TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend! Welcome to my kids’ favorite weekend of the year (because they get to eat snacks at the living room coffee table on Super Bowl Sunday 😆). If anyone has any must-try snack recipes, feel free to send them my way!

In today’s Bend Buzz:

Let’s get to it.

— Derek Carlson & Emily Elaro 

A Shift in Bend’s Early-Year Momentum.

Maybe it’s the fact that rates are nearly a full percentage point lower than last year. Maybe it’s the unseasonably spring-like weather. Or maybe it’s just that early-year optimism that can sometimes fade by March. Whatever the reason, Bend is seeing a significant shift in activity.

At the start of 2025, Bend was on a pace where 36% of homes were projected to go unsold. Today, that number has dropped to 10%.

We are seeing a much better balance between sellers and buyers, but we aren't out of the woods yet. While the data is improved, buyer hesitation is still real. This isn't the time to ignore the "best practices" of selling—pricing, presentation, and strategy are more critical now than they were during the frenzy of years past.

If you are weighing a move, let’s get ahead of the curve. I’m happy to grab a coffee and give you a "Market Reality Check" for your specific neighborhood so you can plan with data rather than guesswork.

Featured Opportunity: See these best practices in action at 2113 SW 35th Place, Redmond.

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So I don’t have to tell you that this winter has been a rough one on the slopes. But did you know that our lack of snow has also meant a HUGE drop in customers for local businesses? I chat with a lot of business owners around town, and many have said that this is the worst winter they’ve endured in a long, long time. Since the ski tourists with fistfuls of cash aren’t hanging around (see historically accurate reenactment below)…

It’s up to us to show up and support our friends, neighbors, and businesses. And what better day to do it than today’s First Friday? As always, businesses at the Old Mill and downtown Bend will be opening their doors, handing out snacks, a beverage or two, and offering a chance to peruse their wares after hours. So swing by, commiserate over a glass of pinot, and pick up a shirt or piece of art if you’re able to. First Friday at the Old Mill takes place from 3 - 6 PM, and the downtown Bend festivities run from 5 - 8 PM.

We’ve been on the lookout for more info on LOGE’s closure, along with the side impacts to COG Wild, and The Source stepped up. They published an in-depth article on why LOGE closed (eviction for non-payment of rent) and the impact on COG Wild’s operations (they’re moving out but say there will be no impact to their tours). I’d recommend giving it a read to get the whole backstory and what may be in store for the property going forward.

🥪 Food carts shuffling in NE Bend: The food cart carousel never ends, and there are a few changes coming to the pods in NE Bend. Ballers & Brews will be looking for a new cart to join their lineup as Bread & Bunny’s last day will be this Sunday, February 8th.

And just down the road, Ponch’s Place has a new dining option as Tony’s Mexican Food has moved into the pod. They are open now and serving up all your Mexican favorites.

🪩 Dogwood at the Pineshed celebrates one year: Come party at Dogwood to celebrate their one-year anniversary. Their Disco Disco party kicks off on Saturday at 8 PM for a night of music and dancing. If that’s a little past your bedtime, you can also swing by all weekend long to enjoy $10 sandwiches from ‘Wich Doctor Sandwiches and drink specials at the bar.

📸 Heather D. |📍Pilot Butte
Tag @thebendbuzz to get your photos featured!

Living in the high desert is great for the soul — and tough on your skin. Between 300 days of sun and cold, dry winters, skincare products in Central Oregon need to work a little harder. That’s where Berlin Skin comes in to help.

Founded in 2016 by Bend native Monica Watson, Berlin Skin’s products offer a clean, botanical luxury experience designed to restore hydration and support the skin barrier — providing phenomenal results you can see and feel. The line is built with organic, healing ingredients and scented only with essential oils for a subtle, grounding aromatherapeutic experience.

Do their products look familiar? They've been featured in Vogue, Byrdie, Martha Stewart, Into the Gloss, and HGTV.

Get 20% off your first order at berlinskin.com with code BENDBUZZ.

🎹 Liza’s Lounge: Trade out your flannel and puffy jacket for some more sophisticated threads and enjoy an evening like you’re living in the big city at Liza’s Lounge. Friday & Saturday at 7 PM Greenhouse Cabaret

🪩 European Disco Party: Dance the night away to the biggest dance hits from across the pond. 7 PM Sons of Norway Hall

🛍️ RBK Women’s Consignment Event: Score gently loved clothing, gear, and accessories at great prices. 10 AM - 7 PM Seventh Mountain Resort (event runs all weekend)

💖 Family Valentine’s Dance: A sweet, high-energy evening for kids and their grown-ups. Expect music, movement, and plenty of smiles—ideal for families with babies and toddlers looking to celebrate an early Valentine’s Day together. 6 PM The Little Gym

🏔️ Mountain Film on Tour: Adventure, activism, and jaw-dropping visuals on the big screen. This annual fundraiser showcases powerful short films centered on outdoor culture, environmental storytelling, and life lived boldly in wild places. 6:30 PM Tower Theatre

🎭 La Bon Burlesque: Bridgerton Ball: Corsets, drama, and Regency-era decadence—served with a burlesque twist. Dress to impress and step into a sultry, theatrical night inspired by Bridgerton. 7 PM Open Space Event Studios

🎤 Next Stop Comedy: A rotating lineup of touring comedians hops off the road for one night only. 7:30 PM Bridge 99 Brewery

💕 Bingo and Single Mingle: Meet that special someone over a round of get-to-know-you bingo and other icebreaker games. 6 PM Manzanita Wine Bar

