Bend
Daily News
Friday, December 26th, 2025
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 26th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Oregonian and OregonLive campaign is asking for donations until Dec. 31 to help 14 local nonprofits support seniors, at-risk youth and those facing homelessness. People can give online or by mail to help these groups get extra funds. The Oregonian
- ➤ Local organizers have unveiled a week-long event calendar from Saturday, Dec. 27 to Friday, Jan. 2 featuring sports, photo workshops and family play sessions at Bend venues. Highlights include Central Oregon Badminton at Bend Hoops and a New Year Botany Walk at Riverbend Park on Thursday, Jan. 1 — details include times and fees. Bend Bulletin
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local creatives share how art lifts spirits this holiday season. BEAT Children’s Theatre director Bree Beal, musician Paul Eddy, theater producer Raechel Gilland and art studio owners Lisa and Lori Lubbesmeyer call local performances, nature and community essential for joy in Bend — a reminder of art’s power to unite. Bend Bulletin
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A study by Brown University found that Oregon’s 2017 law limiting hospital charges has saved the state $50M annually while reducing out-of-pocket costs and maintaining hospital operations; hospital representatives contend the law fails to fully address the health care system’s challenges. Central Oregon Daily
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Santa hit the slopes at Mt. Bachelor on Wednesday, Dec. 24 — the resort kicked off its ski season with a festive event that drew families and winter sports fans. Visitors enjoyed a holiday atmosphere and seasonal activities ahead of the busy winter period. Central Oregon Daily
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Mt. Bachelor ski area opened Tuesday with 19 inches of snow and more snowfall expected, and grooming on trails at Virginia Meissner Sno-Park has begun—permits are available online. Bend expects rain with highs in the 30s, and Lake Billy Chinook is recommended for fishing as river flows rise. Bend Bulletin
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Comedy Night with Anthony Poponi
8-9 p.m. — Bangers & Brews Westside Bend Oregon — Ticket price not listed — Enjoy a night filled with sharp wit and quick crowd work from comedian Anthony Poponi.
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