Good morning, Bend! We’re back from a two-week camping trip on the coast (most of this newsletter was written while sitting on the beach because that was the only place we had cell service), and it unfortunately looks like I brought the weather back with me. Sorry about that!

In today’s Bend Buzz:

Let’s get to it.

— Derek Carlson & Emily Elaro 

A Deschutes River Estate That Couldn’t Be Recreated Today

Some homes have a view of the river. This one lives with it.

Set just 25 feet from the Deschutes River, 19472 Pine Drive offers the kind of connection to the water that is almost impossible to find in Bend today. Morning coffee comes with the sound of moving water. Afternoons drift between riverfront patios, wooded trails, and sun-filled rooms designed to bring the outdoors in. Evenings are made for gathering by the fire, soaking beneath the stars, or watching the last light settle over the canyon.

Set on 3.60 private acres with approximately 510 feet of Deschutes River frontage, the property feels worlds away, yet sits just minutes from the Old Mill District and downtown Bend. The Northwest modern main residence is paired with a detached three-bedroom guest house, creating a rare estate experience with space for extended family, guests, entertaining, or long-term flexibility.

What makes Pine Drive so special is not just its scale, privacy, or craftsmanship;  it is the feeling of being fully immersed in one of Bend’s most treasured natural settings, with the river, canyon, and landscape shaping the experience of everyday life.

Presented by: Francie Engel | Broker | Bend Premier Real Estate

19472 Pine Drive is now for sale → View the listing here

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The weather may not be looking all that summery over the weekend, but as they say, the show must go on. Big Ponderoo takes center stage in Sisters with two days of music, dancing, food, and fun. There are only a few dozen passes left for today, and Saturday is totally sold out, so if you want to join, you had best act fast!

Bad news for folks who have been dilly-dallying on getting up to Sparks Lake for a paddle before the water level drops and you’re stuck dragging your kayak across the lake. Turns out that time has already come due to this year’s less-than-ideal snowpack. You can still paddle around in the middle of the lake, but getting there might not be all that enjoyable.

Oregon’s 6th annual hidden bottle hunt kicked off this week, and the first clue dropped yesterday (two more will be released today). For those not in the know, each year, commemorative bottles are hidden in six zones around the state with a series of clues dropped until someone locates the prize. We are located in Zone 4, which includes Deschutes, Harney, Crooks, and Jefferson counties. Winners get to keep the prize bottle and will get to direct a $1,000 donation to the BottleDrop Give charity of their choice.

🌧 Elevation Farmers Market cancelled: This week’s Elevation Farmers Market has been cancelled due to inclement weather. Don’t worry, though, as they should be back next week for another afternoon of fun and food on the south side.

🎉 Grand opening party at Bend Thistle: We shared the soft opening of Bend Thistle a few weeks back, and now they’re ready for their official grand opening party. Swing by from 10 AM - 5 PM on Saturday for drinks, snacks, and, of course, shopping.

🍻 Deschutes Brewing 38th anniversary: One of Bend’s most iconic businesses is celebrating another trip around the sun. Deschutes Brewing is partying like it’s (checking math…) 1988 and will be offering up $5 beers, cupcakes, cake, anniversary specials, and more, all day on Saturday.

📸 @natureisdopethreads |📍Three Sisters Wilderness
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If you've been around these parts for a while, there's a good chance you already know Amanda, owner of Glossed Whitening Bar.

If you don't, here's what you need to know: she's a registered dental hygienist, which means you're getting professional-grade whitening from someone who truly knows what she's doing. She's also genuinely fun to be around, which makes the time fly while you're rocking that ridiculous teeth-whitening mouthpiece.

So ditch the annoying strips and book a visit at her chic, lemon-fresh studio. A brighter smile looks good on you.

Click here to book now and save $50 on her signature package - The Baddie →

🚗 Gambler 500: If you see a collection of…ummm… interesting-looking cars headed north of town this weekend, here’s why. The Gambler 500 takes place in Madras, and getting there is half the fun, as participants are encouraged to make their way to camp traveling on as little pavement as possible. Along the way, they’ll be cleaning up our public lands that we all know and love. All Weekend Madras

🚛 Overland Expo: And another event that encourages folks to take the road less traveled. The Overland Expo will be setting up camp at the Deschutes Expo Center for the weekend. Here you can meet other overlanders, browse the vendors, and learn how to take your rig out into the wilds (and make it back home). All Weekend Deschutes Expo Center

🦅 Predators of Central Oregon: A morning hike at Metolius Preserve focused on the predators that keep Central Oregon's ecosystem in balance. 9 AM Metolius Preserve

🎨 Late Night Shopping & Coloring: Roundabout Books stays open late for a coloring event with Coco Wyo. Grab some art supplies, browse the shelves, and settle into the weekend. 5 PM Roundabout Books

🔴 Serial Killer Speakeasy: An immersive true crime speakeasy experience at Volcanic Theatre Pub. Cocktails, crime, and a Friday night you won't forget, hopefully. 6 PM Volcanic Theatre Pub

🌄 Sunset Sounds at Smith Rock: A cacao ceremony, reiki, and sound bath at sunset in the shadow of Smith Rock. One of those Central Oregon experiences that reminds you exactly why you live here. 6:45 PM Smith Rock

🍺 The Big Drunk Spelling Bee: Exactly what it sounds like and exactly as much fun as you're imagining. Silver Moon hosts the most entertaining spelling competition of your adult life. 7 PM Silver Moon

