We’re Paige and Mason. The Bend Banner is our way of keeping tabs on this wild, beautiful place we call home. To the mornings that start with coffee and mountain air, the trails that somehow always lead to a brewery, and the kind of small-town stories that remind you why you chose to live here in the first place.

Let’s talk about Reed South. Bend’s newest little center, tucked right off Reed Market and 27th. Someone finally remembered the Eastside likes nice things, too.

Right in the middle of it sits Haven Bagel and Coffee, and it feels less like a bagel shop and more like the neighborhood’s unofficial living room. The kind of place you wander into half-awake, only to realize everyone else had the same idea. Warm lights, the smell of dough in the air, a steady stream of locals who clearly decided this is their new morning routine. It already feels settled in, like it has been here for years instead of months.

If you live anywhere nearby, this place is dangerously close. Larkspur, Stonebrook, and all those new houses popping up like spring mushrooms are now within easy walking distance of a truly great breakfast. You start out telling yourself you’ll just grab a coffee. Then somehow you leave with a half-dozen bagels and a Sunday roll that will make you rethink every other pastry in town.

The bagels are excellent. Not trying to mimic New York. Just good, satisfying, Bend bagels. Chewy, warm, and the kind of simple that takes real work. Pastry-wise, one has risen above the rest. The Sunday roll, which is basically a small celebration wrapped in dough. Kinda like a cinnamon roll without the frosting and cinnamon, but still different…just get one.

Reed South will keep filling in with new shops and excuses to linger. Haven is already the anchor, the spot that sets the tone. If you are on the east side, congratulations. You just got a bagel place worth bragging about.

Every year, locals quietly compete for who can turn their street into the North Pole without ever admitting they’re competing. The result is a citywide patchwork of twinkling sidewalks, inflatable chaos, tasteful white lights, and at least one house that absolutely did too much. We love them all.

If you’re planning a festive evening drive, walking loop, or a slow crawl with kids in the back asking “are we there yet” every 90 seconds, here’s where Bend really shows off.

Sarah Drive (SE Bend)
This is the main event. The Super Bowl. The street everyone references when they say “you’ve gotta go see the lights.” Nearly every house participates, and some of them take it very personally. Park nearby, walk it if you can, and expect company.

Bonny Bridge
A tucked-away gem that feels like you stumbled onto something you weren’t supposed to find. The entire neighborhood lights up and does it with enthusiasm. Quiet, charming, and very worth the detour.

Awbrey Butte
Lights with a view. Starview, Nightfall, Horizon. You get elevation, sweeping looks over town, and homes that understand restraint but still flex a little. Best enjoyed slowly, windows down, heater blasting.

Northwest Crossing
This one’s about vibes. Soft lights woven through parks, paths, and front yards. Less spectacle, more cozy. Perfect for an early evening stroll when you want to feel festive without sensory overload.

• Sarah Drive (yes, again. It’s that good)
• Shannon Ct & Crescent Ct (off Sarah Dr)
• Stevens Rd – this is where creepy Santa lives. You’ll know when you see it.
• Bonny Bridge

• NE Laramine Way
• NE Hollinshead Dr
• NE Marsh Orchid Ct.
• NE Yellowstone Ln – especially the backside near Butler Market. Easy to miss, worth finding.

• Hawkview Rd / Great Horned neighborhood
• Baroness Pl
• NE 8th St
• Dakota Dr – a sleeper hit that surprises people every year

🐶 Lucy Lou Who – 11 years, Alaskan Husky
Energetic dog, even for her age, with a big personality.

🐱 Sailor – 2 years - Terrier/Pit
Social and friendly with the dogs he’s met, this boy loves to play. He will be a great companion to anyone.

The Bend Banner is as local as it gets - written here, for the people who actually call this place home.

No big media machine, no out-of-town editor guessing what Bend cares about. Just a weekly letter built from real conversations, real places, and real curiosity.

If you choose to support it, every bit helps me bring you more of the good stuff. The stories, the characters, the weird corners of this town that deserve a spotlight.

Appreciate you, friends. Thanks for being part of this.

Want more event tips every week? Follow The Bend Banner on Instagram.

Holiday Gift Wrapping @ Unity Community | 1 PM

Opening Day @ Mt. Bachelor

Die Hard @ Tin Pan Theater | 8 PM

Wax Clinic @ Pine Mountain Sports | 7 PM

Harris Blake Band @ Greg’s Grill | 5 PM

Henry Ivie-Gardner w/ Bella Rue @ Silver Moon | 6:30 PM

Holiday Skate @ The Pavilion | 1 PM

Christmas Eve at Hawk & Huck @ Hawkeye & Huckleberry | 2 PM

Christmas Eve Dinner @ Currents at the Riverhouse | 3 PM

Love Actually @ Tin Pan Theater | 6:30 PM

Jingle Belle & Beau Duo @ On Tap | 5 PM

DJ Muhlaika @ The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM

Juniper Preserve Christmas Day Brunch Buffet @ Iris | 9 AM

Christmas Day Brunch Buffet @ Currents at the Riverhouse | 9 AM

Home Alone @ Tin Pan Theater | 3:30 PM

Christmas Day Dinner @ ROAM | 5 PM

McKenna @ The Commonwealth Pub | 3 PM

The Roundabouts Holiday Improv Show @ Silver Moon | 7 PM

Jasmine Rogers Comedy @ Craft Kitchen | 8 PM

Bend Comedy Holiday Special @ Upp Liquids | 8 PM

Merry Hangover Dance Party @ Silver Moon | 10 PM

Club Reggaeton @ Midtown Ballroom | 10 PM

Ugly Christmas Sweater Beer Pong Tournament + Karaoke @ Volcanic Theater Pub | Time TBD

Sweet Motor @ Silver Moon | 7 PM

TEB @ Wildwood Bar & Grill | 7 PM

Heller Highwater @ The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM

Leftovers Comedy Show @ Craft Kitchen | 7 PM

Comedy Night @ Abe Capanna’s East Side | 8 PM

Winter Solstice Masquerade Ball @ High Desert Music Hall | 5:30 PM

Bridge City Sinners NYE Party @ Volcanic Theatre Pub | 8 PM

Parents Night Out (Ninja Night) @ Free Spirit Yoga | 5:30 PM

Mavis & Bretz @ Bend Cider Co. | 3 PM

Long Gone Wilder @ Portello Lounge | 6:30 PM

Matt Martin and The .45’s @ WildWood | 7 PM

Bridge City Sinners @ Volcanic Theater Pub | 8 PM

Mama’s Boy @ Domino Room | 8 PM

Juju Eyeball @ The Commonwealth Pub | 8 PM

Mt. Bachelor National Ski Patrol Fundraiser @ Silver Moon | 10 AM

Carriage Rides @ Black Butte Ranch | 11 AM

Rewoven: Community Clothing Swap @ Pine & Prism Wellness | 11 AM

Bobby Lindstrom Duo @ River’s Place | 5 PM

Juju Eyeball @ McMenamins | 10 PM

Until Next Week,

Paige & Mason

PS. Enjoy Opening Day and Happy Holidays from our family to yours!