the Source July 30, 2026

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of Three Creeks Brewing, Sisters. Photo by Jennifer Galler.

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For the Beer Issue, we turned to beer guru Brian Yaeger who offers some refreshing ideas for summer beers to tuck in your inner tube. He also has a roundup of some of the best locally brewed IPAs. But locally, it’s a mixed bag for breweries. While some say they’re doing fine, at least one told Brian it’s one of their worst years ever. Perhaps a sign of the times, this is the last year for the Little Woody festival. I spoke with several die-hard fans who say the unique gnome-themed brew fest is one of the best. Reporter Peter Madsen took a ride on the pedal pub we often see cruise past the Source windows full of noisy tourists. I will say the first sentence of his report is far from accurate. While I did assign him to the story (since he’s made it abundantly clear he’s no stranger to “day beers”), I never pointed my finger, and he sheepishly admitted, when pressed, that he had a good time.

On the news side of things, it’s tricky to write about the everchanging wildfires for print. Clayton Franke visited the Sisters shelter and spoke with evacuees, but by print deadline, that fire had significantly changed with others suddenly a bigger threat. —Managing Editor Nic Moye

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Federal and State Homeless Funds are Drying Up. Use Some General Funds.

Government officials and service providers were thrilled to announce this year that the number of unhoused individuals in the community went way down compared to the previous year’s count. According to the annual Point in Time Count, the numbers were reduced by a staggering 19.1% — a figure that felt almost too good to be true. Those who did the count say their relationships with service providers and the unhoused community itself give them confidence that the numbers were accurate.

to around 200, and yet the area is still slated to close next year.

When the City moved to purchase the Rainbow Motel using a combination of American Rescue Plan Act money and other emergency state funds, they went in knowing it wasn’t forever. Eventually, the thinking went at the time, they’d raze the motel and build a new City Hall. Alas, a consultant deemed the land was valuable enough that selling it would be a better move, and the City appears to be positioning for that eventuality.

While it’s true that Central Oregon doesn’t have the visible markers of homelessness on the streets the way it did during and right after the pandemic, we have not “solved homelessness,” and we still need the services that got us where we are today. Numerous shelters still house people who struggle to find a place to go. The sanctioned area north of Bend where people are allowed to congregate has hundreds of people living there. And just this past weekend, officials say an abandoned fire at a homeless encampment caused a fire behind the Red Lion hotel, just steps from Highway 97.

When City and Deschutes County leaders made the move to clear the unsanctioned campers off public lands at Juniper Ridge north of town, they did so with the plan to allow sanctioned camping for a limited number of people in the “safe stay” area. The area was a temporary solution that local officials felt sure they’d be able to close after a few years of working on finding other places for those folks to live. Instead, that population has ballooned

However, this comes at a time when federal and state funds for the unhoused are drying up. Unfortunately, the federal shelter money will all also be spent right around the same time as the City plans to close the safe stay area. In exchange, local leaders are endeavoring to build a supportive housing facility at Juniper Ridge. That’s obviously needed, but we struggle with the numbers here.

That new facility will take years to build and house a few dozen individuals — hardly a solution in the here and now for the hundreds of people who will be displaced.

Are we headed back to where we started?

The PIT count shows us we’ve made progress, but it feels fleeting. Hopefully the City won’t cry poor and give up on the sanctioned “safe stay” area at Juniper Ridge or on the people who live in the former Rainbow Motel. Funding is a big part of it all and no small feat to overcome. City and County general funds may have to be tapped to maintain services.

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CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE WILDLIFE KIND

Let me begin by stating that I am not a wildlife biologist, or any other type of “ologist.” I did, however, spend a career in conservation, including nearly a decade working in Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) member institutions. I’ve worked with and around a lot of animals and, from many miles on trails, am reasonably familiar with wildlife. I believe this year, especially this fall, is going to be particularly tough on the diverse wildlife in our region.

It is so very dry that limited forage is drying out quickly and noticeably. Mid-summer through fall tends to be a dry season for us. As forage conditions become more dire, herbivores will likely gravitate to greener pastures, like golf courses, lawns and bodies of water, artificial (like farm ponds) and otherwise (like streams and popular swimming holes). Predators, like mountain lions, and omnivores, like bears and coyotes, tend to follow the herbivores into these greener areas. Not only is there more “natural” food available, there is the added bonus of the occasional fruit tree, trash can or pet.

This is where things can get interesting. Be ready to embrace potential close encounters with your wild neighbors, and do what you can to keep you and your pet friends safe. I also encourage you to do what you can to reduce stress on the kindred creatures of forest and field. Some will be hanging on by a thread.

—Kevin Tanski

RE: WRONG SIDE OF THE LINE JULY 15, 2026

The article about our town’s Urban Growth Boundary appears biased. Opening an article with positive descriptions and nice quotes from a powerful developer leads the reader to sympathize with that developer. Proceeding to use a large, red sub header quoting a lobbyist for development and real estate groups (“A ‘Gift’ for Sisters”) does the same. Finishing with more nice quotes from the powerful developer is appalling, given what came before.

I’ve written about these issues in The Nugget newspaper here in Sisters. Plenty of others have, too including the developer himself, who talked up his proposed changes to the existing UGB plans and provided an elaborate, confusing chart showing why such homes are considered “affordable housing.”

Even a friend of the developer wrote in, pushing back against the developer’s statements.

I’m not anti-development. My cousins are developers. I appreciate some of what this developer has brought to our community. I’m not even opposed to his proposed westside plans. I’m opposed to the process he’s chosen—and his choice of language.

Government agencies and developers using the term affordable housing to describe homes the average gas station attendant could never buy? They should be ashamed of how they twist language. The $98,800 annual income required to qualify for some so-called affordable housing in Deschutes County (according to the developer himself) doesn’t

serve people with lower and low-ish middle incomes.

What about the construction workers who build these homes, whether employees or subcontractors? Do they all make nearly $100k and benefits?

—Tiffany Lee Brown

UNHAPPY WITH BYNUM

Janelle Bynum abstained from voting on an amendment to stop giving $3.3 million in weapons funding to Israel. She has again shown herself to be a moral coward and out of touch with her constituents.

The people of Or-5 deserve a representative, not a shill to foreign powers that sells junk food to children and supports — actively or tacitly — the sale of weapons to people that murder children.

We should all say bye-bye to Bynum when we get the chance.

—Richard Fitzgerald

NEW SEWER LINE

Each morning at seven, they come in dump trucks

Big shovels and rock-breaking rigs

The racket they make would wake the dead

I try to hide as they dig

But there’s no escape, the sewer is coming

Our city council decreed

Our septics work fine but the city can’t profit

When we process our own poop and pee

Our summer is ruined, our houses are shaking

As they try breaking up our basalt

Our once-quiet street sounds like a factory

There’s no peace when you’re under assault

There’s no way to fight it, our city must grow

Progress is nothing to hate

We’ll pay twenty grand to get citified

The quiet again will be great

—Eddie Kinnamon

Letter of the Week:

Eddie,

Your frustration is shared

Funneled into verse

We’ve all experienced the boomshaka-boom

Though it could be much worse

As Letter of the Week

Stop by the Source For a cuppa Joe on us

With a Palate coffee gift card of course

—Managing Editor Nic Moye

NEWS Government Roundup

By Nic Moye

Bend Park & Rec Board of Directors

July 21

Whitewater Park Reconstruction Timeline

The Bend Whitewater Park is 10 years old and showing signs of erosion, maintenance issues, safety hazards and ecological impacts. The park district needs to plan for water flow changes caused by the Deschutes Basin Habitat Conservation Plan, adopted in 2020, which sets 30-year legally binding targets to increase flows in key waterways to protect endangered species. This fall the conceptual design and cost estimates for whitewater park improvements will be completed. A public outreach process will begin this coming winter. The design will be finalized by winter 2028. The permitting process is expected to take a year with bids for construction being accepted in spring 2029. Work on the project is slated to begin during summer 2029 and continue until spring 2030. The park district has allocated $15 million in property taxes and system development charge reimbursement funds for the project.

Homeless Shelter Funding “Cliff” Looms for Bend, Central Oregon

State and federal allocations that ballooned the region’s shelter system are drying

By Clayton Franke

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Homeless shelter providers in Central Oregon are staring down the potential closure of hundreds of beds by this time next year as they face a steep drop in the state and federal funding that local officials say helped turn a crisis around.

Central Oregon recently requested a total of $12.4 million to sustain operations — $2.6 million more than available.

The state rules instruct regional administrators to prioritize funding for shelters already supported by the state.

Bids are currently being accepted for an improvement project to provide river access at Columbia Park with construction beginning in October.

Redmond Urban Area Planning Commission July 15

The Redmond Urban Area Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend that the Redmond City Council approve a proposed amendment to the 2040 Redmond Comprehensive Plan adopting the 2026 Large Lot Industrial Master Plan. The 2040 plan serves as a blueprint for the City’s future development over the next 20 years with policies guiding future development. Within that plan is the Public Facilities Plan which identifies key infrastructure needed to support growth impact on water, sewer and roads.

The amendment involves adopting the 2026 South Redmond Tract Large Lot Industrial Infrastructure Master Plan which specifically covers 789 acres of industrial land south of the fairgrounds and east of highway 97. It’s one of the largest available industrial lots in the state. The south tract plan identifies the improvements needed and how much it would cost such as larger roundabouts to accommodate potentially thousands of future workers, a second access point from Highway 97, extending a water main down 19th Street as well as adding a fire pump. The plan considers the impact of all eligible uses for the land which includes warehouses, light or heavy industrial or a data center. No one from the public spoke at the July 15 public hearing. The Redmond City Council was scheduled to hold a public hearing and vote on the amended annexation agreement and master development plan on July 28.

Without additional funding, the local shelter network will see cuts in the millions of dollars — a combination of expiring pandemic relief money and state budget woes officials have identified as a funding “cliff.” Local governments in Central Ore gon have used stopgap measures to delay the effects of budget woes faced by shelters across the state.

But now, leaders face a collision of unfortunate events; coincidentally, funding for hundreds of shelter beds is expected to dry up the same day they plan to close the region’s largest sanctioned encampment, now home to about 200 people.

CentralOregonVillages

“It’d be devastating,” Amy Fraley, senior program manager for houselessness services with the City of Bend, told the Source. With shelter funding uncertain, Bend may attempt to use City-owned land to jumpstart low-cost supportive housing as an alternative solution.

According to Fraley, state money flowing to Central Oregon for homeless shelters is expected to drop from $10 million to $5 million starting midway through 2027. And it’s already started to dwindle, down from a little more than $11 million in the fiscal year that ended July 1.

In 2025, the Oregon State Legislative Assembly created a new statewide shelter funding model, meant to sustain new beds created by a series of Gov. Tina Kotek’s emergency executive orders dating back to 2023. That funding pumped millions of one-time dollars into Central Oregon for shelters, rehousing and eviction prevention.

Kotek, along with local officials, have pointed to Central Oregon as an example of how investments have thwarted the rising homelessness crisis, citing the most recent Point In Time Count showing a 19% drop in homelessness numbers.

Shelter expansions have been accompanied by an uptick in homeless camp sweeps across government-owned lands in Central Oregon.

In Bend alone, the executive order funding paired with federal pandemic relief money and other legislative funding led to 260 new shelter beds in the last several years, according to Fraley.

Last year, lawmakers approved a little more than $200 million to fund the statewide shelter program, while slashing eviction prevention programs as they cut budgets across state agencies due to economic uncertainties.

Central Oregon used savings to sustain many shelters, delaying the effects of dwindling shelter funding, Tammy Baney, executive director of Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, told service providers in a meeting July 24.

“The pain we are feeling this year is the pain that many communities were feeling last year,” Baney said.

The intergovernmental council, a quasi-government agency that works across Jefferson, Crook and Deschutes counties, was tasked with administering the state’s shelter program. According to Baney, shelter providers across

In an email, COIC staff provided a list of nine shelters identified to receive funding across Central Oregon, from the warming shelter in La Pine to large congregate shelters in Bend to Warm Springs. The goal is to sustain nearly 400 shelter beds in Central Oregon.

But the list leaves out some providers like Central Oregon Villages, an outdoor shelter in Bend with about 25 beds in small personal units, as well as a smaller safe parking site.

“We are very disappointed in the current funding strategy for SSP funds,” Executive Director Scott Jones told the Source via email. Still, Jones said he’s optimistic the shelter can continue operations.

In February, the Bend City Council allocated $1.7 million in land sale revenue to support several shelters through June of next year, including Central Oregon Villages, safe parking sites and the Lighthouse Navigation Center, Bend’s largest shelter.

“I’m relived and grateful to know the City of Bend is thinking that far out, and we have funding through the end of the fiscal year,” said Rick Russell, a county commissioner-elect and director of Mountain View Community Development, Central Oregon’s largest provider of safe parking. “In sheltering, anytime we’ve got six months of funding lined out, that feels like a pretty long runway.”

The nonprofit also is on the list for nine units of state shelter funding in Redmond. But Russell said he’ll likely have to close some safe parking sites in Redmond, where the nonprofit operates close to 40 beds. Six of those are vacant and are being left open in expectation of a funding loss.

“I expect we will be closing a lot more than six in the coming couple of months,” Russell told the Source.

Meanwhile, Bend is still pondering the closure of a 70-bed shelter on Franklin Avenue, a converted motel the City purchased in 2022. Back then, the City indicated the shelter would be a temporary emergency measure before helping redevelop the property as part of the Bend Central District neighborhood, but never provided a firm timeline. A staff presentation last week suggested closing the shelter within three to five years, but the City Council didn’t make any firm decisions.

With shelter funds uncertain, the City may instead shift its focus to building low-income housing with hopes to help people move from shelter and camps. According to a staff presentation, the City could sell off six acres of industrially zoned land in northeast Bend’s Juniper Ridge area to build Permanent Supportive Housing, which offers onsite services for residents.

A few miles to the north, about 200 people are still camped inside the designated “temporary safe stay area” on City of Bend and Deschutes County land. The two governments had planned to close the area by the end of 2026, but extended the closure by six months, with the new date set for June 30, 2027.

Wildfire Engulfs Central Oregon as More Than 1 Million Acres Burn Across the State

Fire officials detail unruly fire behavior amid hot and dry conditions

By Clayton Franke and Dallas Finn Calvert

Large and volatile wildfires burning across Central Oregon have destroyed homes, threatened thousands more and blanketed the region with smoke.

The blazes have consumed more than 1 million acres in Oregon — and about a month earlier than the state’s wildfire season usually peaks.

Earlier this month, a flurry of lightning strikes ignited tinderbox-like conditions across a Central Oregon landscape parched from a record-low snowpack.

“This year was poised to be a very active fire season, and it’s currently proving (to be),” Jonathan Harrell, public information officer for the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Incident Management Red Team, told the Source.

Not only are the fires burning a large swath of land, but they are doing so in dramatic fashion. Central Oregon has seen multiple incidents of smaller fires merging into one larger blaze, along with multiple pyro cumulus clouds, which form when fires become so hot they create their own weather system.

Fire management teams say they’ve thwarted major threats of several unruly blazes in the last week, but as of Tuesday the Bench Fire continued to burn on the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs reservation, forcing thousands of evacuations and straining infrastructure.

The blaze started as two smaller, separate fires totaling fewer than 10,000 acres as of a Sunday morning report. The following evening, they had merged and quadrupled in size. The fire remained at 0% containment as of Tuesday.

Dennis White III, tribal council chairman for the tribe, issued a State of Emergency for the Warm Springs nation on July 25.

“First and foremost, I want to send prayers to our community, our people, and our Nation,” White said in a statement posted to Facebook. “My thoughts are especially with the families who have lost their homes during these devastating fires.”

Edward R. Henderson, the secretary, treasurer and CEO for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, speaking on Oregon Public Radio Tuesday, said that more than 3,800 residents have evacuated while 6,000 people are sheltering in place as 41 homes have been threatened and six lost. Some residents tried to evacuate when the Level 3 Go Now alert went out on Saturday, but were forced back to their homes because of the closure of Highway 26 when the fire jumped the highway.

On Tuesday, the CTWS announced the creation of the Wildfire Recovery Fund, welcoming financial donations to help with “immediate needs” for those affected by the Bench Fire. Additionally, donations of goods and volunteer assistance are needed, although they recommend those be coordinated through Tribal contacts listed on the donation form. Earlier this week, the CTWS issued boil-water and water-conservation notices, as a preventive measure, Henderson

said, and not because there was any “risk to health” currently. He said residents running sprinklers and hoses, trying to guard against fire spread, put a “drain” on the water supply.

“We’re trying to get ahead of it and be more proactive,” he told The Daily. “The more we can get preemptive on things, the better we’ll be in the long run.”

Turning the corner on Akawa Butte fire

The Akawa Butte Fire, burning to the north and east of Sisters, was about 6% contained across 27,000 acres Tuesday evening, according to the State of Oregon Fires Dashboard.

“We’re getting a really good handle on the surrounding of the fire and getting some good depth on those fire lines,” said Harrell, the fire marshal spokesperson. “Our wildland partners and structural partners are working really well in concert to ensure that we’ve got great defensible spaces around primary and other structures. The wildland crews are doing a phenomenal job of creating initial depth on the fire line and then creating secondary contingency lines.” “Megafire” forms north of Prineville

Fire officials announced Tuesday morning that several large fires had merged into one gigantic blaze burning nearly 300,000 acres between Prineville and Fossil. It’s labeled the Rowe Creek Complex.

As the fires merged, the heat was so intense that crews weren’t able to fly over aircraft equipped with infrared for mapping, said Brian Longoria, a public information officer with the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 3.

Still, Longoria said crews have had success in keeping the fire from moving south toward Prineville. On the other side of the fire, the perimeter is mostly controlled, said Madison Anderson, a public information officer with the Northwest Interagency Management Team 2.

The fire is 33% contained as of Tuesday.

Crews continue to work

Across the state, more than 4,800 people are in a Level 3 Go Now evacuation status, with more than 9,000 people in a Level 2 Get Set status, and more than 9,000 at a Level 1 Be Ready status.

Harrell said dry, hot weather has accelerated some fires, prompting movement of crews to different fire sites.

“We’re providing resources to them so that they can work to hopefully get ahead of those fires and create containment,” Harrell said. “As we begin to get a handle on one fire, we keep track of where crews are on their deployment cycle, and we’re redeploying them to an area of need. A great example of this was earlier this month with the Olive Butte Fire. We had crews there outside of Granite [Oregon], and as we began to get a handle on that fire, we surged some of those resources north to the lower Dry Creek Fire as well as west toward what is the Rowe Complex.”

