Good morning, Bend.

Bend Fire and Rescue will host a family-friendly open house Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its North Fire Station on NE Jamison Street, where visitors can climb aboard a fire engine, see a jaws of life demonstration, and enjoy activities (crafts, city snowplow painting, free ice cream) as part of National Fire Prevention Week. Officials will also offer fire safety tips on handling lithium-ion batteries in devices like e-bikes and power tools.

The Council on Aging and the Humane Society have partnered to bring free veterinary care to Meals on Wheels clients via the Pet Pals program—this service goes directly to clients’ homes to help elderly pet owners care for their companions.

El Sancho Taco Shop on Galveston Avenue is set to reopen as Run Around Sue Barbecue, serving smoked meats on freshly rolled tortillas with sides and drinks.

The change — led by Jon Barvels, Joel Cordes and kitchen manager Asa Kenney — will begin with pop-up events in January and February and a full launch in March after the westside location closes on Oct 25.

Bend’s Deschutes Historical Museum is opening a new escape room based on the mystery of Reverend Anthony Mitchell’s lost antique collection—disappeared in 1969 from the Bend Library—that invites teams to unravel the case from October 10 to 25; tickets go on sale today.

The 22nd annual Bend Film Festival will run from Oct.

8 to Oct. 12 and will show over 100 films at local theaters while organizers added a free panel series—held at The Capitol—and a pitch competition with a $5,000 grant. A free block party with a vinyl DJ set will be held on Oct. 9 to help audiences meet filmmakers and film fans.

Pilot Butte Middle School 8th graders took their science lesson to Mt. Bachelor on Tuesday and worked with Bend Police to measure how speed affects a car’s stopping distance.

They learned about safe driving and the impact of speed with practical tests—connecting classroom lessons to real life.

Oregon announced that more than 300,000 Oregonians could face changes to their SNAP benefits starting November 1—these changes come under new federal rules from H.R.

1, and notifications will be mailed mid-October to groups including older adults, immigrants, and rural residents. ODHS said affected households do not need to take action as adjustments will be automatic.

School districts and state agencies will face a major pension cost rise starting July 1 as expiring side accounts force an overall 20% jump in contributions and push an extra $1.6 billion in payments, according to new estimates from Milliman — some schools will see an extra $695 million in costs that could lead to budget shifts. Employers are urged to build savings now to cushion the impact when these credits vanish.

Christine Greene and her partner Levi have been repeatedly forced to move from public lands near Bend due to law enforcement actions—facing homelessness, addiction challenges, and a severe shortage of treatment options.

Greene, who once survived a fentanyl overdose, and Levi struggle with the cycle of despair amid unmet housing needs and scarce healthcare resources.

Bendable Therapy and Osmind studied psilocybin’s effects on 88 participants over 14 months and found 97% reported improvements in anxiety and depression without tapering off antidepressants—findings presented at Psych Congress 2025 in San Diego support the potential for psilocybin to aid mental health. The study may help advance FDA approval for this therapy while adding to the growing evidence for its benefits.

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

Bend Fall Festival

11 AM - 10 PM — Downtown Bend Business Association — Free entry — Celebrate autumn with live music, delicious food, and artisan vendors in a vibrant community atmosphere.

Oktoberfest Celebration at Bend Brewing Co.

5-8 p.m. — Bend Brewing Company — No cover charge — Celebrate Oktoberfest with great beer, German food, and live music in a festive atmosphere.

Fall Foot Races

8 AM – 12 PM — Riverbend Park — Various entry fees — Celebrate fall in Central Oregon with races for all runners, including a half marathon, 10k, and kid's run.

Life in the Forest Canopy

7-8 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Free entry — Discover the secrets of the forest canopy with expert insights on biodiversity and ecological balance.

Elton Dan & the Rocket Band

8-11 p.m. — Volcanic Theatre Pub — Ticketed event — Super-fan Dan and his Rocket Band bring to life the iconic hits from Elton John's early albums.

Live Music with Dave LiaBraaten

7-9 p.m. — Currents at the Riverhouse — Free entry — Experience dynamic performances of classic rock, pop, and acoustic favorites by Bend's own Dave LiaBraaten.

"You Are Loved" Mural Painting

Join us for a fun day of painting - a new 25-foot "You Are Loved" mural is going up and we need your help! Bring your friends and enthusiasm - we'll provide the supplies and refreshments - no experience needed.

Not’Cho Grandma’s Bingo

9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free – $14 — High energy FUNdraising bingo that guarantees a great experience in Central Oregon.

2025 BOW Annual BootCamp Sessions

9:00 – 11:30 AM — Volcanic Theatre Pub — Tickets start at $30 — Experience the thrill of the outdoor industry pitch contest and witness emerging brands compete for cash awards.

Bend Venture Conference 2025

12:30 PM – 5:00 PM — Tower Theatre — Check the website for pricing — Engage with innovative startups and connect with industry leaders at this renowned entrepreneurial event.