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July 2025 | Highlights
More Than Headlines – It’s Zeit for Thought.
Bend Zeit
June 30, 2025
🌀Bend Zeit
“The spirit, stories, and service of Central Oregon – every week.”
🧭 The Essentials
YOUR BI-WEEKLY BEND EDIT
Welcome to Bend Zeit – You’re Officially Informed.
July in Bend means we’re cruising into peak summer mode — sun overhead, trails alive, and calendars filling fast. From balloon glows to beer fests, everything’s a little more vibrant, a little more electric. Whether you’re a local or just soaking up the season, this edition has the goods: top events, summer eats, and the kind of insider picks that keep your Bend experience dialed in. Let’s make July unforgettable.
🌀 This Week’s Zeitgeist
“Suns Out, Fun’s Unscheduled”
Welcome to peak July, where Bend becomes a choose-your-own-adventure novel — except every page ends with “...and then we hit the patio.” Your weather app says 88°, your friends say “let’s float,” and your to-do list says... “lol.” Productivity’s taking a back seat to impromptu concerts, last-minute BBQs, and the eternal hunt for the coldest IPA.
Sunscreen’s uneven, flip-flops are dusty, and you’re definitely running into someone you know at the farmer’s market. It’s summer in Bend — and chaos has never looked so fun!
We’re breaking down the Top 3 Signals that prove the warm-weather vibe is peaking. And because Bend keeps delivering, we’re rolling out a fresh trio of our Top 3 Categories — what’s trending, tasty, scenic, or just plain awesome right now: 🍽️ Restaurants • 🏡 Homes • 🚶 Walking Trails • 💼 Local Businesses • 🌲 Outdoor Picks • 🎟️ Upcoming Events - and whatever else is catching the local vibe.
Got a category you'd love to see featured? 👉Email us: [email protected] - we’d love to hear your suggestions!
Each week, we highlight one outstanding local business helping keep the BendZeit vibes flowing. This week’s featured sponsor:
🏔️ Prost! Bend - A little bit of Germany in Bend!
Nestled on Bend’s West Side on Century Dr, Prost! is an inviting neighborhood pub for a gathering, a post adventure bier or a pre-adventure warm up.
40 SW Century Dr. #140, Bend, Oregon 97702
📱 541-241-8180
🌐 Prost! Bend
Each bier, imported from Germany, is poured properly into its appropriate glass, fulfilling German tradition and guaranteeing great taste. Each bite of food is made with the best local ingredients, in the traditional German way. Each table is an open spot for communal seating to share with friends and to make new ones.
Come join us at the Pub!
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The Prost! Story | 📍 Visit Prost Bend 🕒 Hours 🍺 Swing by for German beers, patio vibes, and good company! |
🔥Top 3 Signals
🦅 1️⃣Fourth of July in Bend = All-Day Energy
From the Pet Parade to fireworks over Pilot Butte, July 4th in Bend is one of the biggest community days of the year. Dress loud, stay hydrated, and leave room for pie.
📍Downtown Bend & Pilot Butte
📎 bendparksandrec.org
🎶2️⃣Hayden Homes Amphitheater – Early July Hits
Live music season is in full swing! First half of July brings a stacked lineup:
• Iration & Pepper – July 3
• Primus & Coheed and Cambria – July 9
• Tenacious D – July 11
🎟️ bendconcerts.com
🎤 3️⃣Sunrise Summits & Trailhead Traffic
Hikers and campers are out early. Green Lakes, Tumalo, and Broken Top trailheads are filling by 7 a.m. If you’ve been waiting for “real summer” in the Cascades—it’s here.
📎 fs.usda.gov – Deschutes Trails
🥾 Top 3 Hiking Trails around Bend, OR
🥾 Green Lakes Trail Type: Iconic alpine hike with waterfalls, lava flows & glacier-fed lakes |  |
🌲 Tumalo Falls via North Folk Trail  Type: Moderate hike with dramatic waterfall views and shaded forest paths | ⛰️ Misery Ridge Trail (Smith Rock)  Type: Steep but rewarding climb with panoramic canyon and river views |
Red Chair Gallery - 103 NW Oregon Ave, Bend, OR 97703
💡 Bend Business Spotlight - Entrepreneurs of Bend
🌿 Bend Business Spotlight: Ancient Hands Healing - Tension meets its match.
