Looking for the most scenic place to get coffee in town? Look no further, The Commons operates in the historic Rademacher House on Drake Park, over-looking Mirror Pond, and just out of the hustle of main street.  They are situated in the perfect spot for a coffee or beer with friends or family. 
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"We proudly offer locally roasted coffee from Thump Coffee, teas from Metolius Tea, 15 taps of delicious beer, cider, and kombucha, and a selection of wines by the glass.  Our food selection includes fresh local baked goods and small snacks, and often partner with local food carts for our events in Mirror Pond Plaza."

​Summer has flown by, we are excited for fall in Bend, with September right around the corner, it seems like May was yesterday.  The smoke is still lingering in the air and is expected to stick around, so check the weather and fire outlook, before you tackle your weekend adventures. 

With the Delta variant of Covid-19 on the rise the cancelation of several events around town, like our very own Oktoberfest, we are sure you are looking for something fun things to do instead before summer comes to an end!​ We found a few super fun activities you can do around Downtown Bend!

                                                     Bend Scavenger Hunts
The Bend Hunt creates custom scavenger hunts around Bend and nearby towns. During a Hunt, participants will solve clues by searching for hidden details in the surrounding area. Each Hunt is guaranteed to be thrilling, entertaining, and challenging. The Bend Hunt will work with you to create the perfect experience!
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What should I expect in a scavenger hunt? You will work as a team to solve a set of thrilling and challenging clues. The clues will tell you a location to travel to and what to look for when you get there. All questions will be on your phone. Here is an example of a clue.

                                           Bend Ghost Tours
Best-selling Ghost Mystery Author Now Offering Haunted Tours of Bend

“We want to introduce people to another side of Bend -- the hidden side of this city.”
Bend Ghost Tours was created by Jools Sinclair and fellow best-selling mystery author Meg Muldoon.
The two have combined their unique storytelling gifts and research skills to create a
bone-chilling 1.5-hour outdoor walking tour through Bend’s downtown streets and alleyways.
“Truthfully, I didn’t use to believe that Bend was haunted,” Muldoon, who was a reporter in Bend
for several years before becoming an author, said. “But after listening to so many stories of
paranormal encounters from Bend business owners, locals, and visitors, I’m now convinced that
this town is full of ghosts.”
Historical locations like the Pine Tavern, the O’Kane Building, and McMenamins Old St. Francis
School figure prominently in the tour, along with their resident spirits. . For more information and to book a
tour, visit www.bendghosttours.com

                                                                               Cycle Pub
​The original Cycle Pub that started it all in Bend! With stylish good looks, and a true pub-like feel, the Cycle Pub is a great way to tour Bend and experience world-class craft beer up close and personal. Bend, Oregon is known for cycling and world-class microbreweries. Cycle Pub gives you an opportunity to enjoy these two passions, and create an experience you and your fellow riders will never forget. It’s a nontraditional bike, where you sit and pedal in a non-traditional way, and enjoy an amazing tour of town along the way. Our best description, it’s a rolling pub on wheels, that you pedal!

Sure, Bend is a fantastic Craft Beer town, but there is so much more to see and do. Over the years, we’ve had countless groups experience Bend in a whole new way… scenic tours, art tours, scavenger hunts, morning exercise excursions, shopping tours and even photography tours. Bring us your ideas, and some friends willing to burn a few calories, and we’ll see to it that you have a great time now matter how you choose to spend it!
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And if all else fails you can always grab your dog enjoy a nice walk around Drake park, and head over to a nice warm patio and grab a cold pint, from one of the 100+ taps that are located in Downtown Bend!

​Reserve your Ad Space on a Downtown Directory! 
Ad spaces are available for every type of business, and we offer extremely competitive advertising rates!  You don't have to be a business in the Downtown District to place an ad.  Contact us or click here for more information.  This is a great opportunity to showcase your business to thousands of people every single day!

​The Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA) often issues surveys to local businesses downtown to better determine the impact of events on their businesses. The BendFilm Festival is perennially ranked as the most beneficial annual event to downtown restaurants, boutiques, hotels, and other shops. 

The large annual draw of both tourists and locals to the downtown area during BendFilm increases the visibility and number of people experiencing Downtown Bend. As more people experience the beauty and small town, neighborly feeling of Downtown Bend, the more they will choose to return and increase downtown’s vitality.

Since Bend is a relatively small town in the center of Oregon, BendFilm brings the outside world to our doorstep through its programming and the guests that attend the festival. Strong cultural programs like the festival have made this town an even better place for the many young people now being raised in this town. Additionally, Bend Film supports diversity and inclusion in their content and event programming, and that helps the DBBA with their mission to intentionally create a downtown that is for everyone.

