Good morning, Bend.

Ponderosa Players sold out its first three shows and will perform 'Guys and Dolls' Wednesday through Saturday at The Hayshed north of Tumalo.

Co-founders Kisky Holwerda and Dash Conant expect tickets to sell out—only 10 remain for later performances.

Construction on Bend Senior High's bond project has started after voters approved nearly $250 million in bonds, with phase one—including a new three-story classroom building and main entrance—set to finish by August 2026.

Phase two will add gyms, athletic facilities, offices, a school health center, a new varsity baseball field, and a 1,400-seat auditorium, with full completion expected by August 2028.

The 2-day-old Alder Springs Fire burned over 3,400 acres and reached 21% containment Tuesday as crews secured lines ahead of dry, windy conditions — hundreds of homes remain protected and evacuation orders stay in place.

Fire managers will hold a community meeting tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the Terrebonne Community School Gym to update on fire behavior, weather, and strategies.

Deschutes County commissioners adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget that sets spending at $658.7 million with a 0.3% rise and finds $2.5 million in savings.

The budget also funds an added Deputy District Attorney position—key for managing growing cases—and several projects including a youth mental health facility, transportation upgrades, and a safe area for the houseless.

Gov. Tina Kotek’s statewide homeless shelter support program advanced from a budgeting committee with trimmed funding amid lower revenue and higher costs; the bill now moves to the House floor.

The legislation sets guidelines for low-barrier and recovery-based shelters with regional coordinators chosen by May and rules finalized by next year — a plan aimed at tackling Oregon’s growing homelessness challenges.

Governor Kotek held a roundtable in Bend on Wednesday at Mosaic Community Health to hear local health and food experts warn that proposed federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP will shrink vital services, risk coverage for up to 200,000 Oregonians, and force Oregon to absorb new costs—putting increased strain on rural communities.

Cascade East Transit has expanded its summer schedule in Bend with 11 fixed routes running from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Try Transit Week last week brought 1,000 more rides than the same period last year.

The agency will charge $2 per ride in autumn (with 75% of riders qualifying for a reduced $1 rate) for in-Bend trips as part of its plan to improve service.

Touchmark at Pilot Butte Car Show

2-4 p.m. — Touchmark at Pilot Butte — Free entry — Celebrate classic cars while supporting the Alzheimer’s Association at this annual fundraiser.

Jon Pardi Concert

6-7:30 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience a high-energy performance from country star Jon Pardi, blending traditional sounds with modern flair.

Earth Wind & Fire Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the timeless hits of Earth, Wind & Fire live in Bend's iconic amphitheater.

Girls' Empowerment: Weaving

8:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. — Skyliner Lodge — Registration required — A transformative camp for young girls to connect with nature and foster empowerment through creativity and mindfulness.

Pine Forest Grange Community Jam

7-9 p.m. — Pine Forest Grange — Free entry — A supportive environment for acoustic musicians to showcase their talents.

Overland Expo PNW 2025

Fri, Jun 27 – Sun, Jun 29 — Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center — Check website for pricing — The premier event for overlanding enthusiasts featuring expert classes and a comprehensive trade show.

Barenaked Ladies Concert

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience hits from the beloved Barenaked Ladies in a lively outdoor setting.

Beertown Comedy Open Mic Night

6:30-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter at this popular open mic event for locals.

Postmodern Jukebox Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Tower Theatre — $54 - $74 — Experience a retro revival with performers from the popular YouTube channel in vintage attire.

Lake Street Dive Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Tickets available — Celebrate joy and togetherness with Lake Street Dive's eclectic musical fusion.

Christmas in July with Central Oregon Holiday Toy Drive Santa

Central Oregon Holiday Toy Drive has taken over for the Toys for Tots which has suspended operations in Central Oregon and Marines from MCL 1308 with support from Summit Health are taking over with our Santa on the 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st of July and 7 of August every Thursday at 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm BRING A TOY PLEASE its needed