Good morning, Bend.

Central Oregon Scouting America will collect real Christmas trees for recycling in Bend, Sunriver, Madras, Prineville and Redmond on Dec.

27-28 and Jan. 3-4. Tree owners should remove all decorations and place trees on the curb by 8:00 a.m. on pickup day with a $13 suggested donation.

Bend Fire & Rescue responded to a home on NW Terra Meadow Drive on Christmas Eve just before 2 p.m. when a failed lithium battery in an electric vehicle sparked a garage fire; the fire was quickly suppressed while two adults and three dogs safely evacuated, though the home’s utilities were damaged.

Two local coffee companies announced a merger and said their brands will remain separate, so customers can expect the same service.

The move lets the businesses combine resources + preserve each brand’s unique local flavor.

Leapin Lizards Toy Store in downtown Bend is seeing busy holiday shopping as locals enjoy free gift wrapping and a shift toward activity-based toys like Volley Shot.

Families and friends can compete and connect while picking out last-minute gifts.

Guest columnist Sami Godlove said public lands had a turbulent year with federal cuts, mass resignations, and proposals to sell or log acres while strong public opposition kept key protections in place.

In April 2026, select trails near Bend will allow Class-1 e-bikes (seasonal restrictions protect wildlife).

Deschutes Public Library in Bend has returned to normal after a cyberattack affected its public relations server.

The library hired cybersecurity experts to strengthen its defenses and ensure safe access for its nearly 96,000 patrons.

Central Oregon will host two boys basketball holiday tournaments starting Saturday.

The Summit Holiday Hoopfest at Summit and Ridgeview High will feature eight-team brackets with a dunk and 3-point contest, while Caldera holds its first tournament with an international club joining the competition.

The Premier Pickleball Club in Redmond is hosting the Courtside for CASA Pickleball Classic in March 2026 to benefit CASA of Central Oregon.

Contestants will compete in singles, doubles, and a new social bracket, with winners earning medals + a 15-minute head and neck massage by Spine and Body Co.

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

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.

CORK Mom Squad Running Group

9-10 a.m. — Miller's Landing Park — Free entry — A welcoming running group for moms of all running levels to connect and share experiences while staying active.