Bend
Daily News
Friday, March 20th, 2026
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Shepherd's House Ministries received a $3M grant today to expand Abi's House, tripling its capacity for women and children in Bend — the additional residences will create trauma-informed housing for those facing homelessness. KTVZ
- ➤ Nearly 100 runners gathered Wednesday night at FootZone and moved to Cascade Lakes Brewing to show support for local artist Megan Marie Myers after her diagnosis with an inoperable brain tumor. The event raised funds for her treatment & demonstrated the strength of Bend’s running community. Central Oregon Daily
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette is opening a new (10,000 sqft) retail and job training center on April 9 in north Bend near Costco on Hunnell Road. The store will offer donated goods, computer training, and ESL classes while creating 50 new local jobs. Bend Bulletin
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Cascades Theatre’s production of The 39 Steps opened Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at its downtown venue and runs through April 5. The fast, funny play uses minimal props and a four-member cast to bring this classic spy thriller to Bend (discounts are offered for students and seniors). Bend Bulletin
- ➤ The High Desert Museum broke ground on its $40 million expansion with a new 24,000 sqft wing featuring classrooms, gallery space and community event areas. Designed by Portland-based Hacker, the project will open in winter (2027) and aim to enhance the museum's role as a civic and cultural anchor. KTVZ
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Two local editor letters urge progress in energy and water management. Laura Swatz advocates for an all-electric transition with state rebates launching in spring, while J. Ned Dempsey supports the Pilot Butte Canal Modernization Project to improve water security + efficiency. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Visit Bend awarded 11 local organizations $500,000 from its Sustainability Fund to support projects that reduce waste and improve outdoor safety in Bend. The Environmental Center received $100,000 for a reusable wash station—voting for bonus funding is open through April 1. Central Oregon Daily
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Ridership on CET dropped roughly 25% in February after fares returned — officials say riders are making fewer trips rather than stopping transit use, and service adjustments are planned in Bend and nearby areas later this spring. Bend Bulletin
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Construction is underway on the Old Mill District expansion; crews are relocating water mainlines and irrigation systems with work expected to finish by early May + vertical construction for restaurants and retail will follow pending tenant leases and may begin up to a year later. Bend Bulletin
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bend Olympian Hunter Hess returned to Mt. Bachelor with the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation on March 19 to meet over 100 youth skiers and snowboarders, hand out season awards, and kick off the Devo Freeride competition — showcasing his local roots and commitment to youth sports. Bend Bulletin
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
TEDxBend 2026
9 AM – 2 PM — Caldera Theater — Free entry — Explore the theme of 'Rebirth' and embrace new beginnings with inspiring talks.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Bike Computer Navigation Clinic
6-7:30 p.m. — Sunnyside Sports — Free — Learn how to enhance your biking experience with expert navigation tips and support.
-
90's Rock Night
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Volcanic Theatre Pub — Tickets available online — Travel back to the 90's with live performances by Chained to Stone and Trapper Keepers.
-
Peaks Prom: A Totally 80s Night
Join the Seven Peaks community for an unforgettable throwback night featuring an 80s DJ, warm appetizers, dessert bar, beer and cocktails! All proceeds from the evening will directly support Seven Peaks School. Come for the one-of-a-kind experiences: DeLorean photo ops, 80s movies, song dedications, and more. Bid on awesome live and silent auction items!
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
The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Bend Daily News
Welcome to the Bend Daily News, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Bend, Oregon community. If you like the Bend Daily News, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Bend.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Bend and across Oregon. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Bend Daily News
A free Bend community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://benddailynews.com/sitemap