Bend
Daily News
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bend Park and Recreation District is seeking volunteers for trail improvement projects from June through October; the next event is on June 13 at Shevlin Park. Volunteers will aid with trail maintenance, weed removal, litter cleanup, and native planting and should bring gloves+water+sunscreen. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Crux Fermentation Project in Bend reopened its pub lawn after a complete renovation that added a new design and local food trucks such as A Broken Angel and El Sancho Tacos. The venue will host Vintage Rendezvous on Saturday, June 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. KTVZ
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Bend Brews & Beyond returns to Drake Park Saturday with a hemp garden & live music from four Oregon bands; admission is $35 in advance and canines are welcome if leashed. The second-annual celebration features over 50 breweries & non-alcohol options for all tastes. Bend Bulletin
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Dozens of residents opposed the La Pine data center at City Hall on May 13, citing concerns about water use, power costs, and wildlife habitat; officials now study the proposal. The plan, which could cost $286M and create up to 200 high-tech jobs (pending review), has not been approved. Source Weekly
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Faculty and administrators at Central Oregon Community College continue to negotiate over wages and working conditions, as faculty leaders report that low pay is affecting instructor retention while officials stress the need to balance compensation with financial stability. Both sides are set to meet again on Thursday, May 21. KTVZ
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Research from Oregon State University and The Nature Conservancy found that over 400 Northwest communities (such as Cave Junction and La Pine) faced higher wildfire risk when social factors were included; while well-resourced towns like Bend managed better, many small communities may need extra support before the fire season. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Wildfire experts advised homeowners to landscape with fire-resistant plants such as spirea shrubs, sedum, and thrift to create safe zones amid worsening Central Oregon drought conditions. Tuesday night, a Home Protection Strategies Workshop was held in Sunriver & a Wildfire Preparedness Fair is happening today in Jefferson County from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Central Oregon Daily
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Oregonians applying for or renewing federal food benefits must complete an interview with state human services staff starting June 1; flexibility for older adults, those with disabilities and people with no work income ended May 31 — check your updated contact info to avoid delays. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ The Deschutes County Solid Waste Advisory Committee recommended Horse Ridge as the next county landfill on May 19 and set the proposal for review by the Board of Commissioners in June (local officials noted that negotiations for a previous site ended last summer due to sage-grouse habitat concerns). Source Weekly
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Alder Springs Trail offers scenic views of rugged canyon walls, wildflowers + dry waterfalls while descending to Whychus Creek near Sisters. The trailhead is reached by a four-mile bumpy gravel road that requires a high-clearance vehicle. Bend Bulletin
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Thistle & Nest, a local nonprofit, will offer up to $215,000 in down payment assistance for eligible homebuyers in Bend, Prineville and Madras. The group has nearly $7.5 million in funds available to help low-income workers overcome rising housing costs. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ A report shows Bend single-family home prices edged up to $699,000 on average in April with sales speeding up, while in Redmond median prices fell to $460,000 as inventory grew. Bend Bulletin
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bend High freshman Taylor Struble won the 5A girls golf state title at the OGA Golf Course in Woodburn yesterday—she finished 15 over with a one-stroke edge and plans to vie for more state titles if she keeps practicing. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Summit won the Class 5A state team title yesterday at Tokatee Golf Club — its five golfers scored 594 with all finishing in the top 10 — finishing 30 strokes ahead of Corvallis. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Oregon’s top high school girls lacrosse goalies were highlighted this season in a state-wide review. Bend United senior Kaila Bowles impressed coaches (45% save rate) with her steady play as the lacrosse season wound down. The Oregonian
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Sugarhill Gang Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Tickets available — Celebrate hip-hop history with the iconic Sugarhill Gang performing their groundbreaking hits.
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Claypool Gold Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — $ — Experience a thrilling night of genre-defying music with Primus, Les Claypool's Frog Brigade, and The Claypool Lennon Delirium.
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Property Research Workshop: Uncover Your Property's History
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Deschutes Historical Museum — $50 per person — Learn expert tips to uncover the history of your property's address.
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Living Myth with Jared Anderson
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Hawthorn Healing Arts Center, LLC — $20 suggested donation — Explore life's landscape through storytelling and shared themes with experienced storyteller Jared Anderson.
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Bobby Lindstrom & Ed Sharlet Live
1-3 p.m. — Worthy Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy blues-based old school rock and roll with local favorites Bobby Lindstrom and Ed Sharlet.
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Birding by Ear
8-9:30 a.m. — Sawyer Park — Free entry — Join a weekly bird walk to explore local avian sounds and enhance your birding skills.
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Teen Volunteer Opportunity with Camp Fire Central Oregon
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Family Kitchen — Free registration — Engage in a meaningful day of volunteering while enhancing skills and contributing to the community.
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AROMA Thursdays
7:30-11 p.m. — Hola! Downtown — Free entry — Indulge in an elevated Latin experience with authentic cuisine, handcrafted margaritas, and dance lessons.
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Coyote Rider Concert
7-11 p.m. — McMenamins Pub at Old St. Francis School — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an evening of live music in a classic pub setting.
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Bend: Ecochella Festival
3:30-7:30 p.m. — Drake Park — Free entry — Celebrate sustainability with local vendors and engaging activities at this vibrant community event.
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