Bend
Daily News
Wednesday, April 29th, 2026
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 29th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Visit Central Oregon awarded $300,000 in grants to 12 tourism projects from 26 proposals. The funding will support accessible adventure, cultural tourism, and stewardship initiatives that strengthen local facilities and community programs across the region. KTVZ
- ➤ Kids in Bend stepped back into the 1800s Tuesday at Tetherow Crossing Park when OSU’s youth development program hosted a pioneer wagon experience — a preview of its summer Wagon Train program that teaches teamwork and real-world skills. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Bend Factory Stores will rebrand as Elevation Bend with a grand unveiling set for Friday, May 1 at 61334 South Highway 97. The event will launch the Elevation Farmers Market featuring live music, food trucks and a Kids Zone — creating a refreshed destination for community connection. KTVZ
- ➤ Brightside Animal Center in Redmond is asking for community donations to restock its pet pantry, which helped 348 people, 568 dogs + 678 cats this year. The service, offered for five years, supports families needing pet food and supplies so local pets can remain with their owners. Central Oregon Daily
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Bend community events offer diverse arts, theater, dance and family activities across multiple venues (COCC, Tower Theatre, downtown Redmond) from Thursday, April 30 through Sunday, May 3. Highlights include free poetry workshops, art walks and film festivals with events scheduled throughout the week. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Singer-songwriter Chris Beland will perform with his trio Friday at McMenamins Old St. Francis School in Bend from 7 to 10 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.+ He recently returned to the area and is eager to share new songs with the local community. Bend Bulletin
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in Bend reached about $5.09 per gallon on Tuesday due to the U.S.-Iran conflict and the switch to summer blend fuel. Drivers face increased costs as gas stations must change fuel types by June 1. Central Oregon Daily
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Local groups are updating fire safety outreach for tourists as fire risk rises in the Bend area. Visit Bend + partners will distribute safety cards and launch an AI-driven daily briefing to hotels and rental homes to help visitors stay informed. Central Oregon Daily
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bend Fire and Rescue has named Drew Whyte as its new deputy chief of prevention and fire marshal — he will lead fire prevention, code enforcement and community risk reduction. With 29 years’ experience, Whyte began his assignment in February and is moving his family to Bend this summer. Central Oregon Daily
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A new inpatient mental health center for youth will be built in Redmond near the Homestead Pump Track. Deschutes County Health Services and local partners will start construction this summer to add (15 beds) for 12- to 17-year-olds, and the first patients are expected in fall 2027. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Warm weather in Central Oregon creates more active ticks, so local health officials urge residents to check themselves & their pets for ticks. They note that only one of the four tick species that bite humans carries Lyme disease and advise using tick treatments for pets. Central Oregon Daily
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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.
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Purpose Derby
1-4 p.m. — The Commonwealth Pub — Free entry — Celebrate the Kentucky Derby while supporting StirrUp Purpose through fun activities and auctions.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Paula Poundstone
7:30-9 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Tickets required — Experience the legendary observational humor of iconic comedian Paula Poundstone.
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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.
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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.
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Eagles Tribute Concert - Take It To The Limit
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the nostalgic hits of Eagles performed by the Take It To The Limit tribute band.
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