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- June 2025 | Highlights
June 2025 | Highlights
More Than Headlines – It’s Zeit for Thought.
Bend Zeit
June 01, 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.
June has arrived — and with it, that unmistakable Bend feeling: longer days, warm breezes, and a calendar packed with possibility. From river floats to rooftop views, farmers markets to music festivals, this edition is your guide to all things local, lively, and so very Bend. Whether you're seeking your next trail, a new favorite brew, or just a reason to explore, you’ll find it here — all in one curated pulse.
🌀 This Week’s Zeitgeist
“June Jitters: Bend’s Annual Dance Between Chill & Chaos”
There’s a restless buzz in the air — Bend’s annual dance between chill and chaos is officially underway.
One minute you're sipping coffee in peace, the next you’re juggling back-to-back events, patio invites, and a group text convincing you that sunrise yoga followed by a cold plunge is “actually restorative.”
Locals call it balance. Visitors call it magic. We just call it June.
So lace up, show up, and say yes more than you normally would. It’s the season of serendipity — and it won’t wait for your Google Calendar.
With locals chasing sunshine, RSVP-ing to everything, and turning every casual outing into an all-day affair, we break down the Top 3 Signals that Bend is in full swing — and ready for what's next. And because Bend never runs out of things worth raving about, we spotlight our rotating Top 3 Categories - a curated trio of what’s trending, tasty, scenic, or just plain awesome this month: 🍽️ Restaurants • 🏡 Homes • 🚶 Walking Trails • 💼 Local Businesses • 📸 Photo Moments • 🌲 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:
🏔️ Bend Butte Properties / Stellar Realty NW
Where lifestyle meets location. Whether you're new to Bend, looking for your next adventure base, or ready to sell with strategy — they’re your go-to team for real estate done right.
Meet the guy who knows Bend from the ground up — and the mountain tops down.
Tom Graup, your local expert with the view (and the moves) to match. 🏔️🙌
Tom Graup
Bend Butte Properties / Stellar Northwest
📱 (541) 640-0229
📧 [email protected]
🌐 Bend Butte Properties
🏡 Residential Snapshot (May 2025 – Bend, OR)
Compared to April, Bend’s housing market in May showed a cooling trend for sellers and fresh opportunity for buyers:
📉 Median sales price dropped from $842,000 to $757,000 (⬇ 10.1%)
⏱️ Median days on market increased from 19 to 24 days (⬆ 26.3%)
📦 Active inventory rose from 769 to 1,206 homes (⬆ 56.8%)
📊 New listings climbed from 350 to 453 (⬆ 29.4%)
📉 Total sales dollar volume declined by $7.5M (⬇ 3.7%) despite more sales
💼 Closed sales actually rose from 183 to 210 (⬆ 14.8%)
👉 What this means: Buyers are gaining leverage. With more homes on the market, slower sales pace, and price adjustments, there’s room to negotiate — but demand is still active.
🎯 Tip of the Week – June 2025: Time to Strike Smartly
🔍 Pro Tip: Don’t wait too long. The market may shift again once summer buying picks up. With more inventory and less frenzy, it’s a window for serious buyers to act thoughtfully — but decisively.
Pro-Tip given by BendButteProperty/StellarNW 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.
Top 3 Signals
🌊 1. River Floats Are Back in Flow
While the official Park & Float station and Ride the River shuttle service are set to commence on June 14, locals are already embracing the Deschutes River. Pre-season floating began on May 24, with tube rentals available at Riverbend Park. Early June offers a quieter experience before the peak crowds arrive later in the month.
LET’S STEP INSIDE →
🥕 2. Farmers Markets in Full Swing
Bend's farmers markets are bustling with fresh produce and local goods: Bend Farmers Market: Every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Brooks Alley in Downtown Bend, running from May 7 through October 8.
LET’S STEP INSIDE →
NorthWest Crossing Saturday Farmers Market: Held Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting June 1 through September 28, offering a variety of local vendors and live music.
LET’S STEP INSIDE →
🎶 3. Live Music Season Kicks Off
Hayden Homes Amphitheater: Hosting a lineup of artists including James Taylor, Sting, and Khruangbin throughout June.
LET’S STEP INSIDE →
4 Peaks Music Festival: Scheduled for June 19–22 at the Tower Theatre, featuring a diverse range of performances.
LET’S STEP INSIDE →
🏨 Top 3 Featured Hotels in Bend, Oregon
🛏️ Oxford Hotel
Bend’s Oxford Hotel earned #9 in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards for Best of the Best Hotels in the U.S.🏆✨ It combines mountain views with eco-friendly amenities and local products, immersing guests in their surroundings. Enjoy nearby attractions, plus convenient parking. The hotel is dog-friendly and provides four-diamond hospitality. Dining options highlight local flavors, ensuring a memorable experience. Congratulations Oxford Hotel!
