May 2025 | Highlights

More Than Headlines – It’s Zeit for Thought.

🌀Bend Zeit

“The spirit, stories, and service of Central Oregon – every week.”

🧭 The Essentials

YOUR BI-WEEKLY BEND EDIT

Welcome to Bend Zeit — presenting your weekly pulse on the people, places, and purpose that shape life in Central Oregon. “Zeit” means time in German, but here, it’s more than a word — it’s an invitation: to slow down, stay informed, and catch the spirit of the moment (Zeitgeist) in Bend and beyond. From local events to market insights, trail buzz to community highlights, Bend Zeit is your go-to guide for living well - and in step with the times.

🌀 This Week’s Zeitgeist

“Pollen, Pints, and Power Walks: Bend’s Spring Survival Strategy”

As Bend bursts into bloom, so does our collective need to escape the indoors, pollen be damned. Locals are spotted power-walking through Shevlin like it's an Olympic event—sunglasses on, allergy meds engaged, dogs leading the charge like furry tour guides.

What’s the destination? A food truck, probably. Or Prost. Or that one spot with IPA that sounds like it was named by a mountain goat. Whatever it is, it’s just a walk away, and that’s what makes spring in Bend truly elite.

Let’s be honest: walking in Bend isn’t exercise—it’s a social event with pit stops.

With locals dodging pollen, chasing sunshine, and turning every walk into a social hour, we break down the Top 3 Signals that show Bend is fully in motion — and ready for what's next. We also feature our rotating Top 3 Categories, where we spotlight the best of Bend in three picks per issue: 🍽️ Restaurants🏡 Homes🚶 Walking Trails💼 Local Businesses📸 Photo Moments🌲 Outdoor Picks • 🎟️ Upcoming Events, and more.

Got a category you'd love to see featured? 👉Email us: [email protected] - we’d love to hear your suggestions!

Top 3 Signals

🧺 1. Picnics Are the New Power Lunch

Forget boardrooms — locals are flocking to Drake Park, Riverbend Park, and Pine Nursery with kombucha and charcuterie in tow. Sunny midday meetings now involve lawn blankets and frisbees.

🚲 2. E-Bike Riders Outnumber Squirrels

Bend is experiencing a significant surge in e-bike usage. The city council has approved a permanent bikeshare program, introducing a new batch of shareable pedal-assist e-bikes to the streets in 2025 . Additionally, the U.S. Forest Service is considering a proposal to open 160 miles of non-motorized singletrack near Bend to class 1 e-bikes, further indicating the growing popularity and integration of e-bikes into the community.

☕ 3. Coffee Lines = Community Hubs

Spring sunshine has turned coffee shop patios into impromptu town squares. The line at Thump? A networking event. Sparrow’s outdoor tables? A TED Talk with croissants.

🍜 Top 3 Featured Asian Restaurants in Bend, Oregon

🍜 Wild Rose Northern Thai Eats

Cuisine: Authentic Northern Thai street food specialties
Location: 150 NW Oregon Ave, Bend, OR 97701
Website: wildrosethai.com
Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Source: Wanderlog – Best Asian Restaurants in Bend

🥢JIA Asian Street Kitchen

🍣 Dear Mom Cafe

🤖 Tech Corner: Innovators in Bend

For this edition in BendZeit's Technology Corner, we're showcasing Realty Remotely - a Bend-based platform that's transforming Real estate workflows for agents, brokers, and property managers.

🏡 Realty Remotely: Streamlining Real Estate Operations

Realty Remotely offers a suite of tools designed to simplify the complexities of real estate transactions and marketing - from transaction checklists to automated vendor scheduling and post-sale homeowner reminders, Realty Remotely helps agents streamline operations and stay connected with clients. Bonus: their listing tools boost your online presence with branded brochures and social media campaigns.

🧭 Around the Bend - What’s Happening This WEEK

🎶 Bend Brews & Beyond

📅 May 24–25, 2025
Celebrate Bend's vibrant craft beer scene at Drake Park, featuring over 50 Oregon breweries and cideries, live music, and food vendors.
🔗 Visit Bend

🎸 STING 3.0 World Tour – Night 1

📅 May 25, 2025
Experience the legendary STING live at Hayden Homes Amphitheater for the first of two nights.
🔗 Bend Concerts

🎸 STING 3.0 World Tour – Night 2

📅 May 26, 2025
Don't miss the second night of STING's performance at Hayden Homes Amphitheater.
🔗 Bend Concerts

🎤 Khruangbin – A La Sala Tour

📅 May 28, 2025
Enjoy the eclectic sounds of Khruangbin with special guest John Carroll Kirby at Hayden Homes Amphitheater.
🔗 Bend Concerts

🎸 Brad Paisley – Truck Still Works Tour

📅 May 29, 2025
Country music star Brad Paisley performs live at Hayden Homes Amphitheater, joined by special guests Walker Hayes and Mae Estes.
🔗 Visit Bend

🎶 Alpenglow Nights – Summer Concert Series Kickoff

📅 May 29, 2025
Kick off the Alpenglow Nights summer concert series at Alpenglow Park with live performances from local artists.
🔗 Travel Oregon

🎶 An Evening with Goose

📅 May 30, 2025
Jam band Goose takes the stage at Hayden Homes Amphitheater for an evening of indie rock and dance tunes.
🔗 Bend Concerts

