🚗 Where do we park now?

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend! Is this week the last gasp of locals’ summer? If so, it’s been a great one so far this month!

In today’s Bend Buzz:

• 🚧 Roundabout construction road closures

• 🚦 Traffic light cameras coming to Bend

• 🛫 Avelo Airlines leaving sooner than expected

Let’s get to it.

— Emily Randolph & Derek Carlson

SPONSORED BY RYAN WALKER STATE FARM

The Fall Equinox is Here 🍂 

September 22 marks the official start of fall. It is the day when daylight and night are perfectly balanced.

It is a reminder that life works best when it is in balance, too.

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SNAPSHOTS

📸 Traffic Light Cameras Coming to Bend

If you’re a driver who frequents the below intersections and sees a changing yellow light as an excuse to gun it through the intersection, you may want to rethink things starting early next year. The city has approved moving forward with the installation of red light and speed cameras at the following intersections:

• SE Reed Market Road and SE 3rd Street westbound

• NE 27th Street and NE Neff Road southbound and westbound

• SE Powers Road and S Hwy 97 (Business 97) northbound

They have a number of other intersections in mind as well, but those will have to wait as they are ODOT-controlled intersections and require further negotiations.

🚧 More Road Closures to Share

It feels like it’s been a busy summer for road closures around town, and we’re ending construction season with a doozy. Starting today, the intersection of Wells Acres and Butler Market will be closed for an entire year ( 😭 ) for the construction of a new roundabout. The slight silver lining is that the eastbound lane of Butler Market will remain open for the duration of the project. Westbound Butler Market drivers will need to detour using Brinson Blvd and Boyd Acres.

🚗 Parking Changes Possibly Coming to Bend’s Busier Neighborhoods

The City of Bend presented a proposal that would bring sweeping changes to who, and for how long, folks can park in some of Bend’s busier districts. The areas slated for the proposed new parking rules include around Galveston, the Box Factory, the OSU district, and Old East Bend. No changes would be made until next year, as the proposed rules still need to be finalized, followed by a public comment period and final approval by the city.

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

🥟 Changes coming to Dump City Dumplings: The Dump City Dumplings restaurant off of Galveston is undergoing renovations and will be reopening as The Roundabout Pub (perhaps the most aptly named spot in town). Worried about losing your favorite dumpling spot? Fear not, as Dump City Dumplings will still be served in the new space. A sign on the door said they would be reopening later this week on the 26th.

🛫 Avelo Airlines leaving earlier than expected: Avelo Airlines is ending its service between Redmond and Burbank six weeks earlier than expected. They had originally announced that service would be ending on December 1st, but now that date has been moved up to October 20th. If you had travel booked between these dates, Avelo stated they will be reaching out to those travelers. If you’re looking to rebook, Alaska Airlines will be picking up that route starting on October 26th.

@THEBENDBUZZ

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TOGETHER WITH THE AVENUE

Clear the Clutter, Find Your Space

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Already gathering items to donate? The Avenue’s Donation Resource Guide ensures your stuff goes where it’s needed most, making a difference in someone else’s life while making yours a little lighter.

📞 Call 541-205-9129 or visit theavenue.us to learn how less can mean more.

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Monday 9.22

​​👶 Preschool Storytime: A cozy morning event for little ones featuring stories, songs, and activities that spark imagination. Parents and caregivers are welcome to join the fun and connect with other families. 9:30 AM Downtown Bend Library

🌀 The Secret Self Speaks Playshop: Step into a creative journey of self-discovery using imaginative prompts to explore memories, dreams, and desires. You’ll craft handmade books with secret compartments to hold your stories—no writing or bookmaking experience needed.  4 PM Downtown Bend Library

📚 Out of This World Book Club: Sci-fi fans unite! Join fellow readers for a lively discussion of interstellar adventures, speculative worlds, and big ideas. A welcoming space for anyone who loves escaping into other universes through books. 6 PM Roundabout Books

🌅 Sunset Sanctuary: Unwind as the sun sets with a blend of sauna, community, and mindfulness. This restorative session is designed to help you reset, connect with your body, and soak in the magic of a Bend evening. 6 PM Gather Sauna House at Hanai

🧠 Trivia Night: Grab a pint and gather your smartest friends for an evening of brain-teasing fun. From pop culture to random facts, Bridge 99’s trivia night promises laughs, friendly competition, and maybe even bragging rights. 6:30 PM Bridge 99 Brewery

