⛷️ Kids ski free at Bachelor??

25/26 Bachelor season passes on sale, Ponch's Place celebrates one year, and Sawyer Park undergoing some big changes

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend! I hope everyone has those taxes done so you can enjoy what should be another bluebird weekend in Bend.

In today’s Bend Buzz:

  • ⛷️ 25/26 season passes at Bachelor go on sale + kids ski free

  • 🐶 Ponch’s Place celebrates their one-year anniversary

  • 🏞️ Another riverfront park has some big changes in store

Let’s get to it.

— Derek Carlson

Is Your HVAC System Ready for Every Season?

Your home's heating and cooling systems play a major role in year-round comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. 

Just like getting your car serviced before a road trip—a little attention now can prevent big problems later and keep everything running smoothly when you need it most.

Regular maintenance helps ensure your HVAC system performs its best, preventing mid-season breakdowns, reducing energy bills, and extending equipment lifespan.

Our expert technicians perform thorough inspections, clean essential components, and optimize the performance for your heating and cooling systems—giving you peace of mind that your home is ready for whatever the weather brings.

For a short time, purchase a $99 AC tune-up, and receive a complimentary heating tune-up! 

Ensure comfort and system reliability by trusting Central Oregon Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical. 

Call (541) 215-4595 or click here to schedule your tune-up today!

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

SNAPSHOTS

🏞️ Upgrades planned for Sawyer Park

Another riverfront park in Bend is set to undergo some major upgrades. Sawyer Park on the north side of Bend provides access to the River trail, numerous fishing holes, and a great spot to walk off breakfast at McKay’s Cottage! As the park’s usage has increased, so has the need for improved parking and park facilities. BPRD is holding an open house on April 22nd to discuss the project with construction estimated to finish in summer 2026.

⛷️ Mt. Bachelor season passes go on sale + kids ski free

It’s only April, and there is still plenty of snow up at the mountain, but it’s already time to start looking ahead to the next ski season. Season passes for the 25/26 season at Mt. Bachelor went on sale this week and, if you’re a parent of a little one under the age of 12, then you can take advantage of their new Kids Ski Free program where you get a free kid’s season pass with the purchase of an alpine full season pass.

❄️ Last day of grooming at Meissner

The end of nordic skiing (at least on groomed trails) at Meissner is here, as April 12th will be the last day of grooming for the 24/25 season. So wax those skinny skis one last time, and make a trip out to ring the bell to commemorate another great season of cross-country skiing. And don’t forget to make a donation to Meissner Nordic Ski Club. They are the group that makes the magic happen, and they couldn’t do it without the support of the community.

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

🐶 VRCCO one-year anniversary celebration: It’s the one-year anniversary for Ponch’s Place, and you’re invited to come celebrate! There will be kids' crafts, an adoption event with Street Dog Hero, live music, and drink specials! 12:30 - 7 PM

🛋️ Old Ironworks spring clean out: Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to clean out the garage. Tenants at the Old Ironworks building are joining in on the spring cleaning fun with a Garage Clean Out sale. Gathered Wares, Mud Lake Studios, The Workhouse, and Furnish Hope will all be clearing out furniture, art, clothing, and other knick knacks from 10 AM - 3 PM at 50 SE Scott St. So bring some cash and score some deals!

@THEBENDBUZZ

📸 @forknbend |📍Wich Doctor Sandwich Co
Tag @thebendbuzz to get your photos featured!

TOGETHER WITH CENTRAL OREGON HEATING, COOLING, PLUMBING, AND ELECTRICAL

Bend neighbors, at Central Oregon Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, we love serving our community with more than just heating and air conditioning.  

Real home comfort isn’t limited to the temperature inside – it includes upgrading and protecting your entire home’s most valuable systems.

That’s why we provide Plumbing and Electrical installation, repair, replacement, and maintenance services.  

For a limited time: Enjoy Up to $1000 OFF a Navien Tankless Water Heater or Whole Home Water Filtration System.

And,

Up to $500 OFF a Panel Replacement or Whole Home Generator.   

Call us at (541) 215-4595 or click here to schedule your free estimate!

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Friday 4.11

😆 Comedy night at Hosmer: Swing by Hosmer bar for an evening of comedy, music, and artfully crafted mocktails (or cocktails). 7 PM Hosmer Bar

🎉 Celebrate the 2000s: The 2000s were only 10 years ago (don't try to correct my math), so it's time to throw it back to the days of Y2K fashion, tunes from Britney Spears, and everything else that made it a great decade. Midtown Ballroom is hosting It's A 2000s Party, so stay up late and throw down like you're in college again. 9 PM Midtown Ballroom

🎿 Winterfest at Bachelor: Head up to the mountain for a weekend of skiing, boarding, and live music as Subaru Winterfest is back at Mt. Bachelor. You can also catch free concerts on Friday & Saturday at Deschutes Brewery on Simpson Ave.

