Good morning, Bend.

A familiar roadside sign along the route to Mt. Bachelor got a fresh coat of paint and a new beaver detail this week, with local volunteers updating the landmark (a nostalgic symbol for summer outings).

The refreshed sign stands as a welcoming sight for many heading toward the mountain today.

Opera singer Jacalyn Kreitzer returned to Bend from her international stages to teach local students and share her lifelong passion for music—she now guides young singers and one of her students will perform at the Sunriver Music Festival on August 8.

This return marks a full-circle moment in her career as she inspires the next generation in the community.

Deschutes County awarded a three-year contract to J.R.

Miller and Associates on July 1 to design a materials recovery facility at Knott Landfill that will help hit the 45% waste diversion target. The firm will plan the facility, develop financial models and select contractors — steps that will be reviewed by the Board of Commissioners — as the county works to expand local recycling efforts.

The City of Bend is partnering with Youth Career Connect to offer paid summer internships for local youth ages 15 to 21 in departments such as civil engineering, transportation and communications.

The program runs part time with 80 summer hours at $17 per hour — officials report four spots have been filled — and more openings remain for interested students.

On July 16, the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries warned that employers who call ICE in response to workers' concerns violate state law against workplace retaliation—officials said they will use every enforcement tool to hold wrongdoers accountable.

After nearly a year of planning, Deschutes County and the city of Redmond approved a two-year commitment to build a managed homeless camp on the east side of Redmond with construction set to begin in August and residents expected to move in before winter.

The camp—designed with 36 sites and amenities like water, power and a common kitchen—and located north of the airport—may eventually expand to 72 spaces to help reduce unsanctioned camping.

On July 16, the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries warned employers that threatening to call ICE on workers who raised concerns about unsafe conditions is illegal retaliation under state law + the bureau said it would aggressively enforce the law to hold violators accountable.

Nearly 1,500 trees were removed from a 40-acre site in southwest Bend for a new housing project as developers saved 100 trees, planned to replant 568 more, and paid fees to meet the city’s tree code that was passed last year.

City officials will study the case and review the rules in October to see if changes are needed—helping balance housing needs with tree preservation.

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

Salsa on the Patio

6-8:30 p.m. — River's Place — Free lesson and dancing — Enjoy a lively evening of salsa dancing under the stars with DJ Solo spinning the tunes.

Reflections of History: An Architectural Walking Tour

10:30 a.m. — Deschutes Historical Museum — Reservations required — Explore Bend's historical architecture while strolling through the picturesque Drake Park Neighborhood.

Mike Dawes Live Performance

7-9 p.m. — Tower Theatre — $24 - $44 — Experience the creativity of one of the world's finest fingerstyle guitarists and electrifying performances.

Carvin Jones Band Live Performance

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Aspen Hall — Tickets not on sale — Experience the blues with Carvin Jones, crowned one of the 50 Greatest Blues Guitarists of all time.

Beatles vs Stones - A Musical Showdown

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Tower Theatre — $55 – $75 — Experience the ultimate musical face-off between two legendary bands in Bend's iconic venue.

Old Dominion Concert

6:30-8 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Ticketed event — Experience electrifying live performances from one of country music's hottest bands.

Dispatch with John Butler - Summer Tour 2025

4-7 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience an epic summer concert featuring Dispatch and special guests John Butler and G. Love & Special Sauce.

First Friday Art Walk

5-8 PM — Downtown Bend Business Association — Free entry — Celebrate art, music, and community with vibrant local exhibits and performances.

Craft Brewery Tours with Complimentary Tasting Flights

2:30-5 p.m. — Downtown Bend Business Association — Ticket purchase required — Explore Bend’s vibrant craft beer scene with tours and tasting flights at local breweries.

Joe Bonamassa Live Performance

1-9:30 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Tickets available — Experience the virtuoso blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa live in concert.