Good morning, Bend.

Discovery West will host a free Stars and Stripes event on Friday, July 3 from 8 to 10 p.m. at Discovery Corner in Bend featuring a patriotic drone show at 9:45 p.m. + local vendors, games, and live modern square dancing lessons.

A fire destroyed two front loaders and damaged a third at the Deschutes County Knott Landfill south of Bend Tuesday evening when firefighters & Republic Services staff contained the flames around 6:40 p.m. with no injuries reported.

Centrally Oregon opened on June 13 as an arts and co-working space available daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 56880 Venture Lane in Sunriver, offering writing, printmaking and watercolor workshops alongside key-card access after hours.

Redmond Municipal Airport has selected six artists to create permanent public art for its terminal expansion — with a $640,000 budget following a national call for proposals — to showcase Central Oregon landscapes and Indigenous histories ahead of the facility opening in November.

KPOV will host the Beatles Singalong fundraiser at The Commonwealth Pub on Friday, June 26 from 7-10 p.m. where local bands including Beatles cover band JuJu Eyeball will lead a sing-along and silent auction to support the station & its continued service.

In April, the Bend-La Pine School Board passed a resolution to review all tech use in classrooms to ensure students use AI tools safely and boost learning.

The district aligns its practices with state guidelines through programs for grades 3-12 (excluding K-2) while involving parents in decision-making.

A local group aiming to repeal Oregon's new watercraft permit has collected 36,000 of 117,000 required signatures ahead of the July 2 deadline + many paddlers are unaware of the permit, prompting supporters to argue it limits affordable family recreation.

Dental hygienist Denali Tester outlines current dental trends including oil pulling and tooth gems, explaining which products may benefit your oral care and which ones to use with caution.

St. Charles Health System introduced AI tool DAX last year to record patient conversations + fill out charts, with 125 providers reporting reduced burnout and improved patient focus.

The system also speeds up MRI scans and matches cancer patients with trials.

Local business and community leaders are exploring ideas to repurpose the 156,000 sqft former Costco in The Forum Shopping Center — proposals include an indoor skatepark, large music venue, and creative art space aimed at boosting community engagement.

The Bend Summer Criterium Series kicks off a five-week cycling event at Pacific Crest Middle School from June 24 to July 22.

Organized by the Horner Cycling Foundation, the schedule includes races for all ages + free junior races sponsored by Horner Law with OBRA membership required.

Runners will gather for Cascade Lakes Relay starting Friday morning at Diamond Lake Resort and finishing Saturday at Riverbend Park, where challenging weather and an unexpected romantic streak offer participants a chance to form lifelong bonds (with proposals and even a wedding ceremony on past courses).

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.