🔥Too close for comfort

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend! Our thoughts go out to everyone impacted by the Flat Fire. Here’s hoping they can get it under control quickly!

In today’s Bend Buzz:

• 🔥 Flat Fire brings smoke back into Bend

• 🚧 Franklin Ave is next on the construction list

• 🥡 Let us help you choose your next meal

Let’s get to it.

— Emily Randolph & Derek Carlson

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SNAPSHOTS

🚧 Franklin Ave Construction to Start Sept 2nd

Hopefully, this is the last road construction update/open house announcement for at least a week or so. 😮‍💨 The city announced that it will be kicking off a new project along Franklin Ave between 4th & 8th St, starting on September 2nd. Luckily, the closure will only impact one direction of travel at a time. The eastbound lane will be closed first, and once that side of the street is done, the closure will switch to the westbound lane.

If you’d like to learn more about the project, the city will be hosting an Information Booth from 4 - 6 PM today (Monday) at Juniper Park.

🔥 It’s Smoke Season Again

Well, it’s been a scary weekend for residents out around Sisters as the Flat Fire quickly grew to over 22,000 acres, threatening homes and blanketing Central Oregon in smoke. If you want to keep up to date on the fire and smoke conditions around the region, we highly recommend downloading the Watch Duty app!

🥡 Need Help Choosing What’s For Dinner?

A week or so ago, I asked you all to send me your favorite go-to meals in Bend. Maybe not the best meal you’ve ever had, but the one that you know will never let you down when you need to grab a bite on a random Wednesday evening. You all definitely delivered the goods with suggestions from over 50 restaurants!

I promised I had something special in the works with that data, and now here it is. If you put it to use and find a new, tasty meal in town, let me know!

Full disclosure: I’m not a coder or all that computer savvy, so this likely isn’t the prettiest solution you’ll ever see. But I think it’s kinda fun! If anyone has any suggestions on how to make it even better, let me know!

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

☕️ WildRoots moving into Shevlin Crossing: Not sure how I missed the news on this one, but one of our favorite under-the-radar coffee shops is expanding into a new location at Shevlin Crossing in NW Bend. WildRoots Coffeehouse will be opening its second location sometime next month off of Shevlin Park Rd, but until then, you can still get one of their downright tasty lattes at their NE location. I might just cross paths with you there.

💅 Anna Salon opens at Discovery West: Anna Salon, a luxury nail and hair salon, officially opened their doors for business last Wednesday with a grand opening (sorry for missing that one as well!). The new commercial center at Discovery West is really coming along, as now you can grab an ocean roll at Sparrow Mercado after getting a blowout and gel manicure.

@THEBENDBUZZ

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TOGETHER WITH BOARDWORKS CLIMBING

Boardworks: Bend’s 24/7 Climbing & Fitness Hub 🧗‍♂️

Boardworks isn’t your average 24-hour commercial gym. It's a 3rd space with a unique climbing-twist concept. It’s built for anyone looking to start or advance their journey in rock climbing (both inside and out), find community, and stay motivated with endless ways to challenge themselves.

What you’ll find here:

• Adjustable climbing walls (vertical → 55°)

• Thousands of problems lit up by your phone or our tablets

• 24/7 access + cardio, weights, and sauna

• Play your own music, set the vibe

• Active WhatsApp group for planning group training, outdoor climbing, or grabbing post-climb beverages

💸 Memberships start at $54/month
🎟️ First timers climb FREE during open hours: Thurs & Fri 4–8 PM, Sat 12–3 PM

P.S. Want to give climbing a shot but have no idea how to get started? Join me (I’m also a total beginner) at Boardworks on Thursday from 6:30 - 7:30 PM for a free evening of climbing and light refreshments (I’ll bring along some kombucha).

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Monday 8.25

🖼️ Your Art Here Premiere: Meet and mingle with local artists at the premiere of Your Art Here, a four-part mini documentary series created by Bec Ellis, highlighting artists of Central Oregon. 6:20 PM 520 SW Powerhouse Dr #624 (Old Mill above Lush)

🛼 Sunset to Summer Cheap Skate: Don’t miss your last chance to cruise under the summer sun before the season winds down. Grab some friends, lace up, and roll into the sunset with discounted rates! 4 PM The Pavilion

✨ Austin Powers Trivia: Yeah, baby! Test your mojo at Bevel’s Austin Powers–themed trivia night. Gather a groovy team, grab a pint, and see if you’ve got what it takes to win. 6 PM Bevel Craft Brewing

📚 Out of This World Book Club: Sci-fi fans unite! Join Roundabout Books for a lively discussion diving into far-off worlds and big ideas. A great way to connect with fellow readers and explore stories beyond the stars. 6 PM Roundabout Books

🧠 Trivia Night: Fuel up with craft brews and put your brainpower to the test. Teams compete for prizes in this fun, relaxed trivia night at Crux. 6 PM Crux Fermentation Project

