🎸 Last concert of the season

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend! I want to start with a big thank you to everyone who not only subscribes to this newsletter but also shows up to events, business openings, and happenings around town that we share here. Hands down, the most rewarding part of writing this newsletter is when we hear from a local business that their grand opening was packed, or they had their busiest weekend of the year because you all came out to support them.

In today’s Bend Buzz:

• 🎸 Last concert of the year at the amphitheater

• 🌻 Sunflower maze opens at Well Rooted

• 🌮 El Caporal is coming to the west side

Let’s get to it.

— Emily Randolph & Derek Carlson

SPONSORED BY MACTEK

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Apple just dropped their newest lineup, and let’s be real, upgrading isn’t cheap. So instead of tossing in the towel on that iPhone with a cracked screen or the MacBook that’s been feeling a little laggy, bring it into MacTek.

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🌟 Limited-Time Special: Give your Mac a fresh start! Full tune-up, optimization, cleaning, plus 1 year of Malwarebytes Premium—originally $299, now $209.

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SNAPSHOTS

🎸 Last Concert at the Amphitheater of the Year

Thursday evening marks the final concert of the 2025 season at Hayden Homes Amphitheater as Warren Zeiders rolls into town. So let’s all celebrate what has been, by and large, a lovely summer music season. Show announcements for 2026 are already starting to trickle in, and we can expect to see many more as we move further into fall and winter.

🌻 Sunflower Maze at Well Rooted Produce

A new attraction is coming (well, technically, it is already there) to Well Rooted Produce just north of town. If you haven’t visited their U-pick farm, it’s a lot of fun, and now it’ll be a little extra fun with the addition of a Sunflower Maze. The maze will be open Friday - Monday each weekend through the end of October, and tickets just opened up yesterday, so there should still be plenty available.

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

🍔 Mountain Burger turns 3: Mountain Burger in NWX is turning three and is inviting you all to a party to celebrate. Join them on Thursday, September 18th, for live music from the Dad Bods, $3 specials, and plenty more birthday fun!

🌮 El Caporal Opening at the Hotel Peppertree: A little birdie (thanks Lisa!) clued us in to a new restaurant going into the Hotel Peppertree at the corner of Mt. Washington and Century Dr. El Caporal has a sign up and is in the process of opening their new westside location. No opening date has been announced yet, but we’ll keep you updated when we have more information.

🏃‍♀️ Revolution Endurance comes to Bend: Training to conquer next year’s IronMan, UTMB, or just want to take your bike rides to an epic new level? Revolution Endurance, an endurance athlete consulting business, is now open in Bend and can help you level up your performance goals.

@THEBENDBUZZ

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TOGETHER WITH REBEL WAX STUDIO

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LOCAL LOWDOWN

Wednesday 9.17

☕ Outdoor Industry Coffee & Coworking: Grab your laptop and latte—this monthly gathering blends networking and productivity for anyone working in the outdoor sector. Sip, mingle, and swap ideas with folks shaping Bend’s outdoor economy. 9 AM The Haven

🌿 Queer in Nature Meditation: Step into the forest for a guided meditation designed to hold space for LGBTQ+ community members and allies. It’s a chance to ground, breathe, and connect with the natural world while honoring the intersection of identity and environment. 1 PM Shevlin Park

🎹 In a Landscape: Hunter Noack brings his famed outdoor piano concert series to Drake Park. Guests wear wireless headphones while live music blends with birdsong, wind, and river sounds—turning Bend’s most iconic green space into a symphony hall under the sky. 4 PM Drake Park

📚 Mystery Book Club: For lovers of whodunits and page-turners, this book club dives deep into the twists, red herrings, and reveals of this month’s mystery pick. Expect good conversation, theories exchanged, and maybe even a few heated debates about the ending. 6 PM Roundabout Books

🚲️ Thrilla Cyclocross Series: It’s time for week #2 of the Thrilla Cyclocross Series at the Athletic Club of Bend. There are no entry fees (as long as you’re registered with OBRA), so grab your fancy cyclocross bike or your not-so-fancy, not cyclocross bike, and join the fun. Kids are welcome too! 4 PM Athletic Club of Bend

✒️ “The Ferry Keeper” Poetry Reading: Renowned poet Ellen Waterston reads from her latest work, The Ferry Keeper, a collection steeped in imagery of rivers, crossings, and the stories we carry with us. 6:30 PM Downtown Bend Library

💃 Tropical Latin Dance Party: Heat up your Wednesday with salsa, bachata, and merengue! Beginners are welcome, and the beats are guaranteed to keep you moving late into the night. Think tropical vibes, cool cocktails, and community on the dance floor. 7 PM Dogwood at the Pine Shed

🍽️ HDFFA Farm-to-Table Dinner: What’s for dinner tonight? How about a tasty meal made from local, seasonal ingredients along with stories from local farmers and chefs, with the proceeds going towards HDFFA’s missions of Central Oregon food access and farm support programs. 5:30 PM Terra Kitchen

