Good morning, Bend.

The Mt. Bachelor team is honoring avalanche rescue dog Riggins — who passed away Dec.

18 — by inviting locals to raise a crunchy tribute at the mountain he called home. His legacy lives on across the slopes.

Bethlehem Inn held its annual vigil in Redmond for 29 people who died homeless, with staff reading names and lighting candles — a tribute to lives lost and a call for continued community support.

Bend residents danced along the Deschutes River to celebrate the winter solstice on Dec.

21 + some took a chilly plunge to kick off the season.

Lawmakers preserved a temporary state tax break on overtime pay copied from federal law, expected to cost about $93 million in 2025 while benefiting only few eligible workers.

Officials will review disconnecting the break in a February session to help close a $63 million shortfall.

Olympia Provisions has recalled about 1,930 pounds of ready-to-eat holiday kielbasa sausages made on Oct.

14 due to potential metal contamination. The products were sold at retail and online in Oregon + nearby states, and no injuries have been reported.

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

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.

Gino Vannelli Concert

8-10 p.m. — Oxford Hotel Bend — Ticket price unknown — Experience the timeless jazz vocals of Gino Vannelli at this unique venue.

Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC) Class

8 AM - 4 PM — Ewing Outdoor Supply — Exam registration required (additional fee) — Gain essential skills for irrigation contract execution with provided lunch.

Bend Thirsty Third Thursday Networking

4-6 p.m. — The Cellar — First drink free for registered attendees — Network with design and construction professionals in a relaxed atmosphere.

Maxwell Friedman Group Concert

7 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — $19.25 — Enjoy an evening of live music in a vibrant local venue.