The Olive Butte Fire, impacting both Grant and Baker counties in eastern Oregon, is currently spread across 3,054 acres and at 60% containment.

Incident commanders are in constant communication with the State Fire Marshall’s office, the Oregon Department of Forestry, and regional partners “to get the right resources as quickly as they can to a fire,” Harrell said.

“There’s a lot of fire on the landscape,” he added. “It’s been a very busy fire season for us thus far, and it’s not even August 1 yet. The conditions with respect to fuel and the fact that it’s summer with dry, hot, windy conditions, we’re doing our best to prepare for what might come.”

Harrell said the public can help, too.

“The best thing people can do right now is stay engaged with their local resources, including their Office of Emergency Resource Management at the county level and with their local fire jurisdictions,” Harrell said. “Stay apprised and abreast of weather conditions. And have a conversation with your local fire jurisdiction about education and defensible spaces.”

REDMOND NEWS

RAsbestos Renders Redmond

High School Unsafe for Coming School Year

Students will learn in modular classrooms as remodel construction continues

By Clayton Franke

edmond High School students will learn in modular classrooms for the entirety of the 2026-27 school year after remodel construction shook loose dangerous amounts of asbestos from the building, the Redmond School District announced last week.

The district began construction this summer on a $53 million Redmond High modernization, funded by a taxpayer bond voters approved in 2024. The district planned on using a phased approach during construction, keeping portions of the building open for instruction as work progressed.

The fact that the building contained asbestos — a mineral fiber used in construction materials that, if inhaled via particles, can lead to lung disease — was always well communicated as something the district would have to deal with, said Logan McGinnis, a spokesperson for the district.

“What we didn’t anticipate was the amount that was going to be falling from the roof, essentially,” McGinnis told the Source.

According to the district’s press release, recent environmental testing for asbestos in the main academic building showed it could not be safely occupied by students and staff without additional engineering to capture or remove the asbestos.

“The phased plan was always our preferred path, but we knew from the beginning that modular classrooms could be necessary, which was discussed during the bond campaign,” said Superintendent Charan Cline in the release. “Our top priority is the safety of staff, students, and the construction crews.”

Because work hasn’t begun on the gymnasium and Career and Technical Education wing, those facilities are still safe to host physical education, athletics

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and trades classes, the district said. Meanwhile, band, choir, theatre and ceramics classes will move to Hugh Hartman Elementary a short distance away.

The academic calendar will remain unchanged, and Redmond High School students will remain on campus. The district plans to communicate more details in the coming weeks.

Officials are optimistic the decision will keep the remodel construction on track to wrap up before the 2027-2028 school year.

The project includes replacing heating and cooling systems, upgrading fire sprinkler and alarm systems, replacing the roof, remodeling the theater, upgrading CTE classrooms, new wrestling facility additions, installing new LED lighting and updating HVAC controls. It’s the largest project in a $100 million bond paying for sweeping upgrades to buildings and athletic facilities across the district.

Naomi Wachira, an award-winning Kenyan-American singer-songwriter and recording artist who’s been electrifying audiences around the globe with her Afro-funk and soul sound, returns to Central Oregon for an intimate concert. 7-9pm at Grace and Hammer, 641 SW Cascade Ave., Redmond. $25.

TUESDAY 8/4

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

BUILDING COMMUNITY, SUPPORTING SAFETY

Meet the dedicated officers from the Redmond Police Department, which is hosting the family-friendly National Night Out. There’ll be free barbecue, face painting, demonstrations by the K-9 officers, emergency vehicles to explore and a Dunk-A-Cop tank. 6-8pm at Centennial Park on SW Evergreen Ave, between 7th and 8th streets, Redmond. Free.

Pulse Check on Bend's Brewery Scene

As brewery closures outpace openings and sales falter, local brewers remain sanguine.

By Brian Yaeger

Last month, the married owners of Funky Fauna Artisan Ales, Michael Frith and Danielle Burns, shared on Instagram that after four years in business, they’re having a rough go even during summer’s high season in Bend’s hospitality industry.

“We’ve experienced the slowest stretch in our li’l brewery’s history, including our slowest day on record.”

To put a fine point on the record-low number of pints sold, the post specified one day’s receipts totaled $33. “All while our COGS (cost of goods sold) from ingredients to supplies have steadily increased week by week.”

Alas, Funky Fauna is located on scarcely trafficked NE Second Street, and its beers are predominantly in the obscure saison style, made more so with ingredient cameos such as spruce tips or sarsaparilla root. (They do make an IPA.) But for our community that prides ourselves on enjoying artisanal and experimental foods and beverages, you’d be hard pressed to find beers more deserving of exploration than Funky Fauna’s.

Things are happier and hoppier over at Sunriver Brewing where, over a pint, Director of Brewery Operations Brett Thomas proclaimed they’re having “a banner year” despite a downturn of 5% in volume and 1% in sales in 2025. Central Oregon’s second largest beer maker after Deschutes remains dually focused on making great beer — when it comes to prestigious awards, it’s one of the most decorated breweries in the entire country over the last 14 years since its inception — as well as selling it both through distribution channels and from the four pubs it currently runs around Oregon.

There were five, but Sunriver closed its Galveston pub last year. Not so much sales were down, to hear Thomas tell it, but because rent, plus those COGS, keeps going up. “Beef prices are way up, and we’re not gonna put a $28 cheeseburger on our menu. And we would’ve had to charge $9 for a pint. Our customers wouldn’t pay that.”

Despite not taking a paycheck or PTO, Funky Fauna coowner Danielle Burns is still excited for the future, including releasing more excellent beers and increasing production.

The beers at co-owner Michael Frith's Funky Fauna are predominantly in the Saison style, featuring ingredients lilke spruce tips and sarsaparilla root.

Salacious Stats and Societal Shifts

Using stats to illustrate the state of the beer industry is an ignoble task, but it still paints a picture. Craft beer sales topped $29 billion in 2019, accounting for over a quarter of the total American beer market, according to the Brewers Association. The organization’s numbers for 2025 show a decline in everything from production volume to sales to overall brewery population and, by extension, the number of employees in the industry. Statistically, these numbers are generally down in the low single digit percentages, and year-end craft beer sales managed to hit $28 billion.

On the whole, sales aren’t hemorrhaging, but the sanguinary news feels like death by a thousand cuts. Virtually everything has fizzled since the pandemic: the economy is bordering on a recession, a segment of adults has reduced alcohol intake, with some people pointing the finger at so-called health influencers and/or neo-prohibitionists advocating for entire months of sobriety, or simply a large number of individuals discovering that they don’t feel great after consuming alcohol, even in moderate formats. It’s also no secret how many drinkers are now former drinkers thanks to cannabis, with a large boost in Americans who enjoyed weed in 2025 — up to over 40% by some findings — while marijuana’s botanical cousin, hops, were consumed by barely over half of Americans of legal drinking age, down from a pre-pandemic high of 60%.

The Brewers Association’s staff economist, Matt Gacioch, just released its mid-year report which found that just over half of all American craft brewery owners are reporting moderate growth, with some 43% reporting declining sales and just 3% remaining flat, which, in this climate, must feel like a win.

In this writer’s far-from-scientific study, I blame the pandemic for the booze bust of the last five or six years; we are increasingly less social creatures. For all the understandable and applaudable reasons for diminishing or outright ditching imbibing alcohol, the more we merely

interact with others on social media and other comment sections, and the more we have food delivered to our front doors, the less we engage with real life humans. By extension, that leads to less engagement in pubs and taverns. In trading corn hole for keyboard troll, we are collectively rearing the “loneliness epidemic.”

“Covid f___ed us up,” Thomas agreed. “Now people are stuck on their phones.” And whether they’re doom scrolling or gambling on Draft Kings or Kalshi, they’re not leaving offices or apartments or parents’ basements and spending time in a “third place.”

While Thomas understands beer’s potentially deleterious, intoxicating effects, when asked about what we’re collectively missing out on without so-called social lubricants, he said, “We don’t shun that term.”

Non-alc Beers and Beyond

The brewery that turned Bend into the beer destination that it is — Deschutes Brewery — has been attracting beer lovers since its establishment in 1988. Since then, Central Oregon has become home to 26 breweries. We’ve lost a couple over the years. (Remember Geist Brewing — its flagship brand called Hookers & Blow — that flamed out in 2020 after just a couple years? And you can’t forget Riverbend Brewing, because despite closing in 2021, that delivery truck is spotted everywhere! And while Crux, Cascade Lakes Brewing, GoodLife Brewing and Silver Moon Brewing survive as individual brands, one brewhouse produces all the liquid as evidence that the downturn hasn’t left Bend beer untouched.) But Bendites and visitors support local beer like nowhere else, because everywhere else, especially Oregon’s larger markets of Portland and Eugene, have witnessed a substantial percentage of its respective brewery populations shutter.

Brewers are keenly aware of all the reasons their beloved industry is suffering. Several have responded with non-alcoholic options. Deschutes’s top seller is, unsurprisingly, Fresh Squeezed IPA. It’s next-best selling SKU is N/A

Fresh Squeezed (followed by N/A Black Butte Porter).

Deschutes CEO Peter Skrbek sheds an interesting light on the growing dominance of non-alc beer. “I’m drinking more beer today than I have in my entire life, but I’m drinking less alcohol than I ever have.”

One explainer for how he and others achieve this is a phenomenon the bev-alc industry calls “zebra striping.” After consuming an alcoholic beverage, the next elixir is zero proof and so on. In fact, Skrbek noted a study that most people who drink non-alcoholic beer, some 93%, haven’t gone dry; they simply drink vacillate or double-dip depending on the occasion. It’s an interesting term when considering Deschutes’s newest offering that, despite debuting earlier this year, has rapidly grown, joining the ranks of the company’s top ten: Partybomb, which comes in a variety of fruit flavors reminiscent of Fruit Stripes gum with the zebra mascot. What’s more, the line of non-alc beers and organic fruit-flavored malt beverages is interwoven beyond where they’re canned. In a proprietary process, the alcohol reverse-osmosis filtered out of Fresh Squeezed to create dealcoholized Fresh Squeezed IPA becomes the foundation of Partybomb. It is already Deschutes’s most widely-distributed product nationwide.

For all the humdrum news about flat beer sales, there remains tremendous optimism about the community of brewers. In the same breath that Burns mentioned not taking a paycheck or PTO at Funky Fauna, her post mentioned still being more excited about owning and operating a small brewery, releasing excellent beers, and actually increasing brewing capacity and production. This past weekend, UPP Liquids celebrated its first anniversary with a block party that attracted several hundreds as a testament to the passion that UPP’s team of brewers continues to exude, despite being the collateral damage of the sales slump at their former

brewery employer. Meanwhile, Skrbek said Deschutes’s core offerings are all up, ranging from an 8% increase in sales for Fresh Squeezed and a 26% jump for N/A Fresh Squeezed. That means that the N/A version isn’t cutting into the full-alc version’s sale, but the opposite.

“We’re seeing tremendous growth in Fresh Squeezed,” observed Skrbek, because consumers are just now discovering the 15-year-old flagship brand “through the non-alc (version). If you’d told me that three years ago, I would’ve been, like, ‘no way!’”

In the end, while brewers naturally long for the heyday of the craft beer boom a decade ago, they are remarkably even-keeled regarding the current landscape. America’s been through worse (see: Prohibition). Fifty years ago, the American brewery population was subone-hundred, and for all intents and purposes, the sole style of beer available was light adjunct lager. There are over 8,000 breweries in operation in the country today, and more than 200 of those exist to slake Oregonians’ thirst for the good stuff.

“I’m super bullish on alcohol-containing beers,” noted Skrbek. “Adaptation needs to happen,” he said regarding the mania that took hold in grocery stores with “100-yard cold boxes” of every available microbrew. “And we got a little bit ‘pinkies out’ that we lost the plot on the occasions that beer is largely designed for.” I once heard a brewery owner refer to a segment of consumers, this writer included, as “beer sniffers.” But as Skrbek concluded, “Oregonians are very discerning about beer. Over fifty percent of dollars spent on beer are craft beer where, nationally, that’s closer to twenty percent. Nobody is even close to Oregon, so we’re in an extremely sophisticated environment.”

Considering Bend has held the honor of supporting more breweries per capita of any U.S. city with a population over 100,000 people, the Bend Ale Trail is still chugging.

Director of Brewery Operations

Brett Thomas proclaimed that 2026 is "a banner year" for Sunriver Brewing, Central Oregon's second largest beer maker.

Five Float Beers You Need This Summer

Hot day on the cool water? Reach for these cold ones.

By Brian Yaeger

Far be it for me or anyone to tell you what beer to drink and when. You want a double-digit ABV double IPA? Just know that the more alcohol you consume, the greater the risk of severe dehydration and, by extension, heat stroke you assume. Which is why the first hallmark of a good float beer is one that is lower in alcohol, so where you’re typical craft beer weighs it at 6% ABV or more, we’ll be looking at beers in the “low fives” or even in the four percent range.

There’s the old joke about “what do Bud Light and making love in a canoe have in common,” but in this case, you probably do want a beer that’s waterier than the above-referenced craft beers which are more diuretic. You probably also want to make sure you’ve got some actual water in that insulated tote you’re dragging behind your inflatableof-choice.

Let’s start with Wild Ride Brewing’s Whoopty Whoop Wheat. Where oth er American Hefeweizens are frequent ly garnished with a slice of lemon, this wheaten ale features lemon peel in the brew. Wild Ride brew Matt “MattKat” Katakura notes, “(The lemon) is added in the hot side and surely helps drive the refreshing, crisp imbibe. It’s perfect for river floating and absolutely crushable on these 90-plus degree days.”

Speaking of fruit beers, we’re all aware cucumbers are botanically fruit, yeah? The creator of my previous fave float beer, Tonya Cornett’s Cucumber Crush, created UPP Yours at her yearold UPP Liquids. Winner of a silver medal at the 2025 Great American Beer Fest, tart ale — specifically, a Germanic gose — ends up tasting more like sour pickle than cool cucumber, which in this era of pickle Cheetos and pickle cashews, sim ply means the world is ready for it. And with a can in hand, procured directly at the pub or a small number of retailers including Third Street Beverages, you’ll be ready for those class I rapids beneath the Colorado Avenue bridge just a half mile from UPP.

The brewpub that’s even closer to the river is Monkless Belgian Ales, which has won four GABF medals over the years, but all of them for the stronger Bel gian style ales for which they

dry, and at 4.8% ABV, the perfect sipper going 3 MPH, especially given its 19.2-ounce can size.

When it comes to float beers, many think to reach for a light lager, and that’s exactly what Van Henion Brewing’s Leichtbier translates as. Brewer and co-owner Dana Henion remarks that Leichtbier “is traditionally the go-to summer-time lager in Germany. As a

Deschutes, the only thing that could make it better would be a sando or a light snack of some chips,” notes Henion, who obviously doesn’t mind risking her chips getting soggy.

Which brings us to a personal favorite for any occasion, be it water or landbased. Japanese lagers are finally having their moment, including getting their own competitive category at GABF. So while you can expect to see more hitting the market, whitewater time is the right water time for Crux Fermentation Project’s Bochi Bochi (4.9%). “As a Japanese-American, it’s important to me to make a proper Japanese rice lager to pay homage to my culture and heritage,” said Crux head brewer Ryan Atagi. He discloses that the grist (the grain bill) consists of 40% whole-grain Calrose rice — a relatively high

What Local, Award-Winning IPAs Tell Us About Beer in 2026

“Hoppiness is happiness” says Boneyard brewmaster

By Brian Yaeger

First there was the English India Pale Ale, clocking in around 5% alcohol and boasting a hop bill only nominally bigger than a pale ale. Once discovered by American microbrewies, it still took decades to ascend as the powerhouse style of craft beer. Ever since — American IPA merely became the largest category at the Great American Beer Festival in the 21st century — IPA has branched out much like pizza has. Just like there’s New York thin crust, wood-fired Neapolitan, buttery Detroit-style and whatever they’re doing in New Haven with clams, IPA includes abrasive West Coast, soft and juicy New England, light-bodied session or small, various hybridized ones (see: grapefruit or other fruit, Black aka Cascadian Dark Ale), Cold IPAs for lager lovers and gradations of stronger double, triple and so forth.

When Tony Lawrence, founder of Boneyard Beer, explains IPA’s continued dominance with the laconic bon mot, “Hoppiness equals happiness,” he has a storied career dating back to joining Deschutes Brewery the year after it opened to back that up. That’s in addition to creating RPM IPA and growing it to become the bestselling draft IPA in Oregon (and, at least for a time, only Coors Light found its way into more pint glasses statewide).

“I think American brewers have spent a very long-time obsessing over how to push the boundaries of what hops can do,” says Lawrence. He notes that as sweetness and viscosity have diminished over the years, leading to the virtual extinction of the Northwest IPA (a

style defined as much by its car amel malt backbone as its pun ishingly bitter resinous hops), “More hop techniques and for mats, from whole flowers and pellets to oils and other prod ucts, allow hops to take center stage. Hops deliver an amazing range of flavor and aroma that simply can’t be matched.”

Of the 18 Boneyard beers on tap at their pub, over half are designed as happiness deliv ery vehicles, ranging from pale ales and a session IPA on the crowd-pleasing side to its infamous triple IPA, Notorious (11.8%) for hop addicts. At the third Triple IPA Throwdown (aka IPA3 Throwdown) earlier this year, in which 10 illustrious triple IPAs square off in blind taste tests, Notorious squashed all comers. Lawrence describes the style as “like a dry barleywine,” since the latter is deemed more of a malt bomb than a hop bomb, but you can’t build a beer that’s nearly 12% ABV without plenty of malt. Lawrence insists you don’t get to call a beer a triple IPA unless it boasts double-digit alcohol content. That said, he’s equally adamant that, “Balance is the defining characteristic of a Boneyard beer.”

Hop Hazy Pale Ale and IPA” category, thus cementing Albrecht’s bona fides since he slays the haze.

Hazy IPAs or just hazies, as they’re commonly known, are IPAs that not only are unfiltered and opaque despite brewers cherishing clarity, but see their hops added predominantly in the postboil whirlpool and/or dry-hopped so as to avoid early addition hopping that contributes bitterness. The results throw more tropical fruit notes than the pine and pith flavors that are the hallmark of a West Coast IPA. When it debuted at the 2018 GABF, it instantly became the most-entered category. It didn’t become a World Beer Cup category until 2022.