📖 Alchemized Midnight Release Party: Celebrate the release of Alchemized at this magical midnight gathering. Expect readings, themed activities, and the excitement of being among the first to grab a copy as the clock strikes twelve. 12 AM Dudley’s Bookshop Café

Tuesday 9.23

📖 Family Story Hour: A warm, welcoming morning of stories and activities for kids and families. Gather in community and let storytelling spark creativity and connection for little listeners. 10 AM Big Story Bend

🤸 Lunch & Learn: The Art of Falling Safely: Falling happens—but it doesn’t have to mean injury. Learn techniques to protect your body and build confidence with everyday movement in this hands-on lunchtime workshop. 12 PM Larkspur Community Center

😊 Happy for No Reason Workshop: Shift your perspective and discover practices to cultivate joy from the inside out. This uplifting workshop blends science, mindfulness, and inspiration to help you tap into everyday happiness. 5 PM Downtown Bend Library

🛡️ The Secret to Better Boundaries: Learn practical tools to set and maintain healthy boundaries in relationships, work, and daily life. A thoughtful workshop for anyone seeking more balance, clarity, and confidence in relationships. 6 PM Downtown Bend Library

🎤 Open Mic Night: Local musicians, poets, and performers take the stage for one of Bend’s most beloved open mics. Whether you’re performing or just soaking in the creative energy, it’s a night that always feels like community.  6 PM The Commons Café

🧠 Tip of the Tongue Trivia: Head to Beach Hut Deli for their new(ish…it started a couple weeks ago) Tuesday night trivia with Tip of the Tongue Trivia. 6 PM Beach Hut Deli

🔮 Coven Workshop Series: Conjuring Your Inner Witch: Step into a supportive circle to explore modern witchcraft, ritual, and empowerment. This workshop blends practical tools with soulful practices to help you tap into your intuition and personal magic. 6:30 PM Hanai

📖 Nervous System Workbook Club: Take a guided journey into nervous system regulation with this supportive workbook club. Together, you’ll explore tools for resilience, self-awareness, and stress relief in a safe, welcoming space. A great way to deepen your practice while connecting with others on a similar path. 6:30 PM The People’s Apothecary

LIVE MUSIC

Monday 9.22

Bluegrass Collective | Silver Moon | 7 PM

Tuesday 9.23

Michelle Van Handel | The Commonwealth Pub | 7 PM
Joshua Redman Quartet | Tower Theatre | 7:30 PM | Tickets

WEEKEND PREVIEW

🍂Friday kicks off with the Sisters Folk Festival, filling three days with roots and Americana music. In Sunriver, raise a stein at Oktoberfest, or check out Bend’s garden-themed Growtoberfest. Families can visit Schilling’s Garden Market for the start of The Patch with a View, while The Pavilion hosts a lively Roller Party under the lights. For laughs, head to Silver Moon for the quirky Crazy Happy Silly Funny Nerdy Show.

🍻Saturday starts outdoors with the Ring of Fire MTB Race, a Grounding Retreat at Smith Rock, or the family-friendly Nature Kids: Frog, Toad & Abode. Teens can join Babysitter Training at Camp Fire, while fall fun takes over Bend with Oktoberfests at The Grove, McMenamins, Boneyard, Midtown Yacht Club, and more. Don’t miss Fresh Hops & Pop-Up Shops at River’s Place or Storytime Tea at The People’s Apothecary. Evening brings comedy at Craft Kitchen, the bold HUMP! Film Festival, and Campfire Hotel’s 5-Year Anniversary Party.

🌞Sunday wraps up the weekend with the Heroes on the Run 5K & 10K at Riverbend Park, then taste the heat at On Tap’s First Annual Chili Bowl. For something new, try Intro to Geocaching at the Downtown Library, or go low-key with Beats & Bites Brunch at Currents, complete with live music and river views.

🎶 The soundtrack is stacked: Friday brings Ben Baker at Ponch’s, Robot Mushroom at Currents, and harf. at Silver Moon. Saturday features Piña Colada at Midtown Yacht Club, So Much Closer at The Grove, and JuJu Eyeball at The Commonwealth. Sunday closes with Coyote Rider at Currents, Caveman Dave at River’s Place, and a big finale from Sugarhill Gang at Tower Theatre and Garaj Mahal at The Domino Room.

THANKS!

Stay cool, and thank you again for reading!

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