Good morning, Bend.

Bend Farmers Market launches on Wednesday, May 6 at Brooks Alley near Drake Park (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) with fresh produce, meats, baked goods and EBT and SNAP benefits, while Redmond Farmers Market runs on Fridays at Centennial Park (3 to 7 p.m.) with local vendors and live music.

Sunriver Resort will host its monthlong Food & Wine Festival in May, featuring rotating events like wine tastings, gourmet smores bar, sushi classes and a weekly farmers market starting May 21 that showcases local Pacific Northwest cuisine and offers flexible experiences for visitors and locals.

Gas prices in Bend now average $5.04 per gallon, up 12 cents from last week and nearly $1.23 higher than last year, while the national diesel price dropped 9.2 cents to about $5.41 per gallon; further increases are expected across Oregon due to rising oil costs + geopolitical tensions.

Bend-La Pine Schools will host its third Life and Career Readiness event at Caldera High School from 5-7 p.m. on Apr.

30, where more than 50 Central Oregon employers and higher education reps will meet with students and families to explore career paths.

Peter Richardson will speak about his book Brand New Beat: The Wild Rise of Rolling Stone Magazine on May 13 at OSU-Cascades in Bend from 6 to 7:30 p.m.+ Following the talk, Natalie Dollar will join the discussion and book signing at Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe.

Oregon Wild launches an online Roadless Area Hiking Guide (with an interactive map) to help hikers find roadless trails and register for free guided hikes on May 3, May 20, May 23, and June 5 near Bend, Oakridge, and in the Columbia River Gorge.

A rehabilitated bald eagle returned to the wild in Crook County last Friday after more than six weeks of recovery from injuries sustained in a vehicle collision.

Think Wild — a local wildlife hospital — said the bird made its first successful flight and was joined by another eagle.

A 15-bed youth mental health crisis facility in Redmond will begin construction in July and open in summer 2027 to provide acute care—relieving long emergency room waits.

Health providers say the project is a lifeline for young residents needing urgent support.

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.

Nature Kids: Pollinator Power!

2:30-4 p.m. — Miller's Landing Park — Registration recommended — Explore the fascinating world of flowers and their pollinators through engaging family nature walks.