I hope you will give Business for Bend Film strong consideration so that we can all continue to benefit from the organization's continued success. You can find more information below from Rene at Bend Film. Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Located in downtown Bend, Oregon, A Better Alteration is “THE” premier alterations boutique. For over 20 years, A Better Alteration has excelled in its modern approach to tailoring. (While always keeping an eye for what is on-trend.)
From hems, and tapers to formal wear, and suiting, at A Better Alteration no job is too small.
Every day is a fashion show and the world is your runway!” — Coco Chanel

Can’t come to us? ABA offers a traveling tailor service where the action comes to you. Reserve an appointment at your location and a seamstress will arrive at your door. Raise your expectations! We offer every client a personalized experience where YOUR garment is the center of the show.
Own a business? A Better Alteration has accounts with more than a dozen local businesses. From dry cleaners and hotels to the City of Bend, ABA works hard to partner with others for our greater success. We have a solid reputation for providing consistent, quality tailoring. We have been doing great work for over 20 years.
Come and see what makes A Better Alteration “THE” premier alterations shop in Central Oregon!

Happy Thursday Bend! We have been fortunate enough to enjoy a bit of a break from the scorching temps, however we can't really enjoy that break, due to the smoke in the air. It looks like the smoke should clear up this weekend and will be followed by temperatures in the mid 80's next week, and we are stoked about it. 

After careful consideration, the Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA) staff and board have decided to cancel Bend Oktoberfest, scheduled for Sept 2021.  
 
This decision was an extremely difficult one to make.
 
Bend Oktoberfest is the largest fundraiser for Downtown Bend, and not being able to hold this event will result in a reduction in beautification programs for Downtown Bend, including flower baskets and holiday decorations in the 2021/2022 fiscal year. 
 
However, the most important thing to consider is the health and safety of our community, our hospital staff, and our children who will soon be returning to their classrooms.  
 
If you're passionate about the vitality of Downtown Bend and would like to donate to our non-profit, please click here 

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.  We look forward to co-creating with you in the future to increase the vitality of our community. 
 
Stay healthy and stay kind, we'll all get through this.

​Oktoberfest might have been canceled for another year, but there are still lots of cool things you can do around town!

           Have you been down to the Bend farmers market this season yet? From quaint beginnings atop Drake Park to a thriving, bustling market in nearby Brooks Alley, the Bend Farmers Market has been “growing” and feeding Central Oregon for over 20 years!

Our market runs Wednesdays, rain or shine, smoke or hail, from 2pm to 6pm in Downtown Bend. The 2021 season starts on May 5 and will run through October 13.

The mission of the Bend Farmers Market is to create and sustain a centralized market that provides fresh local produce and farm products to the Central Oregon community, providing a viable market for local farmers, and enhancing the business, nutritional, and community health of Central Oregon. 

We pride ourselves are on our diverse selection and commitment to local agriculture. We are excited to be into our second decade of supporting local food. ​

​Like basketball and cornhole? 

           Introducing Bend's 1st annual, Deschoops 3x3 basketball and cornhole tournament in. All ages and all skill levels compete on September 4-5, 2021 in downtown Bend. Play for fun or to win cash and prizes. Register at bend3x3.com. There are still 2 days left to register! 

​This week we headed over To Worthy Brewings Beers & Burgers. With a plethora of amazing Worthy Brewing beers on tap, there's something for everyone's taste. We enjoyed them on their patio out front on the Brooks Alley Promenade, we even saw some friends pass by as we enjoyed the sunshine. As we were leaving we grabbed a salad and a couple of wraps to-go for dinner that night.

Summer has really flown by this year, with September right around the corner, it seems like May was just yesterday. With the smoke in the air and the on going heatwave, outside isn't feeling the most friendly. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and get the AC in your car fixed!

​You know we are approaching the end of summer, because it's already the last Munch & Music of the year this evening. Kicking off at 5:30pm in Drake park, and wrapping up right around (pm, there is plenty of time to get one more night of fun in! For the final event, Precious Byrd, a true locals favorite will be performing to close the 2021 series out. You can find all the information and even a map of the event space on the Munch & Music website here.

We enjoyed a brief hiatus from the mask mandates and risk level guidelines, however starting Friday August 13th Oregon will be going back to requiring masks indoors. This came after Oregon right a record high of 2,392 cases in a single day since the virus started 18 months ago. The delta variant is sweeping through the unvaccinated population and even affecting some who are vaccinated. With no timeline given, it looks like masks inside will be sticking around for a bit. For more information and state guidelines visit the State of Oregon's website here. 

