Good morning, Bend.

Residents in Sunriver can safely dispose yard debris at the free FireFree event held at the Sunriver Compost Site, 18305 Cottonwood Road, on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to help lower wildfire risk + protect their homes.

Three Bend Rotary clubs held a lithium-ion battery recycling drive Saturday in Bend to collect old rechargeable devices like phones and tools for safe disposal.

The batteries will be sent to a facility in California to be recycled and reused in U.S. manufacturing (supporting safer waste management).

Thousands gathered Saturday at The Pavilion for the second annual Bend Bike Fest hosted by Bend Endurance Academy.

Today, the event continues through noon with a discount day — supporting local outdoor programs.

Bend will offer $3 per sqft cash incentives to homeowners replacing water-thirsty lawns with drought-tolerant plants in 2026.

The program, now in its third year, helps lower water bills and will include a water-wise landscaping workshop on June 13 at Hollinshead Park (a local gardening event).

Drone photos by Josh Burke show thick smoke from prescribed burns blanketing southwest Bend Saturday morning, with AQI reaching 948 at 7:30 a.m. The images capture the event's immediate impact on air quality in the area.

Northeast of Bend, the Lone Pine Irrigation District completed a $19M project to replace 15 miles of canals with pipes for water conservation across 2,369 acres; officials expect to test the system’s water savings this irrigation season.

Governor Tina Kotek declared a drought emergency in Crook, Jefferson, Grant, Jackson, Morrow and Wallowa counties Thursday due to record low snowpack and persistent dry conditions, warning that wildfire risk and water supply concerns will grow.

Central Oregon residents gathered at Trinity Episcopal Church this week for a town hall on universal health care reform hosted by Health Care for All Oregon.

Lawmakers and advocates plan to advance historic state legislation, though challenges remain before a potential system is set for 2032.

Local high school golfers are in focus as conference championships approach and the state tournament begins May 17.

The list spotlights 15 players from Bend, Summit, Redmond and Madras who posted strong finishes in recent events — fueling local excitement for the season.

About Oregon Gold: A History of Mining

7-8 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Tickets required — Explore the untold story of Oregon's gold rush from 1862 to 1910.

Intimate Night with Eric Leadbetter

7-11 p.m. — McMenamins Pub at Old St. Francis School — Enjoy a cozy evening of music and storytelling with Eric Leadbetter.

Chris Beland Live Performance

7 p.m. — McMenamins Pub at Old St. Francis School — $11 — Experience heartfelt songwriting from a passionate artist immersed in the dreams of everyday life.

Purpose Derby

1-4 p.m. — The Commonwealth Pub — Free entry — Celebrate the Kentucky Derby while supporting StirrUp Purpose through fun activities and auctions.

Fresh Finds Market at Juniper Preserve

11 AM – 5 PM — Juniper Preserve, Golf & Wellness Resort — Free entry — Celebrate spring with local produce, artisan goods, and adoptable pups at this community farmers market.

Charting American Pika Resilience

7-8 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Free, RSVP required — Explore how American pikas adapt to climate change in Central Oregon's wilderness.

Let's Talk About It – Free Child Development Training

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Deschutes Children's Foundation - East Bend Campus — Free entry — Gain valuable insights into child development and learn effective communication strategies for discussing sensitive topics with children.

Portland Cello Project Concert

7:30-10 p.m. — Tower Theatre — $32 – $52 — Experience a genre-bending journey from Bach to hip hop in a high-energy cello performance.

Paula Poundstone

7:30-9 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Tickets required — Experience the legendary observational humor of iconic comedian Paula Poundstone.

Not'cho Grandma's Bingo Fundraiser

9:30 a.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — $13 entry — Experience high-energy bingo while supporting the YOUNI Movement's mission for community joy.