☕️ Same coffee, new name

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend! I don’t want to alarm you, but we stopped by one of the big box stores this weekend, and they’re already in full-on Christmas mode. Let us enjoy this last bit of summer in peace!

In today’s Bend Buzz:

• 🏗️ Road construction updates

• ☕️ Looney Bean has a new name

• 🎁 October’s premium member perk

Let’s get to it.

— Emily Randolph & Derek Carlson

SPONSORED BY ALPENAURA PLASTIC SURGERY

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Back-to-school season isn’t just for the kids; it can be your season too! At Alpenaura Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jourdan Carboy and her team are here to help you feel refreshed, confident, and ready for whatever fall brings.

From subtle in-office treatments like eye lifts, lip lifts, and scar revisions to full mommy makeovers and breast augmentations, Alpenaura offers personalized care that fits your goals and lifestyle. (Curious about real results? Check out their latest transformations on Instagram.)

This fall, they're offering special savings on booked surgeries. With quick consultation availability and flexible payment options, your path to feeling more like you again is easier than you think.

✨ Fall specials happening now
📆 Consults available within days
💖 Flexible payment plans

Take the first step toward the best version of you. Call (541)762-0262 to learn more about their fall offers.

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SNAPSHOTS

⛷️ Season Pass Prices Increase this Week

If the last few years are any indication, there’s a pretty good chance that there will be some snow up at Bachelor a month from now. While the lifts may not start spinning for another two months, now’s the time to save a few bucks on a season pass and/or grab a free pass for the kids. Prices on season passes go up by $100 after September 30th, or if you only want to head up to the mountain a few times, this is your last chance to get the extra 5th day on a four-day pass.

🚧 Road Construction Updates

Those of you who were looking forward to Olney reopening between Wall & 3rd this fall will have to wait a little longer. Due to some unforeseen soil conditions around the rail crossing, work on the street will now last into 2026.

In other road/bridge construction news, the Hawthorne Overcross design has a new look, as estimates for the old plan came in millions higher than expected. Work on this project is expected to take place in 2026/2027.

🧗 October’s Premium Subscriber Perk

Another month has flown by, and you know what that means: it’s perk time for premium members of the Bend Buzz! 🎉 This round, we’ve teamed up with Boardworks Climbing (more on them below) to hook Bend Buzz premium members up with a free month pass to their climbing gym.

Boardworks isn’t just climbing, it’s a 24/7 space to train, sweat, and recover. Think endless boulder problems on their app-powered walls, a full fitness area with weights and cardio, and even a sauna for that post-climb recharge.

Want in on this one? Sign up for a premium membership (it’s just $9/month), and we’ll send the details straight to your inbox tomorrow (Sept 30). Don’t sleep on this—your free month of climbing (and sauna-ing) is waiting.

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

✈️ Hangar 97 food cart pod coming to the south side of town: Looks like the south side didn’t want NE Bend to have all the fun, as another food cart pod + pickleball spot was just announced. Hangar 97 is set to open in 2026 with an airplane hangar–themed building right next to a brand-new pickleball facility. You’ll find it off Murphy and Silverado Springs Rd, next to the Bend RV Resort.

🍗 Bluma’s Chicken & Waffles closing: Crosscut Warming Hut will be looking for a new food cart tenant as soon as Bluma’s Chicken & Waffles has announced that they will be closing on Tuesday. If you’re craving one last helping of this southern favorite, you’d better hop on it!

☕️ Looney Bean has a new name: Folks were doing a double take this weekend when they saw that downtown coffee shop Looney Bean was sporting a new name. The spot is now known as Watershed Coffee Roasters, but other than a new name, nothing else is changing. Same owners, same tasty treats, and same cozy vibes.

@THEBENDBUZZ

📸 @tonks_thepup |📍 Deschutes River
Tag @thebendbuzz to get your photos featured!

TOGETHER WITH BOARDWORKS CLIMBING

New gym. New crew. New adventure. This could be your next thing. Come by for a free day pass at Boardworks - 24/7 climbing, full gym, sauna. Shoes + instruction included. Experienced and climbing-curious beginners encouraged.

Day pass hours: Thursday/Friday: 4 - 8 PM, Saturday: 12 - 3 PM. This is your opportunity - take it.

If you love it, we have affordable, no-contract membership and punch pass options, training groups, and outdoor climbing days. This could be your next thing.

