Bend
Daily News
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 2nd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Elevation Bend launched a new weekly farmers market today as part of its rebrand from Bend Factory Stores. The market features local produce, crafts, live music, and a kid zone — with bounce houses — and runs every week until October. KTVZ
- ➤ Bend celebrates National Bike Month with cycling events showcasing new route upgrades. A community ride departs Tuesday, May 5 at City Hall, with a farmers market reopening at Brooks Alley Wednesday and a cause ride at Worthy Brewing on May 7—each event promoting safe, active travel. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon launches a Monthly Giving Program today to recruit 40 founding (Match Makers) who will support youth mentoring throughout May. The program lets donors contribute as low as $15 per month to build lasting mentor relationships. KTVZ
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Meta’s data center in Prineville will reduce its workforce when Milestone Technologies ends its contract on June 28—66 workers in logistics, operations, and engineering will be laid off. KBND
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in Oregon have spiked to a wartime high with some areas reaching $5.21 per gallon as the conflict in Iran continues. Local AAA spokesperson Marie Dodds said the rising costs will likely persist until the conflict ends. The Oregonian
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Past fuels reduction work helped firefighters hold back the fast-moving Alder Springs Fire in June 2025 at Crooked River Ranch, saving homes during a 1,000-person evacuation. Fire managers now call the 1,000-acre project a model for wildfire defense — a blueprint for future treatments. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Smoke from prescribed burns set by federal agencies drifted into Bend on Friday, May 1 — raising hazardous air quality levels at Ponderosa Elementary School, where readings peaked above 500. Health officials recommended residents limit exposure in the early morning and adjust outdoor plans. Bend Bulletin
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Deschutes County and Redmond plan to open a 36-site managed camp in east Redmond within 60 days to relocate homeless residents from a 46-acre property before they shift to county land. County staff expect to issue a new request for proposal by week’s end. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Wells Acres Road will close at Butler Market Road beginning May 11 and is expected to reopen in mid August due to the construction of a single-lane roundabout. Drivers are advised to use Purcell Boulevard as the detour — Butler Market Road remains open eastbound only. KTVZ
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ OSU Extension released its gardening guide for May with tasks such as preparing irrigation systems, planting vegetables once soil is warm, and monitoring pests on soft fruits. Gardeners are advised to contact local Extension offices for area-specific dates and maintenance tips. The Oregonian
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Pole Pedal Paddle marks its 50th year today with a new race format at Mt. Bachelor featuring a Mountain Run and a Fun Run along with a matchmaker forum for team sign-ups — a free trivia night will be held at Crux Fermentation Project on Tuesday, May 5, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Flag football junior Mikayla Hatfield earned Athletes of the Week honors with four interceptions and a touchdown on April 25, while Summit runner Bjorn Blankenship was recognized for an eighth-place finish in the Elite Mile on April 24. New nominees will be posted Wednesday. Bend Bulletin
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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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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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Five Pint Mary Concert
7 p.m. — McMenamins Pub at Old St. Francis School — $11 — Enjoy an evening of live music in a charming venue with limited seating.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple.
~ Cornelius Vanderbilt
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