Good morning, Bend.

NeighborImpact will host free public listening sessions this month to gather community input for its strategic plan that covers the next two years and aims to support households with low and moderate income—sessions will take place today in Madras, on August 12 in Prineville, on August 14 virtually, on August 19 in La Pine, on August 21 in Bend, on August 26 in Sisters and on August 28 in Redmond with translation services available by request.

Tuesday marked the grand opening for Sparrow Mercado at Discovery West on Bend’s westside, where the small market offers local grab-and-go goods and simple meals for residents and visitors.

The store is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and plans to extend its hours by September (its headquarters is less than a mile from Sparrow Bakery).

Hikers on Dutchman Flat Trailhead saw millions of rare California Tortoiseshell butterflies filling the Central Oregon skies as the butterflies hatched during spring and summer.

Retired entomologist Jerry Freilick explained that this rare irruption—an event that does not happen every year—shows how nature can surprise us.

By Wednesday, crews reached 10% containment on the Cougar Fire that burned nearly 300 acres in eastern Deschutes County with smoke visible over a wide area.

Firefighters used air and ground resources to suppress the blaze and the cause remains under investigation —officials caution residents to follow fire restrictions as high temperatures may raise fire risk—.

On Aug. 4, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners celebrated legislative wins including $3.1 million for a youth mental health facility with matching funds, $5.2 million for juniper removal to reduce wildfire risk, and $10 million for the CORE3 emergency center—commissioners now await a transportation funding package to be discussed in a special session starting Aug. 29.

After wins on Monday and Tuesday, the Bend Elks clinched a playoff spot in the West Coast League with a crucial walk-off single that boosted their record.

The team will host a three-game series against the Corvallis Knights starting Friday evening at Vince Genna Stadium—offering local fans an exciting postseason start.

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

Munch & Music Concert Series

5:30-9 p.m. — Drake Park — Free entry — Celebrate 34 seasons of free live music, family fun, and delicious food vendors.

Fourth Annual Antique Fair

9 AM – 4 PM — Deschutes Historical Museum — Free entry — Explore a curated collection of antiques, collectibles, music, and food.

High Strung Bluegrass Performance

3–4 PM — Downtown Bend Library — Free entry — Experience a lively performance of traditional bluegrass instrumental pieces from various cultures.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the genre-defying sounds of Rainbow Kitten Surprise with their latest album 'LOVE HATE MUSIC BOX'.

RÜFÜS DU SOL Concert

6:30-9:00 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Get your tickets now — Experience a transcendent performance from the world’s leading live dance act as they debut their new album.

The Lumineers Concert

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the dynamic sound and storytelling of one of the most beloved bands in alternative rock.

Scotty McCreery Live Concert

4:00 – 5:30 PM — General Duffy's Waterhole — VIP packages available — Experience the rich vocals and storytelling of country music star Scotty McCreery.

Theater in the Park: Rock of Ages

7-9 p.m. — Drake Park — VIP tickets available — Enjoy electrifying musical theater under the stars with classic 80s hits.

Bikes and Pints

4-6 p.m. — Boneyard Beer — Free entry — Meet fellow cyclists and discuss bikes over pints in a lively taproom atmosphere.

Sunday Morning Worship Service

10-11:30 a.m. — Boys and Girls Club — Free entry — Experience a time of worship, studying God's Word, and community fellowship.