Good morning, Bend.

COIC invites small nonprofits and community builders to apply for microgrants of $2,500 to $5,000 until Aug.

22, and info sessions will be held in Redmond on Monday, June 22 at Dry Canyon Community Arts Center and online on Tuesday, June 23.

The Hidden Bottle Hunt will run June 25 to 28 and hide six commemorative bottles in parks and trails across Oregon (daily clues on BottleDrop guide treasure hunters to each location).

Winners keep a bottle and choose a nonprofit partner to receive a $1,000 donation.

Central Oregon Wildflower Show and Pollinator Festival is scheduled for June 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory and will offer wildflower walks, educational presentations, workshops, and a marketplace despite a dry winter that shifted wildflower timing — organizers emphasize nature's resiliency.

At a Monday meeting, reading advocates from Oregon Kids Read said the state literacy initiative did not target schools with low reading scores as funds were allocated based mostly on enrollment.

They urged lawmakers to change the funding process so that extra investments go to schools with the highest need.

State officials warned Oregon may face a challenging summer as 84% of the state is in drought and wildfire risks rise due to record warmth and low snowpack.

Gov. Kotek has requested $1 million to aid homeowners with dry wells while local districts may adjust water cutback measures (especially east of the Cascades).

Today, level 3 evacuation orders due to the Cultus Fire affect parts of north Deschutes County near Alfalfa.

The evacuation zone (ID BND-324) is defined by local roads, and residents are directed to seek safety at the Alfalfa Community Grange.

Gov. Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency Tuesday due to dangerous wildfire conditions.

The new order, aimed at increasing firefighting resources & readiness across the state, will remain until fire season ends on Dec. 31.

Deschutes Public Library named Brian Tanis as its new board member on June 10 to fill the east Bend vacancy left by Betsy Tucker—he was unanimously voted in and will serve until June 2027.

Tanis, a scientist and educator who moved to Bend in 2020, brings local ecological research experience.

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.

Canapalooza 2026

2-6 p.m. — Newport Avenue Market — Free entry — Celebrate local breweries, cideries, and food at Bend's annual Canapalooza festival.

The Wizard of Oz by Académie de Ballet Classique

6-8 p.m. — Caldera High School — Admission details not specified — Experience the enchanting tale of Dorothy's journey through the magical land of Oz brought to life by talented ballet students.

Father's Day Celebration

9 AM – 5 PM — High Desert Museum — Free admission for dads — Celebrate Father’s Day with free admission for all dads at the Museum.

Beertown Comedy Open Mic

6:30-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy laughter with the best locals’ night open mic in Bend.

Volunteer Project Day – Social Trail Closures

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Shevlin Park — Free — Contribute to the upkeep of local parks by helping close social trails and support native vegetation growth.

Food Cart Friday Featuring Soul’d Out

5-8 p.m. — Discovery Corner Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy local food carts and the soulful sounds of live music under the Central Oregon sky.

Comedy Night at Craft Kitchen

8-9:30 p.m. — Craft Kitchen & Brewery — $15 online/$20 at the door — Experience an evening of laughter with talented local comedians and delicious BBQ.

Munch & Music Concert Series

5:30-9 p.m. — Drake Park — Free entry — Celebrate 35 years of community music, food, and fun at this beloved local concert series.

Fourth of July Open House

10 AM – 4 PM — Deschutes Historical Museum — Free admission — Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of independence with games, treats, and the new exhibit showcasing pivotal moments in local history.