Good morning, Bend.

Bend’s Central District will host an open-air block party Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. along Second Street featuring circus performances, interactive art, stilt walkers, and guided tours, while the pop-up gallery NOURISH — showcasing local art with proceeds benefiting Family Kitchen — runs Friday evening and Saturday.

Mountain View Community Development and Community of Christ are preparing a five-unit microshelter community at 20380 Cooley Road (across from the Costco gas station) with an open house on June 25 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.; it will open on July 1.

St. Charles Health System laid off 22 leadership employees on Tuesday as it reassessed roles amid rising service needs in Central Oregon & left 23 positions unfilled with no effect on patient care.

The changes reflect the hospital’s ongoing efforts to adapt to its rapid growth.

Rodeo Queen Aubrey Deroest leads this year's rodeo at Crook County Fairgrounds in Prineville.

Festivities begin tomorrow with a Stampede Party and Cattle Drive and races run from July 15 to 18, with free tickets for kids 12 and under (promo code THURSDAYKIDS).

The Oregon Margarita Festival kicks off Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. at The Bite food cart lot in Tumalo; the event features a margarita tasting contest, live music, local vendors and tasting passports for visitors.

Multiple live music events will take place from Thursday, June 25 to Wednesday, July 1 across Bend and nearby areas — offering free and ticketed concerts at parks, breweries, and local venues featuring both local and touring artists.

Bend Blues Festival is set to take place Saturday, June 27 at Silver Moon Brewing in Bend.

The event features three sound stages with food trucks near local acts including headliner Thunderstorm Artis, a gospel set at 1 p.m., and School of Rock musicians performing at 3:15 p.m.

A dead quagga mussel was found on the Prineville Reservoir shoreline on June 6 during routine invasive species surveys, marking the first time this species was seen in Oregon.

State and federal teams increased monitoring and enacted protocols to protect local waters.

Oregon’s state climatologist said a strong El Niño this fall may help ease drought by refilling reservoirs and boosting snowpack, though weather patterns remain unpredictable (official forecasts are pending further analysis).

North Unit Irrigation District’s floating solar project may be canceled if its $2.55 million federal grant expires on June 30 — district officials and Sen. Wyden’s office are seeking options to extend the funding and keep the renewable energy plan near Bend on track.

Bend Municipal Airport’s new air traffic control tower nears operation as it prepares to guide aircraft, shifting from radio to active control.

City officials say the tower, funded primarily by federal and state grants, will boost safety + create five to seven new aviation jobs in the coming weeks.

Bend Municipal Airport will debut its new 115 ft air traffic control tower — which features modern workstations, weather equipment, antennas, a rotating beacon, backup systems and improved access, parking, utilities and security fencing — to boost safety for over 140,000 annual takeoffs and landings.

Oregon reached a $7 million settlement with LivCor, which managed nearly 1,650 properties and used software that kept rent prices high; the firm must stop the tool + set up antitrust measures, the AG stated on Tuesday, June 23.

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.

Alpaca Piano Picnic

2-3:30 p.m. — Flying Dutchman Alpaca — Ticketed event — Experience a charming outdoor piano concert amidst friendly alpacas and delightful high tea.

Bend Elks & Boss Baseball Summer Camp Week 2

Mon-Fri — Vince Genna Stadium — $200 for the week or $50 per day — Develop baseball skills and enjoy camper activities with local coaches and players.

AJR Concert

6:30-8 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Tickets available online — Experience indie pop sensations AJR as they perform their hits and new tracks.

Munch & Music Concert Series

5:30-9 p.m. — Drake Park — Free entry — Celebrate 35 years of free live music, food vendors, and family fun in the heart of Central Oregon.

Screening of Without a Doubt

9:30 – 10:30 AM — Patagonia Bend — Free entry — Experience a behind-the-scenes look at Braydon Bringhurst’s new film with pastries and exclusive giveaways.

Second Sunday Market at Gathered Wares

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Old Iron Works District — Free entry — Celebrate vintage clothing and home goods with local vendors while enjoying live music on vinyl.