🎿 See you on the slopes

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend! I assume I’ll be seeing every single one of you up at Bachelor this weekend. Enjoy the snow!

In today’s Bend Buzz:

• 🎸 Homegrown Music Fest lineup

• 🛫 New concessions coming to the airport…eventually

• 📆 Your weekend event lineup

Let’s get to it.

— Derek Carlson & Emily Elaro 

SPONSORED BY AUSTIN BUSKOHL REAL ESTATE

The end of "after the holidays"

The "after the New Year" tasks have arrived. While many sellers wait for the "spring rush," the most strategic ones are noticing that serious buyers are already active (and yes, we are already seeing multiple offers).

Waiting until the market is flooded with inventory in April means more competition for you and more choices for buyers. If you’re curious about making a move in 2026, the goal isn't just to list—it’s to be the only choice in your neighborhood before the noise starts.

When you work with me, your home is exclusively advertised to all 16,000 subscribers of the Bend Buzz before it even hits the open market. That’s not just a listing; it’s a massive head start.

Let's grab a coffee. No pressure, just a quick "2026 Strategy Audit" to see if now, or later, is actually the right time for your goals.

Check Out This Featured Opportunity: See why properties like 69305 Hawksflight Drive in Sisters are capturing early 2026 interest. View these links for full details and professional video tour.

_{Interested in featuring your business in our next ad spot? ⬆️ Fill out THIS FORM!}

SNAPSHOTS

🎶 Homegrown Music Fest Announces Phase 1 Lineup

Bend’s local music festival, the Homegrown Music Fest, announced its phase 1 lineup on Wednesday, as well as a chance to grab discounted tickets before the full lineup drops. For those not in the know, the Homegrown Music Fest aims to highlight the amazing musicians from right here in Central Oregon. This year’s edition will be taking place across six stages at the Century Center (think Goodlife Brewing, Volcanic Theatre & Commonwealth Pub). You can grab your tickets here.

🛫 Airport Concessions Open House

If you own a local business and want to be part of the expanded airport in Redmond, then here’s your chance. The airport is hosting a concessions open house where food, beverage, retail, and vending companies can learn about how they can bid to be part of concessions at RDM.

⛷️ Hoodoo Opens for the (hopefully) Season

Another Central Oregon ski resort has finally opened the slopes as Hoodoo saw skiers and snowboarders hit their first laps yesterday. I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer, but hopefully they have a solid base, as, at least at this moment, the forecast isn’t looking quite as wintery for next week 😬 

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

🦀 Sebastian’s Seafood celebrates its 4th anniversary: NWX seafood spot, Sebastian’s Seafood, is celebrating four years in business all weekend long. Stop by to enjoy some huge deals on poke bowls, dungeness crab, wild salmon, and more!

🎀 Oregon Adaptive Sports opens new room at Mt Bachelor: Help celebrate the opening of Sunrise Lodge’s new OAS Room with a community ribbon cutting—come check out the space and kick off the morning with good vibes. Friday at 9 AM

@THEBENDBUZZ

📸 @bendoregonwithali |📍Bend
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TOGETHER WITH MT. BACHELOR

Bring your group of 20 or more to Mt. Bachelor this winter and discover why Central Oregon's backyard mountain is perfect for group getaways. We coordinate everything from arrival to après so you can focus on what matters: time with your people. Groups receive exclusive benefits including discounted lift tickets, rentals, lessons, and Nordic skiing or snowshoeing.

Non-skiers are always welcome to take advantage of the Nordic Center and mountain dining while experiencing our winter wonderland. Choose from flexible dining options ranging from casual slope-side lunches to elevated alpine meals, plus dedicated sales support and streamlined logistics.

Is your winter schedule already full? Spring is perfect for groups, too. Enjoy warmer temperatures, sunny days, and incredible conditions during our famously long season. 

Contact our Group Sales team today at [email protected]

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Friday 1.9

🧪 Lunch & Learn with Adventure Scientists: Grab lunch slopeside and learn how everyday adventurers help power real-world scientific research through data collection in wild places. 12 PM Mt. Bachelor

🌈 Dyke Night: A loud, proud, and joyfully queer night out. Expect great music, strong drinks, and even stronger community vibes. 7 PM Dogwood Lounge

😂 Next Stop Comedy: A fast-paced stand-up showcase featuring comedians passing through Bend—perfect for a laugh-filled night with a pint in hand.  7:30 PM Bridge 99

🏂️ Raided Snow Co Winter Celebration: Come celebrate an evening of all things winter at Fat Tony’s Pizza with live music, ski/board waxing, local vendors, and, of course, tasty food. 6 PM Fat Tony’s Pizza

✏️ Urban Sketchers Meetup: Keep your creative juices flowing in the new year with the second Urban Sketchers meetup of the week. This time it’s taking place at the High Desert Museum. 12 PM High Desert Museum

🖼️ Gelli Plate Printing Demo Night: Learn all about the fun of gelli plate printing with this hands-on class. 5:30 PM Freak’N Art

🎷 Jazz at the Oxford: Jazz at the Oxford is back for 2026, and this go around, they’re featuring multi-platinum artist Gino Vinnelli. There are also shows on Saturday at 5 & 8 PM. 6 PM Oxford Hotel

Saturday 1.10

✍️ Bend Moms Get S#!T Done Party!: Bring your laptop, piles of bills, whatever you've been avoiding, and get it done with a fun group of moms. 9 AM Bend Library

