4th of July in Bend, OR (Independence Day 2025)
Updated 3/14/25
Fourth of July in Bend is all about small-town charm, outdoor fun, and community celebrations. Whether you’re looking for parades, festivals, live music, outdoor adventures, or a great spot to watch fireworks, Bend has you covered. Here's how to make the most of Independence Day in Central Oregon.
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Kick Off the Day with the Annual Pet Parade
A Bend tradition since 1924, the Annual Pet Parade brings locals and visitors together in the heart of downtown.
Time: 10:00 AM (lineup starts at 9:00 AM)
Location: Harmon Park, winding through Downtown Bend before ending at Drake Park
How to Participate: Bring your pets, kids, or even a stuffed animal, dress them up, and join the parade. No registration required!
Best Viewing Spots: Anywhere along the Downtown Bend route—arrive early for the best views.
More Info:
Enjoy the Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Festival at Drake Park
After the parade, head over to Drake Park for the Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Festival—one of Bend’s most beloved summer events.
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Drake Park, Downtown Bend
What to Expect:
Live music and entertainment
Local food trucks and artisan vendors
Carnival games and family-friendly activities
More Info:
Get Active with Outdoor Adventures
Bend’s natural beauty makes it the perfect place to celebrate the Fourth of July outside.
Float the Deschutes River
A classic Bend summer experience, floating the Deschutes River is the perfect way to cool off.
Start at: Riverbend Park or Farewell Bend Park
End at: Drake Park or Mirror Pond
Tube & Paddleboard Rentals:
Hike to an Epic Viewpoint
Hit the trails for a Fourth of July hike with stunning views.
Pilot Butte Summit Trail – A short but steep hike leading to 360-degree views of Bend.
Tumalo Falls Trail – A scenic waterfall hike just outside of town.
Smith Rock State Park – An iconic Oregon hiking destination with dramatic rock formations.
More Info:
https://stateparks.oregon.gov
Go for a Bike Ride
Bend is one of the best biking cities in the country, and the Fourth of July is a great time to hit the trails.
Phil’s Trail Complex – Classic singletrack mountain biking just minutes from town.
Deschutes River Trail – A scenic paved path perfect for a casual ride.
Sunriver Bike Trails – Rent a bike and cruise the Sunriver Resort trail system.
More Info:
https://www.visitbend.com/listing/phils-trail
https://www.sunriverresort.com/biking
Fourth of July Festival & Bike Parade in Sunriver
Looking for a family-friendly celebration just outside of Bend? Sunriver’s Fourth of July Festival is a great option.
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: The Village at Sunriver
Activities Include:
Kids' Bike Parade
Games, contests, and pony rides
Live music and entertainment
Food vendors and beer garden
More Info:
Great Food & Drinks
Bend’s food and drink scene comes alive on the Fourth of July.
Brewery Hopping on the Bend Ale Trail
With over 30 breweries, Bend is a beer lover’s paradise.
Crux Fermentation Project – Huge lawn with mountain views and live music.
Deschutes Brewery Public House – A classic downtown Bend brewery with great food.
The Lot – A food truck pod with outdoor seating and rotating taps.
More Info:
Food Trucks & Outdoor Dining
On Tap Bend – Craft beer + amazing food trucks.
Bend Food Carts – A rotating selection of local food vendors.
Wild Rose – Authentic Northern Thai cuisine in downtown Bend.
More Info:
Catch a Fireworks Show
While Bend doesn’t have an official city fireworks display, there are still ways to see fireworks nearby.
Best Fireworks Shows Near Bend:
Sunriver Fireworks Show – Fireworks over Sunriver Resort.
Black Butte Ranch Fireworks – A smaller but scenic show north of Bend.
Eagle Crest Resort Fireworks – A family-friendly fireworks event in Redmond.
More Info:
Best Fourth of July Camping Spots Near Bend
For those looking to spend the holiday weekend outdoors, Bend offers great camping options. Many campgrounds book up early, so plan ahead.
Tumalo State Park – Located along the Deschutes River, just minutes from Bend
Elk Lake Campground – Lakeside camping with views of the Cascades
Sparks Lake Dispersed Camping – Free, first-come, first-served camping near scenic trails
Paulina Lake Campground – Near hot springs and waterfalls
More Info:
https://stateparks.oregon.gov
https://www.fs.usda.gov/deschutes
Scenic Drives for a Fourth of July Getaway
For those looking to escape the crowds and take in Oregon’s summer beauty, these scenic drives offer stunning landscapes and peaceful routes.
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway – A 66-mile drive past alpine lakes and mountains
McKenzie Pass Scenic Drive – A winding route through lava fields and forests
Newberry National Volcanic Monument – Drive through volcanic landscapes and stop at Paulina Falls
Smith Rock and Crooked River Scenic Drive – A route with towering rock formations and riverside views
More Info:
Dog-Friendly Fourth of July Activities
Many dogs are sensitive to fireworks, making it important to find quiet, pet-friendly locations.
