Good morning, Bend.

Bend United Methodist Church runs a mail program for homeless residents that gives them a safe mailing address to access services and apply for jobs; the program operates Monday through Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. at 680 NW Bond and helps about 20 people daily (mostly seniors).

Bend music fans have four live shows this week.

Patterns Fly performs funk at Silver Moon Brewing Thursday, Kaipora spins livetronica at Domino Room Friday, Zoinks! rocks The Capitol Saturday, and Yagódy offers upbeat Ukrainian folk-pop at Tower Theatre Jan. 21.

USA Today ranked Reggae Rise Up Oregon as one of the top new festivals in 2026 after its debut in 2025 in Redmond.

The music festival, which offers camping, food vendors & art installations, will take place from June 12-14 at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds.

Live music fills Bend this week with shows starting today such as music bingo and open mics.

Saturday, Jan. 17 features Ron Artis II with Cousin Curtiss at Tower Theatre — extra concerts run through Jan. 21.

Oregon Employment Department data showed unemployment in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties reached a 10-year high (excluding the pandemic years) last November with rates of 4.9%, 5.9% and 5.9%, and the region lost 560 jobs from October to November mainly in professional and business services.

Central Oregon Winegrowers Association announced Tuesday it submitted an application for American Viticultural Area status—marking a key step in recognizing the region’s unique volcanic soils and high-desert climate while boosting local wine credibility and agritourism over the next 24 months.

Bend-La Pine Schools will offer a new choice high school this fall and hosts info nights at Bend Technical Academy today from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. + Tuesday, Jan.

20; families must apply by Friday, Jan. 23.

Visiting communications studies professor Keith Nainby will discuss Taylor Swift's music impact at OSU-Cascades on Jan.

26 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Charles McGrath Family Atrium of Edward J. Ray Hall (registration is required for this free talk).

Construction on Olney Avenue under the Bend Parkway is set to reopen early February after a year-long improvement project added new bike lanes and sidewalks; after railroad crews resumed work following December flooding, final paving will occur with a planned two-week closure in April.

Deschutes County seeks volunteers for three Fair Board positions at the Fair and Expo Center in Redmond, offering one one year term and two three year terms starting in March 2026 (applicants must attend monthly meetings at 3:30 p.m.).

Applications close Monday, Feb. 9.

Registration for a free teen heart screening called Strong Hearts, Strong Teens has opened online since Jan.

13 and will test ages 12 to 19 for heart conditions on Feb. 7 at St. Charles Heart and Lung Center in Bend — participants will also receive CPR and AED training.

After a recent snow storm, cross country skiers at Virginia Meissner Sno-park enjoyed a base of 1 to 2 feet on groomed trails; a new $5 bus service now offers daily rides from Bend and the Tour of Meissner is postponed to March 1 due to ungroomed lower trails.

Bend Thirsty Third Thursday Networking

4-6 p.m. — The Cellar — First drink free for registered attendees — Network with design and construction professionals in a relaxed atmosphere.

Maxwell Friedman Group Concert

7 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — $19.25 — Enjoy an evening of live music in a vibrant local venue.

CORK Mom Squad Running Group

9-10 a.m. — Miller's Landing Park — Free entry — A welcoming running group for moms of all running levels to connect and share experiences while staying active.

Comedy Night with Anthony Poponi

8-9 p.m. — Bangers & Brews Westside Bend Oregon — Ticket price not listed — Enjoy a night filled with sharp wit and quick crowd work from comedian Anthony Poponi.

Sierra Nevada Red Fox Discovery Night

7-8:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Free entry — Discover the elusive Sierra Nevada red fox with expert insights and captivating field stories.

Archery Summit Wine Dinner

5-9 p.m. — Tetherow Resort — Cost varies — Experience a multi-course dinner paired with exceptional wines amid the winter charm of Bend.

Western Sky Choir Concert

3-7 p.m. — Open Space Event Studios — Refunds up to 7 days before event — Enjoy a vibrant concert featuring hits from Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, and Olivia Rodrigo.

Darkness to Light Stewards of Children Training

5:30-8 p.m. — Deschutes Children's Foundation - Rosie Bareis Community Campus — Free entry — Learn vital skills for preventing child sexual abuse in your community.

Life During Wartime - Talking Heads Tribute

8 PM — Volcanic Theatre Pub — Cost not specified — Dance to the eclectic sounds of LDW playing Talking Heads music and original funk.

Resilience Workshop for Young Entrepreneurs

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. — Discovery West — $15 — Engage in movement, breathwork, and journaling to build confidence and resilience.