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Check out what Tennessee has in store for the most patriotic weekend in the nation.
Tennessee pulls out all the stops this year to celebrate American freedom. Independence Day in the Volunteer State will host the very first July 4th parade in the nation; the largest Independence Day celebration in the country; community events that exude quaint charm; and, of course, lots of fireworks. Check out what Tennessee has in store for the most patriotic weekend in the nation.
*Dates reflect the 2024 calendar year
Chattanooga has a variety of events happening for the 4th of July. The 2024 Pops on the River includes a free outdoor concert by Love, Peace & Happiness at 4:30 p.m. July 3 in Coolidge Park, followed by a patriotic performance by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera leading up to a large fireworks display. Find fireworks at the Collegedale Freedom Festival July 3 beginning at 4 p.m.; at the Chattanooga Lookouts game against the Tennessee Smokies 7:15 p.m. July 4 at AT&T Stadium; The City of Dunlap Fireworks Display at Pleasant View Park; and Soddy Daisy Independence Day Celebration July 6 with fireworks at dark.
The Independence Day Celebration & Anvil Shoot looks at how rural residents celebrated the nation's independence 9-3 p.m. EST July 4, 2024 at the Museum of Appalachia. Shooting the anvil has become the highlight of this event as the earth shakes following a huge blasting sound. Anvil shoots were once a popular way for pioneers to celebrate holidays and special occasions. Live music, southern food, blacksmith demonstrations, beekeepers, dulcimer makers, spinners and weavers are just some of the additional sights you can see to round out the family-friendly, unforgettable experience.
If you want small town charm with a side of Independence Day celebrations, visit Elizabethton, Tennessee 4 p.m. July 4, 2024 at Covered Bridge Park. Participate in the Independence Day Patriotic Pedal; decorate your bike to compete for trophies. Then, enjoy live performances, patriotic pup pageant, dance team recitals, free inflatables for the kids to enjoy and more.
Gatlinburg is the location to experience the "first July 4th parade in the nation" as it begins at 12:01 a.m. ET July 4, 2024. This year's grand marshal is ACM Awards New Male Artist of the Year nominee and gold-selling country music hitmaker Conner Smith. Smith will pregame the holiday early with a meet and greet at Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler 2 p.m. July 3. The award-winning Fourth of July Midnight Parade is full of floats, patriotic displays and balloons down the Parkway. Stick around for festivities during the day including the annual River Raft Regatta, a race of unmanned floatables down the Little Pigeon River. The night ends with the Fireworks Finale from the Space Needle, beginning at 10 p.m.
Johnson City throws a huge July 4, 2024 bash with major sponsor PepsiCo Beverages North American of Johnson City. The 37th annual Independence Day Fireworks Celebration takes place on the grounds of Freedom Hall Civil Center. Enjoy live music from Noah Spencer, Drew Baldridge, Tigirlily Gold and fireworks at 10:05 p.m. along with crafts, activities for kids and food vendors. New this year is a sensory space for those with autism and other sensory processing challenges that will be staffed with therapists and volunteers. Carnival-style games and a Kids' Zone will be included in the festivities.
Tennessee’s Oldest Town celebrates the annual Jonesborough Days July 4-6, 2024 in downtown Jonesborough. A bluegrass themed dinner with a menu to match kicks off the weekend of festivities Thursday, June 29 in Jimmy Neil Smith Park behind the International Storytelling Center. Get tickets here. Be there for the parade July 4 at 10 a.m. that starts activities, live music, a market full of local crafts, contests including the annual MoonPie eating contest, watermelon social and more.
Plan your July 4th weekend in Knoxville to experience Festival on the 4th at World's Fair Park 5-10 p.m. July 4, 2024. Music, food, family-friendly activities will take place. Kids can play miniature golf with Holes to Go and enjoy paddle boats in the lake at World's Fair Park. The musical finale at 8 p.m. - a free concert - will be performed by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra with fireworks starting at 9:45 p.m.
The City of Clarksville will celebrate with the 2024 Independence Day Celebration 5 pm. July 3, 2024 at Liberty Park. Live music, inflatables, carnival games and food set the stage for Clarksville's largest fireworks display over the river that begin around 9:30 p.m. The inaugural City of Clarksville Independence Parade will be filled with floats, bands and entertainment 10-11 a.m. July 4, 2024.
Franklin on the Fourth is an annual celebration of America’s independence featuring family-friendly activities on July 4, 2024 in downtown Franklin. Music will be performed 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A patriotic pet parade happens at 10:30 a.m. followed by free games and corn hole, a 5 p.m. children's parade, free games, crafts and tasty food will round out the festivities. Catch the incredible fireworks display at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm.
The Old Gray Event Center and Amphitheater hosts Fire on the Mountain July 5. The event starts at 3 p.m. with food, local vendors, bounce houses and a fireworks show when the sun goes down. Downtown Monterey will have games, food and live music beginning at 5:30 p.m. with performances by Bayker Blankenship, Braden Wall and Chad Hancock.
Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4 is one of the nation’s largest July 4 celebrations. Nashville has one of the largest fireworks show in the country, synchronized to a live performance by the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony. Leading up to the fireworks, catch live music by headliner Chris Young along with performances by YOLA, Girl Named Tom, Blessing Offor and more. The free event also includes the Amazon Family Fun Zone with a 22-foot slide, a wipeout interactive inflatable, an obstacle course, a Spider Web, 4-man bungee jump, home run challenge, a Farmyard Kiddie playland for kids ages 6 and under, three balloon artists and face painters.
Visit Pickwick Landing State Park July 4, 2024 for ranger-led activities, food and craft vendors. Then, enjoy views of the 9 p.m. fireworks show, launching from Pickwick Landing State Park's Sandy Beach (closed to spectators for safety), near and around the Inn, Circle Beach, from the golf course hillside bank, the playground and shelter one hillside bank areas.
Festival of the Lakes celebrates July 4, 2024 with fireworks, music entertainment, water activities and food. Be there for the free event at Beech Lake. At 9 p.m. a stunning, 30-minute fireworks show will take place, viewable from around town.
Head to the King of Rock n' Roll's palace, Elvis Presley's Graceland, for an All-American Elvis-inspired fireworks extravaganza July 4-6, 2024. Celebrate our nation's independence with the welcome dinner and dance party at The Guest House at Graceland Ballroom, "G.I. Blues" screening, "Jailhouse Rock" screening, Elvis tribute concert featuring Cote Deonath, Memphis music salute, a performance by the American Army Band and the All-American Party & Elvis Fireworks Extravaganza featuring stories of Elvis and Graceland and a fireworks display set to Elvis music when the sun sets.
Step back in time at Discovery Park of America on July 4, 2024 to interact with living historians, be part of the Boston Tea Party, participate in the "Ringing of the Bell" ceremony, reading of the Declaration of the Independence and more. Enjoy colonial games and activities and a community sing of patriotic songs throughout the park as well.
Nashville is full of music, delicious food, rich history and scenic views.
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