Good morning, Bend.

The Old Mill District in Bend will host its annual Halloween block party on October 31 from 4 to 7 p.m.—visitors can trick-or-treat at local shops, see a costumed pet parade at Center Plaza, and watch aerial artists perform above, with a special Witches’ Paddle on the Deschutes River from Riverbend Park to Flag Bridge. The event also includes the Humane Society’s Howl-o-ween Pet Costume Contest, with registration running from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and judging at 5:30 p.m., while donations will support MountainStar Family Relief Nursery.

Last Saturday, Bend Police and St. Charles hosted a prescription drug take back event where 203 cars dropped off unused medications for safe disposal.

The event collected 706 pounds of medications and sharps as part of the DEA’s 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day — a clear sign of Bend residents’ civic support.

Michael Baker, who began with Boys and Girls Clubs in 1988 and led clubs in Anaheim and Santa Barbara, will be the new CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Bend on Nov.

3+he brings strong experience and a commitment to financial and social responsibility. The organization, which has served local youth and families for over 30 years, expects his leadership+it will help expand vital services to Central Oregon children.

Sunriver Brewing Co. announced that it will serve its last customers at its Galveston Avenue pub on November 1 as major demolition and construction begin on the neighborhood block + the company said it cannot operate during these changes and is looking for a new location on Bend’s Westside.

Union electricians from IBEW Local 280 began construction on a 7,200-square-foot headquarters and training center near the Redmond Airport in January to meet rising work from local data centers and housing growth; the facility will open in January and be finished by year-end—providing needed space for its 500 members.

AAA reported that the Oregon average for regular gas fell eight cents to $3.94 a gallon—Bend prices dropped to about $3.77.

The decline followed a recent spike caused by a pipeline outage, and experts expect relief at the pump to continue if conditions remain stable.

Mazama Energy reported a breakthrough when its geothermal project on Newberry Volcano reached a record 629°F on October 28th—setting a new standard for enhanced geothermal systems as it prepares to launch a 15 MW pilot in 2026 before expanding to 200 MW.

The City of Bend’s Tree Regulation Update Advisory Committee presented its first review of the updated Tree Preservation Code at a City Council work session on Oct.

22. Since August 2024, the city processed 766 development applications—55 of which were subject to the new standards as planned changes to allow more flexible work around tree roots are set for early next year.

Measles was found in Marion County wastewater on Oct.

6—showing that someone was infected—even though no cases have been reported in Deschutes, health officials said. They advised parents to vaccinate children as the two-year-old immunization rate in Deschutes is 86.9%, which is below the 95% needed for herd immunity.

Death doula August Cary will lead a free workshop called Grief Aware Adventurers — a session that offers practical tools for managing grief after outdoor recreation losses — on Nov.

5 from 6-8 p.m. at 33 NW Louisiana Ave. in Bend.

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

Five For Fighting with String Quartet

7-9 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful music of Five For Fighting accompanied by a string quartet.

Bend Witches Paddle

4-6 p.m. — Riverbend Park — Fundraiser event — Dress as a witch and paddle for a good cause along the river with family and pets.

PUNK-O-WEEN 4 Costume Party

12-11 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — $20 — Experience Bend's annual punk rock Halloween party with 17 bands and all ages welcome.

Bend Cars & Coffee

8-11 a.m. — Dilly Dally Coffee Co. — Free entry — Enjoy a morning of coffee and car culture in the heart of Bend.

Birthplace of American Sport Climbing: A History of Smith Rock

7-8 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Sold out — Discover the 150-year history of Smith Rock and its pivotal role in American sport climbing.

Joy of Capoeira - Introductory Session

7-8:45 p.m. — High Desert Martial Arts — Workshop price includes a group capoeira T-shirt — Experience the rhythm and culture of Brazil through this engaging martial art form.

Pint Nite for Senior Dog Rescue

5-8 p.m. — Wild Ride Brewing — $1 per pint donated — Enjoy great beer and meet adoptable pups while supporting Silver Linings Rescue Ranch.

Annual Chili Feed and Raffle Fundraiser

11 AM – 3 PM — Deschutes Historical Museum — Free entry — Enjoy delicious chili and a chance to win from over 20 raffle packages benefiting the local community.

Run The Rock Trail Race

7 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Smith Rock State Park — Registration required — Experience breathtaking views while racing a 50K or half marathon through stunning trails.

Sensory Photography Workshop

1-4 p.m. — Downtown Bend Library — Free entry — Explore dynamic photography practices that align heart, mind, and vision in a creative workshop.