Pet-Friendly Hiking Trails – Pilot Butte, Tumalo Falls, Benham Falls
Dog-Friendly Breweries – Crux Fermentation Project, 10 Barrel, Sunriver Brewing
Quiet Parks & Trails – Shevlin Park, Riley Ranch Nature Reserve
More Info:
Fourth of July Shopping & Markets
Local markets and shopping districts offer special events and holiday deals throughout the weekend.
Bend Farmers Market – Fresh local produce, flowers, and artisan goods
First Friday Art Walk (July 5, 2025) – Art displays and live music in downtown Bend
The Old Mill District – A mix of local boutiques and national brands
Bend Makers Market – Handmade jewelry, crafts, and gifts from local artisans
More Info:
Best BBQ & Fourth of July Food Specials
Many restaurants in Bend offer holiday-themed food and drink specials.
Bangers & Brews – Gourmet sausages with craft beer pairings
Baldy’s BBQ – Slow-smoked meats and classic sides
Greg’s Grill (Old Mill District) – Riverfront dining with Fourth of July specials
The Brown Owl – Casual outdoor dining with burgers and local brews
More Info:
Fourth of July in Bend, Oregon – FAQs
What are the best Fourth of July events in Bend?
The top events in Bend for Independence Day include:
Pet Parade (Downtown Bend) – A family-friendly parade where pets and their owners dress up in festive attire.
Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Festival (Drake Park) – Live music, food trucks, arts and crafts, and kids’ activities.
Fourth of July Festival & Bike Parade (Sunriver) – A bike parade, live entertainment, and games in The Village at Sunriver.
Where can I watch fireworks in Bend?
Bend does not have an official city fireworks show, but you can see displays at:
Sunriver Resort – The largest fireworks show near Bend.
Black Butte Ranch – A smaller fireworks display with scenic mountain views.
Eagle Crest Resort (Redmond) – A family-friendly fireworks show outside of Bend.
For the best views, consider hiking Pilot Butte or heading to a high elevation spot outside of town.
Can I set off my own fireworks in Bend?
No, personal fireworks are banned within the Bend city limits and in all of Deschutes County due to wildfire risk. Instead, attend a professional fireworks show or enjoy other non-fireworks celebrations.
What are the best outdoor activities to do on the Fourth of July in Bend?
Bend’s outdoor options make it an ideal place to celebrate Independence Day. Popular activities include:
Floating the Deschutes River – Start at Riverbend Park or Farewell Bend Park and float down to Drake Park.
Hiking – Popular trails include Tumalo Falls, Pilot Butte, and Smith Rock.
Mountain Biking – Trails at Phil’s Trail Complex and the Deschutes River Trail offer great riding.
Where can I camp near Bend for the Fourth of July?
Fourth of July weekend is a popular time for camping, and reservations fill up early. Some of the best campgrounds include:
Tumalo State Park – Just outside of Bend, along the Deschutes River.
Elk Lake Campground – Lakeside camping with stunning Cascade Mountain views.
Sparks Lake Dispersed Camping – Free camping with no reservations required.
For more camping details, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/deschutes.
What breweries or restaurants have special Fourth of July food and drink deals?
Many local spots offer holiday specials on food and drinks, including:
Crux Fermentation Project – Live music and a large outdoor lawn.
Deschutes Brewery – Classic Bend craft beer with seasonal specials.
Greg’s Grill (Old Mill District) – Holiday-themed menu with riverfront views.
Are there any dog-friendly Fourth of July activities?
Yes! If you’re bringing a dog, here are some pet-friendly options:
Dog-friendly breweries – 10 Barrel, Crux, and Sunriver Brewing all welcome pets.
Hiking trails with shade – Try Shevlin Park or Riley Ranch Nature Reserve to avoid the heat.
Avoid fireworks noise – Many dogs are sensitive to fireworks, so consider staying in quieter areas like the forest or a remote campground.
Where can I shop for Fourth of July souvenirs or local goods?
Bend Farmers Market – Fresh produce, artisan crafts, and holiday specials.
First Friday Art Walk (July 5, 2025) – Browse local artwork and handmade goods in downtown Bend.
The Old Mill District – A mix of local shops and national brands with special holiday sales.
Is downtown Bend crowded on the Fourth of July?
Yes, downtown Bend is very busy, especially for the Pet Parade and Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Festival. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, consider:
Going early in the morning – Hike Pilot Butte before the events start.
Exploring less crowded parks – Try Shevlin Park or the Cascade Lakes area.
Visiting breweries and restaurants before peak hours – Most places fill up by the afternoon.
What are the best ways to get around Bend on the Fourth of July?
Traffic and parking can be a challenge, so consider these options:
Bike or walk – Downtown streets are packed, but Bend’s bike-friendly layout makes it easy to get around.
Public transportation – Check Cascade East Transit for any holiday routes.
Rideshare or carpool – Uber and Lyft operate in Bend, but expect longer wait times.