👩‍💼 Vision board workshop: Join business coach Christine Elder at the Downtown Bend Library for a women's vision board workshop. 3 - 5 PM Downtown Bend Library

💃 Tango in Bend: Tango the night away at the Sons of Norway Lodge. All levels are welcome, and partners are not required. 7:30 - 10 PM Sons of Norway Lodge

Saturday 4.12

🌲 Soil & wildlife walk: Join Think Wild for an interpretive walk through Shevlin Park, where you will learn about the different soils found around Central Oregon as well as how these soils directly and indirectly influence wildlife and their habitats. 11 AM - 12:30 PM Shevlin Park

🤣 Rolling back the laughs: Miss the comedy show at Hosmer Bar yesterday? Bits N Skits Productions is rolling it back with another showing with the same lineup, but this time at Craft Kitchen. 8 PM Craft Kitchen & Brewery

🧑‍🌾 Seed swap at the library: With spring in full bloom, this is the perfect time to start getting those gardens ready for summer. To help kickstart your growing season, the Redmond Library is hosting a free seed swap. Bring in your extra seeds and grab some new varieties to try out. 9 AM - 12 PM Redmond Library

🃏 Cards and collectibles show: Head up to the Deschutes County Expo Center for the Central Oregon Cards & Collectibles Show. Here, you can browse the 100+ vendor tables showcasing cards and collectibles of all types. 9 AM - 4 PM Deschutes County Expo Center

🎣 Trout Bum fly swap: Have old fly fishing gear you're looking to unload or want the chance to pick up some used gear at a discount? Fly & Field Outfitters is hosting a fly fishing gear swap on Saturday & Sunday. If you're interested in selling your gear, make sure to drop it off by Friday! Saturday 8 AM - 4 PM and Sunday 8 AM - 2 PM Fly & Field Outfitters

Sunday 4.13

🏃 Peterson Ridge Rumble: Looking to get in some miles on the dirt this weekend? Head out to Sisters for the Peterson Ridge Rumble and choose from the 20-mile, 40-mile, or trail marathon distances. 7, 8 or 9 AM start depending on distance

🪡 Mending workshop: Learn how to repair your own clothes using four different stitch methods with this hands-on workshop at HOWL Goods. During class, you can work on mending your own clothes in need of repair, AND you'll head home with a handy sewing kit. 3 - 5 PM HOWL Goods

❓️ Trivia at The Commons: Head downtown for an evening of trivia at The Commons Cafe. 6 PM The Commons Cafe

🏃 Bend Marathon: Good luck to everyone running the Bend marathon! Expect some crowds around the Old Mill on Sunday morning for the race start and finish. 7 AM Old Mill West Parking

All Weekend

🪤 The Mousetrap: It’s the last weekend to catch The Mousetrap at the Cascades Theatrical Company.

🚲️ BMX Great Northwest Nationals: Head out to the Expo Center for a weekend of BMX bike racing for ages that range from tots to seasoned vets.

🏂️ Snake Run Rally: Come try your hand at riding the hang-dug banked snowboard course at Hoodoo. Or, if you’re like me, just hang out and watch the festivities. Sat & Sun

🎭️ Next to Normal: It’s time for weekend #2 of Next to Normal at the Greenhouse Cabaret. Tickets are limited, so grab them fast.

LIVE MUSIC

Friday 4.11

Wildwood Bar & Grill | Blackstrap Bluegrass | 7 PM
Silver Moon Brewing | SORCIA, Mother Root, Elk Witch & Spina | 7 PM | Tickets
Tower Theatre | Edna Vasquez | 6:30 PM | Tickets
Commonwealth Pub | The Rumpeppers | 8 PM
Silver Moon Brewing | Funk Around and Find Out | 7 PM | Tickets
Deschutes Brewery | Frooty Treblez | 5:30 PM
Deschutes Brewery | The Goonies | 7:30 PM

Saturday 4.12

Midtown Ballroom | KUINKA w/Billy & The Boxcar Kid | 8 PM | Tickets
Silver Moon Brewing | Ancient Roots Tour | 7 PM | Tickets
Silver Moon Brewing | Mr. Vale’s Math Class | 7 PM | Tickets
Volcanic Theatre Pub | Glitterfox | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Deschutes Brewery | Jenn + Juice | 5 PM
Deschutes Brewery | Grace Potter | 8:30 PM
Commonwealth Pub | Eric Leadbetter Band | 8 PM
Northside Bar & Grill | The Substitutes | 8 PM
Bridge 99 | Jared Lee McComas | 6:30 PM

Sunday 4.13

Tower Theatre | Hotel California - The Eagles Tribute Band | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Midtown Ballroom | Steel Panther | 8 PM | Tickets
River’s Place | The Feel Button | 5 PM
Unity Spiritual Community | Aaron English | 12:30 PM | Tickets

HELP SUPPORT THE DUCK RACE

The Rotary Clubs of Bend are currently seeking local businesses and sponsors to donate gift certificates valued at $500 or more for the Great Drake Park Duck Race.

Your donation helps support essential nonprofits like:

  • Deschutes Children’s Foundation

  • Partners in Care

  • ...and several others doing vital work in our region!

Why Sponsor a Prize?

✅ 15,000+ printed tickets sold– your business name on every ticket
🤝 Community goodwill– join other local leaders in giving back
👋 Public recognition– at the race, in promotional materials, and online
📆 Race Day: Sunday, September 7, 2025
🎯 Prize Submission Deadline: April 15, 2025
🎁 Gift Certificate Value: $500+
📬️ To Donate, Contact: [email protected]
🌐 Details & Event Info: www.theduckrace.com
🎟️ Sponsored by: Credit Unions Working Together
Organized by: Rotary Clubs of Bend

THANKS!

Stay cool-ish, and thank you again for reading!

Have an event you want to feature or want to advertise your business to our 9,700+ readers in Bend? Drop us a line here → [email protected]