🏂️ Happy opening weekend

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend! Happy Mt. Bachelor opening weekend to those who celebrate.

In today’s Bend Buzz:

• 🏂️ The lifts are spinning at Bachelor

• ⛳️ A new indoor golf spot is opening at the Old Mill

• ✨ Holiday markets are kicking off

Let’s get to it.

— Derek Carlson

SPONSORED BY AUSTIN BUSKOHL REAL ESTATE

Are you thinking about buying and feeling discouraged by the latest Beacon Report? Don’t be! Let’s break it down:

That spike in median home prices? It's just a reflection of buyer activity from earlier this year. In fact, November trends show that number is likely to come down. For those ready to make a move, now is the time to explore the opportunities around you.

With homes sitting longer on the market, more inventory, and creative financing strategies (often with seller support), there are plenty of ways to ease that initial sticker shock.

You can find a path to homeownership—it’s clearer than you think. All you need is a partner who knows where to look. That’s where my mid-month trends and BOSS reports come in, providing a simple, data-backed view of the market to help you make a smart move.

Or if you have some general market questions, give me a call or text at (541)316-8025, and I’d love to chat over a cup of coffee (my treat).

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

SNAPSHOTS

🛶 Cascade Lakes Highway is closed

The continued snowfall this week means that ODOT has moved up the closing date of the Cascade Lakes Highway to (checks watch) yesterday. So, strap on those skis or fire up the snowmobile if you want to head out for a picnic at Sparks Lake (or Paulina Lake, as that road is now also closed) anytime soon.

🏔️ Mt. Bachelor is up and running

In case you hadn’t heard yet, Mt. Bachelor is kicking off the 2024-2025 season TODAY. The lifts will be spinning this weekend for pass holders only (this includes 4-pack holders) with Little Pine and Skyliner expected to be running. For the non-pass holders among us, we can look forward to getting those first tracks of the year next weekend.

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

⛳️ A new golf spot announced at the Old Mill: The Old Mill is getting a new indoor golf spot to help keep the winter blues away for links enthusiasts around town. X-Golf plans to open early next year and will offer seven golf simulators plus plenty of other entrainment and beverage options.

🐩 Warehouse sale at Ruffwear: Bend’s favorite dog accessory and gear maker, Ruffwear, is holding a warehouse sale on Friday and Saturday with some rebarkable (I stole that pun from them) prices. Friday 11 AM - 3 PM & Saturday 9 AM - 2 PM 2843 NW Lolo Dr

🚚 First food carts announced for new Dogwood location: The long-awaited reopening of Dogwood at the Pine Shed is slowly creeping closer, and they have announced the first two food carts that will be joining the fun. Old favorite Wich Doctor Sandwich Co. and a new cart to town, The Dominican, will both be joining the new pod.

@THEBENDBUZZ

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TOGETHER WITH RETHINK WASTE

Tired of throwaway culture? Want to Rethink your relationship with stuff?

This month, connect with The Environmental Center’s Rethink Waste Project over broken things, recycling myths, and maybe even Yumm bowls! 

🔧 Repair Café: We are hosting our final Repair Café of the year! These free events, which are held around the world, connect people who have broken stuff with people who like to fix stuff. If you have broken stuff or you just want to learn more, RSVP or stop by!

♻️ Sorting Truth from Trash: On America Recycles Day, we’re hosting a Green Drinks Happy Hour focused on untangling some of the deceptive practices behind “advanced plastics recycling” and plastics recycling in general. The evening will include a short film, a panel presentation, and time for questions and discussion over food and drinks.
^{*This event is sold out. Sign up for the waiting list to grab a spot if others cancel.}

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Friday

🏰 Let’s build a fort: The fort-building playgroup is back at the downtown Bend Library. Bring the little ones to take part in this collaborative building time and let their imagination run wild. 3:30 - 4:45 PM Downtown Bend Library

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family trivia night: Bring the whole family to trivia night at Craft Kitchen & Brewery. Each round will feature questions for different age levels so everyone can be a part of the action. 6 - 8 PM 62988 Layton Avenue

🍺 Tough Love beer release party: Head over to Crux for the release of the 2024 version of Tough Love, their barrel-aged imperial stout. The event will include a vertical tasting of prior year’s bottles and meet and greets with the brewers and bottle artist. 5 - 7 PM Crux Fermentation Project

🎨 Art at Wildwood: Come celebrate the debut art exhibit from Bend native Niqi Krystine at Wildwood in the Box Factory. 6 PM 550 SW Industrial Way

Saturday

🥌 Learn to curl: If you’re a bit past your athletic prime but still dream of making it to the Olympics, then your best path is on the ice with a curling stone and a broom. The Bend Curling Club is kicking off their learn-to-curl events, which will take place every Saturday evening starting this week. I will be there next Saturday for anyone who wants to join. 8:30 PM The Pavillion

🫘 Think Wild chili cookoff: Come sample the best chilis (no baby back ribs here) in town and vote for your favorite. The event will also have drinks for purchase, a raffle, live music, and footage from Think Wild’s trail cams. 4 - 8 PM Aspen Hall - Shevlin Park

🎄 Make your own holiday votive: Learn how to make your own holiday votives (a decorative cover that goes over a tea light) with Krista from La Luce Studios. Festive drinks and snacks are included. 12:30 - 3 PM

🤣 Improv comedy showcase: Head over to Open Space Event Studios for this holiday-themed improv show showcasing some of Central Oregon’s best comedians. 7 PM 220 NE Lafayette Ave

