June 26, 2025
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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 2025 calendar year
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@vsoutdoorsnaps
Chattanooga has a variety of events happening for the 4th of July. The 2025 Pops on the River includes a free outdoor concert by Chattanooga Soul at 6:00 p.m. July 3 in Coolidge Park, followed by a patriotic performance by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera 7:20 p.m. leading up to a large fireworks display at 9:45 p.m. Find fireworks at the Collegedale Freedom Festival July 3 beginning at 4 p.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m.; at the Chattanooga Lookouts game against the Birmingham Barons 7:15 p.m. July 4 at AT&T Stadium as part of Fireworks Fridays running now through September 2025; The City of Dunlap Homecoming Day at has fireworks at dusk; and Soddy Daisy Independence Day Celebration July 5 with fireworks at dark at the Soddy Lake Recreation Complex.
The Independence Day Celebration & Anvil Shoot looks at how rural residents celebrated the nation's independence 10-3 p.m. July 4, 2025 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 4:30 p.m. July 4, 2025 at Covered Bridge Park. The patriotic opening includes the National Anthem, 21 Gun Salute and the Pledge of Allegiance. Then, enjoy live music, free inflatables for the kids to enjoy, dance performances and an incredible fireworks finale at approximately 9:30 p.m.
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Visit Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is the location to experience the "first July 4th parade in the nation," celebrating 50 years of fireworks, floats and fun, as it begins at 12:01 a.m. on July 4, 2025. This year's grand marshal is rising country music talent Logan Crosby. 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 a 200 drones show with patriotic themes launching from the top of the Convention Center at approximately 9:50 p.m. displaying 12 scenes over approximately 10 minute span and the Fireworks Finale from the Space Needle beginning at 10 p.m.
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@johnsoncityaerialphotography
Johnson City throws a huge, free July 4, 2025 celebration with major sponsor PepsiCo Beverages North American of Johnson City. The annual Independence Day Fireworks Celebration takes place on the grounds of Freedom Hall Civil Center. Kids will love the Touch-A-Truck event featuring various emergency response vehicles, Kids' Zone area with games, crafts, Carnival Cove and Yard Game Alley. Toddler Turf features games for toddler-aged children. Cotton candy and popcorn will be given out while supplies last.
Tennessee’s Oldest Town celebrates the annual Jonesborough Days July 3-5, 2025 in downtown Jonesborough. The Late-Night Swim and Glow Party 7:30-9 p.m. July 3 with a live DJ, concessions, giveaways, and a glow party with loads of glow sticks and light up fun. Get tickets here. Be there for the local 4th of July parade at 10 a.m. that kicks off activities, live music, a market full of local crafts, contests including the annual MoonPie eating contest, watermelon social and so much more. The Fireworks Finale takes place 10 p.m. July 5.
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@hillsandhollers_photography
Plan your July 4th weekend in Knoxville to experience Festival on the 4th at World's Fair Park 5-10 p.m. July 4, 2025. The free celebration includes music, food, family-friendly activities will take place. Play miniature golf, axe-throwing 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.
Celebrate the annual Colonial Independence Day on July 5, 2025 at Rocky Mount State Historic Site. The event starts at 10 a.m. with the Reading of the Constitution by historic Governor Blount, the decorating of the Liberty tree, yard games, crafts, demonstrations, food trucks and more. Experience early settler activities through living history tours held throughout the day. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 11 and up. Kids ages 10 and under are admitted free.
The City of Clarksville will celebrate with the 2025 Independence Day Celebration 5 pm. July 3, 2025 at Liberty Park. Clarksville is kicking it old school with throwback fun like chill zones, face painting and games for kids, '90s music from Mollihart, Jax Hollow, Saved By The Music and a classic fireworks finale. Summer food staples like burgers, barbecue, funnel cakes and cold drinks are nostalgia on a plate.
Franklin on the Fourth 2025 is an annual celebration of America’s independence featuring family-friendly activities on July 4, 2025 in historic downtown Franklin. The Patriotic Pet Parade kicks off festivities at 10:30 a.m. and the Children's Parade marches down Main Street at 5 p.m. Enjoy free games, cornhole, an expanded food zone, crafts and music. 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, 2025. A 5K, live music all day featuring The Filthy Heathens, Lily Grace, Caleb and Leann, Landon McFaddon and Cherokee Hope. The awesome fireworks show synchronized to music kicks off at 9:15 p.m.
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 free concerts by headliner Dierks Bentley along with performances by Russell Dickerson, Niko Moon, Grace Bowers, Keesha Rainey and more. The free event also includes the Amazon Family Fun Zone featuring the Crav'n Flavor Craft Tent, Gibson Gives instrument petting zoo, an Under the Sea bounch house, Spider Web, a 4-man bungee jump, a home run challenge, a Farmyard Kiddie playland idea for children ages 6 and under and so much more.
Visit Pickwick Landing State Park July 4, 2025 for ranger-led activities, Patriotic Pup Costume Contest, raptor shows, food, craft vendors and so much more. 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.
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@memphistravel
The highly anticipated, free Independence Day on the River 4th of July celebration in Memphis returns July 4, 2025 at three scenic locations: River Garden Park, Fourth Bluff Park and Riverside Drive full of live entertainment, games, festive activities and food trucks. The fireworks spectacular kicks off at 9 p.m. from Mud Island River Park, visible from across downtown. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the dazzling display.
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, 2025. Celebrate our nation's independence with the welcome dinner and dance party July 4 at Presley Motors at Elvis Presley's Memphis, Emilio Santoro and Shawn Klush: Elvis Tribute Concert 7 p.m. July 5 and then enjoy the All-American Party & Elvis Fireworks Extravaganza 7:30 p.m. with DJ music, behind-the-scenes stories and rare insights into Elvis and his time at Graceland, and a 9 p.m. Elvis-themed fireworks show.
Step back in time at Discovery Park of America on July 4-5, 2025. Watch a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party, hear the ringing of the replica Liberty Bell, reading of the Declaration of Independence, participate in a patriotic community sing, meet live historians and enjoy more activities throughout the park. Free admission to veterans and active-duty military personal and their immediate family members on both days will be offered.
Festival of the Lakes celebrates July 4, 2025 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.