Type: Upscale Boutique Hotel with Eco-Friendly Focus
Location: 10 NW Minnesota Ave, Bend, OR 97703
Website: theoxfordhotelbend.com
Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Source: Tripadvisor – 2025 Travelers’ Choice "Best of the Best" Hotels in the U.S.
🚵 LOGE Bend  Type: Adventure-Inspired Stay for Outdoor Enthusiasts | 🔥 Campfire Hotel  Type: Retro Boutique Motor Lodge with Pool & Live Music |
🪑Red Chair Gallery – Bend’s Award-Winning Artist Collective
A gallery for everyone.
Nestled in the heart of Bend’s Old Town Historic District, Red Chair Gallery is more than just a space — it's a creative hub run by Central Oregon artists. Located at the corner of Oregon Ave & Bond Street in the iconic O’Kane Building, the gallery showcases the finest in art and contemporary craft.
Red Chair Gallery - 103 NW Oregon Ave, Bend, OR 97703
Voted “Best Gallery in Bend” and honored with the Best of Bend – Community Choice Award 2024, Red Chair is where local creativity meets community appreciation.
🕒 Open 7 Days a Week | On each first Friday of every month Red Chair Gallery has its “First Friday Art Walk” and is open for extended hours (6:00 PM – 8:30 PM) |
📞 (541) 306-3176 Call or email for purchase info or to grab a gift certificate — and support local talent year-round.
👉 Visit Red Chair Gallery or stop by and see why it's a true Bend favorite.
💡 Bend Business Spotlight
Jennifer Jackenthal – Employable Graduate
📍 Empowering graduates from right here in Bend
Navigating the leap from college to career isn’t easy—and that’s where Employable Graduate steps in. Founded by Bend local Jennifer Jackenthal, this coaching service equips students and recent grads with the tools, clarity, and confidence they need to stand out in today’s competitive job market.
🎓 Curious how she helps grads go from “What now?” to “I’m hired”? 📞 Contact Jennifer Directly: 🔗 Explore her approach & resources: www.employablegraduate.com |  💬 “I help grads translate who they are into what the world needs—without the guesswork.” - J.J. |
🧭 Around the Bend - What’s Happening This WEEK
🎶 Mumford & Sons – Night 2
📅 Friday, June 6, 2025
📍 Hayden Homes Amphitheater
The Grammy-winning folk-rock band returns to Bend for a second night, joined by special guest Divorce.
🔗 EVENT Details
🌽 Downtown Farmers Market
📅 Wednesdays, June 4 & June 11, 2025
📍 Brooks Alley – Downtown Bend
Fresh produce, artisan goods, and a true local experience every week.
🔗 MARKET Info
🍷🍔 HOME | Station Camp – Rotary Club Community Event
📅 Thursday, June 12, 2025 | 🕔 5:00–8:00 p.m.
📍 LOGE Bend
Join the Rotary Clubs of Bend for a powerful evening of connection and cause. Featuring the Twin Engines project, live community vibes, and great local flavor — enjoy food by Alpenglow Food Truck, plus craft beer and wine.
🔗 RSVP Here
🎸 Peter Frampton – “Let’s Do It Again!” Tour
📅 Sunday, June 15, 2025
📍 Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Celebrating 60 years on stage, Frampton brings rock classics and nostalgia to Bend.
🔗 EVENT Info
🦅 High Desert Museum Exhibits
📅 Ongoing
📍 High Desert Museum
Immerse yourself in wildlife, cultural history, and local art.
🔗 MUSEUM Info
 |  | Rotary Summer Social @ LOGE Bend – Live Music, Food & Drinks, THU, June 12, 2025, 5:00 -8:00 p.m.| Meetup  |
📅 Also Happening - This MONTH
🎉 Youth Empowerment | 🎭 Theater & Drama |
📅 June 12 | 5:00–8:00 PM
🎉 Community Vibes Incoming!
Get ready, Bend — the Rotary Summer Social is lighting up LOGE Bend on Thursday, June 12, from 5–8 PM, and you’re invited!
Expect a fun, laid-back evening featuring:
🎶 Live music by Station Camp – rootsy rhythms and good energy!
🍔 AlpenGlow Food Truck – serving up delicious eats to fuel your evening
🍻 Craft drinks available for purchase
🤝 A chance to meet great people and learn how Rotary is making a real impact
📍 LOGE Bend, 19221 SW Century Drive
✅ Free + family-friendly | RSVP on Meetup encouraged!
🍷 Rotary Summer Social @ LOGE Bend – Live Music, Drinks & Community Connection!, Thu, Jun 12, 2025, 5:00 PM | Meetup
Come for the vibes. Stay for the vision. Leave inspired.
Hosted by: Rotary Clubs of Bend
rotaryclubofbend.org | MeetUp RSVP
💡 Looking to give back, get involved, or grow your leadership experience?
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the teams behind Central Oregon’s most impactful nonprofits — all in one fun summer evening at LOGE Bend!
