return, and check-outs available on the first floor. 

• March 2026 - Downtown Bend Library transitions to limited lobby service for holds pick-up and materials return.  

• April 2026 - Downtown Bend Library closes for its remodel. 

• April 2026 - Drive-thru service begins at Central Library at Stevens Ranch for holds pick-up and book returns. 

• Spring 2026 - Central Library at Stevens Ranch fully opens to the public; date to be determined. 

We’ll do our best to keep everyone up to date on the locations of library events this spring, as there will be a gap when all events are held at off-site locations.

🏗️ Construction Switches Directions Along Franklin Ave

Construction along Franklin Ave between NE 3rd & 8th Streets is switching directions after a brief delay. Starting today (Nov 5th), the westbound lane will now be closed with the eastbound lane open for travel. Overall, the project is ahead of schedule and expected to be fully finished by early December.

🛤️ Bridge Design Released for Reed Market Railroad Crossing

Tired of getting stuck along Reed Market as a train slooooooooowly makes its way along the tracks? Well, in about 4 years, that misery will be a thing of the past. The city unveiled the design for a bridge that will cross over the tracks, with construction starting in 2027 and a completion date in 2029.

🥕 Food Support in Central Oregon

Thrive Central Oregon has put together a great roundup of local food resources for those who need them. The list includes offers from local restaurants, info on food banks and hot meals, how to shop at this weekend’s Fill Your Pantry event, and more.

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

🎵 2026 Concert Announcements: Concert season at the amphitheater may be over, but it’s never too early to start looking ahead to next summer. Two new shows for the 2026 season were announced over the last couple of days, with O.A.R. (w/Gavin DeGraw and Lisa Loeb) playing on August 15th, and Jim Gaffigan (hooot pockets) on June 9th. The general sale for both events starts on Friday, November 7th.

🍰 Too Sweet Cakes Re-Opening: Celebrate the re-opening of Too Sweet Cakes! Swing by for coffee, pastries, and community cheer as this local favorite returns with all your beloved treats (and maybe a few new ones). Thursday @ 8 AM Too Sweet Cakes

🤸‍♀️ Form Pilates Soft Opening: Form Pilates, a new pilates studio located in the Discovery West neighborhood, has (soft) opened with a handful of daily classes through November 15th for just $20. More to come once they have everything dialed in and are ready for their grand opening celebration.

📸 Yoli gets some love: Seattle-based author/YouTuber Kenji Lopez-Alt made a trip through Central Oregon a few days ago and gave some love to one of our favorite spots in town, Yoli. He posted a glowing review of the dinner on his IG account, which boasts 800k+ followers. Hopefully, we can still get a table next time we’re in the mood for some bibimbap.

@THEBENDBUZZ

📸 Amanda H. |📍Pilot Butte
Tag @thebendbuzz to get your photos featured!

TOGETHER WITH ARX BUSINESS BROKERS

Wondering if it’s time to sell your business? We’ll cut through the guesswork with a free, no-strings-attached evaluation. Learn your company’s true market value and how to prepare for a lucrative sale. We represent online, remote, and traditional businesses alike, handling the heavy lifting so you can stay focused on running your operation. Curious? Check out https://arxbrokers.com to schedule a strictly confidential consult.

Interested in buying? Sign up for our VIP Buyer List and jump on exclusive listings before they go public. Let’s turn your next chapter into your best chapter.

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Wednesday 11.5

🎨 Early Release Kids Art: Got kiddos out early from school? Bring them downtown for an afternoon of creativity at the Tower Theatre. Hosted by Let’s Paint, this hands-on art session gives young artists a chance to explore color, texture, and imagination. 1 PM Tower Theatre

🚲 Bike Repair Basics (in English y Español): Learn the essentials of keeping your bike rolling smoothly! This bilingual workshop covers flat repairs, chain care, and more. 5:30 PM Larkspur Community Center

✍️ Choosing the “Write” Platform: A Substack Session: Thinking about starting a newsletter or blog? This session breaks down Substack basics—from audience building to writing strategy—so you can share your ideas and stories with confidence. 5:30 PM Downtown Bend Library

🧠 WTF! Trivia: Grab your brainiest crew and head down to Prost! for this week’s edition of WTF! Trivia. 7 PM Prost!

📚 Current Fiction Book Club: Join fellow book lovers for this month’s lively discussion of contemporary fiction at Roundabout. Expect thoughtful conversation, local brews, and plenty of literary inspiration. 6 PM Roundabout Books

🎷 Jazz at the Suttle Lodge: Settle into the cozy charm of the Suttle Lodge for an evening of smooth jazz and cabin vibes. Grab a drink, sink into a fireside seat, and let the music carry you away among the pines. 6 PM Suttle Lodge

Thursday 11.6

❄️ Know Before You Go: Get ready for winter adventures with this avalanche awareness event hosted by Between Evergreen. Learn how to stay safe in the backcountry with expert tips on snow conditions, gear, and group decision-making. 6:30 PM Embark Coworking

🎨 An Evening with Dennis McGregor: Join local author and illustrator Dennis McGregor for a charming evening of storytelling, art, and conversation. Expect warmth, humor, and plenty of creative spark from one of Central Oregon’s beloved talents. 6:30 PM Roundabout Books

🐟 Fly Fusion Trout Tour: Dive into the world of fly fishing with this inspiring film tour celebrating trout culture and adventure. Grab a pint, meet fellow anglers, and get stoked for your next cast. 6:30 PM 10 Barrel Eastside

💃 Noche Latina: Turn up the heat with Bend’s favorite Latin dance night! Salsa, bachata, and merengue beats fill The Capitol for an evening of rhythm, connection, and pure fun—no partner required. 7:30 PM The Capitol

🔭 Bend Astronomy Club Meetup: This month’s Bend Astronomy Club talk will focus on smart telescopes, including what they do and why they might make the perfect Christmas present (hint hint). 6 PM Downtown Bend Library

🍽️ Thrown Together Dinner: It’s time for Mud Lake Studios’ Thrown Together Dinner Party! This meal is part delicious food and part art (that you get to take home). All attendees will partake in a delicious family-style meal and, at the end of the night, will get to take home their place settings, all of which are made by local artists. There were still two tickets remaining as of Tuesday morning if you want to join. 6:30 PM Old Ironworks

🪶 Indigenous Wisdom & Music Sharing: Bring an open heart and curiosity to this rare opportunity to have a Gran Maestro from the Amazon and a wise elder from our Klamath tribe meet and share their perspectives on Medicine, healing, and colonization. 6 PM Aspen Hall

🐝 Pollinator Trivia: Put your pollinator knowledge to the test at the last trivia night of the year with Pollinator Pathways. 6:30 PM Broken Top Bottle Shop

UPCOMING EVENTS

🖌️ Survey of Printmaking Workshop: Explore the world of printmaking with Freak’N Art at this three-week series that kicks off on Thursday, November 6th. Each class takes place on Thursdays from 5:15 to 7:15 and explores a different printmaking technique, including mono prints with gelli plates, collagraph plates, and lino block printing. All materials are provided.

✨ The Liminal Library at Pine & Prism: Step upstairs into The Liminal Library — Pine & Prism’s monthly First Friday gathering designed for curiosity and connection. Each month features rotating experiences like aura photography, tarot, and Reiki in an inviting, thoughtfully curated space. Slow down, explore something new, and enjoy an evening that’s equal parts grounding and inspiring. Friday 5 - 9 PM at Pine & Prism - 856 NW Bond St., Ste. 202

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LIVE MUSIC

Wednesday 11.5

High Strung | Crosscut | 6 PM
Jacob Westfall | McMenamins | 7 PM
Megan Alder | The Bite | 6 PM
Ponty’s Revenge | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets
Leadbetter & Moore | The Commonwealth Pub | 7:30 PM
Hudson Powder Company, Jackrat, & Chiggi Momo | The Domino Room | 7:30 PM | Tickets

Thursday 11.6

Reb & The Good News | Suttle Lodge | 6 PM | Tickets
Kaleo Young | The Lot | 6 PM
Christ Baron & Two Secrets | River’s Place | 6 PM
WAiKS | Silver Moon | 7 PM
Soul’d Out | Stoller Wine Bar | 6 PM
Paul Eddy | Austin Mercantile | 4:30 PM
That 1 Guy | Volcanic Theatre Pub | 7 PM | Tickets
Cover Story | The Commonwealth Pub | 7:30 PM

WHO’S HIRING IN BEND

Looking for your next job? Here are some local listings that have popped up over the last week.

• Studio Team at Play Society

• Communications Director at Mixte Communications

• Medical Assistant at Mosaic Community Health

• Graphic Design & Project Coordinator at Deschutes Public Library

• Disaster Restoration Positions at Sierra James Construction

• Product Engineer, Hydro Flask at Helen of Troy

Searching for a new job? Browse the full job board

Looking for local candidates for your open position? Post your job

THANKS!

Stay warm, and thank you again for reading!

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