Tucked quietly into Bend’s westside wellness scene, Ancient Hands Healing offers something rare: a space to slow down, soften, and actually exhale.
Specializing in intuitive bodywork—especially for those carrying stress, jaw tension, migraines, or that constant “on” feeling—practitioner-led sessions are rooted in Craniosacral Therapy, assisted Stretch Therapy, and nervous system support. Sessions are fully clothed, intentionally unhurried, and tailored to your body’s pace—not pressure.
If you’ve been craving calm, clarity, and just a little more space to be—this may be your sign to land, breathe, and begin again.
Meet Isata – Ancient Hands Healing
With nearly a decade of experience, Isata brings a grounded, intuitive approach to bodywork—focused especially on the head, neck, and nervous system. Her sessions are slow, intentional, and rooted in deep listening—not force.
When she’s not helping others unwind, you’ll find her out in nature, cooking something nourishing, or spending time with her animals. Oregon, she says, taught her to move slower and live more gently—and it shows in every session.
📞 Contact Isata directly:
✉️ Email: [email protected]
📱 Phone: 541-279-8421
📣 Tap below to choose Your Service:
🧭 Around the Bend - What’s Happening This WEEK
Bend in Full Swing
From fresh finds at the farmers market to fireworks over Pilot Butte, summer in Bend is a season of color, community, and celebration — and it’s all happening now. Whether you're grooving at Hayden Homes, strolling the Summer Festival, or just soaking it all in, this is what living local looks like.
🌽 Downtown Bend Farmers Market
📅 Wednesday, July 2, 2025 | 🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Brooks Alley – Downtown Bend
Shop for fresh local produce, meats, mushrooms, and ready-to-go eats from Central Oregon vendors. A staple for supporting local farmers and producers.
🔗 Bend Farmers Market Info
🦅 4th of July Pet Parade & Fireworks
📅 Friday, July 4 | ⏰ Day to evening
📍 Harmon Park → Drake Park → Fireworks at Pilot Butte (10:00 PM)
Show off your patriotic pup before the skies light up from Pilot Butte. This July 4th celebration is full of community pride, pooches, and pyrotechnics.
🔗 More on the Pet Parade & Fireworks
🛞 Pilot Butte Summit & Closure Alert
📅 July 1–5 (Prepping for fireworks event)
📍 Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint
The road and summit trails will be closed for safety during the 4th festivities—trailheads reopen on July 5 (afternoon). No vehicles allowed July 1–5.
🔗 Pilot Butte Closure Details
🎨 Downtown Bend Summer Festival
📅 July 11–13
📍 Downtown Bend (Oregon Ave & streets closed for foot traffic)
Celebrate arts, music, food, skate comps, wine tasting, and family fun at this free, three-day street fest.
🔗 Summer Festival Details
🎶 Early July Concerts at Hayden Homes Amphitheater
📅 July 3 & July 9 | 🕕 7:00 PM+
📍 Hayden Homes Amphitheater, Old Mill District
Catch summer acts including Iration & Pepper (July 3) and Primus with Coheed and Cambria (July 9)—big sounds in a riverfront venue.
🔗 Concert Lineup
🌙 Bend Moonlight Market
📅 Saturday, July 12 | 🕕 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
📍 Various Downtown Locations
A nighttime twist on the classic farmers market, blending vintage finds, art, food carts, live music, and more under the stars.
