Bend
Daily News
Thursday, April 9th, 2026
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Visit Bend has partnered with KultureCity in a new three‐year contract to add quiet spaces and free resource bags (including noise‐canceling headphones and fidget toys) at its Visitor Center to support visitors with invisible disabilities. The agreement also provides for annual training updates for local businesses. Source Weekly
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Capitol is debuting its new family-friendly arcade on Saturday, Apr. 11, featuring half off games from 3 p.m. until close and special drink offers from 3 to 8 p.m.—the venue will also host its first all-ages pinball tournament on Thursday, Apr. 16. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Bend offers a week of live music with Champagne Drip headlining at Volcanic Theatre Pub Friday at 8 p.m., Bob Sumner at Silver Moon Brewing Wednesday at 7 p.m., Suppression energizing Tuesday at 6 p.m., and Dan Mangan performing Sunday at Domino Room — tickets range from $14 to $40. Bend Bulletin
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ High Desert Museum celebrates 10 years of its Little Wonders program that gives free two-year memberships to Head Start families. It gifted nearly 400 memberships in 2025 and will host Family Nights on April 2 and today to encourage learning. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Teachers and education professionals will meet with district representatives at the Central Oregon Educator Job Fair on Tuesday, Apr. 14 from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center’s Middle Sister Building in Redmond; organizers advise pre-registration so resumes can be shared with hiring districts. KTVZ
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Record-low snowpack is threatening water supplies for 200 farmers in Sisters who rely on Whychus Creek for irrigation + the Three Sisters Irrigation District urges water conservation as reduced snowmelt forces schedule adjustments. Central Oregon Daily
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bend Municipal Airport is upgrading with a new $15 million air traffic control tower set to begin service later this summer. The project, which is 90% complete, also includes a pilot-controlled lighting system & additional hangars to meet growing demand. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department announced Pilot Butte summit road will open for vehicle traffic at 10 a.m. Friday, May 1 for the 2026 season (providing views of Cascades like Three Sisters and Mt. Jefferson). Drivers are advised to use caution and share the road with walkers and cyclists. KTVZ
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Bend fourth grader Kai Bamford — a player for Trinity Lutheran and Bend North Little League — was flown to Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland after a sudden brain bleed over the weekend, and community members are raising funds to support his family through this critical time. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ A new 53,000 sqft cancer center in Redmond will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. on April 16 (at 180 NW Kingwood Ave.) and will open to patients on April 20, expanding local access to advanced care. KTVZ
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Parkside Place in east Bend now offers 346 homes, 40% of which are deed restricted to help make housing more affordable for workers. Built by Hayden Homes and endorsed by state leaders, prices start at $424,990 and the complex is located off Highway 20 near Ward Road/Hamby Road roundabout. Central Oregon Daily
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Shredder Indoor Ski and Snowboard School Bend, located next to a local coffee shop, offers kids up to age 10 a year-round program with fall, winter, and spring classes plus a summer camp; it opened mid-March with spring classes running until June 7 and a grand opening planned soon. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ The 2026 USA BMX Great Northwest Nationals take place Friday-Sunday at the First Interstate Bank Center at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, with BMX riders competing for points. Races begin 1 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday with free admission and parking. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Caldera freshman Rikaiya Griffin set new school records with a 19-ft long jump and a winning 100-meter run at meets held on March 18 and last weekend at Hayward Field. Her impressive performances point to a promising season ahead. Bend Bulletin
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sierra Hull Live Concert
6:30-9:00 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the dynamic bluegrass and Americana sounds of Sierra Hull, a six-time IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year.
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