🎵 KPOV Beatles Sing-Along: KPOV brings the Beatles to The Commonwealth Pub for a communal sing-along to celebrate their 21st year. Every word to every song, together. Come ready. 7 PM The Commonwealth Pub

🌋 Oregon Origins Project VIII—Echoes of Eruption: The Oregon Origins Project returns to the Tower Theatre with an evening of storytelling, history, and Indigenous knowledge. 7:30 PM Tower Theatre

🌸 Wildflower Show & Pollinator Festival: Sunriver Nature Center celebrates the season's most stunning blooms alongside pollinators that make it all possible. 9 AM Sunriver Nature Center

🍺 Cruxapalooza: Crux’s annual summer bash is back for year number 14 of music, food, and, of course, tasty drinks. 11 AM - 9 PM Crux

🏎 Autocross at Bachelor: Bring your hotrod and race some laps with the crew from the Autocross Club of Central Oregon. This month’s action takes place at the West Village parking lot at Bachelor. Saturday & Sunday West Village

🧑‍🎨 Nourish Art Benefit: NOURISH, a pop-up professional art gallery, will take place Saturday & Sunday, showcasing the incredible talents of 18 Central Oregon artists. Across diverse mediums, these works invite us to explore what it truly means to nourish the soul, the body, and our community. 10 AM - 8 PM Open Space Event Studio

🌾 NWX Farmers Market: Fresh produce and local goods in Northwest Crossing on a maybe-slightly-chilly Saturday morning. 10 AM Northwest Crossing

🏃 5K Beer Run at Crux: Run 5K, drink beer, feel great about it. The Brewery Running Series stops at Crux Fermentation Project for one of the most fun races of the summer. 10 AM Crux

🎉 Bend Central District Block Party: The Bend Central District is throwing a block party with a full day of drinks, music, live performances, and the chance to stop in and visit the businesses that make up the Central District. 11 AM Bend Central District

👑 Deschutes Drag Brunch: Drag performances and brunch at the Deschutes Pub. A fabulous Saturday morning. 11 AM Deschutes Pub

✨ Red, White & Bedazzled Brunch Party: Coyote gets patriotic and extra sparkly for a bedazzled brunch party. Dress accordingly. 11 AM Coyote

🌮 The Oregon Margarita Festival: Did someone say margaritas?? Grab your ticket and taste through ten different recipes. Ultimately, you’ll be the judge of which restaurant takes home the crown. 12 PM The Bite Tumalo

🎸 Bend Blues Fest: Silver Moon hosts a full afternoon and evening of blues music with thirteen different bands taking the stage. 12 PM Silver Moon

📚 Book Bedazzling: Calling all high schoolers! Grab your favorite book and bring it to the library, where you can add, at bare minimum, 15 pieces of flair (there’s no way a high schooler is getting that joke). 2 PM Central Library

🍵 Camp Clay Summer Market: Summer market season at Camp Clay is here! Swing by to check out the work from studio members and enjoy some drinks and music while you’re at it. 10 AM - 5 PM Camp Clay

🌹 Leather Rose DIY Workshop: If you’ve been dreaming of the opportunity to learn how to handcraft your own leather rose, then this event is for you! No tools or experience required! 5 PM Craft Kitchen

😂 Comedy at Craft Kitchen: Another Saturday night of stand-up at Craft Kitchen with the crew from Bits N Skits. 8 PM Craft Kitchen

🧘 Pure Barre in the Park: A free outdoor Pure Barre class at Riverbend Park. All levels welcome, river views included. 9 AM Riverbend Park

🧘 Outdoor Community Yoga: And another outdoor class - this time it is community yoga at Bevel Brewing. 11 AM Bevel Craft Brewing

🐾 Dog Dayz Market: Head to Cheba Hut for a dog-friendly market to finish off the weekend. 12 PM Cheba Hut

🏔️ Miscalculated Risks: A Conversation with Author Michael Cooper: REI hosts a conversation with author Michael Cooper about adventure, risk, and what happens when things don't go according to plan. 2 PM Bend REI

🏺 Create & Connect Pottery Workshop: Get your hands in clay at The Grove with La Luce Studio for a beginner-friendly pottery workshop. 2 PM The Grove

🎬 Outdoor Movie Night: Stepbrothers: Ballers & Brews screens Stepbrothers under the stars. Did you touch my drumset? 7:30 PM Ballers & Brews

Soul’d Out | Discovery Corner Plaza | 5 PM
The Electric Street Sign | Worthy Brewing | 7 PM
James Townsend | The Cellar | 6 PM
The Chilling Alpine Adventure | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets
Maria Jackson Band | Portello Lounge | 6 PM
Desert Howlers | Boneyard Pub | 6 PM
Parker McCollum | Hayden Homes | 6:30 PM | Tickets
Surf Hat | The Domino Room | 8 PM | Tickets

Chris Beland | On Tap | 6 PM
Mollie Moons | The Cellar | 6 PM
Soul’d Out | Crux | 6 PM
Dry Canyon Stampede | Worthy Brewing | 7 PM
Rhiannon Giddens | Hayden Homes | 6 PM | Tickets
The Substitutes | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM
Dizgo & Mamasboy | The Domino Room | 9 PM | Tickets

Eric Leadbetter | Deschutes Beer Garden | 4 PM
Brandon Campbell Trio | GoodLife Brewing | 4 PM
Pete Kartsounes | 10 Barrel West | 5 PM
Sequoia Rose | River’s Place | 6 PM
High Fade | Volcanic Theatre Courtyard | 6 PM | Tickets

Stay cool, and thank you again for reading!

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