🔗 Moonlight Market Info
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📅 Also Happening this MONTH
🦆 QUACK ALERT Duck Race Kickoff Happened June 26th — and Now It’s On! 📅 July 1st, 2025📍 Deschutes Children's Foundation – Rosie Bareis CampusIt’s officially Duck Season in Bend! 🐥 The annual Great Rotary Duck Race kicks off with a splash. 🎙️ Meet this year’s beneficiaries, grab your posters and tickets, and watch the “elite athletes” (a.k.a. rubber ducks) start their training regimen in a splash pool built just for the cameras. 🎟️ Tickets go on sale TOMORROW – July 1 for just $5.00 each Let the countdown to quack-off begin! 🦆🔥 | 🎨 Downtown Bend Summer FestivalCulture in the Streets 📅 Friday, July 11 – Sunday, July 13, 2025📍 Downtown Bend (Oregon Ave & side streets)Bend’s beloved three-day street celebration returns with live music across multiple stages, a juried Fine Art Promenade, the Oregon Lifestyle Marketplace, and plenty of fun for the whole family. Expect over 80 artisans, local eats and drinks, tasty food truck zones, a Conscious Living Showcase, and a full Family Fun Street for younger attendees. 🌟 Bonus: Don’t miss the Bend Business Showcase, highlighting standout local companies and community innovators. |
🎬 Munch & Movies – Bend
📅 Fridays in July | 📍 Drake Park Amphitheater
Family-friendly movies under the stars, plus live music and local food trucks beforehand. Bring a blanket and settle in.
🔗 bendparksandrec.org
🎨 Sisters Quilt Show (SOQS)
📅 Saturday, July 12, 2025 | 📍 Downtown Sisters
Over 1,000 quilts line the streets in this internationally famous, one-day outdoor quilt show. A beloved tradition drawing visitors from across the country.
🔗 soqs.org
🍷 Sunriver Food & Wine Festival
📅 July 20–21, 2025 | 📍 The Village at Sunriver
A premier culinary event featuring wine tastings, chef demos, artisan pairings, and outdoor bites. Great for foodies and wine lovers alike.
🔗 sunriverfoodandwinefestival.com
🎈 Balloons Over Bend Festival
📅 July 25–27, 2025 | 📍 Riverbend Park & Launch Sites Across Bend
Sunrise launches, the Night Glow spectacle, and the Children's Festival make this one of Central Oregon’s most iconic summer events.
🎟️ Don’t forget your camera (and coffee) for the early mornings!
🔗 balloonsoverbend.com
🧶 Quilt & Fiber Arts Festival – Sisters
📅 July 27–28, 2025 | 📍 Sisters School District Lawn
A creative showcase of handcrafted quilts, wool works, and fiber artistry in the heart of Sisters.
🔗 soqs.org
🏡 The Market Minute: Bend, OR
Single Family Residential Snapshot (as of June 30, 2025): June brought a clear cooling trend across Bend’s single-family market, signaling a continued shift toward buyer-friendly conditions. Compared to May, nearly every major metric moved in favor of buyers:
📉 The median sales price dropped significantly from $837,000 to $737,500 (↓ 11.9%), representing the sharpest month-over-month decline in recent quarters.
⏱️ Median days on market increased from 18 to 21 days (↑ 16.7%), giving buyers more breathing room to shop and compare.
📦 Active inventory rose modestly to 959 homes (↑ 3.6%), contributing to more supply without overwhelming the market.
✅ Closed sales fell from 182 to 164 (↓ 9.9%), showing that while demand is steady, fewer homes are finalizing transactions.
🏷️ New listings dropped sharply from 391 to 290 (↓ 25.8%), indicating that sellers may be pausing or adjusting their expectations in light of shifting conditions.
💰 Total sales dollar volume dropped by 18.6% to $149.2 million — a combination of fewer sales and lower prices.
🔄 New pendings held steady (205 vs. 204), suggesting that buyer interest remains active despite broader slowdowns.
📊 Months of Inventory climbed from 5.1 to 5.8 (↑ 14.9%), approaching neutral market territory (generally considered around 6 months).
Overall, this points to a transition phase — the frenzied seller’s market of recent years is calming, and both buyers and sellers need to adjust accordingly.
🔻 Home prices dipped nearly 12% in June! With fewer new listings (-25.8%) and rising market time (21 days), Bend’s housing market is entering a more balanced phase. Active inventory remains steady while buyers gain leverage.
📉 Median Price: $737,500 | 🕒 Days on Market: 21 | 📦 Active Inventory: 959
📊 Data: Domus Analytics | Source: MLS
📈 Inventory rose and homes moved quickly in May, but prices started to soften slightly. New listings surged nearly 12%, giving buyers more options heading into summer.
