Bend
Daily News
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Longtime friends who met in Thailand now guide three popular Asian restaurants in Bend as Dear Mom Cafe, Yokocho Izakaya, and Galley offer authentic flavors to our community today. Each owner draws on years of experience from abroad and big cities to add unique taste to local dining. Bend Bulletin
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Harbor Freight announced it will open a new tool store (a nationwide chain) at 2520 NW 7th Street in Redmond this spring, creating around 25-30 new jobs for residents. Central Oregon Daily
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Tower Theatre will host Women of Americana at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3. Brennen Leigh and Cristina Vane curated a setlist that honors influential women in Americana music. Bend Bulletin
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in Bend jumped this week as the average price for a gallon of regular fuel increased by 21 cents to 3.91, according to KBND. KBND
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ OSU-Cascades got $1 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to install solar panels on campus buildings later this year — the panels will help the school reach its net-zero energy goal by generating over 1 million kWh of clean energy each year. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Oregon’s free books program by Dolly Parton mailed its 4 millionth book to a child and now serves nearly 74,000 kids under age five (covering over one third of young Oregonians) after going statewide last April. Families can sign up for the free monthly books with no income restrictions. The Oregonian
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bend City Council plans a fee on new home gas appliances to fund electric upgrades and cut greenhouse gas emissions, following Ashland’s example. An informational session is set for April plus a public hearing is scheduled for May or June. The Oregonian
- ➤ After recent storms, Central Cascades snowpack remains at just 34% of normal, raising concerns that water shortages may impact local ski resorts and farms. Officials warn that warmer temperatures have led to more rain than snow, setting the stage for summer drought conditions. Bend Bulletin
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Culver’s wrestling team begins state championships today at Veterans Memorial Coliseum with 15 wrestlers (top seeds Rhett Arsenault and Coby Holmes aiming for a 15th title), while Bend High’s Leif Larwin seeks his third straight state win and Crook County sends 22 wrestlers. Bend Bulletin
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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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Reveal the authorAbout Bend Daily News
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