That same year, over at Bend Brewing Co., with brewer Sean Albecht first arriving in Central Oregon, he came in like a wrecking ball when he introduced “Better Late Than Never,” BBC’s foray into the world of hazy IPAs. Cut to 2026, and Albrecht added to BBC’s hall of fame with Because Science, which earned gold medals in both the World Beer Cup “Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale” category plus the Oregon Beer Awards same category. And

“The market is changing the flavor profile,” says Albrecht. “People want (their IPAs) lighter; they don’t want big IBUs (International Bitterness Units).” Whether customer preferences shift among the changing marketplace or brewers alter hop bills in reaction to customer demand, brewers are adroit at modernizing beer styles or even updating recipes of long-running brands.

Sunriver Brewing is one of Oregon’s most decorated brewing companies, including earning 16 awards for Rippin Northwest Pale Ale alone. At 6% ABV and shouldering 50 IBUs, the beer is firmly in the “strong pale ale” category, meaning it’s a half-step tamer than an IPA. Brewery director Brett Thomas points out that some elements of Rippin’s formulation remain the same since its 2016 debut — it employs Citra, Mosaic, and Amarillo hops — but if you were to sip a pint brewed in ‘16 and one brewed a decade later, it’s the same spirit more than the same flavor or feel. That’s what happens when one brew crew has conjured up “hundreds” of different IPAs and hop delivery vehicles in that timeframe. “IPA we drink today is as different as possible,” observes Thomas, as its predecessors. He credits “Americanism.”

“It’s like Manifest Destiny of beer. We take things that are cherished by other cultures and make them our way, and now the rest of the world is trying to make American IPAs. The way the rest of the world considers us is we’re a bunch of cowboys. And we cowboy everything.” In the beer space, no style is more cowboyed than IPA.

Finally, we’ve got Bevel Craft Brewing,

where co-owner/brewer Nate Doss has been voted brewer in this publication’s readers choice poll every single year since Bevel’s inception (and we will find out if Doss seven-peats when the 2026 results are published next month)! There is not a singular, flagship IPA that keeps the thirsty coming back to Bevel but the fact that 70% of the 10 house beers on draft are in the IPA realm. And Bevel is gearing up for its third Pursuit of Hoppiness festival where attendees are provided tasting tokens enough to sample a full dozen.

Just in the seven years since Bevel was established, Doss credits huge advances in hop technology, driven more by the largest hop growing region in Washington’s Yakima Valley over Oregon’s Willamette Valley, as the primary driver in IPA flavor profiles. In addition to whole cone hops and T-90 or pelletized hops, brewers now can order “cryo” (cryogenically concentrated) hops and CO2 extracts, similar to concentrates in the cannabis marketplace. “Hops are just getting better as far as options, from different fruit flavors, citrus flavors...The quality and consistency is fantastic.”

“I don’t think there is a defining characteristic for a Bevel IPA. We’re always moving around with different techniques that we either drink from other breweries or we hear through the grapevine, i.e. using some lager yeast, fermenting with warmer temperatures, using you know flaked wheat or flaked rice or you know things of that nature and then hop varietals. I think that goalpost is always moving as far as what you’re trying to make,” Doss comments. “So, the target for Bevel is to just continue to make great beer that people want to buy and give them a great experience. I don’t think there is such thing as a perfect IPA.”

SOURCE PICKS

WEDNESDAY 7/29

THE BROTHERS COMATOSE

A TASTE OF AMERICANA

Get ready for a fusion of old-school string-band instrumentation with the exuberance of rock and roll when The Brothers Comatose take the stage with their americana and bluegrass sounds. Opening act is Quattlebaum. Doors open 6pm, show starts 7 pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub Outdoor Courtyard, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend. Presale tickets $30, at the door $40.

FRIDAY 7/31

PAINT

YOUR PET AS A TAROT CARD HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR BRIGHTSIDE ANIMAL SHELTER

Submit a favorite pet photo and then show up to paint in the line-art version of it created by a TEAL artist. Walk away with a custom tarot card featuring your adorable pet. This is a fundraiser for Brightside Animal Shelter. 5-8pm at Tea + Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St., Suite 101, Bend. $51.25.

FRIDAY 7/31

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FUNDRAISER

MUSIC, FOOD AND FUNDRAISING

Eight local bands are set to perform at Bands for Bread, a benefit concert for St. Vincent de Paul. Hosted by Boneyard Pub, which will donate $1 for every beer sold to the cause. There will also be food for purchase and a raffle. Starts at 12pm with first band, Anaphora. Other bands include Double Jump, Chiggi Momo, The Inspectors, Jackrat, Long Operators and Thoughtbox. The last band, Not Your Ex Lover, takes the stage about 6:45pm. Boneyard Pub, 1955 NE Division, Bend.

SATURDAY 8/1

JOANNA LEE

CHILL VIBES AND BEVERAGES ABOUND

With a dusky, unforgettable voice and soulful lyrics, JoAnna Lee sets a tone that shouldn’t be missed. Enjoy her raw acoustic blend of pop, rock and soul. Food, craft cocktails, wine and chill vibes to be had. 6:30-8:30pm at Portello Lounge, 2754 NW Crossing Drive, Bend. Free.

SATURDAY 8/1

INTRO TO BLACKSMITHING

FORGE A CUSTOM BOTTLE OPENER

Learn the basics of blacksmithing at a two-hour workshop. Learn to heat, shape and hammer steel into a custom bottle opener to take home and use. No experience necessary. Tools provided. Step into the forge in a beginner-friendly environment and learn a new skill from 10am-12 pm at DIY Cave, 444 SW Ninth St., Bend. $159 (DIY Cave members save 20%).

SATURDAY 8/1

MAJOR DUDES

REEL IN THE YEARS

Do “Hey Nineteen” and “”Kid Charlemagne” regularly pop up on your playlist? Check out the timeless sounds of one of rock’s greatest groups as Major Dudes, a tribute band to Steely Dan, play well-known favorites from 8-10pm at Hardtails Bar & Grill, 175 N. Larch St., Sisters. $23.

SATURDAY 8/1

WILLIE & FRIENDS: UNBROKEN CIRCLE

POETS AND OUTLAWS WELCOME

Support two Central Oregon organizations while reveling in the sounds of Phases and Strangers, a tribute celebrating the music of Wille Nelson, and several local artists, including Oregon Fryer, Bend Bluegrass Collective, Johnny Bourbon, Cecilia Voss and Punkwife, at Willie & Friends: Unbroken Circle, a celebration of the spirit of songwriters, poets, outlaws and highwomen. 100% of all ticket and door sales benefits the Latino Community Association of Central Oregon, and there’ll also be a virtual food drive raffle benefiting NeighborImpact. 4-10:30pm at Silver Moon Brewing, 24 NE Greenwood Ave., Bend. $15.

SUNDAY 8/2

PLANET DANCE WITH ARIADNE GRACE

ALL AGES WELCOME

Planet Dance with Ariadne Grace, the Motherline Artist in Residence and Planet Dance founder, is coming to Bend. Planet Dance is an intergenerational, all level, guided movement class centered around planet protection. The class will be followed by a reception with a short dance performance by Ariadne Grace and a discussion about arts education in rural places. 11am-12:30pm in Community Room 2 at the Central Library, 61956 SE Santorini St., Bend. Free.

TUESDAY 8/4

BOOTS & BREWS

GET READY FOR SOME BOOT-SCOOTIN’ Head over to Worthy Brewing for a family-friendly event on the patio featuring country line-dance lessons from 6-7pm followed by two-step dance lessons from 7-8pm. Show off your new moves when the dance floor opens up from 8-9pm. Food and drink specials. Worthy Brewing, 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend. Free.

TUESDAY 8/4

WINE ON THE DECK

RELAX AND UNWIND

Enjoy the ambiance and amazing views at Wine On the Deck at Suttle Lake Lodge. Each Tuesday, a different local winery is featured, and Suttle’s chef crafts an accompanying choice of small plates featuring season ingredients that complement each wine. Two seatings on Tuesdays through Sept. 1. 5-8pm at The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse, 13300 Highway 20, Sisters. $81.80.

S SOUND Barenaked Ladies: Blind Stupidity & Good Times

Drummer Tyler Stewart says the band is still going strong after four decades due to mutual respect and making new music

By Dave Gil de Rubio

Over the past 35 years. Barenaked Ladies have left a considerable mark on pop culture. Dip into the band’s canon and you’ll find songs that plug into generation-spanning sitcoms ranging from ‘90s behemoth “Friends” (“Shoe Box”), appearing as a guest band on “90210’s” fictional Peach Pit After Dark nightclub (they played a threesong set that included “The Old Apartment”) and more recently, recording the theme song for CBS’s mega-successful “Big Bang Theory.”

And there have been some major lineup changes since starting out in 1988 (percussionist Andy Creeggan left in 1994 while vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Steven Page departed in 2009). The current foursome of singer/guitarist Ed Robertson, drummer Tyler Stewart, bassist Jim Creeggan and keyboardist/guitarist Kevin Hearn have carried on with a combination of passion, kooky humor and pop smarts.

For Stewart, the joie de vivre he and his bandmates experience as being a part of BNL is a key to why the band is trucking along toward its fourth decade of playing together.

“Our longevity can be attributed to a couple of factors starting with blind stupidity,” he said with a laugh during an interview. “But I would also say the fact that we communicate pretty well, get along and give each other space and respect each other’s creativity and personalities. It takes a long time to get to know somebody intimately. We make sure that we take care of each other and take care of the band in the process. I think making new music really helps. If you can go to the well still and find the inspiration to write and record new songs, it keeps everybody energized and I think that really propels us forward.”

A large part of the Barenaked Ladies brand is a combination of infectious mischief and low-key brilliance that informs cornerstones of the BNL songbook ranging from “Brian Wilson” (which correlates the main character’s life with that of the Beach Boy founder, who also recorded his own version of the song) and “Be My Yoko Ono” (narrator compares his relationship to that of John and Yoko) to the rap at the heart of the 1998 chart-topper, “One Week.” BNL’s interactivity with fans reached “Rocky Horror Picture Story”-type heights where concert-goers

“The multi-generational thing is really cool to witness, where kids and grandkids of people who started out with us in the ‘90s are coming to shows. And that’s pretty awesome to see.”

— Tyler Stewart

would bring boxes of Kraft macaroni and cheese to BNL shows to throw at the band cued by a line in the 1992 hit “If I Had $1000000.” It’s a ritual that’s died down in recent years, much to the relief of Stewart.

“They stopped doing that, thankfully,” he said with a chuckle. “As fun as that was, it got to be a little dangerous — having these boxes thrown toward you. But when it comes to our fans, the investment is that we feel like it’s a

two-way street. We put a lot into it and our fans give us back a lot. Quite a few of them have been around a long time. The multi-generational thing is really cool to witness, where kids and grandkids of people who started out with us in the ‘90s are coming to shows. And that’s pretty awesome to see.”

The BNL creative drive has yielded 14 studio albums with the most recent being 2003’s “In Flight,” which has since been expanded with a deluxe version that adds a batch of live tracks recorded at a 2023 anniversary show to the original 14-song studio album.

“We celebrated our 35th anniversary as a band (in fall 2023),” Stewart explained. “We did a live show in our hometown of Toronto at a legendary club called El Mocambo. We set up, recorded and filmed it and had a great time, and I think we played a song from every one of our studio albums, which really is a lot when you think about it. We had a great night and wanted to celebrate somehow and we thought it was a great chance to do a re-release of our last record with these songs included.”

Stewart said the band members have discussed getting to work on a new studio album. But the focus for now is on headlining the latest edition of their Last Summer on Earth package tour (with Guster, Sugar Ray and Fastball as openers). Stewart promises fans more of the BNL hijinks fans have come to expect.

“One of the joys of making music is being able to perform it live in front of people that are really excited to be there,” he said. “We’ve been really fortunate over our 35-plus years in the band to always have a great audience. We try to deliver a great show every time by sprinkling in stuff from new records and deeper cuts from our long career. It also provides a little variety for the audience while keeping us on our toes.”

Train & Barenaked Ladies Fri, Aug 28 5:45pm Hayden Homes Amphitheater 344 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr, Bend bendconcerts.com/events/event/train-2026

$100+

CALENDAR

29 Wednesday

The Commonwealth Pub The Living Room

An intimate living room music session brought to the stage with Mason James, Austin Scott Brown, Samantha Hart and Landon Akins. 7:30-9:30pm.

Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 If and When Relax with a pint and enjoy great local music in the garden from 6-8pm. 6-8pm. Free.

Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center

Sara Evans

The Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo is proud to welcome multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans as part of the Kendall Toyota of Bend Free Summer Concert Series. Taking the stage on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Evans will kick off a week of live music! 8-10pm. $16.

Frankie’s – formerly Sisters Depot

Handpicked Series by Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt An intimate music series featuring handpicked performers by Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt. No cover — A $10 suggested donation will be collected at the event, with proceeds supporting CoreSisters.org or the Latin Community Association. 6-8pm. No cover.

M&J Tavern Musicians Open Mic All Musicians welcome to the downtown living room! Sign-ups start at 6pm. Set up and ready to go by 6:30pm. You bring instrument, your band and/or your friends. Goes until last call or last musician, which ever happens first. 21 and over. 6:30pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Hannah Juanita & Alicia Viani Hannah Juanita left her home state of Tennessee in her early twenties, excited to meet the world. She travelled in search of herself,but eventually made it back to Tennessee, landing in Nashville with nothing but her dog Loretta, her guitar, and a handful of heartbreak songs. She quickly became a staple live performer and a highly respected vocalist in the traditional country scene in Music City. 7-10pm. $14.92. Sisters Art Works Molly Tuttle in Sisters The award-winning singer, songwriter, and virtuosic guitarist Molly Tuttle stops in Sisters as part of a US summer tour! Her innovative blend of bluegrass, Americana, pop, and rock has made her one of the most dynamic artists in modern music. 7-9pm. $20-$39.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Outdoor Courtyard The Brothers Comatose Outside in the Volcanic Courtyard. Genre - Americana / Bluegrass. Doors @ 6PM - Show Starts @ 7PM. Presale - $30 Door - $40 6pm. $30.

30 Thursday

Bevel Craft Brewing Live Music at Bevel Catch talented local artists on the patio, grab a bite from our 4 on-site food carts, and enjoy award-winning craft beer, wine, cider, and more. Bring friends, relax, and make it a weekly tradition. 6-8pm. Free.

The Cellar Live Irish Trad Music with The Ballybogs! Live music featuring Bend’s Irish Trad band, The Ballybogs! Every Thursday at The Cellar. Seats fill up, so get there early! 6-8pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub June Swoon with Not Your Ex Lover June Swoon is a Los Angeles-based artist whose exploratory songwriting is cinematic, romantic and a little bit dangerous, immersing the listener in compelling worlds that linger like a bruise, marrying alt-country and post-punk with powerhouse vocals and razor-sharp songwriting. Joining the bill is local Bend favorites Not Your Ex Lover. 7:30-9:30pm.

and unforgettable fair. 8-10pm. $16.

Drake Park Munch & Music Summit Health & PacificSource Munch & Music free concerts in Drake Park presented by The Source Weekly and Hayden Homes! Music starts on the Stilson Builders stage each Thursday at 5:30pm to 9pm. Our 2026 series dates: July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, and August 6 5-9pm. Free.

Lava Lanes Trivia Thursday Think On at the 300 Genuine Useless Knowledge Bowl is back on Thursday nights with Lava Lane’s unique spin on trivia! Nothing ordinary about it! Team up with friends for some casual fun. Win gift cards prizes! Fun, food, brews and more. 6pm. Free.

The Lot Jay Geib Singer-songwriter with a Folk/ Rock style of overs and originals. 6-8pm. Free.

Mountain Burger Derek Michael Marc at Mountain Burger! Derek Michael Marc at Mountain Burger for Thursday Night Live! Great music, food & company! 6-8pm. Free.

River’s Place Soul’d Out Soul, R&B & funk 6-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing GINGER MOLASSES & The Heart Springs Ginger Molasses is a five-piece rock band formed in 2023 in the Sierra Nevada Foothills town of Nevada City, California. They draw on elements of soul, funk, and southern rock to craft their unique sound. At the helm is front-woman Tawnee Kendall, whose Nashville-tinged vocals and energetic performances supercharge the band’s live shows. 7-10pm. $14.38.

Silver Moon Brewing Inner Limits Band Come on out and see Inner Limits (blues, rock and jammy grooves). They will light up your night with fun music and cool vibes! 7-10pm. $10.

Silver Moon Brewing Inner Limits Inner Limits is an energetic blues/rock band based in Eugene, Oregon with ties to Bend that weaves original compositions and unique arrangements of solid classic blues and rock songs into each set. Their love for songwriters like Jerry Reed, Bob Dylan and John Fogerty combined with a deep influence from bands with such musical prowess as Led Zeppelin, the Allman Brothers, Pink Floyd and Muddy Waters contributes to Inner Limits’ distinctive blues/rock sound. They also have the ability to stretch out into long dynamic jams displaying their musical virtuosity. 7-10pm. $12.24.

The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse Big Lawn Series The Suttle Lodge is a perfect stop for touring bands and musicians, allowing us to showcase some incredible artists from near and far. Catch a variety of tunes on our Big Lawn every Monday and Thursday from 6-8pm. Free for all and for all ages. 6-8pm. Free.

Tula Movement Arts Bend Ecstatic Dance 7-7:45pm Rotating MoveMentArts teachers giving free classes 8-10pm Ecstatic Dance Arrive by 8, leave anytime A freeFormExpression of movement at an incredible location with stellar music. No experience needed, dress comfortably. Substance free. Intended to provide a deep, transformational music and dance journey with low lighting in a caring container. 7-10pm. $1522 Pay at door. Cash, card or venmo.

Worthy Brewing - Main Pub and Brewery Comedy Mics Hear fresh jokes from established comedians, cheer on first timers, and drink tasty brews. For comics, this is a practice space, and also an opportunity to get booked for paid time in future shows. 6:30-8:45pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

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31 Friday

The Astro Lounge Live local sounds with assorted DJs. Live local sounds from different artists every Friday and Saturday. 10pm-2am. Weekend cover charge.

Boneyard Pub FREE LIVE MUSIC: Lost Operators Free live music at Boneyard Pub every Friday during Summer in the beer garden. 7/31, Lost Operators, 6-8PM. Let It Be Known! 6-8pm. Free.

Bands for Bread: Concert For A Cause Benefits St. Vincent de Paul-Bend Eight live bands, raffle, food and drink. Boneyard Pub is donating $1 for every beer sold to St. Vincent de Paul - Bend. Boneyard Pub, 12-9PM. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Linda Quon & Hello Trouble Linda Quon & Hello Trouble, is a vibrant six-piece vintage roots band showcasing her original music with a swing-infused energy that captivates audiences. 8-10pm. Free.

Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center

JA RULE The Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo is proud to welcome multi-platinum artist Ja Rule as part of the Kendall Toyota of Bend Free Summer Concert Series. Ja Rule will bring a high-energy night of iconic hits and summer vibes. 8-10pm. $18.

Discovery Corner Plaza Food Cart Friday Featuring Joanna Lee Trio A lively summer evening filled with great food, live music, and community connection. Held the last Friday of each month from June through September, this family-friendly event brings toe-tappin’ tunes from rotating local musicians alongside a lineup of food vendors. 5-8pm. Free.

The Domino Room Legend Zeppelin Legend Zeppelin was formed to preserve and expand Led Zeppelin’s raw, explosive live performances, delivering an authentic experience for both lifelong fans and new listeners. They aim to recreate Led Zeppelin’s entire career chronologically over the next 6 years. 9pm-Midnight. $24.28.

Eurosports Sisters Food Cart Garden Mortal Soulstice Free live music every Friday night from 5-7pm at Eurosports. This week it’s Mortal Soulstice. Please feel free to bring your own chairs as sometimes we run out. 5-7pm. Free. Frankie’s – formerly Sisters Depot B3’s (Bob Baker/Brian Odell/Brandon Ficquette) A trio show of the longstanding Portland band the Brian Odell Band. Brian has been coming to Sisters and Bend to perform with Bob Baker (violin), who now lives in Sisters since 2015. This year lead guitarist Brandon Ficquette will be joining. Think Dave Matthews Band. 6-8pm. $10.

Hayden Homes Amphitheater Koe Wetzel 6pm.

M&J Tavern Lunch Lady, The Inspectors and RUSTMOUTH Gritty, raw and killer talent bring a fantastic line up to say farewell to July! Delta blues meets everything in between to shake a leg to! 9pm. Free. Pls tip the bands!.

Portello Lounge Retro Dance Party w/ DJ Briantology! Break out your 70s, 80s and 90s fashion and get ready for our 2nd summer Retro Dance Party! We have DJ Briantology back and ready to keep the dance floor hopping! Come early for dinner or just come for drinks and dancing! Reservations available for dinner at the Portello Lounge website. 7:30-10:30pm. Free for customers.

Shorty’s Taphouse Chasin’ Bandits Live at Shorty’s From classic country favorites to rock anthems across the decades, Chasin’ Bandits brings the party wherever they play. Covering hits from the ’60s through today, this talented group delivers an energetic performance packed with music to remember long after the night ends. 6-9pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Deltaphonic & Sam B Newman Band At the crossroads where Southern rock and blues meet New Orleans funk and soul, Deltaphonic has spent the last decade developing an unmistakable sound. The secret to that sound is hidden in the band name, Deltaphonic. It’s a choice blend of the raw and soulful sounds that flow down the Mississippi. 7-10pm. $17.59.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Outdoor Courtyard KR3TURE Volcanic Theater & 1988 Entertainment: KR3TURE Supported by King Kairos, Shalyssa, & Dalllea Friday, July 31st 2026 Genre - Electronic Fusion Doors @ 5PM This show is 21+ 5pm. $32.

1 Saturday

The Astro Lounge Live local sounds with assorted DJs. Live local sounds from different artists every Friday and Saturday. 10pm-2am. Weekend cover charge.

Bridge 99 Brewery Family-Friendly Karaoke Night Looking for family fun? You’ll find it every Saturday night at Bridge 99 Brewery. Family-friendly karaoke is hosted by DJ Jackie J and A Fine Note Karaoke Too from 6-9 PM. Adults, kids and good dogs welcome. 6-9pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Heller Highwater Band Rocking the Pub with Heller Highwater Band. Playing all your favorite Rock, R&B, POP, and everything in between covers. Put on your dancing shoes and let’s shake it on the dance floor. In the heart of Bend off of Century Drive. Bring your friends and come rock<0x1F3B6> 8-10pm. Free.

Frankie’s – formerly Sisters Depot

Mairead with Jim Goodwin Join us for an evening of unforgettable live music with acclaimed singer-songwriter Mairéad and renowned musician and composer Jim Goodwin. Opening the evening are Lilli Worona & Mike Biggers. 6-8pm. $10.

Funky Fauna Artisan Ales The Inspectors w/ DJ Esteban Join us in the taproom for free live music from The Inspectors! 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

GoodLife Brewing GoodLife’s 15th Anniversary Bash GoodLife Brewing’s 15th Anniversary Bash! Dad Bods free live music show from 6-8pm in the backyard. $4 Sweet As on draft all day, $10 Margaritas all day, more tap specials, food trucks, playground, pop-up vendors. Come down and celebrate 15 years! 11:30am-9pm. Free.

Hardtails Bar & Grill “Major Dudes” - a Tribute to Steely Dan Experience the timeless sound of Steely Dan with Major Dudes, the premier tribute band dedicated to one of the most influential and sophisticated acts in rock history. 8-10pm. $23.

Hayden Homes Amphitheater LINDSEY STIRLING - DUALITY UNTAMED TOUR 7pm.

M&J Tavern John St. Just + The Raucous Portland based musician John St. Just returns to the M&J Tavern for an evening of Rock N’ Roll. Locals The Raucous support. 9pm-Midnight. Free.

Willie and Friends Willie and Friends: Unbroken Circle A community fundraising concert that benefits the Latino Community Association and NeighborImpact through ticket sales, a community food drive and a fundraising raffle featuring donated prizes. It celebrates the outlaw and cosmic country tradition with performances and collaborations by Central Oregon artists.Silver Moon Brewing. 4-10:30pm. $23.

McMenamins Father Luke’s Room Jerry Garcia Celebration with Call Down Thunder’s Dave Pettibone, StealHead & The Soul Sistahs A Jerry Garcia celebration at McMenamin’s Father Luke’s Room! Dance the night away with Bend jam-band favorites StealHead & The Soul Sistahs, plus special guest Dave Pettibone of Call Down Thunder. 7-10pm. Free.

Portello Lounge JoAnna Lee - Live music @ Portello Lounge Experience the oneof-a-kind talent if JoAnna Lee at Portello! Her unforgettable voice and soulful style create a night of music people simply can’t miss, made even better with Portello’s amazing food, craft cocktails, wine selection and chill vibes! Reservations and walk-ins welcome! 6:30-8:30pm. Free for customers.

River’s Place Saturday Jazz Sessions Sean Alan and Jazz On The Side ~ A soul forward quintet built around the powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Sean Alan. Delivering tight performances of original vocal jazz compositions and R&B takes on classic standards. 6-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Keenan TreVon Keenan TreVon is the fastest-emerging urban artist in the Rocky Mountain region. A Denver singer, songwriter, and producer whose genre-defying blend of R&B, hip-hop, pop, and alternative music has made him one of the most magnetic new voices in the industry. 7-10pm. $17.59.

Stoller Wine Bar Bend B3’s (Bob Baker/ Brian Odell/Brandon Ficquette) A trio show of the longstanding Portland band the Brian Odell Band. Brian has been coming to Sisters and Bend to perform with Bob Baker (violin), who now lives in Sisters since 2015. This year lead guitarist Brandon Ficquette will be joining. Think Dave Matthews Band. 5-7pm. No Cover.

Velvet Lounge One Mad Man Music One Mad Man: loops together multiple instruments to create moody, driven backdrops accompanied by smooth vocals. First Saturday of every month, 9pm-Midnight. Free.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Outdoor Courtyard The White Buffalo Attendees will enjoy an evening of Americana / Folk Rock live music. 6pm. $32.

2 Sunday

Deschutes Brewery Tasting Room & Beer Garden Sunday Sessions: Jeshua Marshall Jeshua’s music is a mix of his Punk Rock Roots, Folk, Reggae, Americana and Indie Rock. He writes from his heart and experiences, delivering raw honest lyrics on a bed of energetic, emotional music. Jeshua Marshall is known for his energy drenched, theatrical live show. 4-6pm. Free.

Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center

Banda Carnival Banda Carnaval is from Mazatlan, Sinaloa Mexico and is distinguished by its composition of talented young musicians who carry joy, passion, and the thirst for success in their blood! . Free with fair admission.

Dogwood At The Pine Shed Okay Karaoke Sing your favorite songs with friends, enjoy professional sound and lighting, and let the spotlight shine on you. Hosted by the dynamic Tammy Larsen, it’s the perfect night out for music lovers and party people alike. Noon-11pm. Free.

GoodLife Brewing Live Music in the GoodLife Beer Garden Free Live Music in GoodLife’s Beergarden every Sunday 4-6 and Tuesday 6-8. Full Kitchen, Full Bar, Food Trucks, Playground, Kids Menu, GOOD VIBES! 4-6pm. Free.

Grace and Hammer Guitars and Harmonies Guitars and Harmonies at Grace and Hammer Pizzeria! Our free summer concert series starts this Sunday, July 5. Check out the incredibly talented and soothing sounds of local teen singer-songwriter, Jotham Bailey. The show begins at 2:00 on our 1,000 square foot deck. Every 7 days, 2-4pm. Free.

River’s Place LIlli Worona & John Shipe Innovative Americana with classical and folk roots 6-8pm. Free.

Tower Theatre Robert Cray Band 8pm.

3 Monday

Bevel Craft Brewing Bingo with Bren Supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend Bingo with Bren is hosting an event to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend! Half the proceeds go to cash prizes, while the other half helps provide kids with safe spaces, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive. $2 per card or 6 cards for $10! This is a family friendly event. 6-8pm. $2.

Grace and Hammer Naomi Wachira Live! Limited Seats for this Award-Winning Kenyan-American Recording Artist Singer Songwriter Since playing to sold out crowds at the Tower Theater and McClay Center several years ago, singer-songwriter Naomi Wachira is returning to Central Oregon. Her music “soothes, inspiring the listener to look beyond these turbulent times to remember how much we desperately need one another in order to grow.” Check out her music and get tickets at https://events. ticketleap.com/tickets/graceandhammercom/ naomi- 7-9pm. $25.

M&J Tavern Vinyl Night Monday Night just got better!!! 9pm to Midnight. SupaFly will be your Dj. Bring your own vinyl and sign up to add it to the Playlist or pick from hers. 9pm. Free.

On Tap Locals’ Day Plus Live Music Cheaper drinks all day and live music at night, get down to On Tap. 11am-9pm. Free.

The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse Big Lawn Series The Suttle Lodge is a perfect stop for touring bands and musicians, allowing us to showcase some incredible artists from near and far. Catch a variety of tunes on our Big Lawn every Monday and Thursday from 6-8pm. Free for all and for all ages. 6-8pm. Free.

America’s 250th

The Fair kicks off on Wednesday, July 29, at 6pm with a special America’s 250th Celebration during Opening Ceremonies, honoring our nation’s history with patriotic tributes, special guests, and an unforgettable start to Fair week.

DESCHUTES Fair &

July 29th

presented by

FAIR

Experience the 2026 Wilco Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo

The 2026 Wilco Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo presented by Indian Head Casino returns July 29 through August 2 with five unforgettable days of family fun. From exciting entertainment and thrilling rodeo action to carnival rides, delicious Fair food, exhibits, shopping, agriculture, and live music, there’s something for every age. Whether it’s your first visit or a longtime tradition, this year’s Fair is packed with new experiences alongside all the favorites you’ve come to expect.

CONCERTS

FREE Summer Concert Series

Five Nights. Five Incredible Concerts. FREE with Fair Admission.

Don’t miss the Kendall Toyota of Bend FREE Summer Concert Series presented by Mike’s Fence Center. Every night of the Fair features a nationally recognized artist, all included with Fair admission.

Upgrade your experience with VIP tickets for reserved seating close to the stage.

DESCHUTES COUNTY Rodeo CHECK OUT

AUGUST 2ND

RODEO

Feel the Excitement of the Coastal Farm & Ranch NPRA Rodeo

The Coastal Farm & Ranch NPRA Rodeo brought to you by ABBAS Well Drilling & Pump Service returns with four nights of action-packed performances featuring the region’s top cowboys and cowgirls. Watch bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback riding, barrel racing, team roping, and more as competitors battle for prize money and championship points. Duel in the Desert is Sunday at 2pm where highschoolers from all around Central Oregon compete for the rodeo championship title.

Sunday Night Destruction!

NPRA RODEO brought to you by

• Duel in the Desert presented by Hooker Creek

• Demolition Derby presented by Wild Ride Brewing

The Demolition Derby presented by Wild Ride Brewing is back and bigger than ever. Drivers from across the Northwest will battle it out in an evening filled with crashing metal, roaring engines, and nonstop excitement. It’s one of the Fair’s most popular traditions and the perfect way to wrap up an incredible week.

Your Fair admission includes the rodeo every night, making it one of the best entertainment values in the Northwest.

• 4-H & FFA

• Blue Ribbon Blvd

CARNIVAL

Bigger Rides. Bigger Smiles. The carnival returns with exciting rides and attractions for every age. Thrill seekers can enjoy high-speed rides while younger guests explore family-friendly attractions and kiddie rides. Don’t miss the spectacular DoubleDecker Carousel, one of the carnival’s most iconic attractions, creating unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages.

FAIR FOOD

Come Hungry!

Nothing says Fair quite like the food. From giant turkey legs, corn dogs, fresh-cut fries, barbecue, burgers, pizza, and kettle corn to elephant ears, fresh lemonade, ice cream, and deep-fried treats, you’ll find all your Fair favorites throughout the grounds. Whether you’re craving classic comfort food or something sweet, there’s something delicious around every corner.

WHAT’S NEW?

New Experiences Around Every Corner

The 2026 Fair features several exciting additions that make this year’s event one you won’t want to miss.

NEW for 2026

• Off Axis Stunt Show featuring high-flying BMX action.

• Petty Zoo children’s entertainment.

• The Children’s Museum of Central Oregon interactive exhibit.

• New Les Schwab Champions Lounge celebrating 4-H and FFA youth.

• America’s 250 Celebration during Opening Ceremonies

• Expanded entertainment, exhibits, and family activities throughout the Fairgrounds.

Whether you’re coming for the concerts, rodeo, carnival, food, or family fun, the 2026 Wilco Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo offers more to see and do than ever before. We can’t wait to welcome you July 29 through August 2!

Volcanic Theatre Pub Outdoor Courtyard Bad Nerves Outside in the Courtyard Genre - Power Pop / Pop punk Doors @ 6PM - Show Starts @ 7PM Presale - $25 Door - $35 6pm. $25.

4 Tuesday

The Cellar Open Mic Open Mic is hosted by Mari of the band, Mari & The Dream! This is an intimate night of sharing music in a welcoming environment and supportive community. 6-8pm. Free.

Centennial Park National Night Out National Night Out is hosted by Redmond PD to build positive relationships and promote safety in your community. Free live music, BBQ, and activities for the whole family. Police K9 demonstrations and emergency vehicles on display to explore! 6-8pm. Free.

The Commons Cafe & Taproom Open Mic StoryTellers open mic nights are full of music, laughs and community. Mason James is the host. Poetry, comedy and spoken word are welcome, but this is mainly a musical open mic. Performance slots are a quick 10 minutes each, so being warmed up and ready is ideal. If you wish to perform sign-ups start at 5pm in the cafe. 6pm. Free.

GoodLife Brewing Live Music in the GoodLife Beer Garden Free Live Music in GoodLife’s Beergarden every Sunday 4-6 and Tuesday 6-8. Full Kitchen, Full Bar, Food Trucks, Playground, Kids Menu, GOOD VIBES! 6-8pm. Free.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Automatic Volcanic Theatre Pub & 1988 Entertainment Presents: Automatic Tuesday, August 4th 2026 Genre - Post Punk / Rock Doors @ 7PM - Show Starts @ 8PM Presale - $20 Door - $30 Automatic, the Los Angeles trio of Izzy Glaudini (synths, vocals), Halle Saxon (bass, vocals), and Lola Dompé (drums, 7pm. Presale - $20 Door - $30.

5 Wednesday

Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 Alex Winters Relax with a pint and enjoy great local music in our garden from 6-8pm. 6-8pm. Free.

General Duffy’s Waterhole Dominick Antonelli at General Duffy’s Waterhole Dominick Antonelli is on his first national tour and will be sharing original music. An evening of stories from the road, acoustic instrumentals, and heart felt lyrics, plus wonderful food, drink and community! 6-8pm. Free.

M&J Tavern Musicians Open Mic All Musicians welcome to the downtown living room! Sign-ups start at 6pm. Set up and ready to go by 6:30pm. You bring instrument, your band and/or your friends. Goes until last call or last musician, which ever happens first. 21 and over. 6:30pm. Free.

Northside Bar & Grill Mellow Wednesday Open Mic Night Open mic night hosted by Derek Michael Marc! 5:30-8pm. 0.00.

Portello Lounge Music Bingo Music Bingo is hosted by the always entertaining Rachel Fishman, who keeps the crowd singing and laughing all night! It’s the perfect bonus to a night out enjoying great food, drinks and good company at Portello! 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing DJ Logic &

Friends The theorem of turntablist as musician has been long proven in the capable hands of DJ Logic, whom with jazz as his foundation has become a wax innovator by crossing genres and mixing his sound across the map. As one of the world’s most accomplished turntablists, DJ Logic is widely credited for introducing jazz into the hip–hop realms and is considered by most as a highly-respected session musician and an innovative bandleader. 7-10pm. $19.73.

MUSIC

Sonic Bliss ~ Breath & Soundbath Experience Breath gently and deeply into this healing 432Hz Crystal Bowl, Didgeridoo, Reiki, Sound Bath and Breathwork experience. Opens with gentle movement, tapping and Chi Kung, flowing into a guided breathwork session and sound bath skillfully supported with live Didgeridoo, Sitar, Gongs, Koshi Chimes, and more. Aug. 2, 6-7:15pm. Unity Spiritual Community of Central Oregon, 63645 Scenic Drive, Bend. Contact: 808-887-0830. lisacswisher@gmail.com. 28.52. Around the World in 30 Instruments with Four Shillings Short Enjoy a global music performance from a husband/wife duo. Aug. 5, 2-3:30pm. Sunriver Library, Venture Lane, Sunriver. Contact: 541-312-1032. lizg@ deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

In Resonance - An Evening of Flute, Piano and Sound Healing with Sherry Finzer and Julie Hanney A wonderful evening of vibrations and melodies to soothe the soul, inspire the heart and calm the mind. Sherry Finzer is an acclaimed flute player and sound healing facilitator. Julie Hanney is a pianist and composer of peaceful music. Bring a yoga mat, but not necessary. Invite peace. Aug. 2, 7-9pm. Hanai Foundation, 62430 Eagle Road, Bend. Contact: 541-390-2441. juliehanneypiano@gmail. com. $25 before the event, $30 at the door. Riverside Piano Flow at Drake Park Enjoy an evening of beautiful, soul-awakening piano music as you are immersed in one of Bend’s most iconic natural settings. See Paula Dreyer in this unique concert experience that combines the beauty of live piano music with the freedom of exploring Mirror Pond and Drake Park. Aug. 2, 5:30-7pm. Drake Park, 777 NW Riverside Blvd., Bend. Contact: 541-389-7275. info@pauladreyer.com. $15, $30.