🏠 Median Price: $837,000 | ⏱ Median DOM: 18 | 🔄 New Listings: 391
📊 Data: Domus Analytics | Source: MLS
🎯 Tip of the Week – June 2025: Buyer Advantage Deepens
June’s data sends a clear message: if you're a buyer, the leverage is shifting toward you. With fewer new listings entering the market and homes sitting longer, sellers are more likely to entertain negotiations, price reductions, or concessions (like closing costs or repairs).
However, this isn't a passive opportunity. The market remains competitive for well-located or turnkey properties. The “waiting game” may result in missed opportunities, especially if interest rates fluctuate upward or if summer demand rebounds in July.
The smart move? Approach with confidence and clarity, but also with a sense of timing — know your limits and strike when it makes sense.
🔍 Pro Tip: Act Strategically — Not Hastily
Yes, homes are taking longer to sell. Yes, prices dipped. But not all listings are equal — and the best ones (great location, move-in-ready, desirable layouts) are still drawing attention and going under contract quickly.
This is your moment to:
Get pre-approved, so you're ready to move when the right home appears.
Define your non-negotiables, so you’re not wasting time.
Ask the right questions — Is the seller motivated? Is the price aligned with current comps?
Negotiate with confidence, backed by real data and local insight.
Your real estate decisions don’t need to be rushed — but in a fluid market, waiting too long can mean missing the window entirely. Partnering with a local expert (👋 like BendButteProperty) can ensure you’re ahead of the curve.
Pro-Tip given by BendButteProperty and 📊 Data provided by Domus Analytics — a trusted source for real estate market insights.*
* Disclaimer: Market data may vary. Always consult your local real estate professional or MLS for the most accurate and current information.
Also Interesting: 🏞️THE ULTIMATE RELOCATION GUIDE TO BEND 🏞️
🟢6 (of 20): Your First Year in Bend: What to Know & What to Do 🟢
Moving to Bend is just the beginning. Your first year here can be filled with adventure, community, and discovery. This guide helps you make the most of your first 12 months in town…
💰 Lender Spotlight: Aaron Callahan – Hilltop Home Loans
When it comes to navigating Bend’s fast-paced housing market, having a trusted local lender isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. That’s why we’re spotlighting one of the most respected names in the business: 💰 Lender: Aaron Callahan with Hilltop Home Loans
🧑💼 Aaron CallahanBroker/Owner – Hilltop Home Loans |  |
🛠️ Builder Spotlight: LUMA Vista Investment, Inc.
Looking for high-quality new construction from a builder you can trust?
🏡 LUMA Vista Investment, Inc. has earned a reputation as one of Central Oregon’s most respected homebuilders — with over 700 homes completed across communities in Central Oregon, including Tetherow, Sisters, Redmond, and beyond.
Led by owner Tony, LUMA Vista blends craftsmanship with integrity. Based on our own experience, LUMA Vista not only delivers exceptional work, but he’s also someone you can count on — reliable, transparent, and committed to doing things the right way.
🏡 Brokerage Spotlight: BBP / Knipe Realty
Knipe Realty ERA Powered – Local Roots, Trusted Results
At Knipe Realty, leadership isn’t just about sales — it’s about service, innovation, and integrity.
With a deep commitment to community and a belief in doing business the right way, Knipe agents bring more than just market knowledge — they bring heart. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring your options, their team of local Bend experts is ready to guide you every step of the way.
From embracing cutting-edge tools to upholding timeless values like trust, diversity, and care, Knipe Realty ERA Powered is redefining what it means to move confidently in Central Oregon’s real estate market.
📞 Ready to make your next move? Tom Graup – Bend Butte Properties / Knipe Realty |  |
💬 Testimonials – Happy Customers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thomas Voigt
“When I visited Bend to explore buying options, Tom went above and beyond to show me around and explain the pros and cons of each neighborhood. He was incredibly helpful and professional. Highly recommend!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hovik M.
“Working with Tom Graup was an absolute pleasure. He is not only incredibly polite but also a true gentleman. I was thoroughly impressed by his deep knowledge of the Bend market. Tom took the time to explain the unique characteristics of various neighborhoods, providing us with valuable insights. He also showed us several homes, all of which we really liked. If you're looking for an outstanding agent with a thorough understanding of the Bend market, we highly recommend Tom!”
