News and Events
Here’s What’s Going on This Fourth of July in Bend
Fourth of July is here and we have plenty of exciting events coming up to celebrate in Central Oregon! Here’s what’s going on this Fourth of July in Bend —and where you can grab all of your gear.
Old Fashioned Festival
Bend Park & Recreation District are gearing up to host their annual July 4th Old Fashioned Festival. Festivities start 8am at Drake Park with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Lion’s Club. The party continues with a pet-parade and an all-day picnic and festivities for the whole family.
Festivities include hula-hoop contests, old-fashioned gunnysack races, carnival games, a water balloon toss, and visits from local helicopters and firetrucks. The festival runs from 11am-4pm at Drake Park downtown.
Grab your picnic supplies at World Market (including baskets, blankets, and decor) then stock up on flowers, crackers, cheeses, olives, and prosciutto from Trader Joe’s to lay out the perfect picnic spread at the park!
Pet Parade
Following the pancake breakfast, the pet parade, an annual tradition that dates back to the 1930’s, features costumed kids and pets marching through town. Join us at 9:30am at Drake Park where we’ll decorate our pets together before the parade.
The pet parade will leave at 10am and will circle through downtown before returning to Drake Park for the remainder of the festivities. Enjoy live music, local food vendors, and a series of old fashioned games the whole family will love.
Don’t forget to decorate your dog: The PetSmart at Cascade Village has everything you need to deck your pets out for the festivities. This is your chance to go above and beyond that Fourth of July bandana.
Firecracker 100k
Starting in nearby Prineville, the 17th annual Firecracker 100k is a 100 kilometer road ride that follows the Crook River Canyon Scenic Bikeway to the Prineville Reservoir and then out to Brasada Ranch (see the route here) before returning to Prineville for further festivities.
Participants will enjoy three snack and beverage stations along the way and a host of good company. Registration is $25 per person.
And in case you need to stock up on your riding essentials: Dick’s Sporting Goods has all the cycling shorts and jersey’s you need to keep comfortable in the heat (as well as any flare you might want to add to your cycling kit for the holiday), and Famous Footwear has the lock down on festive socks and athletic shoes.
Stop by GNC while you’re at it to stock up on supplements that will keep you well hydrated before, during, and after your epic ride.
And that’s what’s going on this Fourth of July in Bend. Enjoy your holiday weekend. We look forward to seeing you at the celebration!