Yoga @ The Elk Lake 60-minute Vinyasa yoga class set against the serene backdrop of Elk Lake in Central Oregon. This inclusive all-levels practice invites everyone to experience the harmonious blend of movement, breath, and nature. 10-11am on Sat. Aug. 1; Sat, Aug. 8; Sat. Aug. 22; Sat. Aug. 29 and Sat. Sept. 5, 10-11am. Elk Lake Resort - Lodge Bar & Restaurant, 60000 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-316-9213. missie@romingyogabend.com. $25.

Singing (with others) is Good for You When singing, you can’t hide. Sharing the gift of your voice with others is an uplifting experience that local songleader Ian Carrick hopes everyone gets to share in this lifetime. Free event. Kids welcome. Aug. 1, 9:30-10:45am. Central Library, 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend. Contact: openhubsinging@gmail.com.

Yoga in the Park Happening the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month all summer long, 1 hour of fun, all levels donation-based yoga! 6pm-7pm in Pioneer Park. Bring your own yoga mat! Aug. 5, 6-7pm. Pioneer Park, corner of Wall Street and Portland, Bend. Contact: 5419052949. soundbathstillness@gmail.com. $5-10 donation.

Steve Earle w/ Olivia Wolf Steve Earle is one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of his generation. A protege of legendary songwriters Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, he quickly became a master storyteller in his own right. July 31, 7:30pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-317-0700. info@towertheatre.org. $42-$62 (plus $8 Historic Preservation Fee).

Yoga in the Wild Get rejuvenated and breathe in the fresh mountain air during the Yoga in the Wild series at Mt. Bachelor this summer season! Select evenings throughout the summer for a one-hour, all levels combination class of Vinyasa and Hatha yoga, taught by Mobility Duo. Thu, July 30, 4-5pm, Thu, Aug. 13, 2-3pm, Thu, Aug. 20, 2-3pm, Thu, Aug. 27, 2-3pm, Thu, Sept. 3, 2-3pm and Thu, Sept. 17, 2-3pm. Mt. Bachelor, 13000 Century Drive, Bend. Free.

Sunset Piano Flow at Tumalo Lavender An unforgettable golden hour concert by pianist Paula Dreyer amid the breathtaking beauty of the blooming lavender fields. Piano Flow Live blends mesmerizing original compositions, classical gems, and intricate piano covers in a soulful performance - perfectly timed with the setting sun. Aug. 1, 7-8:30pm. Tumalo Lavender Farm, 19825 Connarn Rd, Bend. Contact: ‭541383-2441 . info@pauladreyer.com. $25, $50.

DANCE

Adult Ballet Class Learn or rediscover the art of ballet on Tuesday nights! Adult Ballet is an open-level class for adult learners and dancers. Tuesdays, 12:30-1:30 and 6:45-7:45pm. Academie ee Ballet Classique, 1900 NE 3rd St #104, Bend. Contact: 541-382-4055. dance@abcbend. com. Price varies.

Adult Jazz Dance Community Class

Intermediate-level adult jazz drop-in dance classes. Friendly, supportive atmosphere. Get your dance on! Fridays, 12:15-1:45pm. Academie de Ballet Classique, 1900 NE 3rd St #104, Bend. Contact: 408-857-6773. jcliff@gmail.com. $10.

Bend Burlesque Company presents: Splish Splash Join Bend Burlesque Company this summer and be ready to get wet and wild at Bend Burlesque’s summer spectacle: Splish Splash! It’s a water-themed burlesque blowout celebrating all things beachy, pool party and aquatic, from slip ‘n slides to sultry sea sirens. Aug. 1, 7-9pm. Bunk+Brew, 42 NW Hawthorne Avenue, Bend. Contact: +1 (978) 771-4635. hello@ bendburlesquecompany.com. $22.94 - $65.75.

Boots & Brews at Worthy Brewing Country line dance lessons 6-7pm. Two-step dance lessons 7-8pm. Open dancing 8-9pm. Food & drink specials. Family-friendly patio atmosphere. Tuesdays, 7-8pm. Through Sept. 30. Worthy Brewing - Main Pub and Brewery, 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend. Contact: howdy@swingnline. com. Free.

ARTS + CRAFTS

Lemonade Summer Paint Party @ SCP Hotel in Redmond** Come have a fun time painting a pre-traced canvas, with prizes and more! Tickets must be sold before event. Seating is limited so get your tickets today! https:// www.imaginaryrebelpaintparties.com/ Aug. 5, 6-8:30pm. SCP Redmond Hotel, 521 Southwest 6th Street, Redmond. Contact: 9496773510. imaginaryrebelartstudio@gmail.com. 35.

Adventure is Calling Paint Party @ SCP Hotel in Redmond Adventure Paint Party @ SCP Hotel in Redmond. (This is a wooden sign not a canvas) This is a pre-paid event. Please visit https://www.imaginaryrebelpaintparties.com/ to book your seat! There will be a raffle and prizes to win! July 29, 6-8pm. Provisions Market at SCP Redmond, 521 SW Sixth St., Redmond. Contact: 949-677-3510. imaginaryrebelartstudio@gmail.com. $45.

Two-part Altar Workshop at Sisters Wellness Collective Discover the grounding art of clay in this two-part altar workshop. Create a personal, one-of-a-kind altar honoring your story, experiences, and loved ones. Part 1 on 8/1/26: Handbuild with intention. Part 2 on 8/15/26: Glaze and finish your piece. Aug. 1, 2-5pm. Sisters Wellness Collective, 211 Sun Ranch Dr. unit 101, Sisters. Contact: 415-3084538. krista@lalucestudio.com. $150.

Date Night Cutting Boards Skip dinner and a movie. Spend date night in the woodshop making one-plank cutting boards. Design, shape and finish a board while learning how to use beginner-friendly tools. A fun, hands-on night of creativity and memories. Optional snack-and-drink upgrade. Tools included. DIYcave members save 20%. Aug. 1, 3-6pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@ diycave.com. 159.

Free Teen Open Art Hours Teens ages 1318 are welcome to join every Tuesday & Thursday between 3pm-7pm for Free Open Art Hours where they will have access to art supplies, musical instruments, a sewing station, and plenty of space for your creative projects with the support of creative mentors. Registration required. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 3-7pm. The Open Arts Center, 999 NE 2nd St, Bend, OR 97701, Bend. Contact: 9787714635. claire@theopenartscenter.org. Free.

Fused Glass 101: Slumping - Optical Illusion Dish Create a colorful fused-glass plate using stringers arranged into a playful optical-illusion design. Learn cutting, shaping, and kiln-fusing techniques in this beginner-friendly workshop. Your finished piece will be fired in our kiln and ready for pickup once complete. July 29, 6-8pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. 149.

Intro to Blacksmithing - Forge a Bottle Opener Step into the forge and learn beginner-friendly blacksmithing while heating, shaping, and hammering steel into a custom bottle opener. In this fast, hands-on 2-hour workshop, practice essential techniques and leave with a finished piece. No experience needed. Tools provided. DIYcave members save 20%. Aug. 1, 10amNoon. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. 159.

Intro to Handbuilding

This 5 day course is designed for beginners and will cover the basic handbuilding techniques of pinch, coil, and slab. Students will leave the class with a variety of finished vessels and the skills to independently advance their craft. Tuesdays, 6-9pm. Through Aug. 11. Camp Clay Bend, 147 NE Olney Ave, Bend. Contact: jess@campclay.studio. $350.

Intro to Jewelry Soldering - Silver Stacked Rings This fun and creative class introduces you to the basics of soldering and the art of creating beautiful sterling silver rings. You’ll use a torch for soldering and learn how to size, shape, and texture your rings. Take home new skills and three beautifully crafted rings! Mon. Aug. 3, 6-8:30pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. $129 + material costs.

Kids Studio! Printmaking Camp For ages 7–12. Explore monoprints, collagraphs, relief, and reduction printing, creating colorful, textured artworks. Hands-on, playful, and full of creativity, with all materials included. Aug. 3-6, 9:30am-Noon. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 541-508-7438. hellofreaknart@ gmail.com. $200.

Kids: Slime Time Join Ms Sarah of Lets Paint. Perfect for kids 6 thru 10. Make slime and paint an alien. July 29, 9:45-11am. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: 5416686708. info@bendteal.com. $35.

Lets Paint a Poppy Join Ms Sarah and paint her newest design: the poppy Aug. 5, 6-8pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: 5416686708. info@ bendteal.com. $65.

Moonlit Forest Painting Join Paint with Victoria for this engaging lesson that is perfect for artists at any level and provides the tools and techniques needed to create your own nighttime forest masterpiece. July 30, 5-7pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: 5416686708. info@bendteal.com. $50.

Paint Your Pet as a Tarot Card

Paint Your Pet Night “Paint Your Pet as a Tarot Card” is a fundraising event for Brightside Animal Shelter at Bend Teal! After you submit your photo, an artist will create a line art version of your pet on a customized tarot card, ready to paint! July 31, 5-8pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: 5416686708. info@bendteal.com. $50.

Pine Needle Basket Workshop Participants will be able to make and take home their own tiny, pine needle basket. A coiled weave style will be taught resulting in a cute basket ready to take home. Aug. 1, 10am-3pm. Bend, RSVP for address, Bend. Contact: info@nighthawknaturalistschool.com. $65.

Plein Air Paint n Sip in the Lavender Fields Join Sarah Swoffer of Let’s Paint and Bend Tea Lounge for a beginner-friendly plein air workshop guides you step by step through creating your own acrylic canvas—no experience needed. All instruction and materials are included. Farm-fresh lavender lemonade and other refreshments. July 30, 6-8pm. Tumalo Lavender, 19825 Connarn Road, Bend. Contact: tamar@ tumalolavender.com. 55.

Pottery Art and Crafts Sale Art and Crafts by local artists. Pottery, printmaking, painting, woodworking, jewelry and more! Fridays-Sundays, 11am-4pm. Through Aug. 8. Smiley Design, 443 NW DELAWARE AVE, Bend. Contact: 541382-8406. Babsomatic56@gmail.com. Free.

Pressed Flower Art Workshop Design and create framed pressed flower artwork using real, hand-pressed flowers from a personal collection. Choose from pre-outlined templates like butterfly, fish, or abstract designs, and get guided through flower placement and composition techniques. All materials included — no experience necessary. Aug. 5, 5:30-7pm. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 541-5087438. hellofreaknart@gmail.com. 125.00.

Tracing the Landscape Workshop This drawing workshop introduces close sensing as a way of paying attention to the environment through movement, observation, and drawing. Through guided outdoor exercises, participants will explore their surroundings and reflect on their connection to the natural world. July 30, 1-5pm. Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creek Rd., Sisters. Contact: 5419040700. moriah@ roundhousefoundation.org. $90.

Wood Turning 102 - Introduction to Bowls Turn a bowl blank into a finished wooden bowl in this hands-on lathe class. Learn mounting, rounding, shaping, hollowing, and finishing techniques. Carbide scrapers are the primary tools used, with an overview of traditional bowl gouges included. Perfect for beginners building foundational turning skills. July 29, 6-8pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. 129.

Works by Joren Traveller and Janice Rhodes Joren Traveller’s realistic depictions of landscapes and wildlife pair with Janice Rhodes’ lively encaustics through the month of July. The two High Desert Art League members’ work can be viewed Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and during the First Friday Art walk. Mondays-Fridays, 9am-5pm and Fri, July 3, 5-7pm. Through July 31. Premiere Property Group, 25 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-2416860. Free.

PRESENTATIONS + EXHIBITS

38th Annual Sunriver Quilt Show Mountain Meadow Quilt Guild brings over 200 quilts will be on display throughout stores and cafes at the village. Some will even be for sale! Aug. 1, 9am-4pm. Village at Sunriver, 57100 Beaver Dr, Sunriver. Free.

America for the Americans - The Know Nothing Party Learn more about the antebellum era and the long history of nativist politics in the US. Aug. 3, 6-7pm. Central Library, 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend. Or Aug. 4, 3-4pm. Sisters Public Library, 110 N. Cedar St., Sisters. Contact: 541-312-1032. lizg@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

Lost in Place Nature Writing Intensive The Writing Ranch and the High Desert Museum hosts a unique weekend nature writing intensive at the Lodge at Summer Lake. Daily generative workshops will be led by Oregon Poet Laureate Ellen Waterston and will be complemented by morning ecological and archaeological field trips led by Archaeologist Dennis Jenkins. July 30, 9am-5pm. The Lodge at Summer Lake, 53460 Hwy 31, Summer Lake. Contact: 541-382-4754. info@writingranch.com. $1,200.

Own Your Zone with Bend Fire & Rescue Learn simple ways to reduce wildfire risk to your home! Bend Fire & Rescue’s Own Your Zone is a community wildfire preparedness campaign focused on getting residents to take simple, specific

actions to reduce wildfire risk around their homes— especially by creating defensible space within the first five feet. Aug. 5, 5:30-6:30pm. Central Library, 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend. Contact: 5412413395. emilyc@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

THEATER

Shakespeare at Maragas Winery Guerilla Shakespeare Co. returns to Maragas Winery with their comedic rendition of Shakespeare’s “Cymbeline”. As in every summer for the past decade, they will perform their summer show on the Winery lawn, surrounded by the vineyard. Please no pets and no outside food or beverages. Seating is general admission. July 31, 7-9pm. Maragas Winery, 15523 SW Hwy 97, Culver. Contact: 5415465464. info@maragaswinery.com. 20.

WORDS

Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding, Lian Dolan in conversation with Nicole Meier Lian Dolan, bestselling author of Lost and Found in Paris and The Sweeney Sisters, and Nicole Meier, author of The Second Chance Supper Club, discuss Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding (available May 19). July 30, 6:30-7:30pm. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 541-306-6564. events@ roundaboutbookshop.com. $5.

ETC.

Lammas Celebration: Making Abundance Honey Celebrate the old holiday of Lammas with a local witch Sharon Balsamo at The Peoples Apothecary. The seasonal wheel keeps turning and August makes the 2nd harvest, with a blessing of an abundance of food. Find out more about Lammas and also create a magikal honey medicine to take home. Aug. 1, 3-5:30pm. The Peoples Apothecary, 1841 NE Division Street, Bend. Contact: 5417282368. classes@ thepeoplesapothecary.net. $23-$43.

Rescheduled Pop-up Mullein Harvest Do you want to wildcraft with a seasoned professional?! Join us for a rare opportunity to step into the field with Dr. Ashley and experience herbal medicine from plant to remedy. After our time in the field, we’ll return to The Peoples Apothecary where we’ll transform our fresh harvest into July 29, 10am-Noon. The Peoples Apothecary, 1841 NE Division St Ste 150, Bend. Contact: 5417282368. classes@thepeoplesapothecary.net. $33.

OUTDOOR EVENTS

Beginner SUP class Held on the Deschutes River in the Old Mill District, learn essential paddle strokes, refine maneuvering skills, improve balance, and practice key safety techniques. Open to participants aged 15 and older. Sundays, 10am-Noon Through Aug. 30. Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe, 805 SW Industrial Way Suite 6, Bend. Contact: 541-3179407. info@tumalocreek.com. $65/person.

Friday Night Races Join six unsanctioned

Friday night downhill mountain bike races at Mt. Bachelor’s Bike Park. Test your skills on different tracks, compete in every event or choose your favorite trail. This year, Mt. Bachelor will be using chip timing to enhance the racing experience for all racers involved. July 31, Aug. 14, Aug. 21 and Sept. 4, 3:30-7:30pm. Mt. Bachelor, 13000 Century Drive, Bend. $15.90-$21.20.

Kayak Roll Classes Practice in real river conditions and learn everything from basic equipment to executing the roll. Immersion gear is available upon request. Every other Thursday, 5pm. Through Aug. 27. Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe, 805 SW Industrial Way Suite 6, Bend. Contact: 541-317-9407. info@tumalocreek.com. $75/person.

Lavender Farm open for U-Cut For a few weeks each summer, when the lavender is at peak bloom, you can walk the rows, choose your stems, and cut your own bunches to take home. More info on our website, no advance ticket purchase required. Fridays-Saturdays, 10am-2pm. Through Aug. 1. Farm to Diffuser, 23549 Highway 20, Bend. Contact: 805-610-5459. hello@ultravioletlavenderfarm.com. 15.00 per lavender bunch.

Nature Journaling Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Kolby Kirk for a morning of nature journaling at Indian Ford Meadow Preserve. Learn how to combine outdoor writing and sketching with your joy of exploring nature! Enjoy personal time to sketch or write. No journaling or drawing experience needed. Registration is required. deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes-events/hikes/ nature-journaling Aug. 1, 9:30am-Noon. Indian Ford Meadow, outside Sisters, Sisters. Contact: 541-330-0017. event@deschuteslandtrust.org. Free.

VOLUNTEER

BPRD Volunteer Project Day Help with taking care of some of the community’s favorite parks and trails! The trails team will help with pulling weeds and picking up litter. July 29, 8-11am. Pine Nursery Park, 3750 NE Purcell Blvd., Bend. Contact: 541-389-7275. info@bendparksandrec.org. Free.

FAMILY + KIDS

Art for Pre-school Class A class designed just for preschoolers ages 3–5! Each month features new themes and includes hands-on art projects, games, poems, story time, sensory-based pretend play and fun! Tuesdays-Thursdays, 10am-Noon. Wondery Art + Adventure School, 19570 Amber Meadow Dr Suite 110, Bend. Contact: 434-603-0301. julie@wonderyschool.com. Starting at $45.

Baby Ninja 6-Week Summer Series Classes include exploration through soft-obstacle Ninja Warrior courses to develop coordination and balance skills. Plus yoga fun, songs, parachute play and bubbles! Wednesdays, 5:15-6pm, Fridays, 9-9:45am, Wednesdays, 5:15-6pm and Fridays, 9-9:45am. Through Sept. 4. Free Spirit Yoga + Ninja + Play, 320 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-241-3919. info@ freespiritbend.com. $134.

