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Bend's Fourth of July Weekend: Fireworks, Arts, and Small-Town Celebrations Across Central Oregon
Published 9 months, 3 weeks ago
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Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for Thursday, July 3rd, 2025.
Fourth of July excitement is sweeping Bend and the surrounding areas, and the energy is building for a long weekend of celebration and activity. Whether you are looking for family fun, arts and culture, or a night out with friends, there’s something happening for everyone.
The festivities kick off tonight with a special 4th of July Paint n Sip at the Bend RV Resort. From 6 to 8 p.m., you can get creative while enjoying the holiday spirit, all supplies included, just bring your enthusiasm. It’s a festive way to start the weekend and maybe even create your own red, white, and blue masterpiece.
But the heart of the holiday weekend is, of course, the fireworks show over Pilot Butte. Expect locals and visitors alike to gather for what has become one of Bend’s brightest traditions. Fireworks are set to light up the sky after dark, so plan to arrive early if you want a good spot, and be prepared for a truly spectacular show that can be seen from all around the city.
For those looking to venture a little further, Redmond will hold its annual parade, while Prineville is hosting the action-packed Splash-N-Dash, a four-leg event promising lots of fun for competitors and spectators alike. La Pine is drawing visitors with its all-day Frontier Days, featuring live music, parades, plenty of food, and a classic rodeo with barrel racing and bull riding. It’s a great excuse to check out some of our neighboring communities and get a taste of classic small-town holiday celebration.
If arts and culture are more your speed, remember that most First Friday Art Walk events in downtown Bend have been moved to July 11th to avoid conflicting with Independence Day. However, on Saturday the High Desert Museum is opening Art in the West, a juried exhibit and silent auction that celebrates the culture and natural beauty of the High Desert region. It’s a perfect way to soak up some local inspiration and maybe even take home a piece of the great American West.
Looking ahead to early next week, the creative streak continues with a workshop on photographing artwork at Scalehouse on Monday evening—perfect for aspiring artists or anyone wanting to document their creative process. Also Monday, poetry lovers can stop by Paulina Springs Books in Sisters for The Pause Button, an open gathering where you’re invited to read or listen to favorite poems in a relaxed setting.
A reminder to watch for ongoing roadwork throughout town, especially as traffic increases for the holiday weekend. The City of Bend urges everyone to stay patient and plan a little extra time for your travels.
Finally, on a somber note, local authorities ask for continued caution on area highways after a fatal crash earlier this week near Sisters. Let’s keep safety top of mind as we enjoy the festivities and travel throughout Central Oregon.
That’s a wrap on what’s happening around Bend today and into the weekend. However you celebrate, be safe and enjoy all that our beautiful community has to offer. This has been Bend Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Fourth of July excitement is sweeping Bend and the surrounding areas, and the energy is building for a long weekend of celebration and activity. Whether you are looking for family fun, arts and culture, or a night out with friends, there’s something happening for everyone.
The festivities kick off tonight with a special 4th of July Paint n Sip at the Bend RV Resort. From 6 to 8 p.m., you can get creative while enjoying the holiday spirit, all supplies included, just bring your enthusiasm. It’s a festive way to start the weekend and maybe even create your own red, white, and blue masterpiece.
But the heart of the holiday weekend is, of course, the fireworks show over Pilot Butte. Expect locals and visitors alike to gather for what has become one of Bend’s brightest traditions. Fireworks are set to light up the sky after dark, so plan to arrive early if you want a good spot, and be prepared for a truly spectacular show that can be seen from all around the city.
For those looking to venture a little further, Redmond will hold its annual parade, while Prineville is hosting the action-packed Splash-N-Dash, a four-leg event promising lots of fun for competitors and spectators alike. La Pine is drawing visitors with its all-day Frontier Days, featuring live music, parades, plenty of food, and a classic rodeo with barrel racing and bull riding. It’s a great excuse to check out some of our neighboring communities and get a taste of classic small-town holiday celebration.
If arts and culture are more your speed, remember that most First Friday Art Walk events in downtown Bend have been moved to July 11th to avoid conflicting with Independence Day. However, on Saturday the High Desert Museum is opening Art in the West, a juried exhibit and silent auction that celebrates the culture and natural beauty of the High Desert region. It’s a perfect way to soak up some local inspiration and maybe even take home a piece of the great American West.
Looking ahead to early next week, the creative streak continues with a workshop on photographing artwork at Scalehouse on Monday evening—perfect for aspiring artists or anyone wanting to document their creative process. Also Monday, poetry lovers can stop by Paulina Springs Books in Sisters for The Pause Button, an open gathering where you’re invited to read or listen to favorite poems in a relaxed setting.
A reminder to watch for ongoing roadwork throughout town, especially as traffic increases for the holiday weekend. The City of Bend urges everyone to stay patient and plan a little extra time for your travels.
Finally, on a somber note, local authorities ask for continued caution on area highways after a fatal crash earlier this week near Sisters. Let’s keep safety top of mind as we enjoy the festivities and travel throughout Central Oregon.
That’s a wrap on what’s happening around Bend today and into the weekend. However you celebrate, be safe and enjoy all that our beautiful community has to offer. This has been Bend Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI