🏆️ Who was named the Best of Bend?

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bend! Well, for the 2nd year in a row, we didn’t win the best newsletter in Bend award. If anyone reading works at The Source, make sure to include that as a category next year.

In today’s Bend Buzz:

• 🏆️ Best of Bend winners announced

• 🖼️ Art in the High Desert comes to Riverbend Park

• 🛩️ Airshow of the Cascades lands in Madras

Let’s get to it.

— Emily Randolph & Derek Carlson

SPONSORED BY AUSTIN BUSKOHL REAL ESTATE

August Push and Rate Improvement

Earlier this month, mortgage rates dipped into the mid-6% range. It wasn’t a seismic shift, but it was enough to stir momentum in the market.

Across Central Oregon, we’re seeing signs of renewed buyer activity. In Bend, even price points that had been quieter, like $700K to $999K, are now seeing more homes go under contract.

Redmond, Sisters, and Prineville are showing similar patterns. This isn’t about a rush or frenzy. It’s a measured, seasonal response that’s picking up strength.

If you’ve got a home on the market, this is your cue. Prep and pricing matter more than ever. And if you're buying right now, you’re not the only one stepping in.

🧭 Just watching for now? That’s okay too. But if you have questions, I’m always happy to talk through what I’m seeing. No pressure, just perspective.

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SNAPSHOTS

🏆️ The Source Reveals the 2025 Best in Bend Winners

On Wednesday, the Source revealed the winners of the Best of Central Oregon for 2025. Congrats to all the winners, and I look forward to seeing those shiny new stickers in windows across town.

🖼️ Art in the High Desert Takes Over Riverbend Park

One of the High Desert’s most popular art shows is back for another season at Riverbend Park with Art in the High Desert. This juried show attracts 100+ artists and thousands of art fans over its three days. The show kicks off on Friday from 5 - 8 PM and then continues Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM and 10 AM - 4 PM, respectively.

Want to see which artists will be on hand? You can find the full list here.

🛩️ Airshow of the Cascades Lands in Madras

If all things planes are more your style, then I’d recommend taking the drive north to Madras for the Airshow of the Cascades. This ticketed event includes an airshow, vintage planes, the Les Schwab car show, live music, and plenty more. Don’t want to make the drive back and forth? They have on-site camping options available as well (although I’m not sure if it’s too late in the game to grab those spots now).

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

🍮 Chia Pudding Comes to the NWX Farmers Market: Local chia pudding biz Chia Club is growing! Previously, you could only find these locally made, healthy chia pudding cups at The Pantry. However, this weekend, you’ll also be able to stop by their booth at the NWX Farmers Market! So swing by, say hi, and bring home some ch-ch-chia!

🍖 Waywest Popup at The Grove: Want to get a taste of what’s to come with the new collab between Bend Brewing Co. and Sisters Meat & Smokehouse? Now’s your chance with the Waywest pop-up at The Grove. The evening will feature drinks and smokehouse-inspired food, line dancing with Swingline, and country music from DJ Freely. Yeehaw! Friday 4 PM - Late Waypoint @ The Grove

🎲 Modern Games turns 10: Modern Games is celebrating their 10th anniversary all weekend long at the shop in the Box Factory. Join in on the fun with a Magic: The Gathering chaos draft on Friday (free!) and a Warhammer tournament on Saturday.

🐈️ Playful Paws Cat Cafe turns 2: But really, that’s like 14 in cat years. Come celebrate with Playful Paws Cat Cafe as they kick off their 2nd year in business in style. There will be kitties up for adoption, $5 cat room visits, music, food, vendors, and plenty more. Saturday 10 AM - 1 PM

@THEBENDBUZZ

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TOGETHER WITH MOT PHOTOGRAPHY

📸 Family Photos Without the Stress – Make This Fall Unforgettable

🍁 Autumn in Bend is stunning, and your family photos can be too! Sessions are full of adventure and unforgettable moments, with zero stress for parents. I keep kids laughing, exploring, and actually having fun, while you get to relax and soak in the memories. Enjoy golden leaves and mountain sunsets that will take your breath away while we capture bold, vibrant photos as real as your family bond. 

Book by September 15th and receive 10% off your session 

Learn more: motphotography.com/bend-family-photographer

Follow @motphotography for updates

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Friday 8.22

🚵 Gravity Series – Rattlesnake Trail: The mountain biking action heats up on one of Bachelor’s toughest downhill courses. Riders will push their limits on steep descents and rocky terrain — a can’t-miss for adrenaline junkies. 5 PM Mt. Bachelor

🥃 Bend Burn & Barrel: Calling all cigar and spirit lovers! Bend Burn & Barrel is lighting up Friday night with a first-of-its-kind tasting experience in town. Expect premium cigars, top-shelf spirits, delicious bites, live music, and plenty of good vibes. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just curious about the craft, this event is all about elegance, community, and savoring the finer things—Bend-style. 5 PM Tetherow

🎬 Movies in the Park: Classic summer vibes: pack a picnic, bring the family, and stretch out under the stars for an outdoor film. The perfect way to wind down a Friday night. 6 PM Al Moody Park

👢 Boots & Brews Country Dance Night: Lace up those dancing boots! A lively evening of country music, line dancing, and craft beers awaits. Whether you’re a seasoned two-stepper or just learning, it’s all about fun and movement. 6 PM Worthy Brewing

