TAG: | Holiday

 

🎆 Sunriver

The Village at Sunriver: Bike Parade & Festival (11 am–3 pm)

Family-friendly bike parade—decorate your ride in red, white & blue; proceeds benefit local charities. bendparksandrec.org+10visitcentraloregon.com+10visitcentraloregon.com+10

Carnival-style festivities: live entertainment, pony rides, rock wall, balloon art, games and contests. Some activities cost $1–$5.

Fun Run & Additional Events

Join the 5K Fun Run (usually early morning), with a commemorative pint glass and post-race drink. 

Stick around for music in the Sunriver Resort Backyard (6:30–8:30 pm), complete with food and drinks available. villageatsunriver.com+5sunriverchamber.com+5facebook.com+5

Nearby Celebrations

No fireworks in Sunriver—but Bend’s spectacular show on Pilot Butte is easily visible with a short drive. 

Consider heading south to La Pine’s rodeo kickoff and fireworks. 

🎉 Bend

1. Bend Pet Parade (Start 8:30 am; Parade 9:30 am)

A Centuries-old tradition since 1924: dress up pets (or stuffed animals!), beginning at Harmon Park and finishing at Drake Park. sunriverchamber.com+4visitcentraloregon.com+4allthingsbend.org+4

Fun detail: lemonade and popsicles are handed out to participants. bendparksandrec.org+1tetherow.com+1

2. Bend Freedom Float (10 am–4 pm)

Float the Deschutes River from Riverbend Park to Drake Park with festive vibes. Don your red, white & blue and reserve your Ride the River shuttle pass. visitcentraloregon.com+1bendmagazine.com+1

3. Fireworks at Pilot Butte (10 pm)

A 20-minute fireworks extravaganza viewable from many spots—Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint, Providence Park, or Ponderosa Park. visitcentraloregon.com+3visitcentraloregon.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3

4. Celebration at Tetherow Resort

After the parade, head to Tetherow (noon–5 pm): enjoy slip‑n‑slides, bounce houses, crafts, lawn games, treats, fairy hair and water fun. tetherow.com+1bendmagazine.com+1

As evening falls, relax by fire pits with festive cocktails before watching the fireworks from the lodge’s vantage.

🌄 Outdoor & Dining Highlights

Scenic Day Trips

Benham Falls Trail (just north of Sunriver): an easy hike through forest to viewing platforms—great pre- or post-festival. 

In Bend: picnic and swim at Tumalo State Park by the Deschutes River. bendmagazine.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3visitcentraloregon.com+3

Soak up local quirk at Petersen Rock Garden, just north of Bend. en.wikipedia.org

Dining Spots 

Century Commons (Sunriver): Offering a unique blend of local craft beers, ciders, kombuchas on tap, and a diverse selection of food carts, we're set to become your new favorite spot. Whether you're craving a cold brew or a bite from our variety of on-site food carts, Century Commons has something for everyone.  Dining here is always a treat—delicious food, great atmosphere, and something for everyone to enjoy. You’ll leave full and already planning your next visit!

Explore the Old Mill District for dining, shopping, and strolling along scenic riverfront trails. visitcentraloregon.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2oldmilldistrict.com+2

🌤️ Weather Tips

Expect pleasant 75°F (24 °C) on July 4th, with sun to partly cloudy skies. Pack layers—nights can dip to the low 40s°F (~5 °C).

✅ Planning Pointers

Shuttle & parade logistics: For River floats and events like the Freedom Float, reserve your Ride the River shuttle pass in advance. visitcentraloregon.com

Fire safety: No personal fireworks in Bend or Sunriver—attend official displays only.

Pet care: For summer events like the Pet Parade, bring water/shade for your pet and review heat-safety tips.

Festival costs: Sunriver bike parade and games may charge $1–$5 per activity; festival entry may benefit charities.

✨ Final Take 

Celebrate Independence Day surrounded by towering pines, riverside trails, and small-town charm. From festive parades and river floats to scenic hikes and cozy meals, you’ll soak in the best of Central Oregon's summer magic.

The holidays in Central Oregon are unlike anything you have ever seen before. Want lights and decoration? We got it. Want indoor and outdoor activities? We got it. Want great food? We got it. Want snow? We certainly got it!

Central Oregon offers a vast array of activities during the holiday season, for both the outdoor enthusiast and the indoor addict. We can find way more than 12 days of festivities in this area, but hey, it’s the holidays, and what would the holidays be without the 12 days?!