🏺Pottery open house: Local pottery maker Blue Spruce Pottery is holding an open house where you can see wheel throwing demos, Raku firing, and get 20% off all of their amazing work. 10 AM - 3 PM 20591 Dorchester East

❄️ Pray for snow party: Put on your best Jerry costume and make your way to 10 Barrel East for the annual pray for snow party. There will be live music, drinks, free ski & board waxing, and plenty of stoke to go around with the mountain opening this weekend. 5 - 10 PM 62950 18th St

Sunday

🧒 Kids Entrepreneur Market: Bend’s youngest entrepreneurial minds are bringing their wares to the downtown library for the Kids Entrepreneur Market. Get a jump on your holiday shopping at this fun event! 2:30 - 5 PM Downtown Bend Library

⚪️ Not’cho grandmas bingo: Just because the weather has taken a turn to the chilly side doesn’t mean that Bend’s most entertaining bingo event is heading into hibernation. Round up some friends and head down to Silver Moon Brewing for a chance to win some great prizes and enjoy a fun morning of bingo. 9:30 AM Silver Moon Brewing

🕺 Dance for the soul: If you’re tired of watching your favorite football team ruin your Sunday (as a Bears fan, I very much fall into this category), how about trying your hand at dance instead? Soulful Sundays Community Dance is a great way to connect your mind and body through dance. 10 - 11:30 AM 155 SW Century Drive

HOLIDAY MARKET ROUNDUP

Friday

Home for Christmas Holiday Bazaar - 9 AM - 4 PM 674 NE Penn Ave

Saturday

Home for Christmas Holiday Bazaar - 9 AM - 4 PM 674 NE Penn Ave
Holiday Makers Market at Immersion - 3 - 7 PM 550 SW Industrial Way
Holiday Shop Pop-up at Tumalo Lavender - 10 AM - 4 PM 19825 Connarn Rd
Westside Christmas Market - 9 AM - 3 PM 2051 NW Shevlin Park Rd
MVHS Holiday Craft Bazaar - 9 AM - 4 PM 2755 NE 27th St
Cascade Village Bazaar - 9 AM - 4 PM 63700 Cascade Village Dr
Holiday Bazaar - 9 AM - 2 PM 680 NW Bond St
Holiday Craft Sale - 10 AM - 2 PM 2398 W. Antler Ave, Redmond
Winter Traditions Holiday Bazaar - 10 AM - 5 PM 16450 Victory Way, La Pine
Visions of Sugar Plums Holiday Bake Sale - 10 AM - 3 PM 57250 Overlook Rd, Sun River

Sunday

Holiday Bazaar - 9 AM - 12 PM 680 NW Bond St
Sip & Shop Holiday Market at Bledsoe Winery - 1 - 4 PM 550 SW Industrial Way
Winter Traditions Holiday Bazaar - 10 AM - 3 PM 16450 Victory Way, La Pine

LIVE MUSIC

Friday

Unity Community | Jazz Central | 6 - 8:30 PM | Tickets
Ponch’s Place | Erin Cole Baker | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Max Ribner | Heritage Hall | 6:30 - 9 PM | Tickets
Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge | Matt Martin & The .45s | 7 - 8:30 PM
Silver Moon Brewing | Eric Leadbetter | 7 PM
M&J Tavern | Profit Drama & JACKRAT | 9 PM

Saturday

The Ale Apothecary | Wildland Blues Band | 6 - 8 PM
The Domino Room | Brother Anthony | 7 PM | Tickets
The Commons | Joel Chadd & Brad Parsons | 7 - 9 PM | Tickets
Volcanic Theatre Pub | Terrapin Flyer | 8 PM | Tickets
Northside Bar & Grill | The Upshot | 8 - 11 PM
Silver Moon Brewing | Non.Ether | 7 - 10 PM | Tickets
Portello Wine & Spirits | Tyler Bolts | 6:30 - 8:30 PM
On Tap | The Uncharted Project | 6 - 8 PM
COCC - Willie Hall | Big Band Jazz Concert | 7 PM
Bridge 99 Brewery | Oddfellow | 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Sunday

Mountain View High School | Cascade Horizon Band | 2 - 4 PM
River’s Place | Faisal | 5 - 7 PM
Unofficial Logging Co. | Phillip Austin | 5 - 7 PM
Volcanic Theatre Pub | Bar Stool Preachers vs. Bite Me Bambi | 8 PM | Tickets
Silver Moon Brewing | Anna Tivel & Sam Webber | 8 PM | Tickets

WEEKEND SNOW REPORT

Winter has definitely arrived at the higher elevations, and the snow gods have smiled upon us over the past week. Both Mt. Bachelor and Meissner are looking prime for skiing this weekend.

Bachelor Snow Forecast

Current base: 37”

• ❄️ Friday - ~1 inch

• ❄️ Saturday - 2 to 4 inches

• ❄️ Sunday - 7 to 11 inches

Meissner Snow Forecast

Grooming Report: It is tough to find a reliable snow measurement as Meissner, so I’ll change it to grooming updates instead. The Meissner Nordic team announced that they began limited grooming with the sno-cat starting last night. This will be slow going as there will be a lot of deadfall blocking the trails, so don’t expect a fully groomed system on day one.

• 🌨️ Friday - < 1 inch

• 🌨️ Saturday - ~1 inch

• 🌧️/ 🌨️ Sunday - 3 to 5 inches 🤞 

THANKS!

Stay warm, and thank you again for reading!

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