Good morning, Bend.

After a wildfire pushed horses and goats into barns at the fairgrounds Sunday, officials extended shelter for animals until three days before the fair starts July 29.

Fair director Jeff Curtis said the center balances event contracts (expected to generate $4.6 million) with its role as an animal refuge.

Bend Central Library hosts a grand opening on Aug.

15 — 16 with performances, MakerSpace activities and a poetry exhibit. The event begins at noon on Aug. 15 with remarks from Indigenous Neighbor Nations and U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze and adds llamas, film screening and writing workshop on Aug. 16.

Tourism leaders from around the world visited Bend July 16-19 to learn how the city is managing tourism sustainably.

Organizers, including Visit Bend chief of staff Nate Wyeth, praised local funds (from the Transient Room Tax) that support community projects and environmental improvements.

Country music fans in Central Oregon have several shows this week—Bryan Martin plays at General Duffy’s Waterhole in Redmond on Saturday, Jul.

25, Hannah Juanita performs at Silver Moon Brewing in Bend, and Sara Evans headlines a free concert on Wednesday, Jul. 29.

From July 23-29, free and ticketed events bring local art, comedy, and outdoor fun to Bend and nearby towns with poetry readings at the Central Library, painting classes at Tumalo Lavender, improv at Upp Liquids, and more.

Residents can fill their week with diverse cultural and recreational activities.

Live music events span Bend this week, starting Thursday, July 23 at Touchmark and continuing at venues like Central Library, Silver Moon Brewing, and Hayden Homes Amphitheater.

Local bands and artists will perform in events (free and ticketed) that offer options for every music lover.

The Deschutes National Forest closed an area east of Forest Service Road 11 on the Sisters Ranger District effective immediately due to hazards from the Akawa Butte Fire that started on July 19 (local access is restricted).

Officials advise visitors to avoid the area until conditions improve.

After mild conditions on Monday helped firefighters make progress on wildfire containment, crews are preparing today for a dangerous weather front that could spark more fires across Central Oregon — teams are on alert to bolster lines and secure homes along evacuation zones.

Officials maintain vigilant monitoring as conditions remain risky.

Cascades East Transit is planning a new direct bus service linking Bend’s Hawthorne Station with the Redmond Airport terminal, running hourly from 4 am to 1 pm five days a week at a $15 fare and expected to launch within a few months.

Central Oregon Locavore launched its free Baby Rx Program to provide breastfeeding, pumping supplies and donor milk to moms in need — the initiative, begun with grant funds, will rely on community donations to support at-risk families.

Munch & Music Concert Series

5-9 p.m. — Drake Park — Free entry — Enjoy a community celebration with live music, great food, and family fun at the 35th season of Munch & Music.

Bend Summer Hoopfest

All day — Bend, OR — Registration required — Experience thrilling basketball tournaments in the heart of Oregon.

Reiki Level 2 Attunement & Certification

10 AM – 4 PM — Hawthorn Healing Arts Center, LLC — Pre-registration required — Dive deep into the world of Reiki healing with Level 2 training and certification.

Beertown Comedy Open Mic

6:30-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a laugh at the #1 Open Mic night for local comedians.

History Pub: A Century of Bend's Water System

7-9 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — $5 — Discover the intriguing history of Bend's water system with insights from a local expert.

Munch & Music Concert Series

5-9 p.m. — Drake Park — Free entry — Celebrate summer with free live music and local food vendors at this beloved concert series in Bend.

Steve Earle Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the storytelling prowess of acclaimed singer-songwriter Steve Earle live.

Lindsey Stirling - Duality Untamed Tour

7-8:30 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — No tickets available currently — Experience an electrifying performance by Lindsey Stirling at a scenic venue.

Dominick Antonelli's Original Music Performance

6-8 p.m. — General Duffy's Waterhole — Food and drink available — Experience heartfelt lyrics and acoustic instrumentals by a rising star on his first national tour.

Luke Bryan: Word On The Street Tour

6-7:30 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Tickets available — Experience the five-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan perform his feel-good country anthems live.