Good morning, Bend.

NatureConnect Fest will take place Saturday, Sept.

20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Alpenglow Park and offers families activities such as arts and crafts, STEM demos, outdoor games, and a new interactive scavenger hunt — organized by NatureConnect Central Oregon with support from Bend Park & Recreation District.

Bend's first pickleball taphouse, Ballers & Brews, will open on Sunday, September 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. with pickleball courts open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.—local owner Leslie Koegler designed the venue to blend dining, sports and fun.

Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver has launched the ReStore Upcycle Challenge to let community members transform secondhand items into art that supports affordable housing in South Deschutes County—participants began choosing items on Sept.

16 and must complete their projects by Nov. 17. A silent auction will run from Nov. 19 through Dec. 19 and a public showcase will be held on Dec. 10—rewarding the top entries with gift cards.

Deschutes Brewery’s Black Butte Porter and Keith Manufacturing’s walking truck floor were named among 16 finalists in the Coolest Things Made in Oregon contest by the Oregon Business and Industry association — public votes will narrow the list to eight on Monday while judges select winners early next year.

Gas prices in Bend and across Oregon are rising due to an outage at the Olympic Pipeline and planned refinery maintenance—Bend’s average is now $4.19 a gallon with statewide costs near $4.29.

AAA said relief will come soon as the pipeline resumes normal operations and winter-blend fuel becomes available.

Outdoor lovers can explore the 26-mile McKenzie River Trail that winds through the central Cascade Mountains and features clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, and bright fall colors.

Hikers can choose easy day trips or a challenging trek to Blue Pool — a spot where cold, clear river water flows up from underground.

Bend volunteers will gather on Saturday in the Old Mill District from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for Pick It Up Bend—an event organized by SOLVE that provides supplies and a safety talk to help protect the Deschutes River.

The City of Bend saved 49 million gallons of water in July by urging homeowners to switch from grass to low-water landscapes—one project near Franklin's Corner Community Garden changed turf to rock.

Water Conservation Program Manager Dan Denning said these efforts help meet the master plan goal of reducing water use by 17 gallons per person each day.

Firefighters are containing the Foley Ridge Fire in the Willamette National Forest and have closed a 21-mile stretch of McKenzie Highway west of Sisters—along with several roads and trailheads including Foley Ridge Road.

Officials said heavy machinery will be used to remove hazardous fuels and strengthen fire lines.

The city of Bend will hire an expert with $175,000 in federal funds to speed up its housing review process and boost affordability — officials said the consultant will target delays in engineering reviews and developer application processes, building on permit improvements from last year. This effort is part of a $5 million federal grant program designed to increase affordable housing projects.

Redmond Airport will host a TSA PreCheck enrollment event from Oct.

14 to Oct. 17 to allow Central Oregon travelers to sign up for a five year membership by providing identity documents, fingerprints and a photo—the event is held inside the terminal at 2252 Jesse Butler Circle in partnership with IDEMIA.

At Bend Senior High School Tuesday night, Bend and Crook County volleyball teams united to support 16-year-old Paige Wood—recovering from a car crash in August—by cheering and raising funds for her recovery.

Wood attended the match and said that the support meant a lot as she worked through her injuries.

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

AIA Bend Thirsty Third Thursday Networking

4-6 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Free first drink for registered attendees — Connect with local design and construction professionals in a lively atmosphere.

Bend Oktoberfest

2-9 p.m. — Deschutes Historical Museum — Free entry — Celebrate with craft beer, wiener dog races, and live music at this Bavarian bash.

Commemorating International Peace Day - A Bahá'i Perspective

The Baháʼí Faith considers world peace to be not only possible but inevitable, a future stage in humanity's development. Retired Bend attorney, Jim Slothower, will share the Bahá'i vision of how world peace will be attained and how each of us can play a meaningful role in bringing it about.

Commemorating International Peace Day - A Bahá'i Perspective

The Baháʼí Faith considers world peace to be not only possible but inevitable, a future stage in humanity's development. Retired Bend attorney, Jim Slothower, will share the Bahá'i vision of how world peace will be attained and how each of us can play a meaningful role in bringing it about.

OMEP Ready or Not! Business Simulation Game

9 a.m.–2 p.m. — Wille Hall — Registration required — Experience a dynamic business simulation tailored for current and future leaders in manufacturing.

Drake Park Yoga Session

12-1 a.m. — Drake Park — Donation based — Enjoy a slow flow yoga class in the heart of nature, connecting with yourself and the community.

People in Space: A Talk by Astronaut Dick Richards

6-7 p.m. — Downtown Bend Library — Free entry — Explore the human adventure beyond Earth with Bend’s own astronaut and Navy pilot, Dick Richards.

Oktoberfest Celebration at Boneyard Pub

6 p.m. — Boneyard Pub — Beer and food specials — Celebrate the season with live music and craft brews at this annual fest.

Neil Simon's Rumors

2 PM — Cascades Theatrical Co — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of laughter and chaos in this clever comedy about misunderstandings and gossip among friends.

Broken Compass Bluegrass Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the vibrant sounds of contemporary bluegrass with Broken Compass Bluegrass as they blend tradition and innovation.

Ryan Meadow Restoration & Planting Project

1:30-4:30 p.m. — Fred Meyer — Free entry — Participate in planting native species to boost local wildlife habitats while learning about environmental stewardship.