(Graphic courtesy of BEAT Children’s Theatre) Storms at sea, island magic, wild quests, mythical monsters, and enchanting spirits—BEAT Children’s Theatre invites Central Oregon families to dive into Shakespeare’s classic adventure, The Tempest, opening this November as a centerpiece of BEAT’s 20th anniversary season. Designed specifically to engage young audiences, this vibrant adaptation transforms classic literature…
Central Oregon Regional Art
Bonta Launches New Korean-Inspired Gelato Flavor
(Photos courtesy of Linden Gross, One Stop Writing Shop) What do you get when Bonta’s CEO, Corey Owens, and Yoli chef and co-owner, Joe Kim, collaborate? An unexpected new gelato flavor called Doenjang Caramel, based on a core Korean seasoning commonly used in stews, soups, and sauces. You wouldn’t think a thick, salty fermented soybean…
First Friday Art Walk is Back!
(Graphic courtesy of Old Mill District) The Old Mill District is ready to go for another First Friday Art Walk this Friday, October 2, from 3-6pm. With beautiful fall weather hitting the mid-70s, the district is sure to be crawling with art walkers, wine tasters and an abundance of participating shops, art studios and galleries….
The Piano & So Much More
(George Xiaoyuan Fu. Photo courtesy of High Desert Chamber Music) On Sunday, November 8, High Desert Chamber Music will continue its 19th season by welcoming Trio Zimbalist, making their Central Oregon debut. I had a chance to talk to pianist George Xiaoyuan Fu about his interest in the piano and composing, the development of the…
Bend Film Festival Broadens Its Lens
(The Last Place on Earth by David Gardner) “As always we have some intense, urgent stories in the program that the world must hear now, but I feel confident that none of them are without nuance, a flip side, and certainly hope. My hope is that the festival once again will gift the audience a…
This Saturday: Free Flute Masterclass & Recital at COCC
(Photo courtesy of Central Oregon Symphony Association) Our October series of free community performances begins this Saturday with acclaimed flutist Timothy Hagen and Central Oregon pianist Gary Ruppert. Join us for a morning masterclass, an evening recital, or both! Timothy Hagen, Flutist With pianist Gary Ruppert Saturday, October 3 Flute Masterclass: 10am-12pm Pence Hall, Room…
Lisa & Lori Lubbesmeyer Named Old Mill District 2026 Winter Art Series Artists
(Photo courtesy of Lori and Lisa Lubbesmeyer) After 17 years working from their Old Mill District studio, twin sisters Lori and Lisa Lubbesmeyer have come to know the area from countless angles. The owners of Lubbesmeyer Art Studio & Gallery have walked and biked along the Deschutes River on their way to work, watched the…
Art in the West: Final Countdown!
Last chance to find your favorite artwork! The 2026 Art in the West juried exhibition and online auction close at 7pm Friday, October 2. Check your bids, place new bids, and see all 130-plus pieces up close at the Museum before time runs out. Then join us that Friday for our free Art in the…
Award Winning Documentary BAD PRESS Coming Soon to the Madras Performing Arts Center
(Graphic courtesy of Madras Performing Arts Center) Community radio station KWSO invites the public to a special screening of the Sundance award-winning documentary BAD PRESS, followed by an insightful panel discussion featuring prominent Indigenous and local journalists. The event will take place on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the Madras Performing Arts Center. This event…
MountainStar Welcomes Fall with the Sixth Annual Bend Witches Paddle & October Community Care Project
(Graphic courtesy of MountainStar Family Relief Nursery) MountainStar Family Relief Nursery (MountainStar) is welcoming fall with two meaningful ways for the Central Oregon community to come together in support of local children and families: the return of the sixth annual Bend Witches Paddle and October’s Community Care Project. On Saturday, October 31, witches will once…