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- May 2025 | Highlights
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 MONTHLY BEND EDIT
Welcome to Bend Zeit — 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
“Why Bend Is Booming in Spring”
With events back in full swing, record trail traffic, and homebuyer energy heating up, 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. Trail Traffic & Outdoor Rec Are Surging
Local trails like Shevlin Park, Deschutes River Trail, and Phil’s Trailhead are seeing record foot and bike traffic, especially on weekends — a clear sign locals and visitors are embracing spring after a long winter.
🏡 2. Homebuyer Activity Is Picking Up
Open houses are drawing steady crowds again, mortgage pre-approvals are rising, and days-on-market are decreasing slightly. Many buyers are trying to lock in homes before the summer rush.
🎭 3. Community Events Are Back — and Packed
From the NWX Maker’s Market to First Friday Art Walk, public events are returning in full swing with strong turnout. Rotary socials, local meetups, and nonprofit volunteer projects are also seeing renewed engagement.
Top 3 Restaurants
Rancher Butcher Chef (RBC)
Awarded "Restaurant of the Year" by The Source Weekly

Led by acclaimed chef John Gorham, known for Portland favorites like Toro Bravo
Cuisine: Modern steakhouse with Spanish and Pacific Northwest influences
Location: 2838 NW Crossing Dr, Bend, OR 97703
Website: rbcbend.com
Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ariana Restaurant ![]() Cuisine: Contemporary American Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.7/5 (Tripadvisor) 🌟 Highlights: 📍 1304 NW Galveston Ave, Bend, OR | Spork ![]() Cuisine: Global Fusion (Asian, Mexican…) Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ 4.5/5 (Tripadvisor) 🔥 Highlights: 📍 937 NW Newport Ave, Bend, OR |
🧭 Around the Bend - What’s Happening This WEEK
🎨 🧹 Century Drive Highway Cleanup – Saturday, May 10, 2025
Join the Rotary Club of Greater Bend for a community service project focused on cleaning up Century Drive. Volunteers will help remove litter and maintain the beauty of this scenic route. Highway Cleanup - Rotary Club of Greater Bend
🎨 Rubbish Renewed Eco Fashion Show – Saturday, May 10, 2025, 5:30–10:00 PM
Celebrate creativity and sustainability at the Rubbish Renewed Eco Fashion Show, a fundraiser for REALMS schools. Marvel at wearable art creations made from recycled materials by local designers while enjoying a live auction, a pop-up marketplace, and food trucks. Bend Magazine
🎶 The Jenner Fox Band w/ David Jacobs-Strain and Bob Beach – Saturday, May 10, 2025
Enjoy a night of live music featuring The Jenner Fox Band alongside David Jacobs-Strain and Bob Beach at 835 NW Wall St, Bend, OR. AllEvents+1Bend Magazine+1
🍺 German-American Stammtisch at Prost! – Thursday, May 15, 2025, 6:00–8:00 PM
Celebrate German-American heritage with a Stammtisch at Prost! in Bend. Enjoy authentic German beer and food while connecting with others interested in German culture and language. German-American Heritage in Bend | Meetup
🎭 GNO The Show at Barrel Room – Friday, May 16, 2025
Experience a night of entertainment with GNO The Show at the Barrel Room, located at 550 SW Industrial Way #185, Bend, OR. AllEvents
🌙 Bend Moonlight Market – Saturday, May 17, 2025
Explore the Bend Moonlight Market at Silver Moon Brewing, featuring local vendors, live music, and a vibrant community atmosphere. AllEvents
🎥 Blend: On Being Black in Bend Screening & Fundraiser – Saturday, May 17, 2025
Attend the screening of "Blend: On Being Black in Bend" at Bend Church - United Methodist, followed by a fundraiser supporting local initiatives. AllEvents
📅 Also Happening - This MONTH
![]() 🎶 Sing the PopsMay 17 at 7PM + May 18 at 3PM – First Presbyterian Church of BendA free community concert by Cascade Chorale, celebrating music and connection — featuring guest dancers from Académie de Ballet Classique | ![]() 🎩 Tuxes & Tails: Home on the RangeSaturday, May 31 at 5:30PM – 65325 |
🔭 Looking Ahead - NEXT Month

Spotlight: 🍷 Rotary Summer Social @ LOGE Bend
👉 Sign up:
🍷 Rotary Summer Social @ LOGE Bend – Live Music, Drinks & Community Connection!, Thu, Jun 12, 2025, 5:00 PM | Meetup
🤝 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 (Apr 22–28):
📉 Median List Price: $859,000
📈 Homes Sold: 48
🕒 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

🛠️ 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 Principal 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? | ![]() Dan Evans - Principal Broker |
CURRENT LISTINGS
2822 SE Reservoir Road, Prineville, OR 97754 | MLS # 220199861This 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 # 220199348This 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 🚴♂️
Looking to make the most of Bend’s outdoors this summer? Whether you're exploring new trails, planning a family picnic, or curious about local events, we've got you covered. Plus — teens and adults (ages 15+) can now apply for part-time and full-time summer jobs in Bend parks!
🎲Take a Break – "ZeitSpiel" 🎲
This Week’s Game: Bend Photo Clue 🔍 Reply with your guess to be featured in next edition’s winner circle (and maybe win a free gift card to PROST!) | ![]() |
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.
This Week’s Sponsor Corner
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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.