🛶 Paddle Parade hits the river

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend! Get ready for another busy weekend of holiday markets and other seasonal fun!

In today’s Bend Buzz:

• 🛶 Holiday Lights Paddle Parade hits the river

• 🎁 Holiday markets galore

• 🍸️ Last weekend for the Dez Lounge

Let’s get to it.

— Derek Carlson & Emily Elaro

SPONSORED BY DESCHUTES PUBLIC LIBRARY

Every year, Deschutes Public Library selects a book and invites the Central Oregon community to read, discuss, and explore together. This annual program, called A Novel Idea, is like a book club, but with thousands of your neighbors! The concept is simple: pick a great book, engage with community through fun and thought-provoking events, and wrap it all up with a free visit from the author in May.

Earlier this month, the library unveiled two A Novel Idea selections for 2026: Supersonic by Thomas Kohnstamm (for adults), and Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins (young readers). Throughout April, the library will host events exploring themes from both books, culminating with author visits—Perkins in April and Kohnstamm in May.

The time to start reading is now! Both books are available from your library, or for purchase from local booksellers. Learn more about A Novel Idea and the 2026 community read selections at https://www.deschuteslibrary.org/calendar/novelidea/

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SNAPSHOTS

🛶 Holiday Light Paddle Parade Hits the River

If there’s one thing Bend knows how to do well, it’s taking any excuse to hit the river. The holiday edition of that is here, as the holiday lights parade will be hitting the Deschutes on Friday at 4 PM. This year’s unseasonably warm temps mean that it should be a more tolerable event for all those involved (unless you take an unplanned dip in the river). Want to join in on the paddling fun? Meet at Tumalo Creek Kayak at 4 PM decked out in your most festive gear (lights included). Just watching? Grab a spot along the river or on the bridges along the Old Mill.

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

🍸️ Last weekend at The Dez Lounge: Swing by the Dez Lounge one last time, as Friday evening (that’s tonight!) will be their last day of service. Grab a mocktail and enjoy some music from Eric Leadbetter, and wish them farewell as they move on to their next venture.

@THEBENDBUZZ

📸 @two.suns.art.bend | Two Suns Art Studio (who wants to join me for this???)
Tag @thebendbuzz to get your photos featured!

TOGETHER WITH REBEL WAX STUDIO

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Mention Bend Buzz and get $25 off your first appointment. And if you’re new here, enjoy a $35 Brazilian Wax as our welcome gift.

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Book now - appointments fill fast this season.

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Friday 12.12

🦘 Toddler Holiday Pajama Party: Still need to visit Santa this year? Why not make a morning of it with a toddler holiday pajama party at Mountain Air? In addition to a visit with the big guy there will also be crafts, bouncing (duh), and plenty more festive fun. 9 & 11:30 AM Mountain Air

🎸 Holiday Benefit Jam: Groove for a cause. This high-energy showcase features some of the area’s best musicians coming together to support The Family Kitchen. Expect big sound, big heart, and a whole lot of community spirit. 6 PM Midtown Ballroom

🍻 Brews & Bingo Night: A cozy winter evening made better by Belgian ales and a little friendly competition. Settle into The Abbey’s warm glow, grab a brew, and get ready for a lively round of bingo with prizes, laughs, and plenty of cheers. 6 PM The Abbey at Monkless

🎭 Broadway in Bend: Step into a night of show-stopping vocals, dazzling choreography, and Broadway magic brought straight to the Tower. It’s glitz, talent, and pure theatrical joy—the perfect December night out. 7 PM Tower Theatre

❄️ Snow Much to Give: Grab your tickets and help support the Opportunity Foundation at their Snow Much to Give fundraiser. There will be small bites, drinks, and the opportunity to connect, celebrate and share their mission of empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 5:30 PM Worthy Brewing

🐾 Mt. Bachelor Avalanche Dog Fundraiser: Show some love for the avalanche dog program with an evening that supports the hardworking pups who keep Mt. Bachelor safe. Enjoy good food, good company, and the good feeling of contributing to a cause that keeps our mountain community protected all winter long. 5 PM Greg’s Grill

💄 A Night with Miz Cracker: Drag royalty is stepping into Bend for one glitter-soaked, laugh-til-you-snort night. Miz Cracker brings sharp wit, big personality, and that signature sparkle to an intimate stage. Expect comedy, cocktails, and a whole lot of fabulous energy. 8 PM Dogwood at the Pine Shed

Saturday 12.13

🍰 Gelatin Salad Show: You know the holidays are officially here when the holiday gelatin salad show arrives. Swing by the Deschutes Historical Museum to gaze upon these vintage delicacies or, better yet, pull out that old recipe card and make your own for the show. 1 PM Deschutes Historical Museum

🛠️🎄 Craft-o!: Old Ironworks turns into a maker’s playground with one-of-a-kind art, handmade goods, and the kind of quirky, creative energy that only this district delivers. If you love shopping small, this one’s a December staple. 9 AM Old Ironworks (Sat & Sun)

🎁 Locavore Holiday Gift Faire: Your go-to for slow-made, locally grown, sustainably crafted everything. From artisan foods to natural goods to handmade gifts, this fair feels like a warm hug from the Central Oregon maker community. Stock up on gifts that feel good. 10 AM Unitarian Universalist

🚗🥫 Drive-Thru Holiday Food Drive: Fill the sleigh (okay, your trunk) with canned goods and help support local families this season. Quick, easy, and a meaningful way to add a little generosity to your weekend rounds. 10 AM Larkspur Community Center