Day 1: Mt. Bachelor
There is no better day than a day spent on the mountain. Mt. Bachelor, just 30 minutes from Sunriver, receives an average of 633 inches of snow a year! This fast-growing ski area provides easy to advance terrain, 101 runs, 11 chairs, and 4,323 skiable acres that the whole family will love. New to the sport? No worries! Lessons ranging from beginner to advanced are offered daily. Not into the cold? No problem! Relax with a good book in one of the 3 cozy lodges. Need something a little less taxing? No sweat! Take an exhilarating sled dog ride OR enjoy an easy snowshoe walk through the trees.
https://www.mtbachelor.com/

Day 2: Ice Skating and Ice Cream
Skating is a fun activity the whole family can enjoy! Sunriver’s ice rink is located right in the middle of the ever so popular village. It features open skates, skating games, and the best music to listen to! After an afternoon of zipping and gliding on the ice, walk right next door and enjoy some delicious treats and ice cream at Goody’s!
https://www.sunrivervillagefun.com/sunriver-ice-skating/

Day 3: Sunriver Sleigh Ride
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? Treat your family to a One-Horse Open Sleigh Ride next to the river and through the meadows of Sunriver! The views are indescribable, the horses are friendly as can be, and the memories are forever!
https://visitcentraloregon.com/event/sleigh-rides/

Day 4: SHARC Tubing and Swimming
Start your day off on the tubing hill! Two lanes, two people, one epic race! This family-friendly tubing hill features all you can ride, all day long! When the fingers and toes start to get a little chilly, walk right next door and jump into the heated pool. And the best part? Stay at one of our houses and get FREE access to both the tubing hill and the pool (see list of applicable homes).
https://www.sunriversharc.com/

Day 5: Nutcracker Ballet
Get into the spirit of the holidays with The Nutcracker. The Central Oregon School of Ballet presents the 34th annual production of The Nutcracker. The cast is comprised of over 150 local students and visiting professional dancers. It is a must-see holiday event!
https://www.visitbend.com/events/the-nutcracker-ballet-3/

Day 6: Winter Waterfall Palooza
Central Oregon is home to 8 breathtaking waterfalls. And guess what? They are even more breathtaking in the winter! The lands are frozen, the trees are snow kissed, and the water is crystal clear! Put on your winter hiking boots and see what each unique waterfall has to offer.
https://www.yourtravelspark.com/central-oregon-waterfalls/#chush

Day 7: Holiday Tree Lighting
Lights, decorations, live music, dancing, food, drinks, games and SANTA! Can you think of a better way to get into the holiday spirit? We sure can’t! Take a short drive to downtown Bend for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree. Snap a free picture with Santa, grab some food and hot chocolate, and sit by the fire as the community counts down the lighting of the tree. Don’t worry; if you miss the ceremony, just swing by downtown anytime during the holidays to see the tree and all its beauty!
https://www.visitbend.com/events/community-tree-lighting-and-free-santa-visits/

Day 8: Out on the Town
Central Oregon, or better known as the brewery capital of the world, is home to 33 breweries, each with their own unique selection of brews and food! If you are a food and drink guru, you will want to plan a day visiting the breweries in Bend and Sunriver. In between trips, make sure you head for downtown Bend and The Old Mill District for a unique shopping experience. It is a family-friendly day everyone will enjoy!
https://beermebend.com/
https://www.oldmilldistrict.com/
http://www.downtownbend.org/

Day 9: High Desert Museum
Enjoy a day of wildlife, history, and art at the High Desert Museum. This unique museum tells the stories of the High Desert’s diverse people and places through ever-changing exhibitions. There is always something new to see with 12 new exhibits every single year!
https://highdesertmuseum.org/

Day 10: Holiday Parade
The downtown Bend holiday parade is a Central Oregon tradition! With music, floats, dancing and entertainers, it is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Grab a cup of cocoa, find a seat, and watch the magic unfold!
http://bendchristmasparade.org/

Day 11: Holiday Brunch
Head on down to the Great Hall in Sunriver for a fun filled holiday brunch! Enjoy a festive spread of holiday favorites, and mingle with a fun mix of holiday characters. This family friendly event has been a Sunriver tradition for decades!
https://www.destinationhotels.com/sunriver-resort/activities/bend-oregon-activities/brunch-with-santa

Day 12: Sunriver Fitness and Aquatics
Love to swim? Love to surf? Love to rock climb? Head on down to Sunriver Fitness and Aquatics for an array of family friendly activities. This 30,000 square foot state of the art facility features a Flowrider, a full-size rock gym, a pool and hot tub, a workout room, and a café. It is the perfect way to keep warm while you gaze out at the winter wonderland.
https://www.sunriverfitnessandaquatics.com/

There is no better time of the year, and there is no better place to spend it than in Central Oregon! Bring your family, bring your friends, and see what this fast-growing, ever-changing area has to offer. We know that once you come, you will never want to leave!  Happy Holidays from all of us here at Mountain Resort Properties!