🤝 Rotary in Action
“Service Above Self” is Rotary’s official motto. It reflects the organization’s commitment to putting the needs of others before personal interests — through volunteering, community engagement, and global humanitarian efforts.
Spotlight: 🍷 Rotary Club of Bend – Social Meetup |
🏡 The Market Minute: Bend, OR
Residential Snapshot (May 2025 – Bend, OR): Compared to April, Bend’s housing market in May showed a cooling trend for sellers and fresh opportunity for buyers:
📉 Median sales price dropped from $842,000 to $757,000 (⬇ 10.1%)
⏱️ Median days on market increased from 19 to 24 days (⬆ 26.3%)
📦 Active inventory rose from 769 to 1,206 homes (⬆ 56.8%)
📊 New listings climbed from 350 to 453 (⬆ 29.4%)
📉 Total sales dollar volume declined by $7.5M (⬇ 3.7%) despite more sales
💼 Closed sales actually rose from 183 to 210 (⬆ 14.8%)
🎯 Tip of the Week – June 2025: Time to Strike Smartly
👉 What this means: Buyers are gaining leverage. With more homes on the market, slower sales pace, and price adjustments, there’s room to negotiate — but demand is still active.
🔍 Pro Tip: Don’t wait too long. The market may shift again once summer buying picks up. With more inventory and less frenzy, it’s a window for serious buyers to act thoughtfully — but decisively. Pro-Tip given by BendButteProperty/StellarNW 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: 🏞️TOP TEN NEIGBORHOODS IN BEND FOR NEWCOMERS🏞️
🔵 Choosing the right neighborhood in Bend is key to enjoying everything the city has to offer. Here are 10 top areas for newcomers based on lifestyle, accessibility, and investment value…
💰 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.
🏡 Broker Spotlight: Tom Graup – BBP / StellarNW
When it comes to navigating real estate in Bend and beyond, Tom Graup with BendButte Properties / StellarNW brings more than just market knowledge — he brings a multicultural perspective, decades of experience, and a deeply local touch.
A former tech entrepreneur turned licensed Oregon Realtor®, Tom has lived in the U.S. for over 25 years and is originally from Germany. Fluent in both English and German, he offers his clients a bilingual edge and cross-cultural understanding that’s hard to find. His passion? Helping people relocate, connect, and thrive in the heart of Central Oregon.
📜 Licensed Oregon Broker | 🌎 Global Perspective | 🫱🏼🫲🏽 Relationship-Focused | 🚲 Community Connector
Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or moving across borders, Tom’s approach is rooted in care, clarity, and commitment.
🎯 More than just a Realtor — Tom is your local resource, trusted guide, and go-to for all things Bend.
📞 Ready to make your next move? |  Tom Graup - Realtor |
💬 Testimonials – Happy Customers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thomas Voigt
1 months ago
“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.
2 months ago
“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!”
🏔️ 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" 🎲
Last week’s photo? Still a mystery. 😅
Either it was too tricky, or y’all were too busy sipping IPAs and floating the river. No judgment — it's Bend.
So let’s try again...
👖 PHOTO CLUE – June Edition
We’ve officially planted a new mystery. Can you tell us exactly where in Bend this unusual yard art lives? 💡 Think you’ve got it? 📍 Zoom. Guess. Win. |  🌱 Hint: It's a backyard masterpiece, accessible via trail, that's all about that "grass-root" fashion. |
What’s just around the corner in Bend & beyond
July in Bend is buzzing – and we’re giving you the early scoop!
Here’s what’s on the horizon in the BendZeit issue dropping for July…
🎇 4th of July Celebrations | 🎶 Big Shows in Town |
🍷 Top 3 Wine Bars – Local picks like Elixir to sip your summer nights right
🎨 Bend Summer Festival Preview – July 11–13: food, music, art, and street vibes
🌄 Outdoor Adventure Guide – Best trails, paddles, floats, and wildflower views
🧑💼 Entrepreneurs of Bend – Spotlighting a rising local innovator
🌟 Hometown Hero – One inspiring story that will stick with you
📤 Love BendZeit? Share the Vibes!
Know someone who’d love this newsletter? Forward this email and invite them to join the community!
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🌀 Curated. Local. 100% Bend.
A Final Note
📝 Final Thought: May We Suggest...
“May” we suggest… letting go of the hustle just long enough to enjoy what June has to offer?
Now that May is officially in the rearview and your calendar is filling faster than a Deschutes patio at happy hour — take a beat.
June is for intentional living. Whether you’re floating the river, finding your next dream home, or discovering your new favorite local wine bar (👀 looking at you, Elixir) — do it on your terms.
You’ve made it to the month where Bend really begins to bloom 🌼 — soak it in.
☀️ P.S. There’s a hidden shoutout somewhere above.
Reply with your answer for a chance to be featured in next edition’s Winner’s Circle — and win a gift card to one of your favorite local restaurants! 🍽️✨
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.