Bend rang in the Independence Day weekend in spectacular fashion, with more than 100 drones illuminating the night sky over the city in an early Fourth of July celebration. The drone light show offered residents a dazzling, community-wide spectacle to mark the holiday — a modern twist on traditional fireworks that drew eyes skyward across the region.

The aerial display was part of a festive stretch of summer programming in Bend, a city that has been embracing creative ways to bring the community together. Whether families gathered in backyards, parks, or open spaces, the synchronized drone show gave Central Oregonians a shared moment of wonder to kick off the holiday weekend.

Adding to the summer spirit, Bend’s beloved Munch & Music series also got underway this week, with Moontricks taking the stage to open the popular outdoor concert and dining tradition. Munch & Music has long been a warm-weather staple for locals looking to enjoy live music alongside food in a relaxed, community-friendly setting — and this year’s kickoff continued that tradition in style.

Together, the drone show and the return of Munch & Music signal a lively summer ahead for Bend, with residents finding plenty of reasons to gather, celebrate, and enjoy everything the high desert city has to offer.

Sources: Central Oregon Daily, bendbulletin.com