                                                                              FootZone Fall Training is Back!​
​2021 FootZone is excited to announce a full slate of Fall training groups including the half marathon, 10k and 5k distances. Our Half Marathon Training Group is a 12 week program starting 8/14/21, coached by Gene Yasuda. Our 8 week 10K group is led by Jayne Rodosevich commencing on September 18th and IntroRUN 5K (8 wk) Training Group begins on 10/9/21, coached by Michelle Poirot. All groups welcome a variety of paces and levels of experience.

Registration and details online: https://www.footzonebend.com/training-groups
Questions? Email Col at col@footzonebend.com or call 541-317-3568.

      SCALEHOUSE GALLERY NEW EXHIBITION
Be Nice White ... You’re in Bend: Local Artists of Color Challenge the Narrative that Central Oregon has "No Diversity".

On view; August 6, 2021 - September 25, 2021 August 6, 2021 (Bend, Oregon) – Scalehouse Gallery, is pleased to announce their new exhibition, Be Nice White... You’re in Bend: Local Artists of Color Challenge the Narrative that Central Oregon has "No Diversity". This exhibition will open Friday August 6th, and will be on view through Saturday, September 25th. Scalehouse is located in Franklin Crossing on Tin Pan Alley Side. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 1pm-6pm and by appointment.

Welcome ToPa 3D to Downtown!
​ToPa 3D - a reality capture, virtual design and construction, and data visualization company leveraging the latest in 3D capture systems and workflows.
​With an emphasis on Architecture, Engineering, and Construction projects, Historic Preservation, and Geospatial Mapping applications, ToPa 3D provides infrastructure 3D as-built documentation, virtual tours, analysis, visualization, and design support using 3D laser scanners, drones, and other camera equipment. By selecting among the most innovative, systems-thinking professionals in the industry, the ToPa 3D team creates a clear visual, 3D lens for project stakeholders to accelerate their project goals through our high-precision, rapid and cost-effective deliverables.
Let us show you how 3D reality capture technology can help you understand complex problems and develop effective solutions -

​This week we walked over to White Water Tap House for a drink, with 30 beers on tap, it was hard to pick what we wanted to start with. We recommend "Joy" a juicy pale ale from Block 15 brewing, based out of Corvallis OR. They open at 3 pm and serve cold drinks till 9pm. 

Welcome to August! The smoke from the recent fires that have invaded our skies and has been keeping us indoors all week, should be clearing up just in time for the weekend. We would like to say a special thank you to all wildland firefighters that have been fighting these historically high number of wildfires Oregon has seen this season. The Delta variant of Covid-19 is on the rise, remember to wash your hands, wear a mask indoors, and get vaccinated. 

                               First Friday Artwalk, August 6th

Join us Downtown tomorrow (August 6th) for our monthly First Friday Artwalk. Check out amazing art houses, such as Scalehouse Gallery, they will be featuring a new exhibition, that challenges the diversity stigma that exists around Central Oregon, you can read more about it here. Peterson Contemporary Art will also be featuring its new Summer Exhibition through the entire month of August. You can always swing by Layor Art Supply to pick up the supplies you need to become a featured artist at one of many participating businesses. 

                                                                                             Parking Update
​If you haven't noticed yet, last month the city of Bend re-evaluated the parking regulations in Downtown Bend. As of July 1st, 2-hour free parking is only available in curbside parking spots along the street in Zone A. Zone B which includes both mirror pond lots is now pay per hour. Although paying for parking can be a nuisance, the fees are going towards improving the quality of Downtown Bend! For exact rules and more information head over to the city's website here.

With all the smoke in the air we were unable to enjoy all the wonderful patios Downtown has to offer. So keep it low this week, like basement low, we headed over to Porter Brewing's new location, The Cellar, which is located in the basement under Silverado on Oregon Ave. With a great selection of real cask ales, it's a nice change up from the standard IPA. The beers are paired nicely with a choice of Scottish style pies, from macaroni, to meat, you can even get warm brewery pretzels! 

​                         Oktoberfest
We are bringing back Oktoberfest! Things will be looking a little different this year and a lot more fun! To purchase your passport and find out more information check out our website here.


If you are interested in participating as a sponsor, or event host, or maybe you have a couple of fun ideas up your sleeve let us know. Feel free to reach out to hayden@downtownbend.org

SCALEHOUSE GALLERY NEW EXHIBITION
Be Nice White ... You’re in Bend: Local Artists of Color Challenge the Narrative that Central Oregon has "No Diversity".