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Monday 9.29

🍂 Fall Tinkergarten: Get the kids outside for a playful morning connecting with nature, movement, and seasonal learning. This program uses hands-on activities to build creativity, confidence, and a love of the outdoors. 11 AM Tumalo State Park

🧵 Adult Open Sew: Bring your latest sewing projects or start something new in a relaxed, creative environment. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned stitcher, this open studio gives you space, guidance, and inspiration to bring your ideas to life. 5:30 PM Two Suns Art Studio

🍺 The Simpsons Trivia: Test your knowledge of Springfield and its iconic residents in a lively trivia night. Compete solo or in teams while enjoying local brews and snacks in a fun, community-driven atmosphere. 6 PM Bevel Brewing

☕ Death Cafe: Share stories, reflections, and questions about mortality in a safe, welcoming environment over tea and snacks. These conversations encourage meaningful dialogue and thoughtful exploration of life’s inevitable mysteries. 6 PM Downtown Bend Library

Tuesday 9.30

🤸 Jump for Joy Toddler Time: Toddlers and caregivers can burn energy and build coordination in a fun, safe indoor environment. Expect music, movement games, and plenty of giggles for the little ones. 12:30 PM Mountain Air

🧠 Lunch & Learn: Maintaining Mental Health as We Age: Join this educational session on strategies to support cognitive and emotional wellness throughout adulthood. Experts will share practical tips while you enjoy a complimentary lunch and connect with community members. 12 PM Larkspur Community Center

🌱 Ryan Meadow Restoration & Planting: Get your hands dirty and help restore local habitat with a guided volunteer session. Learn about native plants and conservation efforts while making a tangible difference in the natural beauty of Bend. 1:30 PM Wanderlust Tours

🍺 What’s Brewing: Local Entrepreneurship: Connect with local business owners and learn about the secrets behind successful ventures in Bend. Network over brews, gain insight, and support the growing entrepreneurial community. 5 PM Deschutes Brewery

🧘‍♀️ Yoga in the Park: It’s the last day of September, and that means it’s time for the last Yoga in the Park of the season. The weather might be a little chillier than it was this weekend, but don’t let that spoil the fun! 5 PM Drake Park

⛷️ Salomon Ski Film: With ski season just around the corner, it’s time to start building the stoke for powder days on the mountain. Salomon is happy to oblige with the Quality Ski Time film tour at Tower Theatre. 7 PM Tower Theatre

💎 The Case for Missing Minerals: Discover how essential minerals impact your health and why so many of us may be running low. This engaging talk will explore ways to replenish your body naturally and support long-term wellness. 5:30 PM Hanai

🎨 Paint & Sip: Follow guided instruction to create your own artwork while sipping your favorite beverage. Perfect for beginners or seasoned painters, this relaxed session mixes creativity and social time. 6 PM Bridge 99

📚 History Pub: Public Lands: Dive into the story of America’s public lands with Jeff Kitchens in this engaging presentation. Learn about conservation, policy, and the history behind the landscapes we cherish today—all in a casual pub setting. 7 PM McMenamins

LIVE MUSIC

Monday 9.29

Bluegrass Collective | Silver Moon | 7 PM
Broken Compass Bluegrass | Tower Theatre | 7:30 PM | Tickets

Tuesday 9.30

The Groove | The Commonwealth Pub | 7 PM

WEEKEND PREVIEW

✨ Friday kicks off the Bend Fall Festival, bringing food, music, art, and autumn spirit to the streets. Start the day with book lovers at Meet the Authors at the library, then swing by the Ruffwear Warehouse Sale, enjoy fresh oysters at Viaggio Wine Merchant, or sip and savor at Fresh Hops on the Pond with Bend Brewing. Families can support a good cause at Comedy for Kids’ Sake at Tetherow, while art and science lovers will want to check out Fractal Fluency at the High Desert Museum. For laughs, Amanda Lynn Deal headlines at Craft Kitchen, rounding out a full day of culture, comedy, and community.

🍂 Saturday blends creativity, movement, and performance. Start your morning outdoors with Art in Nature: Caldera, a guided hike blending pottery and wilderness. Gear up for a good cause at Courts for a Cause at the Athletic Club, or trade costumes at the library’s Costume Swap & Share. Bike fans can head to Wanoga for Funner Fest, while culture seekers won’t want to miss Swan Lake at the Tower Theatre. In the evening, settle in at Hanai for the Master of Cheese documentary screening—pairing perfectly with Bend’s foodie scene.

🍻 Sunday wraps up the weekend with a balance of fun and giving back. Join Wanderlust Tours for the Cascade Lakes Clean Up to help protect the outdoors we love. Midday, belt your heart out at Okay Karaoke at Dogwood, then cheer on teams at the Storm Water Polo Cornhole Tournament at Silver Moon. Sunday is the perfect blend of party and purpose.

🎶 From Americana and bluegrass to punk and indie rock, it’s a packed weekend of sound. Catch Rusty Frets, Double Jump, and Mamas Boy at Fresh Hops on the Pond, or head to the Fall Festival downtown with sets from Skillethead, Bekkah McAlvage, Alicia Viani Trio, Stephanie Anne Johnson, The Polish Ambassador, and DJPK. Big throwbacks roll in with That 90s Band at Silver Moon and punk icons Circle Jerks at Volcanic. Whether you’re in the mood for soulful songwriters, late-night tavern grit, or all-day festival jams, Bend’s got the soundtrack covered.

THANKS!

Stay warm, and thank you again for reading!

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