Good morning, Bend.

More than 6,600 colorful origami pieces hang at First Presbyterian Church as a display of the people served by the Love Takes Flight project—each piece stands for support given through its various ministries.

The installation is available for viewing during church hours until it is taken down Monday to prepare for Advent and Christmas decorating.

Pika Pika has opened in downtown Bend offering Japanese-inspired charm with collectible figurines including Labubus figures and Pokémon cards alongside other Asian imports.

Owner Vivienne Mariotti said the store—open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.—will complete its café with designer teas and sweet treats in the coming weeks.

Locavore, a nonprofit grocery store on Third Street, sells fresh produce, meats and craft items from local farmers — a concept created by nurse Nicolle Timm-Branch to support healthier diets and local growers.

The store now has 1,200 members, runs a membership drive through Nov. 20, and is planning to expand to another Bend location with future options in Sisters and Redmond.

Country singer Parker McCollum and parody singer Weird Al Yankovic have been added to the 2026 Hayden Homes Amphitheater lineup in Bend.

McCollum will perform on June 26 with Vincent Mason and Aubrie Sellers while Yankovic will appear on Sept. 6 for his Bigger and Weirder tour with Puddles Pity Party — tickets go on sale this week and general sales begin Friday, Nov. 21 at 10:00 a.m.

Gas prices in Bend remain steady at about $3.67 a gallon even though AAA reported a pipeline outage near Everett that could push prices higher if it lasts—drivers should keep an eye on changes before heavy Thanksgiving travel.

Caldera High School Principal Chris Boyd was named the 2025 Administrator of the Year by Bend-La Pine Schools during a surprise ceremony Tuesday where Superintendent Steven Cook and district officials presented him a $500 check.

Boyd (11 years with the district and principal since Caldera opened in fall) joins other Excellence in Education honorees as the district plans to honor additional staff later this week.

Oregon’s wolf population reached 204 in 2024—a 15% increase from 2023—with 25 packs and 17 breeding pairs confirmed while farmers suffered livestock losses including 5 cows, 24 calves, and 62 sheep.

State officials authorized the removal of 11 wolves in one zone and permitted 3 to be shot, as they worked to balance recovery efforts with reducing conflicts.

Wildlife collisions on Highway 97 dropped by nearly 80% after wildlife undercrossings were built in 2012, but advocates say mule deer and elk remain at risk during migration.

Officials urge drivers to watch for wildlife at dawn & dusk as calls about deer accidents persist and proposals for additional crossings are in progress.

Deschutes County Road Department closed Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road on Tuesday morning because heavy winter snow can reach 5 to 10 feet, making plowing too costly.

The roads will remain closed until crews clear the snow in spring — they usually reopen before Memorial Day if weather permits.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department paused its new welcome center plans at Smith Rock State Park due to rising costs and lower revenue—current facilities will remain open and visitors will not see any changes.

Caldera High’s 16-year-old Mia Kackley – diagnosed with leukemia and spending six days in the ICU – managed to attend her homecoming dance with friend Cash Kennedy thanks to quick family and community support.

She will return to Portland later this month for more treatment as she continues her fight.

Central Oregon restaurants are offering Thanksgiving dinners that include both dine-in meals and dinner kits for home—orders and reservations must be placed by deadlines from Nov 22 to Nov 27 as spaces fill quickly.

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

Holly Bowling Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a night of virtuosic piano performed by Holly Bowling, redefining musical boundaries.

Winter Business HOP

8:30 – 10:00 AM — High Desert Music Hall — Free entry — Network and showcase your business among local entrepreneurs in a lively coffee-inspired setting.

Kids’ Entrepreneur Market

1-4 p.m. — Downtown Bend Library — Free entry — A unique eco-friendly market empowering kids ages 7-17 to learn entrepreneurship by creating and selling their products.

Beertown Comedy Open Mic

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter at the top-rated open mic in Bend.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Currents

3-9 p.m. — Riverhouse Lodge — Reservations recommended — Savor seasonal dishes with river views this Thanksgiving in Bend.

Gerardo Coronel Concert

9:30 PM – 12:30 AM — Midtown Ballroom/Domino Room/Annex — Ticket information available — Experience a high-energy night with El Jerry Gerardo Coronel and the best regional music.

Annual Holiday Marketplace at the Vineyard

9 a.m.-4 p.m. — Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards — Free entry — Explore local crafts and enjoy award-winning wine and food while soaking in beautiful vineyard views.

Natural History Pub: The Recipe for Healthy Soil

7-8 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Free, RSVP required — Discover what makes healthy soil essential for a thriving garden with local experts.

O Christmas Tea - A British Comedy

3-6 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Cost Info — Enjoy a hilariously inventive show that blends British humor with unexpected twists.

FunkShui & Guests Live Show

7-10 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Enjoy a fun night with live funk music by FunkShui and guests.