Thursday, March 26th, 2026
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 50501 Central Oregon and local organizations will host a day of action Saturday at Drake Park. The event will feature a rally at 12:30 p.m., a march at 2 p.m. to Peace Corner, and a mutual aid event through 4 p.m.—participants are urged to bring signs and donations. Bend Bulletin
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ At Smith Rock State Park, two late-20s climbers were rescued from nearly 400 feet after Deschutes County Search—Rescue responded Monday evening in cold conditions and lowered them safely by 1:00 a.m. Tuesday. KBND
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Bend’s PAN Japanese Kitchen is now housed in the former Sweetheart Donuts building at 210 SE 3rd St., and offers Japanese meals for takeout and delivery on Tuesday-Saturday (11 a.m.–3 p.m. and 4–9 p.m.) and Sunday (noon–3 p.m. and 4–9 p.m.), serving bento boxes, rice bowls and sushi. Bend Bulletin
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Deschutes Public Library will host its 23rd annual A Novel Idea event starting Wednesday, Apr. 1 with free programs that draw on themes from Thomas Kohnstamm’s 'Supersonic' and Mitali Perkins’ 'Hope in the Valley.' The month-long celebration includes a teen workshop and author visits at Redmond Library and Summit High. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ A Novel Idea returns to the Deschutes Public Library on April 1 with readings from Thomas Kohnstamm’s Supersonic and Mitali Perkins’s Hope in the Valley. The free, annual program (now in its 23rd year) opens with a ticketed author event. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Bluebird Improv, featuring veterans from SNL and Veep, will perform Chicago—style improv live at Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St. on Wednesday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $47 to $72 plus a service charge. Bend Bulletin
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A study by the Common Sense Institute shows Oregon households spent $18,300 more on essentials in 2025 than in 2019, leaving them with 16.77% of income and losing 2.4% of gross income to higher prices. Rising shelter+utilities and child care costs put Oregon in the fifth least affordable state. The Oregonian
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Two juvenile bobcats, rescued a year ago and rehabilitated at Think Wild Wildlife Hospital, were released near Dayville on March 20 in coordination with Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. The facility will host its 6th Annual Wildlife Baby Shower to raise funds for future wildlife care. KTVZ
- ➤ Oregon State University is leading a project in the central Cascades to improve snowpack forecasts by combining airborne LiDAR+ground measurements during the upcoming snow seasons from 2025 until 2028. Funded by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the improved data will help water managers plan summer water supplies. Bend Bulletin
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Redmond City Council has launched an online poll asking residents if non-pedal assist e-bikes should remain allowed in parks such as Dry Canyon until April 1. The council will use public feedback to review current park rules. Central Oregon Daily
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ It is officially allergy season and Bend residents are advised by Kat Mastrangelo from Volunteers in Medicine to use antihistamines or short-term nasal sprays for relief — closing windows and showering before bed can ease symptoms. Uninsured individuals may also get help at Volunteers in Medicine. Central Oregon Daily
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Tom Dundon advanced his bid to buy the Trail Blazers after a key meeting with the NBA board in New York; Commissioner Adam Silver said Dundon is eager to keep the team local as leaders finalize a $600 million arena plan (aimed at ensuring a long-term future in Portland). The Oregonian
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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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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.
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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.
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Easter Brunch Buffet
10 AM – 3 PM — Juniper Preserve, Golf & Wellness Resort — Pricing not specified — Enjoy a refined springtime feast with thoughtfully prepared brunch classics and indulgent sweets.
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Beertown Comedy Open Mic
6:30-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughs with the top-rated local open mic comedy scene.
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Trivia Night at Wonderland Chicken
7-9 p.m. — Wonderland Chicken Co X Worthy Brewing — Free to play — Eat, drink, and test your knowledge for fun prizes during live multimedia trivia.
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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!
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