Bend
Daily News
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ New Bend Central Library will open May 11 at 61956 SE Santorini Street, and drive-thru holds pickup and returns start on March 23 (Mon–Sat, noon–6:00 p.m.). The three-story, 100,000 sqft facility features meeting rooms, a MakerSpace, and a Thump Coffee café while designed to meet LEED Platinum standards. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards will host the Crush Cancer 5K, 10K and Half Marathon Trail Run on May 16 at their Terrebonne vineyard — the main fundraiser to help local cancer patients with essential expenses. Organizers expect over 1,200 participants and spectators to support the cause. KTVZ
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Evacuation orders are in effect due to a 10-acre wildfire burning near La Pine, with residents advised to leave immediately or be ready, while a local activity center (at 16450 Victory Way) serves as temporary shelter as officials monitor the situation. Central Oregon Daily
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A new Goodwill Superstore will open April 9 next to Costco in Bend with a ribbon cutting featuring Mayor Melanie Kebler and city council members (50 employees have been hired for the new location). Central Oregon Daily
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Southern rock band Widespread Panic will perform two nights at Hayden Homes Amphitheater on Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11 this summer; tickets go on sale Friday, March 27 at 10 a.m. PT via Ticketmaster. The shows are expected to draw local fans and visitors to Bend. KTVZ
- ➤ An 80s Retro Ski Party will raise funds for Oregon Adaptive Sports at UPP Liquids on Friday, March 20. The event will feature DJ The Cosmic, food from Sharkmouth Fajitas, and a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses. KTVZ
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Award-winning novelist Carter Sickels is set to read at OSU-Cascades on May 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Charles McGrath Family Atrium (Edward J. Ray Hall) as part of the Distinguished Visiting Writer series, with a book signing hosted by Roundabout Books for registered attendees. KTVZ
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Oregon wildfire smoke impacted fewer residents in 2025 as fires occurred away from populated areas—although long-term data shows unhealthy air days have soared in Bend and across the state. Officials warn that with fewer winter snows and longer fire seasons, risks could grow in 2026. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Prescribed burns are planned for today and tomorrow by Deschutes National Forest 15 miles southeast of Bend to reduce hazardous fuels and protect local homes. Firefighters will start ignitions around 9:30 a.m. if weather allows & several nearby trails will close for safety. KTVZ
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Officials said mild winter conditions have not changed plans for opening Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road, which remain scheduled for mid-May. They noted that the decision will be made in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service and resort operators—early access is not guaranteed, so residents should check for updates. Central Oregon Daily
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Josh Blue Live Stand-Up Performance
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the humor of Josh Blue, a celebrated comedian with a vibrant and evolving stand-up routine.
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Spiritual Crafting: Handwoven Intention Bowls
6-8 p.m. — CONTINUUM, A School of Shadow Yoga — Check website for costs — Gather to create sacred vessels for holding intentions through mindful crafting.
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Spring Equinox Sound Bath
5-6 p.m. — CONTINUUM, A School of Shadow Yoga — Bring comfort items — Welcome the spring season in a soothing sound bath experience.
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Umphrey's McGee - Sky's The Limit Tour
8-9:30 p.m. — Midtown Ballroom/Domino Room/Annex — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the eclectic rock and improvisational brilliance of Umphrey's McGee live in Bend.
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Mala Bracelet Workshop & Gong Sound Bath
6-8 p.m. — CONTINUUM, A School of Shadow Yoga — Discount for friends — Create your own mala bracelet and unwind with an immersive gong sound bath experience.
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2026 Buddy Werner Championships
March 27-29 — Mount Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging — $190 registration — Compete in alpine skiing events designed for U12 licensed athletes.
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TEDxBend 2026
9 AM – 2 PM — Caldera Theater — Free entry — Explore the theme of 'Rebirth' and embrace new beginnings with inspiring talks.
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Beats & Bites Brunch Featuring Reb Conner
11 AM – 1 PM — Currents at the Riverhouse — Cost not specified — Experience a blend of genres with soulful live music while enjoying brunch by the river.
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Donavon Frankenreiter Live in Concert
7-9 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Check event page for ticket pricing — Enjoy an evening of relaxing grooves and soulful music from the former pro surfer turned musician.
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March History Pub: 100 Years of Landscape Change in Central Oregon
7-8 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — $5 — Discover the evolution of the Skyline Trail's landscape since 1920 with engaging historical insights.
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