Good morning, Bend.

Smith Rock State Park hosts the 34th Annual Spring Thing on Saturday, April 25.

Volunteers will work on roughly 25 conservation projects including trail maintenance and steps repair near Rope de Dope — later enjoying vendor booths, free food, and a live auction to support future stewardship efforts.

Mt. Bachelor Ski Area will close its 2025-26 winter season on April 19 — coinciding with the RendezVan festival starting on April 16 at noon with free live performances, a skate park and bike relays.

BrightSide Animal Center in Redmond reunited Captain Patch with his owner Wednesday after a friend spotted the center’s Instagram post on Tuesday and helped locate his dad.

The heartwarming moment highlights the shelter's dedication to pet care in our community.

Schlotzsky’s Deli on Bend’s east side closed abruptly after nearly 30 years, leaving a thank-you note on its door at the corner of Highway 20 + SE 27th Street.

The closure adds to several recent restaurant shutdowns in the area.

Bend Trails' founders are stepping aside after a decade running the popular mountain biking portal — the site tracks 250 trails over 700 miles and will stop active moderation on June 1 as it goes up for sale.

Phil Cook, known for decades in rock, returns to his musical roots with a solo piano show at Tower Theatre on Thursday, April 16, starting at 7:30 p.m.—doors open at 6:30 p.m. with tickets costing $19-$39.

The Little Woody, a staple of Bend’s craft beverage scene, will wrap up its run with a final festival on Saturday, Aug.

29 from noon to 9 p.m. The event features a beer run, gnome costume contest, whiskey tent + limited-edition merchandise, with proceeds benefiting the Deschutes Historical Society.

Central Oregon Community College's board approved a collective bargaining agreement for classified employees at a Wednesday night meeting; the deal, set from July 2025 through June 2028, provides a 6% wage increase in year one and 4.5% in later years with retroactive wages (after near-unanimous union vote) as implementation begins.

The Central Oregon Educator Job Fair will be held Tuesday, Apr.

14 from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Middle Sister building at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center — the event, hosted by the High Desert Education Service District, will offer on-site interviews and sign-ups for teaching roles.

Vehicle access to Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint will start at 10 a.m. May 1 as the season begins—offering a panoramic view of the Cascade Mountains including the Three Sisters while drivers are advised to drive slowly and share the road, with pedestrian and bike access available year-round.

Central Oregon Radiology Associates completed a two-year expansion (8,000 sqft) in east Bend that adds a new MRI machine and consolidates vascular services to boost patient care.

Leaders say the upgrades will help patients get care faster.

Mt. Bachelor will close next Sunday with up to 4 inches of snow forecast for this weekend as temperatures drop, offering one final chance for winter sports.

Riders can try the mostly clear Mrazek Trail for a scenic venture into high country.

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.

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.

Universal Health Plan Town Hall (Free + Open To All)

Oregon is creating universal health care legislation. This Town Hall is currently the only in-person chance in Central Oregon to hear from the people writing the state's legislation and to ask questions/provide comments. This will be historic legislation. If you are interested in the issue, support universal health care, or have questions about it, you have to be at this event to make your voice heard. It is free and open to all. DATE: Saturday, April 25th TIME: 3pm to 5pm LOCATION: Trinity Episcopal Church, 469 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97703