Bill Warburton – 85 Years Young, Coast to Coast on Two Wheels
When most people turn 85, they might slow down. Bill Warburton hit the gas — or rather, the pedals.
This Bend resident recently completed an awe-inspiring journey: biking across the entire United States, proving that adventure doesn’t come with an age limit. From scenic mountain passes to cross-country headwinds, Bill covered the miles with grit, gratitude, and the kind of endurance most of us only dream about.
He didn’t just ride for himself. Along the way, he sparked conversations about aging with purpose, challenged what’s “normal” at any age, and showed the nation what a life lived boldly can look like.
👏 Hats off, Bill. Your story reminds us that the road ahead is always wide open.
With over a decade of experience, AJ has become a cornerstone of leadership within the district. As he shared during a recent community presentation:
🏔️ Parks and Recreation 🚴♂️
Learn how Old Coast Pickleball turned two courts into a thriving community and use their playbook to launch or grow your own club. Plus, get a free PDF download of 10 essential tips for opening your pickleball club.
🎲Take a Break – "ZeitSpiel" 🎲
🎉 We Have a Winner!
Last month’s “Pants on the Fence” photo riddle stumped a few—but not Lee H., who correctly identified the location as Larkspur Trail, one of her regular bike routes.
Lee is an avid BendZeit reader, and with this win, she’s scored a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant of her choice.
Congrats, Lee—and keep those eyes peeled for the next community riddle! 👀📸
🦎 PHOTO CLUE – July
This one’s tricky… We’ve discovered a curious creature perched among the pines — complete with a painted backdrop and a flair for camouflage. Half art installation, half lizard hideout? You decide. Can you tell us exactly where in Bend this hidden box lives? 💡 Think you’ve got it? Reply with your answer for a chance to win a gift card to your favorite local restaurant and get featured in next edition’s Winner’s Circle! 🎉 📍 Zoom. Guess. Win. |  🌱 Hint: It’s another masterpiece—accessible by foot, forged from metal, and tucked just off the trail like it sprouted there on purpose. Keep your eyes open for a lizard that knows how to pose. |
What’s just around the corner in Bend & beyond
August in Central Oregon is when summer goes full throttle
Here’s and we’ve got the inside track on what’s heating up next:
🎡County Fair Vibes & End-of-Summer Festivals | 🎶 More Big Shows in Town |
🍽️ Top 3 Local Food Trucks – Because some of Bend’s best bites come with wheels
🧑⚕️ Entrepreneurs of Bend – Spotlight on somebody who is helping horses (and humans) feel their best 🐎✨
🌟 Hometown Hero – Featuring a local who’s quietly making a big difference in the lives of others
🌲 August Adventure Guide – The best hikes, floats, swims, and secret cool-down spots before summer slips away
🎥 Photo Riddle Returns – One strange detail. One secret location. One chance to win.
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🌀 Curated. Local. 100% Bend.
A Final Note
📝 Final Thought: May We Suggest… July, just let it flow…
July we suggest... leaning into spontaneity, letting plans unravel a little, and following the sunshine wherever it takes you.
With Bend in full summer mode, your schedule might be overflowing — but the real magic comes when you leave a little room for last-minute invites, extended happy hours, and unexpected detours.
Whether you're floating past the Old Mill, discovering a new trail, or chasing sunsets from your back deck — July isn’t asking you to do more. It’s asking you to enjoy it more. 🌅
And hey, if your adventures take you out toward Tetherow... keep your eyes open. You never know what kind of unexpected “trail art” might be waiting around the bend. 👀🦎
☀️ P.S. There’s a sneaky reference above — spot it?
Reply with your guess to earn a spot in our next Winner’s Circle and a chance to score a local restaurant gift card! 🍽️🎉
This Week’s Sponsor Corner
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Until next time, keep an eye on the Zeit.
Stay curious. Stay connected. Stay local.
Disclaimer:
All content featured in this publication is curated from publicly available sources, official announcements, and community resources. Bend Zeit does not claim ownership of any third-party material, and every effort has been made to ensure proper attribution where applicable. No copyright infringement is intended.