🎸 The Black Keys – No Rain, No Flowers Tour

📅 May 31, 2025
Rock out with The Black Keys at Hayden Homes Amphitheater, featuring special guest Hermanos Gutiérrez.
🔗 Bend Concerts

🎭 Casablanca Gala – CASA of Central Oregon

📅 May 31, 2025 | 🕔 5:00–9:00 PM
Attend an elegant evening supporting CASA's mission to advocate for children in foster care, held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
🔗 CASA of Central Oregon

🎿 North American Pond Skimming Championships

📅 May 26, 2025

📍 Mt. Bachelor

Watch skiers and snowboarders attempt to cross a chilly pond without falling in during this annual, hilarious event. Costumes encouraged!

🎩 Tuxes & Tails: Home on the Range

📅 May 31, 2025

📍 Cline Falls Rd

An evening of boots, bowties, and big hearts in support of the Humane Society of Central Oregon. Presented by Kirby Nagelhout Construction.

📅 May 29 | 3:30–5:45 PM

🧡 Volunteer & Board Fair
📍 Deschutes Public Library – Redmond (Newly Redesigned!)
🙌 35+ local orgs with volunteer & board openings
🔗 volunteer.connectcentraloregon.org

💡 Looking to give back, get involved, or grow your leadership experience? Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the teams behind Central Oregon’s most impactful nonprofits!

🔭 Looking Ahead - NEXT Month

Spotlight: 🍷 Rotary Summer Social @ LOGE Bend

What’s This All About?
Imagine sipping a local craft beer under the pines, listening to great live music, chatting around a fire pit, and discovering how Rotary is making a difference right here in Bend and around the world.
This isn’t a meeting—it’s a laid-back, social gathering with purpose. Whether you're already involved in community service, curious about what Rotary does, or just looking for a fun way to meet like-minded people, this event is for you.

🤝 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.

Curious about Rotary? Want to meet community-minded locals over a glass of wine?
Join us Rotarians of Bend.

Spotlight: 🍷 Rotary Club of Bend – Social Meetup (@Bevel Craft Brewing)

🏡 The Market Minute: Bend, OR

Residential Snapshot (April 2025):

  • 📉 Median List Price: $859,000

  • 📈 Homes Sold: 157

  • 🕒 Avg Days on Market: 29

  • 🏷️ Market Type: Balanced

  • 📊 Market Competitiveness: Moderate

  • 📌 Active Listings: 376

🎯 Tip of the Week: Sellers, it’s time to prep for May buyers – curb appeal is key!

Sources: Rocket Homes, Redfin

Also Interesting: 🏞️THE ULTIMATE RELOCATION GUIDE TO BEND 🏞️
🔵 A complete introduction to Bend, incl. lifestyle, neighborhoods, local culture, and more…

Please note that Real estate market data can vary based on the source and the specific time frame. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consider consulting local real estate professionals or ac

💰 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:🛠️ 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.

🧑‍💼 Aaron Callahan

Broker/Owner – Hilltop Home Loans
📞 541-350-2409
📧 [email protected]
🔗 hilltophomeloans.com
NMLS #887764

Bond still doing well but slowed a bit today…have a watch! 

🛠️ 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: Dan Evans – Stellar Realty Northwest

When it comes to navigating the Central Oregon real estate market, experience, trust, and local knowledge matter.
Whether you're buying your dream home or selling a property with purpose, Dan Evans brings a calm, professional presence backed by integrity, creativity, and results.

💼 Licensed Oregon Broker | 🧭 Bend Local | 🤝 Relationship-First Approach

Dan is more than a Realtor — he's your advocate, advisor, and connection to everything Bend has to offer.

📞 Ready to make your next move?
Let’s connect:
Dan Evans – Stellar Realty Northwest
📱 541.410.9060
📧 [email protected]
🌐 Dan Evans Real Estate
Caring | Competent | Committed

CURRENT LISTINGS

2822 SE Reservoir Road, Prineville, OR 97754 | MLS # 220199861

This Land listing has 117.71 Acres. Schedule a showing for 2822 SE Reservoir Road in Prineville, OR. MLS ID 220199861

1801 NE Purcell Boulevard, # 16, Bend, OR 97701 | MLS # 220199348

This Residential listing has 2 Beds, 2 Full Baths, 1 Half Bath. Schedule a showing for 1801 NE Purcell Boulevard, # 16 in Bend, OR. MLS ID 220199348

🏔️ 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" 🎲

This Week’s Game: Bend Photo Clue 🔍
We’ve zoomed in on a local “landmark”. Can you tell us exactly where this is?

(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!)

A Final Note

📝 Final Thought: May We Suggest...

They say April showers bring May listings — and in Bend, that means more open houses than breweries (well... almost).

So before you lace up for that next hike, polish your curb appeal, or RSVP to yet another community event, remember this:
It’s not just about keeping up with Bend — it’s about bending time to enjoy it all.

🌼 P.S. This week’s trivia answer is hidden somewhere above. First one to reply correctly wins... eternal newsletter glory (and maybe coffee).

This Week’s Sponsor Corner

Until next time, keep an eye on the Zeit.

Quiet design. Loud impact.

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.