On view; August 6, 2021 - September 25, 2021 August 6, 2021 (Bend, Oregon) – Scalehouse Gallery, is pleased to announce their new exhibition, Be Nice White... You’re in Bend: Local Artists of Color Challenge the Narrative that Central Oregon has "No Diversity". This exhibition will open Friday August 6th, and will be on view through Saturday, September 25th. Scalehouse is located in Franklin Crossing on Tin Pan Alley Side. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 1pm-6pm and by appointment.

“Be Nice White ... You’re in Bend” is produced by local BIPOC artists and aims to highlight the lived experience of BIPOC in the community and challenge the idea that Central Oregon is an area with “no diversity”. The art and space seeks to increase BIPOC visibility, promote reflection and connection; and see the region through a different lens by inviting visitors to share their ideas and confront their preconceptions as they experience and interact with the exhibit.

On opening night, the community is invited for an interactive exhibition where BIPOC visitors are invited to participate in the creation of one of the central pieces of art for the exhibit, Line In The Sand. Ten containers of different colored sand will be placed around an empty glass frame. Each of the colors of sand represents a challenging experience that BIPOC in our community might face, from microaggressions to violence or systemic oppression. BIPOC visitors are invited to take a scoop of the sand that represents their experience and place it in the frame. As the layers accumulate, a picture will form of the various lived experiences of BIPOC in our community. This installation will serve as a visual snapshot, documenting the collective experiences we have lived through as people of color here in Central Oregon.

EXHIBITION FEATURED ARTISTS: Media Artists: Bear P., Taemi I., Nutasha D., Amanda P., Michael Lee Poets: A.C. Reyes, Vanessa R., Tita Jess, Brave Crow Writing Contributors: Bear P., Megan K., Kelsey Freeman, Taemi I., Clara S., Jocelyn O., Aisha A., Kenny Adams, Mallory Duncan, Eduardo Romero, Wesley Heredia

ABOUT COBIPOC: In a community dominated by white voices despite thousands of BIPOC residents, COBIPOC brings together a diverse group of BIPOC people who seek strength in collective justice and mutual support. COBIPOC through its zine, Complex(ion), engages in art and writing as a meeting point, both within diverse BIPOC groups, and as a connector between BIPOC and white communities, leaders, and institutions. Complex(ion) is a forum for BIPOC writers, artists, journalists, and community members to reclaim our beliefs, our lyrics, our pain, our bodies, our land, and our political fight.

ABOUT SCALEHOUSE: Scalehouse is a multidisciplinary contemporary arts center convening diverse thinkers for in-depth discussions, artistic collaborations, exhibitions and events, including Bend Design Week and Scalehouse Gallery. Scalehouse believes our shared future presents complex challenges and opportunities, not just benefiting from creativity but requiring it. We are committed to programming that’s accessible, provocative, extraordinary and inclusive — always with an eye toward a better future. Learn more at scalehouse.org

LOCATION: New Scalehouse Gallery located in Franklin Crossing on Tin Pan Alley Side 550 NW Franklin Avenue, Suite 138 

BEND, OR – July 30th,

2021 FootZone is excited to announce a full slate of Fall training groups including the half marathon, 10k and 5k distances. Our Half Marathon Training Group is a 12 week program starting 8/14/21, coached by Gene Yasuda. Our 8 week 10K group is led by Jayne Rodosevich commencing on September 18th and IntroRUN 5K (8 wk) Training Group begins on 10/9/21, coached by Michelle Poirot. All groups welcome a variety of paces and levels of experience.

Folks new to running will feel welcome in our IntroRUN 5K group, geared toward beginners. Participants in all training groups receive: race distance specific training plan, bi-weekly meet-ups, dedicated coach/mentors, training group hat, discount for specified race, individualized instruction in a group format, and expert clinics on topics such as running form, nutrition, hydration, injury prevention, gear, and more. Perhaps most importantly, participants garner the support and accountability of training with other aspiring runners. All sessions meet Saturdays at 8am and Wednesdays at 6pm at FootZone unless otherwise specified.

Registration and details online: https://www.footzonebend.com/training-groups
Questions? Email Col at col@footzonebend.com or call 541-317-3568.

About FootZone: FootZone is Central Oregon’s only locally owned and independent running and walking store. Since 1995, FootZone has been the hub of the local running community, hosting clinics, training groups, weekly runs, and a number of charitable events each year, in addition to sponsoring local races. FootZone is a full service running and walking store in downtown Bend.