Good morning, Bend.

Food pantries in Central Oregon saw record demand from families this early 2025 as federal nutrition programs face cuts and local support fills the gap.

CORE Market in Sisters moved 10,000 pounds of food this month—donations and grocery store contracts help keep services running despite a 17% drop from federal supplies.

Multi-Grammy winner Robert Cray and his band will perform at Bend’s Tower Theatre on Tuesday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from $60 to $150 + his long music career since the 1970s offers local fans a rare live blues experience.

A project to build four wildlife crossings along Highway 20 between Bend and Suttle Lake has raised over $1 million from grants, including $688,800 from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board—this funding will help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions.

The group will begin engineering and design later this month to improve safety for motorists and migrating animals.

Starting May 1, popular hiking areas south of Bend will be closed for a year for wildfire risk reduction — violators may face fines up to $5,000 or jail time.

A leading fire forecaster said that by July Eastern Oregon and almost all of Washington will be at above average risk for wildfires, a threat similar to 2024 when 1.9 million acres burned.

State leaders including Senator Wyden and Gov. Kotek are urging lawmakers to secure new funding — a move that will boost prescribed burns, air support, and local firefighting efforts this season.

A podcast highlighted that a spring trip to Bend and Mt. Bachelor offers visitors a mix of skiing on snow-covered slopes and local attractions such as brewpubs and bike trails.

The show explains how travelers can plan an overnight stay in Sunriver — a perfect chance for a fun getaway.

Kids Night Out with Camp Fire Central Oregon

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Amity Creek Magnet at Thompson Elementary — $40 suggested price — Let the kids enjoy games and crafts while parents take a night off.

Sleeping Beauty - The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine

2-3:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting love story of Sleeping Beauty with a dazzling ballet performance featuring 50 dancers and over 200 exclusive costumes.

Robert Cray Band Performance

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Tower Theatre — VIP Package Available — Enjoy an evening with five-time Grammy winner Robert Cray as he brings his distinctive blend of blues and soul.

Yelawolf 45 Tour

8-9:30 p.m. — Midtown Ballroom/Domino Room/Annex — All Ages — Experience the unique blend of hip-hop and rock from the chart-topping artist Yelawolf and special guests.

Reno and Cindy Musical Duo Performance

6-8 p.m. — Silverleaf Café — Enjoy an evening with talented duo Reno and Cindy featuring great vocals and engaging performances.

Craft Brewery Tours with Complimentary Tasting Flights

2:30-5 p.m. — Downtown Bend Business Association — Ticketed event — Explore Bend's vibrant craft beer scene with tours and tasting flights at local breweries.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

6-8 p.m. — River's Place — Cost TBA — Celebrate with live music, handmade tamales, elotes, and specialty cocktails.

Happy Hour in the Garden

4-6 p.m. — The Environmental Center — Free entry — Enjoy volunteering in the garden while sipping beverages with family-friendly activities.

Pollinator Pathway Bend Spring Kick-Off

4-6 p.m. — Wintercreek Nursery — Free entry — Celebrate spring with native plants and gardening stories at a local nursery.

Kids' Cooking Class Series

3:30-4:30 p.m. — Hanai — Check event page for pricing — A fun and educational cooking series for kids aged 8 to 12 with parental guidance.