Good morning, Bend.

A coalition of 38 builders, architects, employers and nonprofit groups is working to expand affordable housing for local families across central Oregon.

Partners for Affordable Housing will host future candidate forums to discuss solutions for workforce and low-income housing (including plans for rentals and purchases).

A locomotive fire occurred Tuesday at 3:15 p.m. near Baker Road in Deschutes River Woods, but firefighters from Bend Fire & Rescue quickly extinguished the flames using water as prior vegetation mitigation kept the fire from spreading; BNSF halted traffic until the damaged train was moved.

Local art lovers can explore gallery openings and exhibits this week across central Oregon, including Amejko Artistry in Bend, Art Adventure Gallery in Madras + Tumalo Art Co.’s opening reception in Bend.

Central Oregon celebrates Pride Month with many events; in Bend, Bend Summer Pride takes place at Drake Park on June 6 from noon to 3 p.m. and is free (no admission fee), while other towns plan parades and festivals later this month.

Visit Central Oregon has launched an interactive smoke map that shows real-time air quality readings + wildfire updates to help locals and tourists decide which trails to take this wildfire season.

The tool improves on past versions and is accessible online.

On Wednesday, June 3, La Pine City Council voted against a proposed data center from Boxminer.io — public comment raised concerns over limited jobs, noise, and environmental impact.

Sam Boyer from Fairway Independent Mortgage said mid-6% mortgage rates are challenging first-time buyers in downtown Bend today — higher rates mean tighter loan qualifying criteria.

He added affordable housing developments on the east side may help the local market remain active.

Bend’s housing market remains steady with a median home price around $710,000 as local buyers return despite rising interest rates and inflation.

Broker Brian Ladd said trends in cash transactions and inventory suggest cautious optimism and that more sellers may soon list once conditions improve.

Summit baseball's season ended Tuesday night as the Thurston Colts beat the Storm 4-1 in Bend; Coach Aaron Boehm praised his team for battling hard despite falling short of a state title chance.

Summer Kickoff BBQ

4-6 p.m. — Miller's Landing Park — Free entry — Celebrate the summer with a casual BBQ featuring good food and cold drinks.

2026 Oregon Archaeology Roadshow: The Archaeology of Fire and Water

11 AM – 3 PM — Deschutes Historical Museum — Free entry — Celebrate the archaeology and heritage of Oregon with interactive exhibits and activities focused on fire and water.

Badass Sound Bath

6:30-7:30 p.m. — CONTINUUM, A School of Shadow Yoga Bend Oregon — Cost varies — Experience a bold twist on relaxation through sound and movement that empowers and rejuvenates.

Sagebrush Social

5-7 p.m. — Miller's Landing Park — Free entry — Celebrate high desert conservation with activities and networking in Bend.

Thursday Night Live at Mountain Burger

6-8 p.m. — Mountain Burger — Free entry — Enjoy great music by Evan Mullins while savoring delicious food in a lively atmosphere.

Picnic With Alpacas on a Working Alpaca Farm

12:30 p.m. — Tumalo Coffeehouse — Age 2+ welcome, up to 8 guests — Enjoy a delightful picnic experience surrounded by friendly alpacas.

Yoga for Sustainable Mobility

8:30-10 a.m. — Drake Park, 777 NW Riverside Blvd, Bend, OR — Paid parking — Experience a mobility-focused yoga class to enhance strength and flexibility.

SafetyNet: Smart Cyber Choices® Training

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Sisters Library — Free entry — Learn safe and ethical technology use in this informative training for adults and children.

Summer Kickoff Rock Show

6-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Celebrate the start of summer with high-energy performances from youth rock band Young Guns and special guests.

Creative Current Youth Market

4-6:30 p.m. — Bend Brewing Company — $30 for a craft table — Celebrate young artists and support creativity at this lively craft market.