🎃 Let's get spooky

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend! I hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween this evening. If you know where we can find some full-sized candy bars, drop me a line…I promise I’ll keep it a secret 🤫 

In today’s Bend Buzz:

• 🎃 Halloween events in Bend

• 🍽️ Sunriver on Galveston and Bar Rio close on Saturday

• 🥒 Join us for a free evening of pickleball

Let’s get to it.

— Derek Carlson

SPONSORED BY AUSTIN BUSKOHL REAL ESTATE

A Market That Moves on Speed, Not Just Numbers

Rates are sitting in the low 6% range, the best we’ve seen in over a year. But buyer activity around Bend has slowed.

Seasonality plays a part, sure. But I think there’s something bigger going on.

Back in August, mortgage rates dropped by half a percent over a couple of days, and the market jumped. The number of homes going pending grew…15% higher than usual. Today, rates are still in that same range, but buyer activity is 20% lower than expected. In my opinion, it’s not just about where rates land; it’s how fast they get there that creates urgency.

A slow glide into the 5s won’t shake the market. But a sharp drop, even by a quarter point, might.

☕️ Thinking about buying but waiting for the “right” rate?

There are strategies helping buyers land rates in the 5s right now, before the next big shift. Let’s talk through your options—no pressure, just a clear game plan to help you stay ahead of the curve.

📞 541-316-8025
🌐 abrestate.com

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SNAPSHOTS

🚧 Road Up Pilot Butte Closes (to cars) Sunday Night

If you want to drive to the top of Pilot Butte to catch the sunset one last time this year, you’d better do it fast, as the road will be closing for the rest of winter at 8 PM on Sunday evening. The road remains open to walkers and bikers during the winter, so hoofing it up is still an option. Bring a flashlight, as the walk back down after sunset can get dark in a hurry.

🍻 Free Pickleball at Ballers & Brews

We teamed up with the crew from Ballers & Brews (the new food cart pod/pickleball facility in NE Bend) and will be hosting a free pickleball meetup on Wednesday, November 12th, from 5 to 7 PM. Both of their courts will be open and free to play for the full two hours (they’ve even offered to keep them open for an extra hour if enough folks show up). Even if you’re a total beginner (like me), feel free to join in!

^{P.S. I’ll be handing out a free drink token to the first 10 folks who show up}

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

🤸‍♂️ Bendy Body Pilates anniversary sale: Bendy Body Pilates is celebrating its 4-year anniversary on Saturday with some special deals. Enjoy $15 classes all day on Saturday, a flash sale on 10-class packages (you can buy as many as you want 🤫 ), and a free class on Sunday.

🍽️ Last day at Sunriver on Galveston and Bar Rio: We gave everyone a heads up in the last newsletter, but just in case you missed it, both Sunriver Brewing on Galveston and Bar Rio will be closing after service on Saturday, November 1st. The Sunriver pub will be closing for good, while Bar Rio will be transitioning into an event space.

🧀 Meltz Extreme Grilled Cheese closes: Not much to add past the headline. A sign was posted on the front door at Meltz Extreme Grilled Cheese at the Cascade Village Shopping Center saying they were permanently closed. We’ll keep you all up to date when we know who may be moving in next.

@THEBENDBUZZ

📸 @erikkerr1 | Out on the trails
Tag @thebendbuzz to get your photos featured!

TOGETHER WITH OPEN ARTS CENTER

Located in the heart of the Bend Central District at 999 NE 2nd Street, The OAC is dedicating half of its center to adult working artists and creative community members — those who need space not only to make art, but to exchange ideas, ignite collaboration, and build lasting impact. This vibrant hub brings together painters, performers, writers, makers, and educators — a space for cross-pollination between disciplines, generations, and communities.

Whether you’re creating, teaching, or connecting over coffee, this is a place for meaningful connection. To apply, contact [email protected] or visit theopenartscenter.org/adult-artist-studios.

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Friday 10.31

We’re including a few Halloween highlights below, but if you want to check out our full list of spooky events happening today, then check out our roundup published on Monday.

🧹 Bend Witches Paddle: One of Bend’s favorite traditions is back for another year with the Bend Witches Paddle on the Deschutes. Dress up in your favorite witchy costumes and hit the river. Or cheer on the procession from the river’s edge. 4 - 6 PM Riverbend Park

🍬 Trick or Treating at the Old Mill: Come join Bend’s biggest trick or treating event as shops at the Old Mill open their doors to thousands of kids. There will also be a pet costume contest, photo ops, craft stations, and plenty more spooky surprises. 4 - 7 PM Old Mill District

🫘 Trick or treating…in reverse: Tired of having to pick through your kids’ stash of cheap candy and want to score a tastier treat while also helping out those in need in our community? Head over to Holm Toffee for their reverse trick-or-treating event. Bring in some non-perishable food items and healthy snacks, and you’ll go home with some locally made toffee. 8 AM - 4 PM Holm Made Toffee Co

🪄 Trick or Treat Trail: Bring the little ghouls and goblins in your life to downtown Bend for an afternoon of trick-or-treating fun at the local shops. Look for the Treat Trail Stop posters in the windows. 2 - 5 PM Downtown Bend

👻 UPP Liquids Halloween Extravaganza: New name, but same great Halloween party. Head over to the Box Factory for an evening of spooky fun with costumes, live music, flash tattoos, and plenty more. 8 PM UPP Liquids

🎃 Back to the 80s Halloween Bash: Costume up and dance the night away to music from Fractal and the Dad Bods at one of the spookiest spots in town. 8:30 PM Old St. Francis School

