Wednesday, April 8th, 2026
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 8th of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Crux Fermentation Project in Bend is expanding its outdoor space at 50 SW Division Street by adding new seating and a kids play area as construction continues. The upgrade is expected soon and seating remains available during the renovation. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Portland Gear, an Oregon-based lifestyle brand, will open its first brick-and-mortar store outside Greater Portland by Memorial Day weekend in Bend's Old Mill District at the former Wild Child space on SW Powerhouse Drive to offer travel gear, luggage, apparel, and local designs (exclusive in Bend). KTVZ
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Brett Mitchell, Sunriver Music Festival’s conductor, will perform his film music arrangements at Sunriver Christian Fellowship at 3 p.m. Saturday (featuring tunes from Star Wars and Jurassic Park), providing a unique live experience ahead of the summer festival. Bend Bulletin
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Retired fire manager Dan Shoun said Oregon’s forest system has suffered from decades of understaffing and poor funding, which has left roads, trails, and campgrounds in bad shape. He noted that the Forest Service’s proposed headquarters move to Utah and reorganization could open up local flexibility for wildfire mitigation if new investments come. Bend Bulletin
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Oregon Department of Emergency Management will host free webinars this spring to help rural communities prepare for floods, extreme heat and wildfires. Webinar sessions will run Apr. 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and May 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.—registration is available online. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ On Monday night, community groups hosted a town hall at Oregon State University-Cascades to discuss a federal proposal to roll back public lands protections that could impact local water + wildlife. Attendees submitted written comments as local advocates urged increased input before any changes are made. Central Oregon Daily
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Mosaic Community Health relocated its Bend High School-Based Health Center to a larger facility near the school to expand youth medical and behavioral services. An open house is set on May 21 (4:30 to 6 p.m.) for families to tour the new space and meet the care team. Central Oregon Daily
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Hayden Homes held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Parkside Place in east Bend along Highway 20 — the new subdivision will include 346 homes with 40 percent designated as affordable housing under the state’s urban growth boundary pilot program, and residents are expected to move in within weeks. KTVZ
-
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.
-
That 90's Band Concert
7 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Ticketed event — Experience nostalgic 90's hits with That 90’s Band and a local youth opening act.
-
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!
-
Raging Writers Spoken Words
2-4 p.m. — Spork — Free entry — Ignite your creativity with writing prompts and showcase your talent at the open mic.
-
Natural History Pub: Exploring Central Oregon's Volcanoes
7-8 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Free entry — Delve into the fascinating geologic history and future of Central Oregon’s majestic volcanic peaks.
-
THE LIFE WE HAVE - Film, Run, & Raffle for The American Cancer Society
After screening at over 20 festivals in the last year, filmmaker Greg Balkin is bringing the award-winning short documentary, The Life We Have, to Bend. In honor of the film's subject, Rob Shaver, Greg is hosting a fundraiser event for The American Cancer Society that includes a film screening, community run, and raffle.
-
Bend Thirsty Third Thursday Networking Event
4-6 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free first drink — Network with design and construction professionals before enjoying local live music.
-
Watkins Glen & MFG Live Concert
9-11:30 p.m. — Domino Room — Tickets on sale now — Enjoy an exciting night with the Maxwell Friedman Group and a mega Watkins Glen set featuring surprise guests.
-
Reelin In the Years - Steely Dan Tribute
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Cost not specified — Celebrate the smooth grooves of Steely Dan with Bend’s premier tribute band Major Dudes.
-
Teen Volunteer Opportunity with Camp Fire Central Oregon
2:30-4:00 p.m. — Family Kitchen — Free — Connect with Camp Fire through exciting volunteer projects and skill-building outings for teens aged 12 to 17.
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
Start with repetition, not perfection.
~ James Clear
About 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