If you’re interested in joining the fun, we’ve rounded up some of the best, most patriotic events around the city. Here’s a quick look:
Bend Pet Parade
One of Bend’s oldest Fourth of July traditions has nothing to do with hamburgers, fireworks, or backyard games. The July 4th Pet Parade has been a Bend institution since 1924 and remains a beloved attraction today, drawing thousands of participants and cheery onlookers every summer.
Pet owners are encouraged to dress their furry friends in patriotic costumes and march from Harmon Park to Drake Park near the Deschutes River waterfront. Dogs are easily the most common animal along the route, but pets in past years have included lizards, pigs, horses, and even goldfish! Don’t have a living, breathing furbaby? Grab your prized stuffed animal and join the parade! (Please note that rabbits, cats, and aggressive animals are not permitted.)
When: July 4, 2025; staging begins at 8:30 a.m., parade begins at 9:30 a.m. *Please note that this is a new and earlier start time for the parade this year!
Where: Harmon Park (1100 NW Harmon Blvd., Bend) to Drake Park (777 NW Riverside Blvd., Bend)
Event information: 4th of July Pet Parade
Bend Freedom Float
Is there any better way to welcome summer than by floating the Deschutes River? We think not, so we’d suggest a river float as part of your Fourth of July festivities. While it’s not an official event, you’ll still see plenty of red, white, and blue when you float the river between Riverbend Park and Drake Park near downtown.
Along the way, you’ll float past the Old Mill District’s many shops and restaurants, get soaked in the Bend Whitewater Park (should you so choose—you can also take out and walk around the rapids), and cut through a quiet neighborhood before arriving at Drake Park. From there, the Ride the River shuttle will take you back to the starting point, where you can continue your Fourth of July celebrations accordingly. Please note that Ride the River passes must be purchased in advance.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 4, 2025
Where: Park and Float (1000 SW Bradbury Way, Bend)
Shuttle pass: Ride the River runs from 11 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Bend Fireworks
Credit @tpformanphotography
Bend’s Pilot Butte is a local icon. It’s the tallest point within Bend city limits, home to popular hiking trails, and famous for 360º views from a wide-open summit. Every summer, Pilot Butte also hosts the Bend, Oregon fireworks display—delivering one of the region’s biggest, brightest fireworks shows.
The 20-minute show can be seen wherever the butte is visible around town. A few of our favorite spots to watch include Providence Park and Ponderosa Park—both of which offer a playground, restrooms, and plenty of grassy space to spread out a blanket.
When: 10 p.m., July 4, 2025
Where: Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint (along Highway 20, Bend)
Event information: 4th of July Bend Firework Show
Using Fireworks in Bend, Oregon
As of 2021, the City of Bend prohibits the sale and use of fireworks within city limits. By the Fourth of July, Bend typically experiences warm weather and dry conditions, both factors that create the potential for firework-related danger across the city. Please help keep Bend safe and fire-free by leaving your own fireworks at home. Learn more about the Bend fireworks ban.
Fourth of July Celebrations in Central Oregon
Independence Day in Bend is certainly a blast—but celebrations occur throughout Central Oregon. Here are some Fourth of July events happening throughout Central Oregon!
Redmond 4th of July Parade: Redmond’s annual Independence Day celebration includes a patriotic parade and family-friendly fair in downtown—as well as a fireworks display at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center. See what else is happening on the Fourth of July in Redmond!
Prineville 4th of July Celebration : Central Oregon’s oldest city celebrates the Fourth with a parade and vintage festival that includes local food vendors, music, games, and regional arts and crafts vendors. When the sun sets, Prineville hosts a theatrical fireworks display. See what else is in store for Prineville’s 4th of July Celebration.
Madras 4th of July Celebration & Parade: Celebrate the Fourth of July in Madras with a community breakfast, old-school parade, flag ceremony, and celebration that includes music and food from local vendors. Find all the details for the Madras 4th of July events.
La Pine Frontier Days: Celebrate Independence Day with La Pine Frontier Days—a four-day festival that includes a parade, interpretive displays, living-history actors and actresses, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, live music, and—of course—a lively fireworks display.
4th of July Festival & Bike Parade in Sunriver: The Village at Sunriver is a popular shopping center in the heart of Sunriver—and is the host of the community’s beloved 4th of July Festival & Bike Parade. For a small fee, anyone can register their bike for a family-friendly parade that ends at the festival. Following the parade, the event’s wide-ranging activities include carnival games, pony rides, live entertainment, and food. The bike parade kicks off at 11 a.m.
Other stories
More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.
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4th of July in Redmond, Oregon
Every Fourth of July, Redmond residents and visitors alike gather to celebrate the birth of the United States. It’s a festive time in what locals call “Flag City U.S.A.” (more on that later), and the city celebrates accordingly—with a charmingly old-school parade, boisterous fireworks display and more.
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Complete Guide to Food Trucks in Bend and the Surrounding Area
Over recent years, Bend, Oregon has become a foodie paradise. Aside from the nationally renowned chefs and the blossoming restaurant scene that offers tons of dining options, foodies now flock to Bend for a more indie dining experience. The food truck trend has proven to be much more than a trend, as more and more pods of deliciousness pop up around town. These pods typically include a variety of food trucks situated around a central location that more often than not acts as a tap house. Many of them offer indoor and outdoor seating, a variety of beer, wine and cider along with firepits, stages for musical performances and more. With so many spots each offering different food trucks to try, it might be tough to figure out where to start. Read on for a list of some highly recommended spots to try out, and start your own foodie adventure.
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Deschutes River is a Central Oregon Playground For All
You can hear them before you see them. About 30 four-legged endurance athletes chomping at the bit for another chance to prove their worth and provide you with an ear-to-ear grin that will last an entire day.