🍭 Store-to-Store Trick-or-Treating: The south end of town is getting in on the trick-or-treating fun, as well, with the Bend Factory Stores opening up their doors for an afternoon of candy, face painting, costume prizes, and cookie decorating fun. 3 - 6 PM Bend Factory Stores

💀 Halloween Curiosities Faire: Come explore all things curious and enchanted. The Brooks room at the downtown Bend library will be transformed into a world of mystery and merriment with local makers, artists, and crafters. 11 AM - 4 PM Downtown Bend Library

🎬️ Tim Burton Trivia: Dress as your favorite Tim Burton character and test your knowledge of his enchanting movies. 4 PM Craft Kitchen

🎃 Twink or Treat: Dogwood at the Pineshed is getting in on the Halloween fun with the Cliché Twink or Treat Halloween party. 8 PM Dogwood

🧟 Fright Night Fiesta: Join in on the Halloween fun at Silver Moon with costume contests, spooky drink specials, live music, and a surprise midnight scare. 8 PM Silver Moon Brewing

🦴 Boneyard Bash: Boneyard knows how to throw a party, and Halloween is no exception. Expect an evening of dancing, costumes, spooky food + drinks, and an all-around good time. 5 - 10 PM Boneyard Pub

Saturday 11.1

📸 Photographs Following Fire: The High Desert Museum is launching a new exhibit that captures the immediate aftermath of the Holiday Farm Fire with photographs from David Paul Bayles. Nov 1 - Feb 15 High Desert Museum

🔥 End of Season Gathering: Gather round the fire to celebrate the end of the harvest season with a community gathering at Tumalo Lavender. There will be fire pits, music, drinks, snacks, and plenty of time to reflect on the changing seasons. 3 - 7 PM Tumalo Lavender

🪡 Bend Food Project Quilt Sale: Help support the Bend Food Project at their annual quilt sale. All the quilts are locally made using high-quality fabrics, so they should hold up better than that $12 Snuggie from Amazon. 9 AM - 3 PM Unitarian Fellowship

🧘‍♀️ Moving & Grooving Yoga: Spent a little too much time snacking on candy and need a reset? Head to Namaspa for a 90-minute moving & grooving yoga session that includes music and a sound bath. 2 PM Namaspa Yoga

🎤 Open Hub Singing: Take part in some group singing in a low-pressure, non-performing environment. All voices are welcome. 10 AM Downtown Bend Library

🔥 Firewood Stacking at Meissner: The folks from Meissner Nordic are getting the shelter ready for winter with a firestacking party. Pitch in and help make this backcountry gem a cozy stop along your snowshoeing or XC skiing adventure. 9 AM Meissner Sno-Park

🎃 Punk-O-Ween: Punk-O-Ween is back for another year with 17 bands bringing the music to Silver Moon all day long. 12 PM Silver Moon Brewing

🕯️ Votive Workshop: Join Krista from La Luce Studio at Tumalo Lavender, where you’ll learn how to hand-build your own holiday votive. 10 AM Tumalo Lavender

👯 It’s a 2000s Party: Halloween may be over, but that isn’t stopping the folks at the Midtown Ballroom from throwing the party of the century. Celebrate everything 2000s, from Paris Hilton to Britney Spears. 9 PM Midtown Ballroom

🧛 Bite Club: I vant, to suck, your bloooodddd…is what I would say during this vampiric twist of the game Mafia. La Bon Burlesque will be leading the festivities and bringing their dark visions to life. 8 PM Volcanic Theatre Pub

🕯️ Throat Chakra Journey: Express your truth and free your voice in this breath-and-sound-centered Chakradance class guided by Lynette Ruppert. 10:30 AM Hanai

Sunday 11.2

🗝️ Vintage Pop-up Shop: Head to UPP Liquids to search for some new vintage threads or just to enjoy the festivities and tunes from DJ Alice. 11 AM - 4 PM UPP Liquids

🪶 Indigenous Speaker Series: Join Dr. Michelle Jacob as she talks about the resilience and brilliance of Indigenous communities while offering a message of hope, love, and collective strength to inspire a more connected and compassionate world. 1 PM COCC-Wille Hall

🎤 Public Speaking Workshop: Learn how to own the room at this public speaking workshop led by voice coach Deena Kamm. 11 AM Sing Bend

🧠 Brainy Bunch Trivia: Put your trivia skills to the test and see if you can take home the title at Brainy Brunch Trivia. 12 PM River’s Place

🎨 Day of the Dead Celebration and Family Crafting: Bring the whole family for two hours of crafting in celebration of the Day of the Dead. 2 PM The Wondery

LIVE MUSIC

Friday 10.31

Fractal & The Dad Bods | Old St Francis School | 8:30 PM
Snowcreek | UPP Liquids | 8 PM | Tickets
Kurt Silva & Cynthia West | Currents at the Riverhouse | 7 PM
Jack Skellington & The Trapper Keepers w/Amargoso | M & J Tavern | 9 PM
Jackrat, Anderson Knight Trio, Them & J, Jared Eisenhauer Band | Silver Moon | 7 PM
The Rusty Frets | Wildwood | 8 PM
Funk Around and Find Out | Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM
Barely Alive | Volcanic Theatre Pub | 9 PM | Tickets
Maria Jackson Band | Portello Lounge | 6 PM

Saturday 11.1

Hand Turkey | Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM
The Ride | Wildwood | 7 PM
Switchback | Northside Bar & Grill | 8 PM

Sunday 11.2

Eric Leadbetter | River’s Place | 5 PM
Zakk Sabbath | Midtown Ballroom | 7 PM | Tickets
Amanda Wrenn & Patrick Leonard | Currents at the Riverhouse | 11 AM
Talamh Dubh & Friends | Commonwealth Pub | 4 PM

THANKS!

Stay warm, and thank you again for reading!

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