🕺 Get Up & Groove: A daytime dance party designed to wake you up and shake you loose—bring your energy and your best moves! 10 AM The Grove

💪 Creating a CommuniTEA of Fitness: Sip, stretch, and socialize. This feel-good morning event blends light movement, conversation, and tea into a welcoming space focused on connection, wellness, and building sustainable fitness habits. 10 AM Gym X

🎶 Music Education Workshop: Can’t make the Jazz at the Oxford concert? Here’s your chance to learn (and maybe even jam) with the pros at their free music education workshop. 11 AM The Oxford Hotel

🪓 Intro to Wood Carving: Is the world getting to be a little too much, and you’re dreaming of spending your days on a rocking chair whittling spoons out of sticks? Here’s your chance to learn the ins and outs of wood carving. 11 AM Hardenbrook Hardwoods

🧠 Board Game Design Night: Ever thought, “I could make a better board game”? This is your chance. Bring your ideas, test prototypes, or just geek out with fellow creatives while playtesting new games in a collaborative, low-pressure setting. 5 PM Modern Games

🥷 Parents Night Out: Ditch the kids and enjoy a meal out while they enjoy an evening of ninja gym fun. 5:30 PM Free Spirit Yoga

🎹 Piano Concert in the Meissner Lodge: Bundle up for a truly magical winter experience. Ski or snowshoe a candlelit 1-kilometer loop while wearing wireless headphones to hear pianist and composer Paula Dreyer perform her original Piano Flow Live set. 5 PM Meissner Nordic Ski Area

🎤 David Bowie Life Celebration Bash: Put on your red shoes and dance! This glam-packed tribute celebrates the life, music, and fearless creativity of David Bowie with live performances, themed drinks, and plenty of Ziggy Stardust energy. 6 PM The Commonwealth Pub

🎲 Bunco Blitz: Fast-paced dice, loud laughs, and good beer for a good cause. This classic social game night is perfect whether you’re a Bunco pro or a first-timer—expect prizes, friendly competition, and plenty of community vibes. 6 PM Bevel Craft Brewing

🤣 Comedy Chaos: Unpredictable, high-energy, and slightly unhinged—in the best way. Comedians battle it out in this competition-style comedy night where quick wit and crowd reactions decide who reigns supreme. 7:30 PM Abe Capanna’s East Side

🔮 Vision Board Making: Make those visions come to life by creating your own vision board to guide you through 2026. Hosted by No Plans Social group. 4 PM Wildwood

Sunday 1.11

❄️ Sunday Refresh: Start your Sunday slopeside with movement, mountain air, and mimosas. Ski, soak in the vibes, and reset before the week ahead. 10 AM Base of Cloudchaser

⛷️ Learn to XC Ski: The weather didn’t exactly cooperate for last week’s learn to XC ski program, so they’re back to take another stab at it. Strap on those skinny skis and learn the ins and outs (for free!) of cross-country skiing. 1 PM Meissner

🔮 Messages for the Year Ahead: A reflective and intuitive gathering designed to help you tune in and gain clarity for the year ahead. Come curious, leave grounded—with insight, intention, and maybe a little magic. 3 PM The People’s Apothecary

🧘‍♀️ Yoga for Hips: If your hips are feeling tight from skiing, sitting, or simply existing, this class is for you. Expect slow, intentional movement, deep stretches, and plenty of feel-good release to set you up for the week ahead. 4 PM Bend Yoga Center

🍷 Winter Chef’s Pairing Experience: A cozy, elevated dining experience featuring a multi-course seasonal menu expertly paired with Willamette Valley wines. Ideal for a date night, celebration, or treating yourself just because. 5 PM Willamette Valley Vineyards

🎤 Adam Ray: WHO IS ME Tour: Cap off your weekend with big laughs from one of comedy’s sharpest voices. Adam Ray brings fast-paced stand-up, crowd work, and serious energy—this one’s a solid Sunday night send. 8 PM Midtown Ballroom

UPCOMING EVENTS

📓 2026 Planning Workshop: Calling all local entrepreneurs and innovators! Level up your business in 2026 with a three-day workshop that will help you step out of the daily fog, dismantle your business like an engineer, and rebuild it as a scalable, efficient system. Led by local entrepreneur Thomas Lebens, this immersive experience will help set your business up for success as we enter the new year. January 20 - 22 Location announced after signup*

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LIVE MUSIC

Friday 1.9

Gino Vannelli | The Oxford Hotel | 6 PM | Tickets
Will Kinky | Portello Lounge | 6:30 PM
Amelia Day, Verb8im & Moonbea | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets
Sonic Benders | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM
Dave LiaBraaten | Currents | 7 PM

Saturday 1.10

Coyote Rider | Stoller Wine Bar | 5 PM
Gino Vannelli | The Oxford Hotel | 5 & 8 PM | Tickets
Aladinsane | The Commonwealth Pub | 6 PM
Hayley Lynn | Portello Lounge | 6:30 PM
Verndon | Campfire Hotel | 7 PM
Megan Alder & Aaron Moore | River’s Place | 6 PM
The Smoke Drifters | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets
The Riverstones | McMenamins | 7 PM | Tickets

Sunday 1.11

Talamh Dubh | The Commonwealth Pub | 4 PM
Son of Wolf | River’s Place | 5 PM

THANKS!

Stay warm, and thank you again for reading!

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