🐶 K9 Keg Pull: Head down to Sunriver to take in their premier winter event (winter optional this year) with the K9 keg pull. There’s still time to register your pup to take part in the festivities. 11 AM Village at Sunriver

🐱 Cats on Mats: Work on your feline-like flexibility with a morning of yoga and stretching with the kitties at Playful Paws Cat Cafe. 9:30 AM Playful Paws Cat Cafe

🎹 Piano Flow Live: There may not be a whole lot of snow left at Meissner, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying an evening of piano flow from pianist Paula Dreyer. 5:30 & 7:30 PM Meissner Sno-Park

🗝 Southern Oregon Flea Market: Head to the fairgrounds to uncover some new-to-you treasure at the Southern Oregon Flea Market. 9 AM Deschutes County Fairgrounds

🏈 Halftime Cram Time: Want to get your Spanish ready for the Bad Bunny halftime show? Join Jennifer from Gringo Language Academy at Los Andes for some empanadas and a chance to practice your language skills. 1:30 PM Los Andes

🐝 Beginner’s Beekeeping Course: Curious about keeping bees? This intro course covers the basics—from hive setup to seasonal care—perfect for aspiring beekeepers or anyone fascinated by pollinators and backyard sustainability. 8:30 AM Embark

🧠 Intuition, Awareness, & You: Join Kristen Sowalsky, PhD, for a one-hour class designed to help you lead a more vibrant, authentic life by exploring ways of listening to your intuition and why awareness matters. 11 AM Foundation Health & Fitness

❤️ Love & Local Makers Market: Handmade goods, thoughtful gifts, and serious Valentine’s inspiration. Stroll through a curated lineup of local makers in a beautiful setting and knock out your gifting early. 10 AM Juniper Preserve

🛍️ Love Local Market: A laid-back midday market pairing local vendors with craft beer. Come browse, sip, and support Bend creatives without the evening rush. 12 PM Bevel Craft Brewing

🌲 Hunt & Gather w/ New Friends Bend: A social walk designed to help you meet new people while exploring nature. Think low-key adventure, thoughtful conversation, and a refreshing way to connect outdoors. 1 PM Shevlin Park

🥂 Galentine’s Sip & Shop: Grab your besties for an afternoon of wine, shopping, and unapologetic Galentine’s energy. 2 PM The Winery at Manzanita Bend

🌙 Valentine’s Moonlight Market: The Bend Moonlight Market is back for a Valentine’s edition. Come for the gifts and stay for the tattoos and fancy cocktails. 4 PM Volcanic Theatre Pub

🎶 Eleanore Ryan: Headliner Eleanore Ryan brings sharp wit, fearless honesty, and hilariously relatable stories to the stage for one unforgettable night of stand-up. 7 PM Crave Bend

🍺 Purpose and a Pint: Drink beer, do good. This community-driven event pairs pints with purpose, spotlighting a local cause while giving folks a reason to gather, learn, and support something meaningful. 7 PM UPP Liquids

🎉 Not’cho Grandma’s Bingo: Football not your style, or just need a little pick-me-up before the big game? Join in on the fun at Not’cho Grandma’s Bingo at Silver Moon. 9:30 AM Silver Moon

🌿 Botany & Birds: Hosted by Queer as Flock, this guided walk through Dry Canyon invites you to slow down, look closer, and connect with both nature and community. Learn to identify local plants and spot seasonal bird species while enjoying an inclusive, welcoming space for curious minds and casual birders alike. 10 AM Dry Canyon Trail

🏈 Super Bowl Sunday, sorted: Whether you’re in it for the football, the food, or the chaos of commercials, Bend’s got a watch party for every vibe. Lock in a Ticket to the Game at Currents at the Riverhouse (3 PM) for a more polished game-day experience, or go big with a full-on Super Bowl Party at Volcanic Theatre Pub (1 PM). The BORN Super Bowl Fiesta brings the heat at UPP Liquids (3:30 PM), while McMenamins leans into pun-loving fun with Superb Owl Game Day(3:30 PM). Hungry? The Hideaway’s all-you-can-eat Super Bowl Party kicks off at 1 PM, and 10 Barrel West is also rolling out its own Super Bowl celebration for those who prefer their touchdowns with a cold beer in hand. Slide into The BIG Game at River’s Place (3 PM) for a classic, no-frills hang, or find that classic pub vibe at the Commonwealth Pub’s Super Bowl Party(3:30 PM). No matter where you land, expect big screens, loud cheers, and plenty of reasons to stay for the fourth quarter.

Dive Bar Theology | Bend Brewing | 5 PM
Maria Jackson Band | Silver Moon | 6 PM | Tickets
Nerve Damage, Gathering, Damage Overdose & SPINA | Silver Moon | 6:30 PM | Tickets
Free Creatures | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets
Franchot Tone Trio | Riverhouse Lodge | 7 PM
Cover Story | McMenamin’s | 7 PM | Tickets
Particle Kid | Volcanic Theater Pub | 8 PM | Tickets
Up All Night | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM

Coyote Rider | Stoller Wine Bar | 5 PM
Lane Norberg | Portello Lounge | 6:30 PM
A Grateful Night | High Desert Music Hall | 7 PM
The Gold Souls & Funk Around and Find Out | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets
That 90’s Band - Unplugged | McMenamin’s | 7 PM | Tickets
Thomas T & the Bluechips | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM

Aslin | Currents at the Riverhouse | 11 AM

Stay warm, and thank you again for reading!

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