Good morning, Bend.

Beginning Thursday, Dec.18, Bend hosts a series of holiday bazaars including the Reindeer Room Holiday Pop-up Bar at River’s Edge Golf Course, the Kids Makers Market at Holm Made Toffee Co. on Friday, and Magical Markets of Merriment at Somewhere That’s Green Plant Shoppe through Dec.21.

Bend nonprofit Around The Bend Farms is helping residents start home vegetable gardens—founder Ben Marsh installs raised planter boxes with drip irrigation so homeowners can grow produce and donate surplus to local food banks while saving water.

NeighborImpact elected new board officers for 2026 and approved its 2026-2028 strategic plan; the group chose Chad Carpenter from Sunriver as president, Cat Zwicker from Redmond as vice president, and Heather Simmons from Bend as treasurer and secretary, with Laurie Danzuka, Chrystal Yustat, and Daniel Altamirano-Hernandez joining the executive committee.

Mountain View Community Development announced Tuesday it will receive a $3 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank to build a 75-home supportive housing village near Redmond Airport (the project will offer a community center, garden and dog park to formerly homeless residents with a disability).

Phil and Penny Knight's $2 billion gift to OHSU's Knight Cancer Institute, announced in August, is set to fund revolutionary advances in cancer care as it more than doubled the year's second-largest donation.

Bend residents have a busy concert week as Steely Dead performs at Domino Room on Thursday, Dec.

18; a bluegrass show in Sisters on Saturday, Dec. 20 features local and Portland bands; and Patrick Lamb’s Jazz at the Oxford runs Monday and Tuesday at Oxford Hotel.

Live music events are scheduled in Bend from Dec.

18 to Dec. 24, featuring acts such as Eel Sallad at WildWood (550 SW Industrial Way #120), Brett Newski at Silver Moon Brewing, and Patrick Lamb at The Oxford Hotel with a mix of free, ticketed shows planned across local venues.

Local chefs in Bend are offering a range of prepared holiday meals so residents can skip cooking on Christmas Day, with options from brunch to dinner.

Pick-up and dine-in menus are available at venues (such as Juniper Preserve and Riverhouse Lodge) on Dec. 25 or earlier pickup dates.

The U.S. Forest Service announced that starting April 1, Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes can ride 160 miles of singletrack trails on Deschutes National Forest west of Bend — low-elevation trails are open while high-elevation routes and winter months remain off limits.

Local mountain biking experts have expressed mixed views on the decision.

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

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.

Swingin' Tower Christmas

2-5 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a festive family holiday show filled with swingin’ Christmas songs and seasonal stories.

No School Day Camp

9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Amity Creek Magnet at Thompson School — Registration fee applies — Turn a day off into a fun-filled adventure with creativity for kids K-5.

Christmas Eve Dinner at Juniper Preserve

9 AM – 4 PM — Juniper Preserve — Cost varies — Enjoy a lavish holiday brunch buffet with festive cheer and seasonal favorites.

Tony Smiley Live Performance

7 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience a vibrant evening of live music from Tony Smiley.

JuJu Eyeball New Year's Celebration

8-10 p.m. — The Commonwealth Pub — Ticket information not provided — Celebrate the year's end with live Beatles tunes from Bend's very own JuJu Eyeball.

Sunday Swim: Cold Plunge in the Deschutes

7:30-8:00 a.m. — Riverbend Park — Free entry — Start your Sunday with a refreshing cold plunge in the beautiful Deschutes River for an energizing morning experience.

Beertown Comedy Open Mic

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a hilarious night of local comedy at Bend's favorite open mic night.

New Year’s Eve 2026 Celebration with Watkins Glen

9 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — $28 — Celebrate the New Year with live music, specialty cocktails, and a midnight champagne toast.

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Located in Bear Creek Estates, this 6 bedroom home offers comfortable luxury in every way. The triple garage PLUS RV Parking just add to the reasons to own this beautiful Morrissette built home.