😂 Bend Secret Show – Jackie Kashian: A rare treat for Bend: Jackie Kashian, a nationally touring comic known for her sharp wit and hilarious storytelling, takes the stage in an intimate setting. Grab tickets early — these secret shows tend to sell out. 8 PM Craft Kitchen

Saturday 8.23

🦉 High Desert Rendezvous: It’s that time again for the High Desert Museum’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the 36th annual Rendezvous. There will be dinner, drinks, raffles, and a live auction. 5 PM High Desert Museum

🏉 Bend Rugby Cascade Classic: Rugby takes over Pine Nursery with teams competing in a full day of matches. Expect hard hits, fast-paced action, and a lively crowd cheering from the sidelines. 9 AM Pine Nursery Park

🎨 OAC Art Supply & Furniture Drive: Clear out your garage for a good cause! Donate unused art supplies or gently used furniture to support Bend’s newest creative hub. A simple way to give back. 10 AM Open Arts Center

🍺 Pursuit of Hoppiness Beer Fest: Over a dozen breweries come together at Bevel for this annual celebration of hops. Expect experimental IPAs, local food trucks, lawn games, and live music all afternoon. 12 PM Bevel Craft Brewing

👩‍💼 Kids Entrepreneur Market: Support Bend’s youngest innovators at this pop-up market featuring kid-run businesses. From handmade crafts to baked goods and clever creations, it’s a showcase of youthful creativity. 1 PM Downtown Bend Library

🚗 Moonlight Cruise Night: A retro evening with classic cars, cocktails, and live music. Perfect for vintage lovers and anyone who appreciates a good summer night with plenty of chrome and shine. 4 PM Dogwood at The Pine Shed

🐶 Dogs & Lagers: Dogs and Lagers is back again at Crux. Bring your pup, taste some lagers (there's gonna be a special collab with UPP Liquids), and help support Street Dog Hero. 11 AM - 4 PM Crux

🏃 Oregon Cascades 100: One of the most grueling ultra-marathons in the Northwest. Cheer on endurance athletes as they tackle 100 miles through rugged Cascades terrain — an awe-inspiring feat of grit and perseverance. All Day Sisters to Bend

🚶‍♀️Ladies Hike to Steelhead Falls: Come sweat it out with a new group of lady friends on a group hike to Steelhead Falls. Cliff jumping at the falls is optional. 9 AM Steelhead Falls

🫖 Aspiring Wise Old Woman Collective: Bend moms unite! Get ready for the arrival of fall with an evening of journaling, intention setting, good discussion, and, of course, snacks. 4 PM Address provided after signup

Sunday 8.24

💃 Get Up and Groove: Put on those dancing shoes and head down to The Pantry for a free morning dance party. 10 AM The Pantry

🌞 LaBuBu Fest: This one-of-a-kind fest is all about customizing your very own Labubu monsters. Browse vendors with authentic Labubu’s for sale, plus gems, tattoos, accessories, and more to make your creature as unique as you are. Stick around for raffles, prizes, and a playful, creative community vibe. 12 PM Nature’s Bling

⛸️ Sunset to Summer Family Skate: Say goodbye to summer at The Pavilion! With games, music, and activities for all ages, this skate session is the perfect way to make one more family memory before summer’s gone. 2 PM The Pavilion

🍷 Intro to Wine Tasting: Learn how to taste like a pro in this guided workshop. Explore different glassware, aromas, and techniques that will forever change how you sip. Great for wine lovers of all levels. 3 PM Willamette Valley Vineyards

💃 Tea Dance: A late-afternoon outdoor dance party set to upbeat DJ sets, food truck eats, and a welcoming community vibe. Perfect for those who want to keep Sunday light and fun. 4 PM The Podski

🕺 Lindy Hop Social Dance & Lesson: Lindy Hop is back in Bend with Trevor and Hannah! Start with a lesson designed to boost your connection, confidence, and swing skills, then jump into the social dance floor to practice patterns and all the joyful moves that make this vintage dance style so much fun. 6 PM The Space

LIVE MUSIC

Friday 8.22

Mt. Joy | Hayden Homes | 6 PM | Tickets
The Riverstones | Bend Cider Co | 6 PM
Paul Eddy | Ponch’s Place | 6 PM
North By North, A Brave New World, Not Your Ex Lover, & Helga | Midtown Ballroom | 7 PM | Tickets
The Roland Roberts Band | Wildwood Bar & Grill | 7 PM 
The Critical Blues Band | Silver Moon Brewing | 8 PM | Tickets
Daring Greatly | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM

Saturday 8.23

Dan Martin | The Grove | 6 PM
Machado Mijiga Trio | River’s Place | 6 PM
Acoustic Minds | Portello Wine and Spirits | 7 PM
Midnight45 | Wildwood Bar & Grill | 7 PM
Yellowman | Volcanic Theatre Pub | 8 PM | Tickets
Matt Rife | Hayden Homes | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Soul’d Out | The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM

Sunday 8.24

Eric Leadbetter | Deschutes Brewery | 4 PM
Almost | River’s Place | 6 PM
Dizzy Wright | Silver Moon Brewing | 6:30 PM | Tickets
Eel Sallad Band | Velvet Lounge | 8 PM

THANKS!

Stay cool, and thank you again for reading!

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