America 250: Central Oregon Communities Plan Full Slate of Activities for Independence Day

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon is preparing for a busy Fourth of July weekend as Bend and Redmond join celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday with parades, live music, family activities and fireworks.

In Bend, the festivities kick off the morning of July 4 and stretch into the evening, with a slate of events that includes the Pet Parade, the Freedom Ride and Float, a free open house at the Deschutes Historical Museum and fireworks above Pilot Butte at 10 p.m.

The Pet Parade remains one of Bend’s most recognizable holiday traditions, bringing costumed pets and their owners through downtown. The Freedom Ride and Float adds a more spontaneous local twist to the holiday, while the museum’s open house offers a chance to mark the nation’s milestone with a look at local history.

The Bend Elks also are hosting fireworks-related games at Vince Genna Stadium over the holiday weekend, giving fans another way to celebrate.

Redmond will begin celebrating a day earlier. On Friday, July 3, Centennial Park will host a free, family-friendly kickoff from 4 to 8 p.m. featuring live music, food and activities. The celebration continues July 4 with a parade and fireworks.

Together, the events highlight how Central Oregon communities are marking the nation’s semiquincentennial with hometown traditions and public gatherings that bring residents together.

Bend events

• Pet Parade, July 4.
• Freedom Ride and Float, July 4.
• Deschutes Historical Museum free open house, July 4.
• Bend Elks fireworks-related games at Vince Genna Stadium, over the holiday weekend.
• Pilot Butte fireworks show, July 4 at 10 p.m.

Redmond events

• Centennial Park kickoff, Friday, July 3, from 4 to 8 p.m.

• Redmond parade and fireworks, July 4.

Reported: June 29, 2026 at 11:26 A.M.

Central Oregon communities, including Bend and Redmond, are preparing to celebrate the United States' 250th birthday this Fourth of July with numerous events. The festivities will feature parades, festivals, live music, family-friendly activities and fireworks displays across the region.

These celebrations are planned to honor the milestone anniversary, reflecting on two and a half centuries of history, independence and community.

Organizers stated this year's celebrations carry extra meaning as the country commemorates its significant anniversary. Residents and visitors will find a wide range of planned events designed to mark the historic occasion.

The holiday weekend will offer a variety of ways to participate, from longtime favorites to new additions.

KTVZ's Tracee Tuesday is taking an early look at the upcoming events, highlighting some of the biggest festivities and returning traditions for the holiday weekend.

City leaders and event organizers are emphasizing safety and community connection. They are encouraging people to plan ahead, celebrate responsibly and come together for the historic observance.

Viewers can watch the full report tonight at 6 p.m. on KTVZ, an NBC affiliate, for a closer look at how Central Oregon is celebrating America at 250.