✍️ In Praise of Winter: Writing ‘Odes’: Warm your creative spark with a guided writing session celebrating the magic, mystery, and moodiness of winter. Learn to craft odes that honor the season—from frosty mornings to steaming mugs—and leave feeling inspired (and maybe a little poetic yourself). 10 AM Downtown Bend Library

🎨 2nd & Olney Makers Market: A cozy, artsy market featuring local makers, pottery, prints, textiles, and handcrafted gems. It’s the kind of spot where you browse slowly, chat with artists, and inevitably leave with something cool you didn’t know you needed. 10 AM - 4 PM Camp Clay Bend (Sat & Sun)

🏠 Gingerbread Christmas: Get ready for gumdrops, candy roofs, and gingerbread magic. New Hope Church transforms into a Christmas wonderland with decorating stations, crafts, and family fun that feels straight out of a holiday movie. 10 AM New Hope Church

🍪 Holiday Cookie Decorating: Frosting, sprinkles, sugar cookies, and a pint? Yes, please. Spider City hosts a festive, tasty afternoon where you can decorate cookies like a pro—or embrace the chaos and call it art. 2 PM Spider City Brewing

🪴 Magical Markets of Merriment: Only two weekends left to browse the goods from local artists (and pick up a plant or two while you’re there) at Somewhere That’s Green’s Magical Markets of Merriment. 10 AM - 4 PM Somewhere That’s Green (Sat & Sun)

❄️ Cheers to the Chill Après Ski Party: Channeling that ski-lodge energy? Slide into 10 Barrel West for a frosty-good après ski bash. Expect wintery vibes, cold drinks, and that cozy “we survived the slopes” spirit—even if the mountain’s not open yet. 10 Barrel West

🔥❄️ An Afternoon of Fire and Ice: Bring the family to the alley, Brooks Alley to be exact, for an evening of music (Rubbah Tree, Strive Roots, One Mad Man & Funk Around & Find Out), games, drink specials, and fun. 4 PM Brooks Alley

⛷️ Community Ski Waxing: Get those skis ready for winter (even if the weather isn’t cooperating) at this community ski waxing event that helps support the local OSSA ski racing teams. 10 AM - 4 PM Hydroflask parking lot

🐶 Photos with Santa: Ensure that your furry friend gets everything on their list this year by taking them to take a photo with Santa! 10 AM - 3 PM Mountain Dogs

🌿 Winter Gather & Makers Market: Join The Pantry for an evening that is part makers market and part cozy winter gathering. Local makers and artists will be offering their goods, and there will be wood-fired pizza, tea, and drinks available to keep the cheer flowing. 5 - 9 PM The Pantry

🌛 Night Market Extravaganza: Save some of your holiday shopping for the evening as Tula is hosting their night market extravaganza. There will be local vendors as well as free mini classes, family-friendly activities, and performances. 4 - 10 PM Tula

👩‍🍳 Saute Demo: Su from Saute will be at Tomi Mart for two cooking demos featuring her amazing Korean-inspired sauce. 1 & 4 PM Tomi Mart

Sunday 12.14

🕺 Get Up & Groove: Get the day started right with a morning of dancing with Get Up & Groove. The music starts at 10 AM sharp! 10 AM The Pantry

💡 Kids’ Entrepreneur Market: Prepare to be impressed: Bend’s youngest CEOs are back with handmade crafts, creative inventions, sweet treats, and small businesses they built themselves. It's adorable, inspiring, and a great way to support the next generation of local makers. 1 PM Elks Lodge

🎪 Winter Circus Market: A holiday market with a touch of circus flair—yes, please. Shop local goods while aerialists twist and float overhead, adding a dash of magic to your browsing. It’s whimsical, wintery, and unlike any market you’ve been to this season. 1:30 PM Central Oregon Aerial Arts

🫖 Holiday Afternoon Tea: A slow, serene break from the bustle. Blissful Spoon serves up delicate treats, aromatic teas, and holiday elegance in every detail. Cozy, calming, and totally charming. 3:30 PM Blissful Spoon

🕎 Menorah Lighting: Gather at the Old Mill for a bright and beautiful community Hanukkah celebration. Music, light, tradition, and togetherness—this annual moment is always a meaningful way to welcome the holiday. 4 PM Old Mill District

🎶 What Sweeter Music: Lift your spirit with a rich tapestry of choral arrangements, classic carols, and soaring harmonies. A heartwarming performance that wraps you in the warmth of the season. 7 PM Tower Theatre

🕯️ Rhythm Within: Join Soul Trip for a relaxing evening of yoga, music, and tea meditation, all nestled within the botanical room at Hanai. 6 PM Hanai

LIVE MUSIC

Friday 12.12

Katie Wolfe | Ponch’s Place | 6 PM
Eric Leadbetter | The Dez Lounge | 6 PM
Major Dudes | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM
Evan Mullins | Portello Lounge | 6:30 PM

Saturday 12.13

Megan Alder & Aaron Moore | Bend Cider | 3 PM
Acoustic Minds | Portello Lounge | 6:30 PM
Kalida | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets
Chiggi Momo + Mari & The Dream | Wildwood Bar & Grill | 7 PM
Precious Byrd | Cross-Eyed Cricket | 8 PM | Tickets
StatusFear | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM 
SunSquabi | Volcanic Theater Pub | 8 PM | Tickets

Sunday 12.14

The Elovaters | Midtown Ballroom | 8 PM | Tickets
Evan Mullins Duo | River’s Place | 5 PM

THANKS!

Stay warm, and thank you again for reading!

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