🎬 Sorry, Baby: Catch a screening of Sorry, Baby, part of Tin Pan’s indie film programming. A chance to experience fresh storytelling in an intimate, art-house setting. 6 PM Tin Pan Theatre

😂 Beertown Comedy Open Mic: Sip a cold one and catch some local laughs at Silver Moon’s open mic comedy night. Whether you’re testing out a set or just in it for the chuckles, it’s always a fun, low-key evening.  6:30 PM Silver Moon

Tuesday 8.26

🧘 Do Yoga Outside: Breathe deep, stretch it out, and flow with the trees as your backdrop. This all-levels outdoor yoga class is a refreshing way to kick off the week. 5 PM Drake Park

📰 The Art of Journalism Storytelling: Curious about how stories shape our world? This workshop dives into the craft of journalism, exploring how reporting goes beyond headlines to uncover deeper truths.  6 PM Downtown Bend Library

🧘 Held & Heard: Restorative Yoga for Tweens & Teens: A calming, supportive session designed for younger yogis. This restorative practice helps kids build mindfulness, resilience, and confidence in a safe space. 7 PM Namaspa

🌿 Reclaim Your Range: Part workshop, part movement practice—this event helps you reconnect with your body, expand your range of motion, and restore balance. A perfect reset for midweek. 6 PM Hanai

🗣️ Let’s Talk About It (with KIDS Center): A thoughtful community conversation focused on child safety and well-being, led by the team at KIDS Center. 5:30 PM Downtown Bend Library

🍻 History Pub: Grab a pint and learn something new! This week, witness the impact of the Civilian Conservation Corps in Oregon, from building trails and parks to shaping the landscapes we still enjoy today. 7 PM McMenamins

☕ Cultivate Bend: Women in CPG Morning Meetup: Connect with other women in the consumer packaged goods space at this casual morning meetup. Share ideas, swap stories, and build community with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals.  9 AM The Haven Coworking

LIVE MUSIC

Monday 8.25

KC Flynn | Mountain Burger | 6 PM
Bluegrass Collective | Silver Moon | 7 PM

Tuesday 8.26

Blues Revival Night | Silver Moon | 6 PM
Jazz Folks | The Commonwealth Pub | 7 PM
Death Doula & Chiggi Momo | Silver Moon | 7 PM | Tickets

WEEKEND PREVIEW

🕺 Friday’s ready to boogie, Bend-style. Paint, stretch, repeat — the Women’s Watercolor + Yoga sesh at Tumalo State Park is basically summer camp for adults (but with less bug spray). Over in town, the Bend Comedy Festival pre-games with cocktails at San Simon before rolling into kid-friendly giggles with Angel Ocasio at the Downtown Library. Meanwhile, The Little Woody kicks off in Drake Park with comedy, live music, and the kind of beer and whiskey that pairs best with “one more round.” Skyliner Lodge is throwing a Rooftop Revival Party (translation: dance like nobody’s watching…except the chipmunks), while Worthy Brewing’s Boots & Brews makes sure your inner cowboy gets his yeehaw on.

🍻 Saturday’s an energy drink in event form. Start off zen but zesty with Outdoor Silent Disco Yoga at LOGE. Book lovers and puppy fans unite downtown for Finding Gobi, the true story of a stray pup who went the distance—try not to cry. Ponch’s Place keeps tails wagging at the Dog Days of Summer Market, while Mt. Bachelor’s Redline Rally serves up two-wheel chaos at high speed. At noon, you can either jazzercise your face off at the Volcanic or pump iron until your arms fall off at BRG’s Tower Pumpathon—choose your fighter. Then it’s off to the Little Woody Beer Run (yes, beer counts as hydration) before closing the day with The Gay Show at Volcanic Theatre Pub—guaranteed sass, sparkle, and side-splitting laughs.

🍷 Sunday hits Bend’s sweet spot. Sip coffee and browse the Glass Show at The Commons, and pretend you know what you’re looking at (“ah yes, this piece really speaks to me”). Worthy Farmers Market brings the veggies and vibes, while Maragas Winery hosts Afternoon Jazz in the Vineyard—aka wine glass clinking with a saxophone soundtrack. At the end of the day, Trivia at The Commons gives you the chance to show off those very specific 90s sitcom facts.

🎶 The soundtrack? Bonkers good. Friday drops the Goo Goo Dolls at Hayden Homes for a full nostalgia bomb, while Skyliner Lodge, Ponch’s Place, and Silver Moon scatter live music like confetti. Saturday’s got Japanese Breakfast headlining Hayden Homes, plus Model Citizens, Use’ta Do, and Travis Larson rocking their corners of town. And Sunday? Smooth Bill Keale, harmonizing Cider Janes, and Chicago taking over Hayden Homes — which means you’ll leave the weekend either jazzed, teary-eyed, or humming “Saturday in the Park” until Tuesday.

THANKS!

Stay cool, and thank you again for reading!

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