Good morning, Bend.

Boston-based artist Alex Cook led local volunteers to paint a 25-foot “You Are Loved” mural on the side of First Church of Christ, Scientist in Bend Saturday — the church sponsored the event and provided supplies.

The mural is part of a nationwide series of over 120 works across 15 states and will be finished in the coming days.

Travel Oregon and Wheel the World partnered to verify Oregon as an accessible travel destination by mapping over 750 tourism businesses in 43 communities and investing $400,000 to create accessible itineraries for seven regions including Bend—improving travel options for people with disabilities. The initiative has received positive feedback and will expand with new destinations in coming seasons.

OSU-Cascades celebrated its third annual First Peoples Day on Saturday with Native art, dancing, and traditional food at its campus.

Artists from the Tananáwit Artists Community of Warm Springs and tribal representatives joined a community round dance led by Black Lodge Singers — a Grammy-nominated drum group — to honor Indigenous heritage.

Gov. Tina Kotek ordered schools to ban cell phone use from bell to bell by January and require written policies by Oct.

31 — some districts like Redmond, Sisters, and Culver already started the ban while Bend-La Pine and Crook County plan to enforce it in January. Teachers report that the ban has led to better student focus and more in-class interaction despite concerns about handling emergencies.

At Portland’s Rose City Golf Course on Friday, the Summit boys and girls cross-country teams won their team titles with scores of 91 and 103 respectively + they will compete at Bend’s Big Sky Park on Oct.

29 in the 5A Intermountain Conference championships.

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

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.

Next Stop Comedy Showcase

7:30-9 p.m. — Bridge 99 Brewery — Tickets may apply — Enjoy a night filled with laughter featuring a fresh line-up of stand-up comedians.

Sam Bush Live Performance

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the unique blend of bluegrass and progressive sounds from the iconic Sam Bush.

Stayin Alive - Bee Gees Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the excitement of a full Bee Gees playlist with stunning visuals and heartfelt performances.

Step Into the Ice Age

3-4 p.m. — Redmond Library — Free admission — Discover Ice Age archaeology with engaging activities and insights from an experienced archaeologist.

Live Music Friday: Brenna Larsen

7-9 p.m. — Currents at the Riverhouse — Free entry — Experience heartfelt folk melodies and jazz-infused grooves by Portland’s rising star, Brenna Larsen, in a scenic riverside setting.

Watkins Glen Halloween Dance Party

8-9:30 p.m. — Volcanic Theatre Pub — $23.53 — Experience a groovy Halloween celebration with YAK ATTACK and WATKINS GLEN paying tribute to the music of 1975.

Home Design Workshop at Wild Ride Brewing

12-2 p.m. — Wild Ride Brewing — Paid tickets include a free gift — Unleash your creativity by designing mood boards and receiving expert decor tips.

Beertown Comedy Open Mic Night

6:30-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter and local talent at Bend's top-rated open mic.