Where to Celebrate the Fourth of July Across the Columbia Gorge, 2026
The Dalles, Ore., July 2, 2026 — Communities across the Columbia River Gorge are preparing for a full day of Independence Day celebrations Saturday, offering everything from hometown parades and live music to demolition derbies, family festivals and spectacular fireworks displays as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Dalles
The Dalles' Fort Dalles Fourth celebration begins early with Rocket Run registration at 6:30 a.m. at Lewis & Clark Festival Park, followed by the 1-mile, 3K, and 5K races at 7 a.m. A free community breakfast in the Park begins at 8 a.m. and Yoga will follow at 9 a.m.
The annual Fourth of July Parade starts at 10 a.m. through downtown, followed by the Gorge Winds Concert Band in City Park. Throughout the afternoon, visitors can participate in Downtown Discovery Bingo while exploring downtown businesses.
Beginning at 5 p.m., Lewis & Clark Festival Park becomes the center of the celebration with food vendors, artisan booths, children's activities, a regional beer garden and live music from Whipsaw, The Strange Tones and That '90s Band. The day concludes with the Fort Dalles Fourth fireworks show over the Columbia River at 10 p.m.
Hood River
Hood River's annual Fourth of July Parade begins at 10 a.m., traveling from Pacific Avenue and 12th Street to May Street and 17th Street.
Following the parade, Jackson Park and the downtown area will host community festivities before the annual community-funded fireworks display begins at 10 p.m. over the Columbia River. Popular viewing locations include the Hood River Event Site and waterfront parks.
White Salmon and Bingen
White Salmon's annual community parade begins at 11 a.m. through downtown before ending at Rheingarten Park.
Music in the Park begins at noon with performances by the Whiskey Flats Brass Band and the Tillinghast Mountain Band. Community Partners will provide free cotton candy and snow cones, while veterans and their guests will have reserved covered seating. A military flyover is expected around 12:03 p.m.
Later in the evening, the Port of Klickitat will host public fireworks viewing at Bingen Point beginning at 8 p.m.
Stevenson and North Bonneville
The Skamania County Fairgrounds in Stevenson will host a free Independence Day celebration beginning at 7 p.m. featuring live music by the Big River Blues Band, food trucks and a professional fireworks display by Crazy Rays at 10 p.m. Parking and admission are free.
Nearby, North Bonneville's annual Gorge Days celebration features an 11 a.m. patriotic parade beginning at the ballfields and winding through town along Cascade Drive and Garrison.
Cascade Locks
Cascade Locks celebrates Independence Day at Marine Park with food vendors, family activities and a fireworks display over the Columbia River beginning at 10 p.m.
Because Stevenson sits directly across the river, visitors can often enjoy fireworks from both communities while watching from Cascade Locks. Overflow parking is typically available at local school fields, with parking fees benefiting nonprofit organizations.
Goldendale
Instead of fireworks, Goldendale's signature Fourth of July event is the annual Demolition Derby and Truck Tug O' War at the Klickitat County Fairgrounds.
Gates open at 10 a.m., opening ceremonies begin at 12:45 p.m., and competition starts at 1 p.m. The event features big cars, compact cars, trucks and tug-of-war competition with more than $9,000 in prize money.
The city will celebrate its 100th annual Goldendale Community Days the following weekend with a parade, carnival, car show and live entertainment.
Dufur
Those looking for a quieter Independence Day can visit the historic Balch Hotel in Dufur.
The hotel is hosting a weekend of live music instead of fireworks. Coyote Joe Sartin and Duane Nelson perform Friday evening with western music, cowboy poetry and storytelling. On Saturday, Megan Diana brings her "Dream Country Disco" performance featuring vintage country, pedal steel and Americana music.
The Gorge offers no shortage of ways to celebrate Independence Day, whether it's cheering on hometown parades, enjoying live music in local parks, watching demolition derby action or gathering along the Columbia River for some of the Northwest's most impressive fireworks displays. Arriving early is recommended for the largest events, especially waterfront fireworks shows and downtown parades.
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