Thursday 9.18

🧵 Visible Mending, Knit Edition: Turn holes into highlights with this creative workshop on visible mending for knits. Learn techniques to repair sweaters, socks, or scarves while embracing sustainability and adding a handmade touch of personality. 5:30 PM Freak’n Art

🧑‍⚖️ State Legislative Review: This month’s City Club of Bend presentation will be focused on a review of the 2025 state legislative session. You’ll hear from local representatives about how legislative outcomes affect the region and what to look forward to in 2026. 11:30 AM Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon

🍷 Educators’ Night Out: Teachers, this one’s for you. Enjoy an evening at the museum designed just for educators, with exhibit access, refreshments, and plenty of time to unwind and network with colleagues. A well-deserved night of appreciation and connection. 6 PM High Desert Museum

🌙 Moon Phases Workshop: Learn how lunar cycles can guide intention-setting, self-reflection, and ritual. With guidance from La Luce Studio, this workshop blends astrology, mindfulness, and creative practice for anyone curious about syncing their life with the rhythms of the moon. 6 PM Pine & Prism

🌈 Rainbow Family Night: A family-friendly celebration of community and inclusivity, Rainbow Family Night offers crafts, activities, and storytime for LGBTQ+ families and allies. A welcoming space where kids and parents alike can connect and celebrate diversity. 5:30 PM Downtown Bend Library

👟 Eat My Dust Beer Mile: It’s exactly what it sounds like: run a lap, drink a beer, repeat until you’ve logged a mile. Equal parts ridiculous and exhilarating, this event blends athleticism and absurdity, drawing runners and spectators alike for a good laugh and a frothy finish. 5:30 PM COCC Track

🔮 Tarot Workshop: Explore tarot as more than a deck of cards, but a tool for self-reflection, empowerment, and healing. This workshop invites participants to deepen their intuition, uncover personal narratives, and engage with tarot as a practice of resilience and connection. 6 PM Hanai

👜 Puzzle Purse Paper Folding Workshop: The first of four workshops at Papier, a paper art popup at Discovery West, takes place tonight with a puzzle purse paper folding class taught by local artist Maren Inga (you may remember her from Slug Club). 5 PM Discovery West

👤 Your Invisible Neighbor: Head down to Spiceland Indian Restaurant for an evening of community with heartfelt stories, live letter-readings and a letter writing station, and a short-film premiere (and, of course, some tasty food!). 6 PM Spiceland Indian Restaurant

UPCOMING EVENTS

🧀📽️ Master of Cheese Film Screening: Celebrate Oregon Cheese Month with a screening of Master of Cheese by Swiss filmmaker Myriam Zumbühl. Enjoy light refreshments and a gourmet popcorn bar while exploring the traditions of Europe’s master cheesemakers, whose craft helped shape today’s artisan cheese culture in Oregon. Saturday, October 4th at 5 PM at Hanai*

💎 Rene Escobar Trunk Show: Silverado is honored to welcome Rene Escobar, a third-generation jeweler celebrated for his hand-textured precious metals, vibrant diamonds, and responsibly sourced gemstones. Rooted in the traditions he learned from his father and refined in his South Florida studio, Rene’s work embodies authenticity, originality, and timeless artistry. Rene will be on hand at Silverado Gallery on Saturday. Saturday & Sunday, September 20 - 21, from 10 AM - 5 PM at Silverado Gallery*

🎒 Weekly Ruck Talks: Looking for something real? Join a crew of local men who meet every Saturday morning for a weighted walk (aka ruck) and meaningful conversation. Each ruck is about movement, community, and growth for yourself and each other. Sign up to get on the list. Details will hit your inbox on Friday night, so you’re ready to roll Saturday morning.*

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LIVE MUSIC

Wednesday 9.17

If and When | Crosscut | 6 PM
Broken Top Bluegrass | Bevel Brewing | 6 PM
The Kat Hall Band w/ Rubbah Tree | The Commonwealth Pub | 7 PM
Leadbetter & Moore | McMenamins | 7 PM
Greg Norton & Buddies | Silver Moon | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Poundgame Addison | Silver Moon | 7:30 PM | Tickets

Thursday 9.18

Samuel B. Newman Band | Bar Rio | 6 PM
Popcorn Trio | River’s Place | 6 PM
Haute Melange | Stoller Wine Bar | 6 PM
Evan Mullins | The Grove | 6 PM
Dad Bods | Mountain Burger | 6 PM
Skinny Dennis | The Lot | 6 PM
SHINE | The Commonwealth Pub | 7 PM
Warren Zeiders | Hayden Homes | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Haunt & Saber | Silver Moon | 7:30 PM | Tickets 
ABRA Cadabra | Tower Theatre | 7:30 PM | Tickets

WHO’S HIRING IN BEND

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

• Licensed Massage Therapist at Massage by Monica

• Mountain Dispatch Specialist at Mt. Bachelor

• Snow Removal Operator 2 at Mt. Bachelor

• Part-Time Meal Coordinator at Family Kitchen

• Painter at CJ Custom Paint & Finishes

Searching for a new job? Browse the full job board

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

THANKS!

Stay cool, and thank you again for reading!

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