Kid’s Yoga at Namaspa! Kids Yoga Mondays at Namaspa! Our kids classes (open to kids ages 3 and up) run in tandem with adult classes and in a separate and dedicated kid-friendly space, so parents can practice while their kids spend time with other kids and one of our certified kids yoga instructors Mondays, 4-5pm. Namaspa Yoga Studio, 1135 NW Galveston Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-550-8550. soundbathstillness@gmail.com. $10.

Kids Line Dance Lessons Free Kids Line Dance Lessons every Wednesday, 5–6 PM at The Coyote, taught by instructor Alex Reininger. Recommended ages 4–12 yo. Kids stay active while parents enjoy food, drinks or mocktails, pool tables, TVs, and full bar seating. Spacious dance floor and family-friendly fun in downtown Bend. Wednesdays, 5-6pm. The Coyote, 910 NW Harriman St., Bend. Contact: mindfulmotionmentor@gmail.com. Free.

Kids Ninja Summer Camp 8/03 - 8/06

Kids will enhance their coordination, build strength, and improve their climbing skills. From spirited team games to exhilarating timed races, every moment is filled with excitement! Age 6-10 Aug. 3-6, 9am-Noon. Free Spirit Yoga + Ninja + Play, 320 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-241-3919. info@freespiritbend. com. $259.

Kids Yoga Summer Camp 8/03 - 8/06

Mindful yoga techniques are important for calming the nervous system, managing frustrations, and improving focus. Age 5 - 8 Aug. 3-6, 12:303:30pm. Free Spirit Yoga + Ninja + Play, 320 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-241-3919. info@freespiritbend.com. $269.

Library Adventures Outdoors Join the library and Nature Connect of Central Oregon for a literature-based activity followed by an outdoor education program. Community partners with also join us with information about their organizations. This week’s activities will be led by Sunriver Nature Center and will focus on wildlife habitats and adaptations. Aug. 3, 10:30am-Noon. La Pine Elementary School, 51615 Coach Road, La Pine. Contact: 5413624324. katie@natureconnectco.org. Free.

Nano Ninja Summer Camp 8/03 - 8/06

Kids will have a blast climbing, performing Ninja Warrior gymnastics movements, parkour tumbling, and building new ninja friendships. Kids must be fully restroom-independent. Age 4-6 Aug. 3-6, 1-4pm. Free Spirit Yoga + Ninja + Play, 320 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-241-3919. info@freespiritbend. com. $259.

R.A.D. Camps Registration - NOW OPEN! Outdoor adventure programs for ages 4-17. Unstructured play with guided exploration across Central Oregon’s forests, lakes, and trails. Campers build confidence, creativity, and a love for nature. Mondays-Fridays, 8am-4pm. Through Sept. 1. Seven Peaks School, 19660 SW Mountaineer Way, Bend. Contact: 541-204-0440. info@radcamps.com. $89-$99.

BEER + DRINK

Pizza Night Pop-up with Swig & Stone at Viaggio Wine Merchant It’s round #3 for our Pop-Up collaboration with Swig & Stone Rolling Wood-Fired Pizza. Their beautiful woodfired pies pair perfectly with our hand-selected wine and craft beer offerings, and the community vibe is pretty awesome, too. Don’t miss this one. Come early for the best seating. No reservations. July 29, 4-8pm. Viaggio Wine Merchant, 210 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-299-5060. info@ viaggiowine.com. Varies by purchase.

rience Enjoy a guided tasting of five wines alongside an individual charcuterie plate featuring artisan cheeses, cured meats, olives, and almonds. Learn pairing principles from a winery ambassador. July 31, 5:30-7pm. Willamette Valley Vineyards, 916 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-306-6000. bend@wvv.com. $50.

Wine On The Deck Come sit, relax and learn from the different local wineries featured on our year-round wine list. Each glass will be paired with a unique array of small-plates from our chef, using seasonal ingredients to compliment each wine. Tuesdays, 5-8pm. Through Sept. 1. The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse, 13300 Hwy 20, Sisters. Contact: sales@thesuttlelodge.com. 81.80.

HEALTH + WELLNESS

Activate Your Inner Vision: a Chakradance™ Journey This journey is inspired by the Third Eye Chakra, which supports intuition, inner guidance, and clarity of perception. This 90-minute Chakradance™ experience at Hanai invites you to quiet the noise and reconnect with the wisdom that already lives inside you. Aug. 1, 10-11:30am. Hanai Center, 62430 Eagle Road, Bend. Contact: lynette@sacredsoulflow.com. From $49.87.

Planet Dance with Ariadne Grace is coming to Bend Planet Dance with Ariadne Grace, the Motherline Artist in Residence and Planet Dance founder, is coming to Bend. Planet Dance is an intergenerational, all level, guided movement class centered around planet protection. The class will be followed by a reception with a short dance performance by Ariadne Grace and a discussion about arts education in rural places. Free and open to all ages, genders and abilities. Under 14, bring a parent. In Community Room 2 at the Central Library. Aug. 2, 11am-12:30pm. Central Library, 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend. Contact: 503-367-3555. alisa@alooney.com. Free.

Sonic Bliss ~ Breath & Soundbath Experience Breath gently and deeply into this healing 432Hz Crystal Bowl, Didgeridoo, Reiki, Sound Bath and Breathwork experience. Opens with gentle movement, tapping and Chi Kung, flowing into a guided breathwork session and sound bath skillfully supported with live Didgeridoo, Sitar, Gongs, Koshi Chimes, and more...... aaaahhhhh......namaste! Aug. 2, 6-7:15pm. Unity Spiritual Community of Central Oregon, 63645 Scenic Drive, Bend. Contact: 808-887-0830. lisacswisher@gmail.com. 28.52.

Yoga @ The Elk Lake 60-minute Vinyasa yoga class set against the serene backdrop of Elk Lake in Central Oregon. This inclusive all-levels practice invites everyone, from first-time yogis to seasoned practitioners, to experience the harmonious blend of movement, breath, and nature. Saturdays, 10-11am. Aug. 1, Aug. 8, Aug. 22, Aug. 29 and Sept. 5, 10-11am. Elk Lake Resort - Lodge Bar & Restaurant, 60000 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-316-9213. missie@romingyogabend.com. $25.

CULTURE

Only some can say they’ve been to all 50 states. And very select few can say they’ve been to every city and town in the United States with a population more than 5,000. Daniel Seddiqui, however, can claim this title as of last October when he visited Allentown, Pennsylvania, the last town on his list. After all those miles, he chose Bend as his permanent home.

Seddiqui’s love for travel started at a young age simply by looking at maps. As he got older, he got the infamous “travel bug” as he puts it.

“And the curiosity just kept going and going and going,” Seddiqui told the Source.

Fresh out of the University of Oregon with a degree in economics, Seddiqui, who is originally from California, faced what every new graduate has to: the job market. After struggling to find a job and realizing his own west coast bubble was too small, he decided to try, well, a lot of different jobs.

“I came up with this concept to try finding a job in every state,” he said. “None of them had anything to do with my field of study.”

Seddiqui tried out just about every job under the sun, from a cheese maker in Wisconsin, to working on a lobster boat in Maine. Even being a wedding coordinator in the infamous shotgun wedding scene of Las Vegas. All of which were specifically unique to the culture and economy of each state.

“That changed my life because it really opened up my world,” he said. “It really honed in on my love for journalism and writing.”

So Seddiqui decided to write a book on it called “50 Jobs in 50 States: One Man’s Journey of Discovery across America.” Hands-on immersive travel and connection is the name of the game, setting his guide apart from others. Now, he has written nine books on American travel. His latest is called “Drinkin’ Up the Pacific Northwest: Washington, Oregon, Northern California.”

“Each book has a different theme…and in the Pacific Northwest, the beverage industry is very prevalent,” he said. “When you compare it to other places, sure there’s a beer scene in Milwaukee ….and bourbon in Kentucky, but the Pacific Northwest has it all.”

Thus, the idea of the beverage belt was born. Kombuchas in Portland, coffee in Seattle, and of course, the craft brewery scene in Bend. The Pacific Northwest goes hard on its beverage scene.

"The Most Travelled Person in America" takes on Bend's Beer Scene

Daniel Seddiqui says finding the best brewery is all about finding the perfect atmosphere

By Abby Francis

Coming to Bend seven years ago, one aspect of the beverage arena that stood out most to Seddiqui came to him simply by going to the grocery store.

“The abundance of different local beers, the beer cans, the bottles. You have so many choices. It’s insane.” he said.

“They’re all competing against each other…and they’re all good in their own ways,” he said, referring to the massive local beverage industry in the PNW. There are over 500 craft breweries in Oregon and around 30 in Central Oregon alone.

He was most drawn not to the beers themselves but to the can designs. This is the inspiration for the Bend section in his latest book.

How does someone make the design? What inspires them?

How do you make them stand

past just the beer. Music, good food, outdoor space and a variety of events is what brings a great brewery all together. The overall atmosphere must be great.

Furthermore, Seddiqui mentioned that for a company to gain a place in his book, they must be open to having guests learn and share a hands-on experience. What makes it even better? Hopefully, a memento they can take away to remember their experience.

Seddiqui toured three breweries here in town — Deschutes Brewery, Worthy Brewing Co. and Spider City Brewing.

He’s particularly inspired by the people he’s met along the way and how they’ve branded their community by creating industries - people like David Schomer, a barista and coffee shop owner in Seattle, who was the first to bring latte art from Italy to the States in the 1980s.

out from everybody else who’s also trying to stand out? These were the questions that Seddiqui asked.

Out of all the craft beer can designs in Central Oregon, Worthy Brewing created Seddiqui’s favorite.

“They make their own designs. They don’t outsource. They do everything in-house,” he said.

When picking his favorite brewery, Seddiqui looked

“People who don’t chase money, they’re doing it because they’re passionate about making something,” he said.

“Learning from those who are carrying on tradition,” that’s what keeps Seddiqui’s endless inquisitiveness going.

“[I] like doing things that are different every day. Nothing’s too mundane…always being in motion is all I’ve known for the past 30 years,” he told the Source.

CHOW C Dip into Bend-Style, Beer-Infused Cuisine

How local chefs are turning tasty pint brews into a pantry staple

By Wally Hofmann

I’ve always understood pairing a bold red wine with a rich beef bourguignon — classic culinary logic drilled into home cooks and sommeliers alike. But beer as a cooking ingredient? That idea had never crossed my mind. Turns out, I’m behind the curve, and I doubt I’m the only one.

Beer-infused cooking has quietly become one of the more exciting frontiers in food culture. Chefs have long used wine to build flavor — deglazing pans, reducing sauces, tenderizing meats — but beer offers something wine can’t: a huge range of flavor profiles, from bright and citrusy to dark, malty, and almost dessert-like. That versatility, paired with the farm-to-table, craft-everything ethos that’s swept American dining over the past decade, has made breweries natural laboratories for beer-forward menus. Nowhere is that more apparent than right here in Bend.

Monkless Belgian Ales Brasserie

While Monkless Belgian Ales Brasserie is best known for the beer cheese served alongside its Bavarian pretzel, that’s just the entry point into a deeper beer-infused menu. It’s situated on the Deschutes River, with views of the Old Mill, Hayden Homes Amphitheater and Mt. Bachelor — and the delicious food matches the magnificent backdrop. The Brasserie’s “Bier cheese” dish combines lardons, crispy shallots, a fried egg, beef tallow fingerling potatoes, and Sparrow sourdough toast, fitting the restaurant’s philosophy of pairing Belgian-style ales with European-inspired dishes, echoed in the sausage board and mussels steamed in beer and garlic.

Ten years ago, Todd and Robin Clement began operating Monkless as a brewery, then opened Monkless as a restaurant seven years ago. For the last two years, chef Jake Alaniz — a French culinary-trained chef — has been weaving the brewery’s in-house beers into signature dishes, including the standout Flemish beef dip.

That French training shows in how Alaniz treats beer less like a novelty and more like a flavor-building tool — akin to a reduction sauce or a stock. “If you reduce it down, it’s going to be more refined, but more complex,” he explained. “Reducing simply means boiling it down to a simmer.” Just as with wine, cooking with beer burns off the alcohol while concentrating its flavor. But not every beer earns a spot in the kitchen.

“Every beer we make is delicious, but not every beer is a good ingredient,” Alaniz added with a smile. “Beers with stronger, dark flavors caramelize beautifully when reduced; lighter, milder ones won’t add much.” The beers that make the cut tend to be rich and complex — closer to a Belgian candy syrup than a crisp pilsner.

That caramelized depth shows up in the chicken and Liège waffles, a Belgian dish turned house staple: delicately battered fried chicken tenders topped with Trinity beer butter and a maple syrup infused with the brewery’s signature Belgian-style Dubbel, known as Dubble or Nothing. “We make the chicken batter by hand, and it’s one of our most popular dishes. It really shows everything we have to offer.”

Still, Alaniz points to the Flemish beef dip as the dish that best captures what the kitchen and brewhouse can do together. “It’s really important to me that everybody gets to see the hard work that we put into creating these amazing flavors,” he said. “I learned how to cook with wine, so learning how to cook with beer has been a lot of fun. And Belgium has been doing it for a hundred years.”

Crux Fermentation Project

Less than a mile east, Crux Fermentation Project takes its own unique approach to beer-infused food with its pretzel appetizer — it comes with a spicy beer cheese made with Crux Pilz, served with two pretzel twists and a hazy honey mustard made from Bubble Wrap Hazy IPA.

“We also infuse our tzatziki sauce, as well as the syrup in the chicken waffles on our menu, that changes seasonally with recipes that honor the Belgian beer the same way the French celebrate fine wine,” Alaniz said. “And since France is Belgium’s next-door neighbor, I like to take a page out of French cuisine and swap it for a Belgian beer twist.”

Beer shows up elsewhere on the menu, too. The nachos are loaded with pulled pork, pickled jalapeño and onion, corn and black bean salsa, beer cheese, cotija, and cilantro-jalapeño crema. For something heartier, Crux serves three PCT Porter BBQ pulled pork sliders, topped with slaw and pickled jalapeño on brioche buns, with a house-made porter barbecue sauce doing the heavy lifting. For a smaller appetite, the beer-infused chili is worth a try.

A couple of years back, Crux pushed the concept even further — not by putting cheese into a dish alongside beer, but by putting cheese into the beer itself. Partnering with Rogue Creamery, the brewery released a lambic-style ale inoculated with Rogue River blue cheese in late 2023, carrying notes of caramel, dried fig, and tawny port with a tart, gently sour finish — a reminder that in Bend, the line between what’s on your plate and what’s in your glass keeps getting more interesting to cross.

Beer Reduction, Explained

For the uninitiated: cooking beer down over heat evaporates most of the water and cooks off the alcohol, but the flavor stays behind — and concentrates as it goes. Start with a cup of beer, simmer it to a few tablespoons, and you’re left with something thicker, sweeter, and more intense. The bitterness mellows, the malty or caramel notes deepen, and it starts to taste almost like a syrup — the same idea as reducing wine into a pan sauce for steak, or boiling maple sap into syrup. Chefs use it as a sauce base, a glaze, or a flavoring agent in chili, barbecue sauce, or a waffle syrup, like the Meet Your Maker beer syrup at Monkless. The darker and maltier the beer, the more it caramelizes as it reduces — which is why stouts and porters are kitchen favorites, while a light lager wouldn’t leave much flavor behind.

A Trend Worth Toasting

Whether it’s a reduction simmered to a syrupy depth or a cheese inoculated into the fermentation tank, Bend’s brewers and chefs are proving beer belongs in the kitchen just as much as the glass. For diners willing to look past the pint, there’s a whole second menu worth exploring — one dip, one waffle, and one reduction at a time.

Monkless Belgian Ales Brasserie Daily 11:30am-10pm 803 SW Industrial Way, Ste 202, Bend monkless.com/

Crux Fermentation Project Mon-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-9pm 50 SW Division St, Bend cruxfermentation.com/

LITTLE BITES

By Nic Moye

A Cozy Spot to Dine

Coorie offers local ingredients, views and a place to gather with friends

Anew dinner spot has opened at Tetherow Resort. Coorie, named after a Scottish word meaning “to nestle in” or “take shelter,” is located in the space that was formerly Solomon’s. Seasonal menus inspired by Central Oregon ingredients focus on Pacific Northwest cuisine. Starters on Coorie’s menu include a panzanella salad, beet carpaccio, Rainshadow Farms spring roll and cauliflower elote. Entrees include herb pesto pappardelle pasta, short rib pavé, a mushroom puffed pastry, braised duck and halibut as well as a variety of beef options. The restaurant is led by Executive Chef Tanner Hansen whose experience includes classical French training.

Coorie is currently only open for dinner. Reservations are strongly recommended although walkins are welcome based on availability. Other restaurants at Tetherow include The Row, which is a pub open all day and The Café offering breakfast, lunch and pizza at the sports complex. Tetherow Resort also includes a golf course, 50-room hotel, vacation rental homes, a residential neighborhood and an event pavilion.

Coorie Wed-Sun 5-8pm Tetherow Resort 61240 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend /tetherow.com/dine/coorie/

The Local Food Scene Loses Some Tasty Options

A restaurant closes for good, while a local food truck vows to return

Broken Top Bottle Shop is bowing out

A popular westside restaurant is closing for good. Broken Top Bottle Shop at NW Pence and College Way will celebrate its last day in business on July 31. The restaurant, which has been open more than 14 years, offers a wide selection of beer as well as a vast vegan/vegetarian menu along with smoked steak and chicken dishes.

“We will go out in style!” the owner wrote on Facebook. On the last day, the band Zipline will perform and there will be special sales.

Elevation Farmers Market on Pause

The new Elevation Farmers Market is suddenly on pause for the rest of the summer. It kicked off in May and was scheduled to continue through October. Held Friday evenings at the former Bend Factory Outlet mall, the event included music, food trucks, a kid zone, produce and other vendors. In a social media post, the organizer said the market was being suspended due to heat and smoke but would pick up again in early September for five weeks. An indoor winter series is also being planned at Elevation Bend which will involve holiday gifts, food and lights.

One of the Elevation Farmers Market vendors, Around the Bend Farms, has reopened at a new location.

“Due to the unexpected, last-minute cancellation of the remainder of the Elevation Farmers Market season, we quickly shifted our plans and are thrilled to now welcome our community directly to the farm,” Executive Director Kelly Moffatt said in an email. Their stand is now located at its Braided Roots Urban Farm in Deschutes River Woods at 19245 Shoshone Road. The stand is open Fridays 4-6pm and Saturdays 9-11am.

IndoDaddy on pause

The IndoDaddy food cart has closed temporarily. Owner Jason Wiggers says his most recent location at the Ballers & Brews food truck lot in NE Bend wasn’t working for him.

