Good morning, Bend.

A Bend family that had struggled with homelessness after living in an RV and hotel due to soaring rents and eviction battles recently secured a townhouse only to face its sale amid a tight housing market.

Their experience underscores challenges for local families as rental costs continue to rise.

Bethlehem Inn, an emergency shelter in Bend and Redmond, helps adults and children with safe sleep, meals, and support services.

Director of Development Jon Baker said the family program is always full and will be a future focus (a key resource).

A new U‑Box facility is under construction along Highway 97 to expand local storage capacity with 1,100 units planned once completed — meeting the growing demand for affordable storage alternatives.

U‑Haul offers modular containers to serve Bend's expanding community.

Portland-based rocker Joshua Josué plays two sets Saturday at Silver Moon Brewing (24 NW Greenwood Ave.) as he celebrates his new album, Broadcast to the Surf Ballroom, which revives Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens demos; tickets cost $12.24.

Three beer festivals occur Saturday to mark Dry January's end, with Bend hosting Flannel Fest at Midtown Yacht Club from noon to 6 p.m. and High Gravity Brewfest at McMenamins from 1 to 8 p.m., while Portermania takes place at Wild Ride Brewing in Redmond from 3 to 8 p.m.

Beth Wood will perform in the Suttle Lodge's Firesides concert series on Thursday, Feb.

5. The event runs from 6-8 p.m. with tickets at $12.24 (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) at 1330 U.S. 20 in Sisters.

Dry winter conditions have left local reservoirs (Ochoco and Prineville) half full, and experts warn that limited irrigation may reduce crop yields and slow tourism during the summer growing season.

Farmers are preparing for a shorter season as water supplies shrink.

Central Oregon’s employment report shows the Bend MSA rate stayed at 5.0% in December while the region added +1,560 jobs over the year.

Gains in retail trade and local government helped offset losses in leisure and hospitality and other sectors.

Deschutes County readers set a record with over 2 million library checkouts in 2025, with digital borrowing helping as the downtown library closes for remodel starting April 11.

The Central Library at Stevens Ranch will soon offer a drive-thru service for holds pick-up while in-person access starts in May.

The Lake Creek Bridge on Camp Sherman Road near Sisters is set to reopen in about two weeks.

Crews are waiting for timber to arrive next week & plan to finish work in the following week, weather permitting.

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.

Live Music with Brandon Campbell Trio

7-9 p.m. — Currents at the Riverhouse — Check venue for entry fee — Experience the genre-bending sounds of the Brandon Campbell Trio with a mix of gypsy swing and rockabilly.

KANALES & GRUPO ESCOLTA Live Concert

9 p.m. — Midtown Ballroom/Domino Room/Annex — Ticket info at Tickeri — Enjoy a night of vibrant music and dancing with Kanales and Grupo Escolta.

Galentine's Brunch at The Coyote

10 AM – 2 PM — The Coyote — Celebrate sisterhood with brunch, mimosas, karaoke, and giveaways.

Beertown Comedy Open Mic

6:30-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter at the #1 Open Mic and Locals Night in Bend.

Capoeira - Introductory Session

7:00 – 8:45 PM — High Desert Martial Arts — Workshop fee includes a T-shirt — Experience the rhythm and movement of Afro-Brazilian martial arts in a beginner-friendly session.