Bend residents have two great reasons to celebrate community life this week: the city is marking the opening of its new library, and the beloved Munch & Music summer series is doubling down on sustainability.

The new library milestone is being recognized with a community celebration, giving residents a chance to explore the upgraded facility and all it has to offer. A new library represents far more than a building — it’s a gathering place, a learning hub, and a symbol of a community’s investment in its own future. Bend’s newest chapter in public library history is one the whole city can take pride in.

Meanwhile, Munch & Music — the popular outdoor food and live music series that draws crowds to Drake Park throughout the summer — is expanding its sustainability program this season. The series has long been a staple of Bend’s warm-weather community calendar, bringing neighbors together over great food and local sounds. By growing its green initiatives, organizers are working to ensure the event leaves as light a footprint as possible while continuing to deliver the lively, welcoming atmosphere that locals love.

Together, these two stories paint a picture of a Bend community that’s investing in its shared spaces and thinking carefully about the kind of city it wants to be — both for today’s residents and for generations to come. Whether you’re checking out the new library’s shelves or spreading a blanket at Drake Park for an evening of music, there’s plenty to enjoy in Bend this August.

Sources: The Source – Bend, Oregon, The Source – Bend, Oregon