“I’m taking a step back to revamp my menu and look for a spot that better suits IndoDaddy,” he told the Source.

IndoDaddy is an Indonesian fusion cart that opened four years ago. Before Ballers & Brews, it had been located at Bevel Craft Brewing.

SC SCREEN A Social Battery Recharge A few choices to stream at home this week

By Jared Rasic

I’m not sure if everyone feels this way, but as much as I love going to the theater to watch new movies, my social battery is sometimes completely exhausted by the time Friday rolls around. My heart wants to spend a few hours in a room full of strangers, but my spirit just wants to be left the hell alone. While scrolling through streaming services is nowhere near as satisfying as hunting for gems on the shelves of a local video store, plenty of great options have still managed to slip under the radar. With that said, if you don’t feel like heading to the theater this weekend, here are a few movies and shows that are well worth your time.

“The Last Stop in Yuma County:” From first-time filmmaker Francis Galluppi comes this sun-drenched Neo-noir revisionist Western. The story focuses on a group of stranded travelers who are stuck at a diner and gas station while awaiting a long-overdue fuel truck. As tensions rise between a pair of bank robbers, a kind waitress, an awkward knife salesman, an elderly couple and several other disparate (and desperate) folks, the film becomes a masterclass in escalating intensity. Galluppi is a remarkably assured filmmaker, and the performances are perfectly calibrated—especially from the always wonderful Jim Cummings and Jocelin Donahue. Discovering “The Last Stop in Yuma County” feels like the first time you stumbled upon the Coen Brothers’ “Blood Simple” or found Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs” by accident. It’s a real treat for anyone who loves a grimy little crime thriller with a pitch-black sense of humor.

Now streaming on Paramount Plus

“Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie:” Based on the Canadian comedy duo’s television series from a few years back, you need zero prior knowledge of Nirvanna the Band (not to be confused with Nirvana, the grunge band) to be blown away by the film’s audacious brilliance. Imagine if “Flight of the Conchords” remade “Back to the Future II,”

but with hidden cameras, improvisation, utter fearlessness and a distinctly Canadian politeness. That puts you in the ballpark of this singular, jaw-dropping comedy. As soon as the credits roll, you’ll immediately want to find out how they made it and whether anyone was arrested during the filming. Watch this one with a big room full of friends if you still have some social battery left in reserve.

Now streaming on Hulu & Disney + “Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed:” Tatiana Maslany has been one of our most nuanced and fearless actresses since she broke onto the scene playing a dozen or so multifaceted clones in “Orphan Black.” Still, she hasn’t quite exploded into the mainstream stardom she deserves, even after subsequently starring in Marvel’s “SheHulk” series. I’m hoping “Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed” changes that. Maslany is absolutely incredible once again, conveying every stage of human emotion with an effortlessness that is a wonder to behold. She plays Paula, a divorced fact-checker who gets entangled in an online relationship with a grifting camboy. When he blackmails her right before turning up dead, she is pulled into a massive, Hitchcockian

conspiracy that unravels her entire life in unpredictable, intense and hilarious ways. Tonally, there is nothing else like this on “television.” While “Widow’s Bay” is deservedly drawing most of the publicity for new Apple TV programming, “Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed” deserves just as much of that love too.

All ten episodes of the first season are now streaming on Apple TV.

If you want even more variety, you have plenty of fantastic alternatives to choose from instead of going out.

“Exit 8”: A psychological mind-game that follows a man playing a dangerous round of “Spot the Difference,” as he tries to escape an endlessly repeating subway corridor.

“The Boroughs”: Think “Stranger Things” set in a creepy, idyllic retirement community. With a stellar ensemble cast featuring Alfred Molina, Geena Davis, Alfre Woodard, Clarke Peters, Bill Pullman and the great Denis O’Hare, it’s unmissable.

“The Dink”: A surprisingly heartfelt sports comedy about pickleball that genuinely made me laugh until I sneezed.

“Stuart Fails to Save the Universe”: A brand new sci-fi comedy series that follows the comic book store guy from “The Big Bang Theory.” He finds himself jumping between dimensions with his friends to try and fix an apocalypse brought about by Sheldon and Leonard. That sounds like something I made up, but it’s actually a big-budget series currently airing on HBO.

Regardless of what you decide to watch or not watch, don’t let anyone be peer-pressured into adulting this weekend. FOMO is only in our heads. Sometimes we just need to stay home and clear the cobwebs of our poor, exhausted brains. I hope this helps!

O OUTSIDE With Public Lands Under Threat, Local Students Reflect

From hikers and bikers to fly fishermen, Central Oregon teens are passionate about the future of public lands

By Lauren Shein

On any given day in Central Oregon, locals and visitors alike can be found hiking, biking, skiing, fishing and more on the region’s vast tracts of public land. These federally-managed areas are a quintessential part of life both here and nationwide, where the national forest system encompasses around 193 million acres of land, and about one in every 10 acres of land nationwide is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Public lands have shaped American identity for centuries, but today, they find themselves at the center of a policy firestorm.

The battle began in 2025, when Sen. Mike Lee of Utah attached an amendment to President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act which would force the sale of around 3.2 million acres of public lands across 11 Western states. While the amendment was eventually removed, and the Oregon State Legislature passed a bill preventing the state from complying with such efforts, threats to public lands remain.

Another focus of legislative and regulatory action is the “roadless rule,” a 2001 prohibition on road-building and timber harvesting in protected national forest areas. Although Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced her intent to rescind this regulation in June 2025, it remains in place — for now. Senate Republicans are currently attempting to strike down the roadless rule via legislative avenues, adding the proposal to a bipartisan wildfire management bill.

The Blue Mountain region in Northeast Oregon faces similar, more specific threats, as the Forest Service moves to revise its management plan for the region. The proposed changes would open up the region to increased logging in an attempt to boost the local timber economy. Should the roadless rule be rescinded and land management policies changed, public lands advocates warn that increased logging and road-building activity could degrade vulnerable ecosystems and undermine the key purpose of public lands management: to preserve natural and cultural gems for the next generation.

So what does the next generation think? In Central Oregon, a region bracketed by the Deschutes National Forest, wilderness areas, state parks and large tracts of BLM land, young people are angry.

“My childhood has been centered around public lands,” said Nola Stryker, 18, a recent graduate of Summit High School. As an avid hiker, mountain biker, skier and rivergoer, many of Stryker’s formative memories and character-building experiences have occurred on public lands. Now, as protection for these areas is called into question, she can conjure only one word: “grief.”

Wilhelm Jamieson, 16, a Summit High School junior and avid fly fisherman, feels similarly to Stryker, describing the current direction of management on U.S. public lands as “really, really sad.” Jamieson, who is particularly concerned about the proliferation of artificial intelligence data centers across the rural west, worries that others don’t understand the implications of such development.

“I think people need to start to realize how important these lands are, because the way it’s going is unbelievable,” Jamieson explained. “I mean, you see all these data centers going in, and people don’t realize

“Mining and logging really open the land up to damage that is irreversible,” Spencer said. “And I think that’s particularly concerning, especially when one administration can cause damage that is still visible decades from now.”

— Toby Spencer

how terrible they are for the environment.”

So what can be done? Many young Central Oregonians aren’t old enough to vote, and even so, many threats to public land are occurring at the federal level beyond citizens’ direct influence. According to Toby Spencer, 18, a lifelong Bend resident and recent graduate of Summit High School, the answer is simple: speak up.

“I think it’s important for young people to share their opinions about the land that is being harmed because it’s the land we’re going to inherit,” said Spencer. “My greatest dream is that in 30 years when I have kids that they can enjoy the same land I’ve been using for mountain biking and running, and that it’ll still be there for them to use.”

From biking in the Deschutes National Forest and running at Phil’s Trail to camping with his family throughout the state, Spencer has developed a deep connection to Oregon’s public lands. Now, like Stryker

and Jamieson, he’s worried for their future. “You can’t really mountain bike and run on this land that’s been destroyed,” he said.

Beyond the public lands he has grown up on in Central and Eastern Oregon, Spencer will soon start college at the University of Utah, in a state where current public land debates are particularly contentious. Not only is the state home to sell-off supporter Sen. Lee, but Trump recently moved to shrink Utah’s Bears Ear and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. These lands are now open to oil extraction, mining and other development.

“Mining and logging really open the land up to damage that is irreversible,” Spencer said. “And I think that’s particularly concerning, especially when one administration can cause damage that is still visible decades from now.”

To Stryker, the most important step towards preventing this irreversible damage is fostering knowledge of and connection to public lands among younger generations.

“If it’s part of your life and if it’s accessible, then you’ll want to protect it,” said Stryker.

Jamieson agreed, challenging people to do their own research into public lands issues and develop opinions based on science rather than politics alone. And, he said, they need to take action, even if it feels futile.

“I think more people our age need to realize they can do something about it,” he emphasized.

While it would be easy for public land-loving teens in Central Oregon and elsewhere to grow demoralized, Stryker urged her peers not to lose hope.

“We are the future,” said Stryker. “Not to be that person, but we’re going to inherit the world.”

OUTSIDE A Moveable Toast

Cycle Pub, one of Bend’s most mobile landmarks, offers a sense of community for its owners, riders

By Peter Madsen

The assignment seemed dubious. Yet Managing Editor Nic Moye’s mischievous conviction, signaled by the finger she pointed at me from across the Source’s editorial department, was unwavering.

I want you to write about Cycle Pub for the Beer Issue!

I could see the logic if I squinted: I love craft beer as much as I love cycling. Ipso facto, I’d love Cycle Pub. Moye additionally tasked me with rounding up staffers and interns for the outing, which would put enough butts in seats — and legs over pedals — to propel any of Cycle Pub’s variously sized party vehicles through the streets of Bend.

Our team: Julia Gilley, the event director for Lay It Out Events, Source Intern Abby Francis, her friend Marley Hardgrave and moi. On a Monday afternoon, we shoved off from the office to begin a two-hour session, drinking and pedaling a roving bar table on bicycle wheels. Hey, it’s not day drinking, per se, if it’s for work.

Cycle Pub was founded by James Watts in 2011. Jesse Havens has operated the business since he and his wife bought it in 2021. We met Havens at a SW Industrial Way storage unit near Crux Fermentation Project — which was convenient since we needed to stock up on beers.

Havens ran us through rules, which mainly revolve around booze (no hard stuff, just wine, beer and cider) and its consumption (containers must arrive unopened; the opened drinks can’t be taken from the vehicle during a stop).

“It’s basically the same as when you go to a bar or brewery around town,” Havens told us.

We situated ourselves on puffy, springbound “dad” saddles that circled a center table. I picked the seat facing the driver’s, which meant I sat backwards, the oncoming scenery hidden to me until we’d past. It felt like a rollercoaster, yet the thrills came not from our speed but from that of the drivers who patiently navigated away from our line of traffic.

First stop: the Source office. The summer sun was blazing, and Francis wisely opted to grab sunscreen. Sitting outside the office, I felt self-conscious sipping from a beer can under the tree shade near the recycling bins while coworkers, inside, prepared the day’s news.

Back on the road, our team settled into an ebb-and-flow pedal pattern, which Havens called out like a coxswain on a crew boat.

Pedal, pedal! Havens cajoled us when we approached a hill.

When traffic slowed, Havens gave us the awaited command: Ok, coast.

First real stop: Bend Brewing Company — the gals wanted to spring for some sour beers. But first, we had to navigate our way downtown.

While we weren’t talking about insider baseball at the Source, we steered the conversation toward Havens, who filled us in on his backstory.

Originally from Seattle, Havens told us that he and his wife had planned to relocate to Austin to open a bar in 2019. Then Covid-19 happened, shifting their plans.

Toward the end of quarantine, the Havens heard that Cycle Pub was for sale. They made the leap in 2021.

With a background in woodworking, Havens wasn’t intimidated by the notion of doing maintenance work on Cycle Pub’s fleet of vehicles, which include the big bike (an awning-covered 14-seater that resembles a trolley), several small bikes (four to six riders) and the electric Tuk Tuk (which is pedal-free and sits six guests). Cycle Pub rolls rain or shine, even in winter, so long as the streets are clear, Havens said.

Taking over Bend’s moveable landmark helped Havens achieve the sense of community that had escaped him in Seattle’s suburban sprawl.

“Owning Cycle Pub helped us meet new people,” Havens said. “As for community, I think it’s a twofold win: we get to create a sense of community for Cycle Pub, and a sense of community for us and our friends and family.”

Throughout our two-hour session, we coasted down NW Riverside Boulevard along Drake Park. Since Cycle Pub vehicles aren’t allowed in city parks, we opted to savor the afternoon in a shady parking spot. Some cyclists I recognized from group rides whizzed by; I wondered if they recognized me. No way I’m making the group ride after these day beers. Soon, our group opted for a nonalcoholic treat: Havens recommended Bontà in the River West neighborhood.

We pedaled back to SW Industrial Way via pit stops at UPP Liquids and at Crux. Our two-hour session was up. We’d pedaled a little more than 2 miles, and our team agreed that we felt like we’d gotten a workout.

“The combination of the unique experience along with meeting new people from all over, listening to their experiences, having great conversations and showing them cool places — Cycle Pub is just unique,” Havens said. “There’s nothing else like it in Bend.”

By Nic Moye

One Final Pour. One Last Toast.

After

17 years, we bid a fond farewell to the last

Stacey Donohue has attended the Little Woody beer festival since it began in 2009. “Even during Covid,” she says. “I went with a friend, and it was Covid and smokey.” Her reaction to this being the last Little Woody? “It’s devastating.”

The iconic Little Woody celebrates regional barrel-aged beers. The event, which is only for adults 21 or older, also offers whiskey, cider and wine.

“It was actually the brainchild of some folks at Deschutes Brewery. They wanted something that was really interesting for brewers to create and be a part of. That’s how we came up with the wood caskets,” explains Aaron Switzer, owner of Lay It Out Events, which produces the festival.

It’s held outside the Deschutes Historical Society, which is also a beneficiary of the event. Switzer says, over the years, the beer fest has raised more than $40,000 for the museum. This year, Little Woody will be one day only, Saturday Aug. 29, but in past years it started on Friday and was traditionally held over Labor Day weekend.

“We’d go Friday night. We’d get there right at four or five, whenever it opened and there’d be a table of 10 of us. The same table. Pretty much the same people for years,” Donohue says. The Little Woody atmosphere is more retreat than event.

“I like it because it is cozier,” says Bruce Moon, who’s been going for several years with half a dozen friends. “They have grass that you can go to once you grab a beer. You can sit on the grass and they have live music. Just the atmosphere under the trees by the historical museum is a lot nicer than being out where everything’s in tents… It’s just a comfortable, easy, relaxed time.”

Beyond the beverages, the festival’s mascot has developed a following of its own.

“Little Woody is the only beer fest I have attended that features a theme, gnomes. All other beer fests usually revolve around a beer style…or feature a particular brewery,” longtime festival goer Lynn Wren says. “This theme, the swag they offer each year related to

Little Woody

all things Gnomes makes this a really fun and creative beer fest,” she says.

Switzer explains that the artist, Carlos Perez, who created the logo, decided to include a gnome. “When he created the gnome carrying the barrel, it just spawned all kinds of t-shirt designs and merchandise and people loved it… People kind of organically started showing up as gnomes.”

Those who’ve embraced the mythical creature are dubbed gnomies. Wren, herself, became one.

“I sew, so I made two hats that kind of look like gnome hats that curve up at the top out of felted wool from old sweaters that I felted,” Wren says. “Onto those we stuck in a bunch of dried plants and wrapped hops vines. And then I wore a dress that was kind of tie-dyeish… My husband wore a shirt I had made years ago that was hand-stitched and embroidered…and some baggy pants and boots.”

In addition to the costume contest, there will be a fairy tale trivia contest. A gnome comedy competition begins at 5:30pm. Comedians will have five minutes to win over the crowd. Winners will be measured in decibels with the comedian earning the loudest response taking home a cash prize. Live music begins at 7pm. At the whiskey tent, sponsored by 503 Distilling, there will be a discussion on whiskey and distilling at 4pm. Plus, of course, it’s an opportunity to purchase Last Little Woody merchandise including tasting glasses, t-shirts and gnome swag.

But the main attraction, and what’s built a dedicated fan base over the years, are the beers.

“They always bring in a really great complement of beers,” Wren says. “It’s sours and darks and IPAs and lagers. It’s a little bit of everything.”

“The barrel-aged beer. It’s really amazing beer,” Donohue says. Her friend Chad Brindle agrees.

“It’s unique. It’s one of a kind,” he says about the festival.

When asked why this is the last hurrah for Little Woody, Switzer said interest from breweries doesn’t seem to be there.

“The trend in craft beer is away from large festivals,” he explains. “Now, due to the proliferation of food carts and the large offerings you have in grocery stores, people can create a lot of these experiences on their own. In order to create these kind of beers, breweries have to have the bandwidth internally to play. After the pandemic, people are doing what they need to get by, so it makes it hard to ask them to carve out the time to come up with these individually crafted beers for one weekend.”

Switzer is estimating about 17 breweries will participate this year, which is down from previous years.

“There has been an enormous outpouring of support and sympathy for the situation that beer festivals are in,” he says. “And right now, we are very excited about the new format with one day where we can get everybody together and really have a big party.”

Even without Little Woody, the beer run that accompanies it will continue in future years. But the loss of Little Woody will leave a hole in the hearts of those who hold it dear.

“It’s really sad. Nobody’s happy about it,” Wren says. “It will be missed by many, many people.”

“It’s too bad. It’s really sad,” Moon says about losing the festival. “If I’m going to go to any of them, that’s the one.”

“It’s so unique. The Woody is really a unique little gem,” Switzer says. “Let’s go out on a high note and really have a good time this year.”

Little Woody is produced by Lay It Out Events, which is owned by the same company as the Source.

The Last Little Woody Sat, Aug 29 Noon-9pm Deschutes Historical Museum

129 NW Idaho Ave, Bend thelittlewoody.com/ $20+

CRAFT CR

A Conversation with Three Creeks Brewmaster Ryan McVay

The man behind Sisters’ most celebrated pints talks German monasteries, mountain science, and why craft beer is more blue-collar than you think

By Wally Hofmann

Ryan McVay has been making beer longer than most people realize. The brewmaster for Three Creeks Brewing Company in Sisters got his start homebrewing with his mom at age 16, studied fermentation in Germany, worked in a Bavarian monastery brewery, and has spent the last several years quietly stacking awards in one of Central Oregon’s most beloved pub towns. We sat down with him over a glass of Stonefly Session Ale to find out what makes Sisters’ beer different — and why he’s not standing around staring at a pint all day.

the Source: You started homebrewing at 16 with your mom. What got you hooked?

