Good morning, Bend.

Starting Friday, Dec.

5, Bend Fire and Rescue’s Santa Express will visit neighborhoods in Bend to collect food, clothing and toys for the Salvation Army, with stops planned in Southeast, Northwest and Southwest Bend as crews meet Santa at 6 p.m. each night; a season-long food drive for NeighborImpact will accept non-perishable food donations at Bend Fire stations until Friday, Dec. 12.

A failed lithium battery in a workshop at Miller Elementary set off sprinklers and filled the gym with smoke, leading to a brief closure on Monday.

Officials said cleanup is underway and students will return soon.

OSU-Cascades and PRAx will launch a new concert series at Tower Theatre that will debut in January 2026.

Yagódy will perform on Jan. 21 and composer Andy Akiho with Imani Winds will present a work on April 12—tickets cost $30 for the public and $5 for students.

The Deschutes County Natural Resources Department will burn leftover limbs and brush southwest of Bend near the Seventh Mountain and Points West communities when weather, air quality, and crew availability allow between December and February—burning on weekdays over up to 24 acres. Residents may see smoke that will affect air quality overnight and early mornings, so they are advised to keep windows and doors closed during those times.

The Deschutes Recycling Center at Knott Landfill expanded its recycling options on Monday, December 1 by now accepting plastic bags, lids, buckets, six-pack handles and shredded paper — items not permitted in blue roll carts.

The county said that eight drop-off locations will be available soon as details are posted on the Solid Waste page.

Oregon State Parks is now asking for public comment on proposed changes to refund rules, parking fees and special access passes+ comments must be submitted by Jan.

15 at 5:00 p.m. These changes, aimed at addressing an $8 million shortfall+ include an online hearing on Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m. and may be adopted by the Parks and Recreation Commission in February with new rules effective starting March 1.

Population growth in Bend slowed to 1.45% from 2024 to 2025, falling short of expectations from the city and Portland State researchers.

City officials are now testing a program to keep existing businesses (shifting focus from just attracting new ones) to help support future growth.

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

FunkShui & Guests Live Show

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

Kids Night Out with Camp Fire Central Oregon

1:30-4:30 a.m. — 437 NW Wall St, Bend, OR — Donation-based event — Kids enjoy games, crafts, and dinner while parents have a night out.

Schilling's 2025 Holiday Makers Market

6 PM - 12 AM — Schilling's Garden Market — Parking ticket required — Celebrate creativity and community with local vendors, festive food, and holiday cheer.

Community Leaders Christmas Party 2025

6-8 p.m. — The Haven Coworking — Free entry — Celebrate the Christmas season with leaders from across Central Oregon in a casual holiday gathering.

Evan Mullins Live Performance

6-8 p.m. — Silverleaf Café — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of amazing covers and original music with talented local musician Evan Mullins.

Holiday Lights Paddle Parade

4-10 p.m. — Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe — Free entry — Experience the enchanting spectacle of illuminated kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards on the Deschutes River.

SantaLand Celebration

11 AM – 5 PM — Old Mill District — Free entry — Experience the festive spirit with Santa, holiday gifts, and special moments in SantaLand!

Open Mic Night at Silver Moon Brewing

1-4 a.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Hone your craft in a supportive environment during this lively open mic night.

SHINE Acoustic Performance

8-10 p.m. — The Commonwealth Pub — Free entry — Enjoy classics from the '70s, '80s, '90s and beyond with SHINE's acoustic trio.

Swingin' Tower Christmas

7-8:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre, Bend, OR — RSVP required — Experience a festive holiday show with swingin' Christmas songs and local performers against a backdrop of a live big band.