Bend
Daily News
Saturday, April 11th, 2026
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 11th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A Bend nonprofit is hosting a re-entry simulation today at Aspen Hall in Shevlin Park at 6:00 p.m. to help community members understand the housing, employment and daily life challenges faced by former inmates (executive director Frank Patka explained). Central Oregon Daily
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Tina Kotek declared a drought emergency for Deschutes, Umatilla and Baker counties on March 26, warning that low snowpack and above-average temperatures are likely to keep water supplies dangerously low this summer — residents and farmers in Bend should prepare for extended drought conditions. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Conservation groups led by Rep. Andrea Salinas held a public meeting in Portland on Wednesday to express concerns after federal officials ended Roadless Rule meetings. A second meeting in Bend is set for Monday with about 150 attendees as officials plan a new comment period (further details pending). Bend Bulletin
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Bend college student Nova Budler filed her first 2025 tax return with a college adviser and received a $1,500 refund. Tax experts note many young and low-income earners can still claim past refunds by filing before deadlines like April 15 — a timely reminder for first-timers. The Oregonian
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Next week, the U.S. Forest Service will hold its annual rappeller recertification exercise in Bend from April 13-21. The exercise will feature up to six helicopters near Forest Road 41 and Cascade Lakes Highway and is designed to prepare wildland firefighters and helicopter pilots for wildfire response. Bend Bulletin
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Detroit Lake State Park’s 120 sqft mini cabins are available for off-season rentals from Oct. 1 to April 30 (with two cabins open until May 31) at $59 per night plus a $10 fee, offering a heated retreat for visitors to enjoy lake activities in cooler weather. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Mt. Bachelor is ending its winter season early due to little snow, with the final day on Sunday, April 19. The resort will host its Rendez-van event over the closing weekend and Bend’s Pole, Pedal, Paddle will remove skiing legs from its race. KBND
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Hayden Homes and the Bend Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for the first model home at Parkside Place in eastern Bend—a new affordable housing project with 340 units, 40% reserved for lower-income workers. A grand opening celebration with tours is planned this weekend. Bend Bulletin
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ About 2,000 runners are expected for the 11th Bend Marathon in the Old Mill District on Sunday, April 12; races include a marathon at 7 a.m., half-marathon at 8 a.m., 10K at 8:15 a.m., and 5K at 8:30 a.m. Packet pickup is available Saturday at FootZone * registration remains open. Bend Bulletin
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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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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
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Reiki and Sound Bath for Nervous System Reset
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM — Hawthorn Healing Arts Center, LLC — Cost varies — Experience a restorative blend of Reiki and sound healing to relax and reset your nervous system.
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
You have to go through the slow to find the fast.
~ Mark Manson
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