Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 1st of May.
Good morning, Bend.
The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation is hosting a free Pole Pedal Paddle trivia night Tuesday, May 5 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Crux Fermentation Project in Bend — the event celebrates 50 years of the race with free mug fills and discount coupons for 2026 registration.
Sunriver Resort’s Food and Wine Festival returns this May with chef-led tastings, wine dinners, hands-on classes and live music that connect guests with regional flavors — featuring a Wine and Cuisine Stroll on May 2, a Sushi Making Class on May 16 and a weekly farmers market starting May 21.
The Bend Park and Recreation District has launched lottery enrollment for its Kids Inc. after-school care program for 2026-27; registration begins today at 8:00 a.m. for K-5 students in most local elementary schools, with chosen applicants notified by May 18 and spaces secured by May 31.
A new wash hub will be developed in Bend to cut waste by replacing disposable dishes at food cart lots with reusable utensils washed at a centralized facility.
Targeted for fall rollout, it aims to replace 250,000 single-use items in its first year (Visit Bend grant supports setup).
Bend’s water system remains strong despite ongoing drought as officials urge residents and businesses to conserve water by cutting 17 gallons per person daily (and reducing commercial use by 12 percent) to protect the supply.
A prescribed burn in Deschutes National Forest caused Bend's air quality to hit very unhealthy levels during yesterday's morning commute, with the index peaking at 260 in northeast Bend; officials said planned burns (aimed at reducing wildfire risk) will continue this spring.
Prescribed burns start today near Bend and Chemult to reduce wildfire risk.
At 10 a.m., 38 acres will burn five miles northwest of Chemult, and at 10:30 a.m., 294 acres will burn one mile west of Bend — south of the Cascade Lakes Highway.
Oregon is adding 24 fast-charging electric vehicle stations along its highways with 126 high-speed charging ports planned at sites including I-84 & U.S. Route 101.
Some stations will come online over the next 12 to 18 months as part of a federal infrastructure grant.
Deschutes County SWAT deputies trained at Camp Rilea near Astoria Wednesday — realistic, scenario-based drills build the skills needed to safely manage high-risk situations in the community.
More than 170 pounds of unused medications were collected during a DEA take-back event with 64 cars participating — a drop-off kiosk remains available at the Bend Police Station for safe disposal.
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.
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.
FRACTAL Live Music Event
7-10 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — No cover charge — Experience an electrifying dance party atmosphere with local favorites Fractal.
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