Good morning, Bend.

Discovery West will host Stars and Stripes on Friday, July 3 to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

The free event includes a drone light show at 9:45 p.m. at Discovery Corner Plaza in Bend, with music, games & vendors adding community spirit.

Oregon’s Hidden Bottle Hunt continues in Bend’s Zone 4, where the Roberts family—past winners—released the second clue Friday morning.

The statewide event runs through June 28 and will give each bottle finder a commemorative bottle plus a $1,000 charity donation.

The freshly completed roundabout at South Century Drive and Huntington Road now shows mysterious wooden deer art that appeared after construction began in September.

Safety upgrades + new signage and pavement markings were added, and plans for additional roundabout improvements will start in 2027 with a $10 million budget.

Grass seed grown by farmers in Jefferson County is used in at least 7 FIFA World Cup stadiums as Kentucky Bluegrass from Madras and Culver supports a $640 million local industry (including three-generation family farms) that puts Oregon on the international soccer map.

Gov. Tina Kotek signed a bill on June 18 at the newly opened East County Library in Gresham that codifies the Dolly Parton Imagination Library into law.

The program now delivers free monthly books to children under 5 and currently serves about 35% of Oregon kids.

Hundreds of Central Oregon farmers face early water cuts as drought drives the Deschutes River to run 1/3 below normal.

The Arnold Irrigation District will stop water for 600 users in south and southeast Bend from July 1 to 3, and other districts may follow, pushing farmers to use groundwater.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will add a wellness coordinator to support deputies with long-term stress—she will join ride-alongs, visit jail floors, and hold private meetings, with the position expected to be filled by this fall.

Jefferson County leaders and tourism advocates say the Oregon Health Authority must improve algae bloom advisory messaging at Lake Billy Chinook to help visitors understand water recreation safety, as local lodging and travel spending have declined.

A federal study shows that between 2020 and 2024, Bend ranked No. 11 for alcohol-induced deaths among adults 65 and older with a rate of 218.9 per 100,000, and similar high rates were noted in other Oregon metro areas.

Mt. Bachelor opened its summer season on Thursday — with 13 miles of mountain biking trails and new offerings including chairlift rides, zipline tours and free disc golf courses.

Families, hikers and riders celebrated the resort's expanded outdoor adventures and even sampled local dining on the mountain.

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.

Beertown Comedy Open Mic Night

6:30-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughs at Bend's top-rated open mic for comedy enthusiasts.

Badass Sound Bath

6:30-7:30 p.m. — CONTINUUM, A School of Shadow Yoga Bend Oregon — Cost varies — Experience an empowering sound bath with bold beats and relaxation.