Wednesday, February 25th, 2026
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 25th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bend’s Polar Plunge will be held Saturday at Riverbend Park; registration opens at 9 a.m. (the 5K starts at 10 a.m. and the plunge at 11 a.m.) with a $60 minimum raise or $100 for both events to fund Special Olympics Oregon. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Shevlin Park in Northwest Bend began in 1919 when F.P. Hixon donated land for public use and now offers trails, picnic spots, and playgrounds & a peaceful retreat for community recreation. Its history includes a logging railroad crossing and film work on ‘Rooster Cogburn’. Bend Bulletin
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Brandi Carlile will perform two shows May 20 and May 21 at Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday + presales for premium Bramily members begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday and again on Thursday. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ The Sister's Rodeo, the 35th largest in the country, will run from June 10 to 14 and include a new hospitality space for competitors with increased prize money. Tickets will also be available at the High Desert Museum Stampede from April 1 to 4. Central Oregon Daily
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Bend-La Pine Education Foundation and Mt.-Bachelor partnered to raise over $28,000 for local students through the 21st-year Ski 4 Schools program. Discounted ski and snowboard tickets generate funds for roughly 270 student activity fees at schools in Bend and Redmond. Central Oregon Daily
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hoodoo Ski and Recreation Area is closed after heavy rain storms and flooding left three ski lifts underwater. The resort will reopen when floodwaters subside & snow levels build for safe skiing. KTVZ
- ➤ Enel Green Power North America withdrew its proposal for a 700 megawatt solar project on a 4037 acre federal site between Bend and Redmond, halting plans for a major renewable energy facility. The Bureau of Land Management said permits and preliminary steps for environmental reviews were stopped amid uncertain solar industry conditions. Bend Bulletin
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Alex Weiermair was named Winterhawks Player of the Week for Feb. 16 through Feb. 22 after scoring three goals and adding one assist in three games — his strong effort in a close 4 to 3 win over Seattle kept him among the league’s top scorers. The Oregonian
- ➤ The boys wrestling state championships will be held this weekend at Veterans Memorial Coliseum as small school tournaments start Thursday with finals on Friday plus Class 5A and 6A contests begin Friday and end Saturday night. The Oregonian
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Sonic Benders - Dance-Driven Roots Funk
8-11 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Experience local talent creating booty-shaking boogaloo soul jazz funk.
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Oregon Fryer Live with The Smoke Drifters
7 PM - 1 AM — The Belfry — $15 — Enjoy an eclectic mix of Americana and rock from Oregon Fryer, capturing the spirit of the Pacific Northwest.
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Not'cho Grandma's Bingo Fundraiser
9:30 a.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — $13 per person — Experience high-energy bingo while supporting the community and enjoying a fun atmosphere.
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Pest to Prize: Porcupines in the Deschutes Watershed
7-8 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Sold out — Discover the significance of North American porcupines and ongoing conservation efforts in Central Oregon.
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Central Oregon Sportsmen's Show
12:00 – 3:00 p.m. — Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center — Admission details not specified — The largest hunting and fishing show in the region featuring numerous outdoor recreation products and services.
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Kids Night Out Fundraiser for Camp Fire Central Oregon
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Amity Creek Magnet at Thompson School — Fun for kids ages 4-11 — Enjoy an evening of games, crafts, activities, and a meal while supporting teen programs.
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Dad Bods Live
8-10 p.m. — The Commonwealth Pub — Free entry — Enjoy a high-energy night of 80's hits with the lively Dad Bods ready to make you dance.
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Raging Writers Spoken Words
2-4 p.m. — Spork — Free entry — Ignite your creativity with writing prompts followed by an open mic for passionate performers.
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KIDS Center 101
5:30-6:30 p.m. — Deschutes Children's Foundation - Rosie Bareis Community Campus — Free entry — Discover the essential programs and services offered by KIDS Center for children and families.
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Trivia Night at Wonderland Chicken and Worthy Brewing
7-9 p.m. — Wonderland Chicken Co X Worthy Brewing — Free to play — Join a lively trivia competition with food and drinks and win prizes.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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~ Ryan Holiday
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