Bend Park and Recreation District Community Events

The District offers several community events each year including our Old Fashioned July 4th Pet Parade & Festival, Discover Nature Day, Wellness Fair and more!

Old Fashioned July 4th Pet Parade & Festival | Free | Going Plan V for Virtual in 2020 – check back for more!

Normally, you’d be invited to join us for a Bend tradition dating back to 1932 – a July 4th filled with old fashioned fun, food and festivities brought to you by Bend Park & Recreation District. The day begins with a pancake breakfast and the ever-popular Pet Parade where dogs, wagons, bicycles and stuffed animal walk the 1.5 mile parade through downtown Bend, Oregon. Then after the Pet Parade, residents head over to Drake Park  to enjoy live music, local artisans crafts, food carts and free old fashioned fun and games for the kiddos and kid’s at heart.

But this year, it’s different. Due to the Governor’s orders that prohibit large events, the parade and festival can’t be held in downtown and the park. So, the events are going Plan V for virtual and we’re busy crafting up ideas for celebrating our community and our nation’s independence together.

Check back for more details as plans come to fruition!

Days of Play | Ages: 4 – 10 | Free | Canceled for 2020

Presented by Bend Park and Recreation Foundation

Sponsored by the Bend Park and Recreation Foundation, Days of Play runs at various parks in the community on weekdays from June through August. Children in the community have the opportunity to participate in crafts, water play, field games, sports activities and much more. Come enjoy these great recreational activities at no cost.

Days of Play parks are also Bend-La Pine School District summer lunch program locations, too!

Note: This program may be canceled without prior notice due to bad weather. Days of Play is not a daycare program and should not be used as such. Every child under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a person over the age of 16. This program does not require registration. Children may come and go as they wish. Because of the popularity of this program, take-home activities will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis and limited to one per child.

Let’s Picnic | All ages | Free | Canceled for 2020

It’s time again for Let’s Picnic!  held July through August on fun-filled Wednesday evenings in your neighborhood! And, it’s all for FREE!

Pack a picnic and gather with friends and family for a delightful evening of live music, games and art activities in your local park! To top it all off, we’ll even bring the ice cream treats! Feel free to bring a blanket and/or chairs (please no glass or alcohol).