Central Oregon has become something of a Fourth of July destination. Summer weather has finally kicked in, the river is begging for a float and the beer has never tasted more refreshing. Bend’s streets are plastered with red, white and blue, and there are tons of events and activities to choose from. Here’s where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Bend with floats, fireworks, festivals and good old-fashioned fun.
Join the Bend Pet Parade
Start Independence Day with a more-than-century-old Bend tradition: the beloved Bend Pet Parade. This festive march invites pets of all shapes and sizes (plus a few stuffed animals) to parade through downtown with their humans in tow. The event takes place on Friday, July 4, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Participants walk the route to Drake Park along the Deschutes River. The parade is free to attend or join, but please leave rabbits, cats, and aggressive animals at home. Read more about the history of the Bend Pet Parade.
Float the Deschutes River on the Bend Freedom Float
Floating the river is a Bend summer rite of passage. The Bend Freedom Float adds a bit of cool Americana fun. Start at the Park & Float station on 1000 SW Bradbury Way, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. You’ll make your way past the Old Mill District, through the Bend Whitewater Park, and finish at Drake Park. For a smooth return, purchase a Ride the River shuttle pass in advance to hop on between 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Consider wearing water shoes and packing sunscreen! Get tips on how to float the Deschutes River in Bend.
Go for a Lake Swim or Hit the Trails in Bend
Escape the heat with a refreshing dip in a high desert lake. Spend your day swimming or paddling at Sparks Lake, Elk Lake, or Devils Lake, each offering views of blue water and the Cascade Range and Mount Bachelor. The lakes also offer ample beach space, making them perfect for an all-day hangout. Some of the best summer hikes in Bend include trails with memorable views, such as Tumalo Falls, Green Lakes, and Pilot Butte. Parking is typically free or incurs a small fee, payable at trailheads, depending on your location and permit needs. There are 65 miles of trails within Bend’s city limits.
Beer Garden Fourth of July
For a more laid-back kind of Independence Day, Bend’s breweries are the place to be. Head to GoodLife Brewing to sip craft beer on the grass while playing corn hole. Bend Brewing Company offers riverside seating and picnic-style vibes. Over at Crux Fermentation Project, sprawl out and enjoy some food trucks and bocce ball. Worthy Brewing on Bend’s Eastside has plenty of seating, warm string lights to illuminate the space after sundown, and a third-floor observatory worth exploring.
Catch the Bend Freedom Ride
The Freedom Ride has evolved from an underground bike parade into an epic pre-party that winds its way through downtown Bend. Expect to see bicyclists sporting wigs, tutus, and often plenty of skin. Riders loosely gather at Pioneer Park around 11 a.m. The real energy often lies in the spontaneous chaos as the route unfolds toward Columbia Park (known as “Pirate Park” by many), where most revelers eventually land. Though it ends at a playground, the Freedom Ride is not for kids.
Celebrate Fourth of July at Central Oregon Resorts
Sunriver Resort
Sunriver Resort pulls out all the stops for the 4th of July with a weekend of family-friendly fun. In addition to the annual bike parade and festival in The Village from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the resort hosts several festive events. Bring your furry friend to the Patriotic Pets photo competition on July 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A Pickleball Partner Challenge on July 4 offers fun for all skill levels (solo players welcome). On July 5, sample local brews at the Red, White & Brew tasting from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunriver’s Fourth of July weekend festivities also include a Summer Concert Series and a sunset river float on Friday, July 3 at the marina.
Brasada Ranch
Brasada Ranch is celebrating the Fourth of July with a full day of family-friendly festivities on July 4. Highlights include a cookout featuring burgers, hot dogs, live music and lawn games, as well as pony rides and ranch activities in the Front Pasture. All-American festivities continue in the evening with a Barn Party complete with a corn dog food truck, s’mores, line dancing, a mechanical bull and roping activities for kids. Adults can sip poolside cocktails from Brim Bar while kids devour popsicles from Glory Pops. There will also be a special appearance by Reptile Zone.
Black Butte Ranch
Black Butte Ranch offers a day of classic American festivities on July 4. Enjoy a morning fun run, bike decorating and parade, flag ceremony, BBQ picnic, and live music on the Lakeside Lawn. Kids of all ages love the dunk a cop tank, slip ‘n slide, and old-fashioned games. Adults can try the latest golf gear during Golf Demo Day on the fourth, or unwind with poolside spa treatments. It’s a festive day filled with laid-back mountain charm.
Beyond Bend
For those looking to explore beyond Bend, neighboring cities throughout Central Oregon host their own unique Fourth of July celebrations. In Madras, the day kicks off with a community breakfast, followed by an old-school parade, flag ceremony, and festivities featuring local food and live music. La Pine’s Frontier Days runs from July 1–5 and is a beloved hometown festival complete with lawnmower races, an apple pie baking competition, living-history reenactments, and a fireworks display.
Redmond brings the fun with a patriotic downtown parade, a family-friendly fair, and a fireworks show at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds & Expo Center. Prineville hosts a vintage-style celebration with a parade, games, music, artisan vendors, and a grand finale of fireworks. In Sisters, the annual Sisters 4th Fest includes a pancake breakfast, a 3-mile fun run, a car show, a pie-eating contest, and live music, making it a charming spot for families and festive spirits alike.
Want some more ideas for your 4th of July weekend? Explore our full summer events calendar.