Ryan McVay: She was a cheesemaker who wanted to try a different fermentation project. I thought it was really cool as a 16-year-old to make beer. The beer that first caught my attention was Henry Weinhard’s Blue Boar Pale Ale — a craft-style pale ale out of Portland with a big following in the Pacific Northwest. I’d love to re-create some variant of it someday.

I’ve been homebrewing for 20 years and brewing professionally for 13. After my undergrad at OSU studying Fermentation Science, I enrolled in a language immersion program in Cologne, Germany, then studied for six months at Weihenstephan in Northern Munich — it’s the world’s oldest brewery. I also worked at Andechs Monastery, southwest of Munich, which is one of Germany’s last genuine monastery breweries run by an active Benedictine order. Famous for its centuries-old tradition and high-tech brewing and features a panoramic beer garden. It was formative for me.

tS: What makes a Sisters’ beer different from what’s coming out of larger Bend operations?

RM: I brew in small batches, which gives me real freedom. I’m not restricted to what’s in the silo — I can be flexible with my base malts and creative with my recipes. I also know my crowd well enough to know what they want.

Our award-winning beers tend to be malt-forward — porters, Scottish ales, and our Stonefly Session Ale. We’re not a hop bomb brewery. We’re balanced. That may set us apart in a market full of aggressively hop-forward or Belgian-style beers, but it’s what we do well.

tS: Does brewing at Sisters’ elevation actually change any thing?

RM: More than people think. The higher the elevation, the lower water’s boiling point — which means less hop extraction in the kettle and a different evaporation rate. Even your CO2 and nitrogen blend behaves differently at 3,000 feet versus sea level. One of the first things I did when new ownership came in was get a custom gas blender to dial that in properly.

by

tS: How has your process changed since you joined Three Creeks?

RM: I’ve had to become completely self-sufficient. When the production brewery shut down a couple of years ago, I went from having a full team to flying solo. Honestly, I’ve enjoyed it — I brew everything myself now, which means I have more control. But it’s a lot of hands-on, physical work. People romanticize craft brewing. It’s blue-collar. You’ve got to get your hands dirty — and understand the science behind what you’re doing. I’m not just standing around on the deck staring at a pint of beer.

How do you stay relevant without chasing trends?

RM: It’s a double-edged sword. You have to be realistic about what you can actually execute. Sometimes a trend fills a genuine gap in your lineup, and if I’m inspired by it, I’ll go with it. But I don’t feel pressure to chase anything. Trying to be everything to everyone is a recipe for being nothing to nobody.

tS: If someone has never been to Three Creeks, what beer should they order first?

RM: Our Five Pine Porter. It’s our most award-winning beer — named for the campus we’re on — and it’s what put us on the map. I use two pounds of the finest Belgian dark chocolate per barrel, which creates a slightly roasty brew with a chocolaty, satin finish.

tS: What are you most proud of?

RM: My Oktoberfest and my McKay’s Scottish Ale

— I came to Three Creeks specifically to bring back the Oktoberfest. It’s one of my passion projects, and it’s become very popular. McKay’s Scottish Ale is my annual tribute to lovable local Don McKay. It’s brewed with loads of caramel, Munich, and Scottish base malts with a touch of smoked malt. A two-hour boil deepens the caramel richness while a hint of smoke might just inspire you to throw on your kilt, fire up the bagpipes, and have a pint or two.

tS: Does Sisters’ creative culture — the music, the arts scene — influence your brewing?

RM: Absolutely. This is a town of artists — painters, musicians, woodworkers, craftspeople of all kinds. A small craft brewpub fits that artisanal spirit perfectly. We belong here.

tS: What’s next for Three Creeks?

RM: We’re expanding to a second pub location in Sandy, Oregon, which puts us at the edge of the Portland market. We’re also relaunching self-distribution — draft only. Packaged beer is a tough market right now, and honestly, getting back to direct-to-consumer draft is how this industry started. The craft beer drinker wins when the pub is the focus. We’re bringing fresh back.

If you have a local taphouse and you want to see Three Creeks on tap, say something. Your words carry a lot more weight with buyers than you’d think.

tS: Any ambitions to go regional?

RM: We’re very much local. Sandy gets us to the edge of Portland, but I’m not even trying to penetrate that market. My bull’s-eye is Central Oregon — and there’s plenty of room to grow right here.

Three Creeks Brewing Company Daily Noon-8pm 721 Desperado Court, Sisters threecreeksbrewing.com 541-549-1963

SAVAGE IN BEND EXPOSING THE QUIRKS THAT MAKE CENTRAL OREGON UNIQUE

By Josh Savage

Why Bend Loves Beer

For this month’s Savage in Bend, Santi R. asks, “How and why did beer become more popular in Bend than most other places?”

A very legit question considering beer’s popularity in Central Oregon. Two variables came to my mind when asked, both nature and nurture.

The natural part of the answer relates to our amazing water. Beer is mostly water, and our area has some of the cleanest in the country. As most readers know, it comes primarily from snowmelt in the Cascade Range (well, maybe not this past winter). The porous volcanic rock allows the water to seep underground, and as it travels through those rock layers, it is naturally filtered before reaching aquifers. This results in a clean, “soft” water with low levels of minerals. This gives brewers more flexibility and an almost blank slate to work with when they create the delicious concoctions we consume daily! Not me, of course, I keep it to 2-3 drinks per week (in case my doctor is reading this).

This leads us to the nurture part of the equation. Where there are people, there are spirits. The first mention of brewing in Central Oregon began all the way back in the late 1800s. Andrew Jackson Tetherow (not to be confused with the 7th president) built a home on the Deschutes River in 1878-79 near present day Redmond. His family resided there and also used the property as a waystation for travelers, among other things. Tetherow, quite the entrepreneur, had many side hustles, and apparently making beer was one of them. His house, though dilapidated, still stands as the oldest structure in Deschutes County. It’s actually quiet and fairly secluded, a nice spot to relax near the river. Future brewery site?

In 1880 Prineville became the first incorporated town in Central Oregon. Two years later, Ochoco Brewery opened in the tiny town as the first official brewery on record and lasted until 1888 when a fire destroyed it. Though rebuilt, it closed not too long afterward. Prineville Brewing came next in 1893 and lasted until 1906. By that time, Bend had become incorporated in 1905. In fact, what we now know as downtown had quite a reputation with a seedy red-light district boasting eight saloons. But no brewery.

Prohibition in Oregon began in 1916, followed by the nationally mandated one in 1920. While legal breweries and such disappeared, alcohol itself

certainly didn’t. Moonshining became a popular (and often lucrative) pastime.

With the area’s surrounding forests, distillers had plenty of hidden spots to brew spirits and even used local caves.

The local Moonshine Cave derived its name because brewing equipment was found there. Prohibition was repealed in 1933, yet for the longest time, locals seemed content to drink Olympia and Blitz-Weinard beers. Amazingly, it took over 50 years for Central Oregon to get another brewery!

Fast forward to 1985 when Oregon passed the “Brewpub Bill,” which allowed brewers to manufacture and sell their malt beverages on the same property. The McMenamin Brothers took immediate advantage and opened the first post-Prohibition brewpub in Portland, Oregon. This set the stage for others and led to what many people consider to be the modern day history of the beer craze in Bend.

Does the name Gary Fish ring a bell?

The man, the myth, now a local legend, he dreamed to open a brewery. He scouted locations in California and Utah first, but like many of us who visit and become enamored with the area, Fish decided Bend was the ideal spot. In 1988 he opened Deschutes Brewery. The success was contagious and other breweries soon followed — Cascade Lakes Brewing in Redmond, Bend Brewing Company, Silver Moon, and they just kept coming. The rest is history.

These days, by nearly any measure, Bend ranks among the top cities in the United States for breweries per capita. Our city consistently finds itself in the company of popular beer hubs like Asheville, North Carolina and Portland, Maine. And it seems every time we open up an issue of The Source, Brian Yaeger is writing about another award-winning brew or must-try new beverage.

The Bend Ale Trail has earned a reputation as a popular pastime for locals and tourists. At Visit Bend, eager participants can pick up a cool little passport that looks like the real deal. They collect passport stamps at breweries in town and claim prizes for each completed section. If nature provided the ingredients, Bend’s culture supplied the yeast. A community that valued local businesses, outdoor adventure, and gathering over a good pint helped transform one successful brewery into a craft beer destination. Beer appears to be en’grained’ in our city’s vibe, quite literally!

TAKE ME HOME

By Andrea McGinty REMAX Key Properties

Beyond Bend: Exploring Central Oregon Communities

For years, Bend has been the center of gravity for people relocating to Central Oregon. It still is. Its vibrant downtown, miles of trails, breweries, and easy access to Mt. Bachelor make it one of the West’s most desirable places to live. But something has changed.

More buyers are asking a different question. Instead of “Where can I buy a home in Bend?” they’re asking, “Which Central Oregon community best fits the life I want to live?”

That’s an important shift. Buyers are discovering that Bend isn’t the only option. Central Oregon is a collection of communities, each offering a distinct lifestyle.

Sisters attracts those looking for small-town charm, mountain views and a close-knit community. Its western character, walkable downtown and easy access to outdoor recreation make it ideal for buyers who value connection over convenience.

Redmond has become much more than Bend’s northern neighbor. With newer neighborhoods, a growing restaurant scene, school and convenient access to the growing regional airport, it’s a smart choice for buyers seeking more space while staying close to Bend. Redmond provides an exceptional balance of quality and affordability within the region.

Tumalo appeals to those who want room to spread out. Acreage, privacy and a rural feel combined with quick access to Bend make it a favorite for buyers dreaming of horses, hobby farms, workshops or simply a little more elbow room.

Juniper Preserve (formerly Pronghorn Resort) offers a luxury, lockand-leave lifestyle centered around championship golf, wellness, dining and stunning high desert scenery. It’s

especially attractive to second-home buyers and retirees who want resort amenities just outside the city.

Brasada Ranch blends luxury living with panoramic Cascade views, spacious homesites, golf, and equestrian opportunities just outside of Powell Butte. It delivers privacy and a resort lifestyle to both full-time residents and second-home buyers

Eagle Crest has long been one of Central Oregon’s favorite resort communities. With three golf courses, miles of walking and biking trails, sports facilities and a wide variety of home styles, it appeals to retirees, active adults and families looking for an established community with year-round recreation.

Sunriver remains one of the region’s most iconic destinations, but it’s more than a vacation hotspot. Buyers are drawn to its extensive trail system, golf courses, river access, and relaxed pace of life. Whether it’s a primary residence, second home or legacy property for future generations, Sunriver offers a lifestyle centered on the outdoors.

Caldera Springs has evolved from a vacation destination into a sought-after residential community. Its lakes, trails, family amenities and proximity to Sunriver appeal to buyers looking for a full-time home or a place where generations can gather for years to come.

The biggest mistake I see relocating buyers make is assuming Bend is the only destination worth considering. In reality, Central Oregon offers many wonderful communities not to be overlooked.

Finding the right home is important. Finding the right community is what transforms a move into the lifestyle you’ve been searching for. That’s where local guidance can make all the difference.

ASTROLOGY

By Rob Brezsny

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Neurologists say that when you vividly imagine performing an action like shooting a basketball or playing piano, your brain activates many of the same networks it uses in real practice. In other words, mental rehearsal can measurably improve your actual performance. Many athletes use this trick. But here's an interesting twist: Such visualizations work for emotional and social skills too. We can enhance our resilience and better regulate our moods if we practice doing so in the privacy of our imaginations. I bring this to your attention, Leo, because you're in a period when your fantasy life has extra-robust practical power. I invite you to rehearse being who you want to be in the theater of your mind.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Your assignment: Compose a vigorous prayer in which you ask life for something you fear you don't deserve or are not supposed to want. What is the blessing, healing, or freedom that feels “too much,” “too selfish,” “too late,” or “too impossible” for you to yearn for? Name this prize and how you imagine it might allow you to give more, love more, or live more honestly. You could begin your appeal with these words: “Dear Great Mystery, I’m nervous about asking for this, but I will ask anyway,” and then let your heart speak without editing. Do this at least once every day for ten days.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): According to my investigations, there’s a place you need to go, but fear or timidity is holding you back. Where is it? Is it a physical location, a creative risk, a complicated conversation, or a spiritual threshold? Visualize it. Who would you be if you appeared there in your full glory? What do you worry might happen if you do? What interesting future might never bloom if you don’t? I hope you formulate a feisty plan. To begin, write these words: “If I decide to go there anyway, acknowledging my fear but not being controlled by it, what first step will I take and what help will I seek?”

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Professional athletes sometimes talk about “winning ugly.” That’s when they achieve a victory even though they haven’t played their very best. I foresee you using that phrase for yourself soon, after you notch a less-than-pretty but undeniably real success. There’s another expression you might also exemplify, too: “ugly ripe.” Officially, it’s the name of luscious heirloom tomatoes whose lumpy, offbeat forms contrast with the smooth, bland specimens stacked in most supermarket bins. In the coming weeks, it will describe the nonstandard yet succulent flavor of your life.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries artist Vincent van Gogh lived in Arles, France, for 15 months in 1888 and 1889. It was the most prolific time of his career. His buoyant genius overflowed, pouring out over 200 paintings, including the lavish Sunflowers series. I suspect you will enjoy your own surge of splashy productivity in the coming months. It may not be as manically generative as van Gogh, though. I think your creativity will be rather relaxed and deeply healing. Start planning now for how you want to channel all this imaginative exuberance.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In 1848, a Libra-born carpenter named James Marshall discovered a few glittering flakes of gold floating on the American River in California. His find ignited the Gold Rush, drawing hundreds of thousands of people westward. Alas, Marshall himself never became rich from the discovery, though many other people did. I’m hoping and predicting a different outcome when you locate treasure in the coming weeks, Libra. In this instance, you will share in the spoils.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The lyrebird can imitate almost any sound, including chainsaws, car alarms, camera shutters, and other birds' songs. But they don't just mimic sounds randomly. They compose elaborate performances, weaving a variety of imitations into complex acoustic tapestries. In a sense, they are remix artists. During the coming weeks, Scorpio, I hope you give yourself permission to resemble a lyrebird. Sample freely from everything you've absorbed. Weave your influences into new configurations. Express your imaginative concoctions of repurposed ideas and enchantments. The voice isn't less yours because it borrows from other voices. Originality is in part about arrangement, not just source material.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Astronauts who have orbited Earth describe the "overview effect.” Viewing the entire globe from high above triggers rich epiphanies and cognitive shifts, providing a visceral sense of the planet's fragility and unity. Borders dissolve. Conflicts seem absurd. I surmise you are ripe for a similar blessing, Sagittarius. You'll be able to see your current dramas from expansive vantage points that make their true scale and significance obvious. Armed with these perspectives, you will naturally clarify your priorities and allow petty concerns to fade away.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): I invite you to clear out every fixed idea your mind carries about where you are “supposed” to be. Once you have made that inner space wide and uncluttered, begin a fresh inquiry into the nature of your real home. Use questions like these to navigate: 1. What’s the first place you think of when you come across the word “sanctuary”? 2. Which environments reliably bring out your brightest, truest qualities? 3. Do you have what you would call power spots? If so, how do they make you feel in your body and psyche? 4. Which locations on Earth fascinate you, even if you have never visited them? 5. Could there be a future dwelling that offers a more peak-level experience of home than the familiar place where tradition now soothes you?

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The brain doesn't literally multitask. It rapidly shifts attention between tasks, creating the illusion of simultaneity. For many people, each interchange costs mental energy and reduces efficiency. But some brains can switch faster with a lower energy cost, making them better at sustained task-switching. I’m sure you can guess the identity of the zodiac’s number one task-switcher: you, of course! And the good news is that in the coming weeks, you will be even more adept than usual in wielding your superpower. One implication is that you will know when not to overdo it and when not to use it trivially. You will be a master of seamless, effective, and meaningful transitions.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You are the result of an ancestral crowd: two parents, four grandparents, and eight great-grandparents. Without these 14 lives weaving together in the precise ways they did, your unique destiny would never have taken shape. Their choices and challenges helped sculpt your gifts and your rough edges, your cravings and your turn-offs. The coming weeks will be a ripe astrological moment to get more intimate with this lineage. As you delve into your family’s stories, you may uncover vital clues for refreshing your views on dilemmas that have dragged on for a while. Are you daring enough to let your sense of “where I come from” evolve—and, with it, your sense of what kind of future you want to create?

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Astronomers know that many stars don't travel alone. Binary stars orbit each other for eons, their mutual gravity shaping each partner's destiny. I propose we make this your featured metaphor in the coming months. It will be a favorable time to de-emphasize the notion that strength and creative power require complete autonomy. I suspect that flexible, spirited interdependence will generate far better results than lonely self-sufficiency. Which alliances and relationships will expand your orbit rather than shrink it? Invest in them.

Homework: What was the pain that healed you most?

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

Pearl’s Puzzle

Puzzle

Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters

exactly once.

The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: "Deep summer is when finds respectability."

Sam Keen

Answer for the week of July 20, 2026

ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S PUZZLES

- Sam Keen

“I think it's interesting that 'cologne' rhymes with 'alone.' “

“I think it's interesting that 'cologne' rhymes with 'alone.' “

AUGUST 23

AUGUST 1 AUGUST 7 AUGUST 8

AUGUST 15

AUGUST 14 AUGUST 25 AUGUST 9 AUGUST 20 AUGUST 29 AUGUST 19 AUGUST 28 JULY 31

AUGUST 21 & 22

SEPTEMBER 3

LUKE BRYAN W/ DREW BALDRIDGE, SHANE PROFITT, KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS, DJ ROCK 8/6 • MATT RIFE 8/27 “WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC W/ PUDDLES PITY PARTY 9/6 • ROLE MODEL W/ SAMIA 9/9 • ZACH TOP W/ WYATT MCCUBBIN 9/10

FOSTER THE PEOPLE W/ GOTH BABE 9/12 • NIKKI GLASER 9/13 • RILEY GREEN W/ RANDY HOUSER, KASHUS CULPEPPER & HANNAH MCFARLAND 9/18 BLEACHERS W/ THE LINDA LINDAS 9/20 • GODSMACK W/ STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, DOROTHY 9/22 • JACK JOHNSON W/ G. LOVE 9/27 BLACK LABEL SOCIETY W/ ZAKK SABBATH, DARK CHAPEL 10/2 • EMPIRE OF THE SUN W/ POLO & PAN, MIDNIGHT GENERATION 10/3