Tennessee Rocks July 4 Celebrations

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.

East Tennessee

Chattanooga

Chattanooga has a variety of events happening for the 4th of July. Kick off the weekend with the Nightfall Concert Series at Miller Park 7 p.m. July 1, 2022 where you can hear local musicians, enjoy artisans, food and free kid-friendly entertainment. The popular Pops on the River at Coolidge Park is back and starts at 5 p.m. July 2, 2022 and features outdoor concerts, local food and drinks and a beautiful fireworks display over the Tennessee River. On Saturday, July 2, 2022, enjoy the free live concert series Riverfront Nights at Ross's Landing 7-10 p.m. with various food. Then, on July 3, 2022 4-10 p.m. the Collegedale Freedom Celebration at Collegedale Commons features food trucks, live entertainment, a petting zoo, inflatables, trackless train, face painting, and more. End the family fun with fireworks at 9:30 pm.  

Museum of Appalachia - Clinton

The Independence Day Celebration & Anvil Shoot looks at how rural residents celebrated the nation's independence July 4, 2022 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. Anvil shoots are scheduled for 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. 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. 

Elizabethton

If you want small town charm with a side of Independence Day celebrations, visit Elizabethton, Tennessee as July 4, 2022 is commemorated with the National Anthem, 21 Gun Salute and Pledge of Allegiance at Covered Bridge Park. Then, the live performances begin along with a patriotic bike parade, beauty pageant, dance team recitals, free inflatables for the kids to enjoy and more. 

Gatlinburg

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, 2022. 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

Johnson City throws on two huge July 4 bashes you'll want to be a part of during the holiday weekend. Begin the festivities at Friday's after 5 on July 1, 2022, a free summer concert series in King Commons Park with Rebekah Todd headlining the event. Then, attend the Pepsi Independence Day Celebration July 3, 2022 starting at 7 p.m. Enjoy live music, food and a beer garden featuring Mountain Dew's newest hard seltzers. Fireworks start at 9:55 p.m.

Jonesborough

Tennessee’s Oldest Town celebrates the annual Jonesborough Days June 30-July 3, 2022 in downtown Jonesborough. A low country shrimp boil kicks off the weekend of festivities Thursday, June 30 with entertainment by The Jonesborough Novelty Band which is a local favorite for their sing-a-long, interactive atmosphere. Be there for the parade July 2 at 10 a.m. that starts activities, music, contests and more. Fireworks starting at 10 p.m. July 3 wrap up the celebration. 

Knoxville

Plan your July 4th weekend in Knoxville to experience Festival on the 4th at World's Fair Park 5-10 p.m. July 4, 2022. 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, a free concert, will be performed by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra with fireworks starting at 9:35 p.m. The historic Mabry-Hazen House will host an old-fashioned 4th of July celebration July 4, 2022 as well. Enjoy great views of the fireworks happening around the city, food and local beer, live music, games like three-legged race, watermelon seed spitting contests, sack races, corn hole and tours of the 1858 house. Lawn chairs and blankets can be brought to spread out on the home's seven acres.

Middle Tennessee

Clarksville

The City of Clarksville will celebrate with the 2022 Independence Day Celebration 5 pm. July 3, 2022 at Liberty Park. Live music, inflatables, games and food set the stage for fireworks over the river that begin around 9:30 p.m. Kick off the weekend July 1, 2022 with a free concert by America's Heart Tribute Band, Barracuda, at Downtown Commons. Local music starts at 6 p.m. with Barracuda taking the stage at 7 p.m.

Cookeville

Celebrate America with Cookeville’s fun, festive and free Red, White & BOOM July 4th Celebration July 2 and July 4. Cookeville knows how to put on a show for our country’s independence through a variety of activities. A classic car cruise-in, parade, patriotic program and performances by Jake Hoot, The Smoky Nights and Resurrection - A Journey Tribute. Then, the second largest fireworks show in Tennessee lights up the night sky.

Franklin

Franklin on the Fourth is an annual celebration of America’s independence featuring family-friendly activities on July 4, 2022 in downtown Franklin. Music will be performed and crafts, endless food options and entertainment will be highlights of the day. When you get hungry, nosh on barbecue or nachos, corndogs and roasted corn on the cob. Stay tuned in to the Franklin on the Fourth event page for the 2022 schedule.

Monterey

The Old Gray Event Center and Amphitheater is the newest open-air entertainment venue in the Upper Cumberland featuring over 75 acres. Their first event, Freedom Fest takes place July 1-2, 2022 with live music entertainment by Chris Janson, Ty Herndon, Andy Griggs and Darryl Worley. Tickets are $35 and a two-day pass is $50. Friday night ends in a fireworks show and a wide array of craft, local business and food vendors will be onsite both days. A barbecue cook-off will take place Saturday afternoon with live music from opening acts beginning at 3 p.m.

Nashville

One of the nation’s largest July 4 celebrations happens in Music City. Nashville is planning the largest fireworks show in Nashville history, synchronized to a live performance by the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony. The free Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th event in downtown Nashville starts noon on July 3 with free music until 6 p.m. Celebrations continue with July 4 performances by Gramps Morgan, Cassadee Pop, Levi Hummon and more. Headliner Old Dominion will keep you dancing until the largest fireworks show in Nashville history. A Family Fun Zone opens noon to 5 p.m. with music and kid-friendly activities. Check off your must-see attractions before the fireworks with the Total Access Pass. Choose four attractions to visit from over 30 popular options and receive two bonus attractions for free, plus several special offers to even more activities. 

Celebrate July 4 like a Nashville local at The Germantown Inn. The only hotel in Music City's historic Germantown neighborhood, the locally owned property is in a two-story, Federal-style home that was constructed in 1865 and reimagined into a boutique hotel in 2016 with 10 guestrooms, historic charm and a modern design. The Germantown Inn’s proximity to downtown Nashville also makes it ideal for sightseers to spend an afternoon on Lower Broadway before watching the Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th fireworks show from the hotel's private Rooftop Veranda. 

The W Nashville, Nashville’s newest luxury hotel located in the vibrant Gulch neighborhood, is offering the Let Threedom Ring Package June 30-July 5, 2022, which includes 20 percent off a modern-luxe suite for three nights minimum and exclusive access to W Nashville's 4th of July events including a cookout, brunch, pool party and firework viewing from one of the best rooftops in town. 

Ole Red Nashville will offer great views of the fireworks during the "Ole Red, White and Blue" rooftop party featuring signature cocktails, specialty dishes inspired by Blake Shelton and live music. Tickets are on sale now and include rooftop access for the fireworks show.

Margaritaville Hotel Nashville has tons of activities planned for the July 4 weekend. Food and drink specials, including boozy activations, will take place at FINS July 2, 2022 with a DJ performing from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A blow-up screen on the pool deck will broadcast Nashville's fireworks show July 4, 2022. Check out the fun and festive cocktails that will be featured at JWB Grill.

West Tennessee

Collierville

Collierville's Independence Day Celebration takes place July 2 at HW Cox Park. Celebrate with food vendors at 6:30 p.m., entertainment starting at 7 p.m. and a fireworks show, one of the largest in the Mid-South, choreographed to an 18-minute musical salute by the TN Mass Choir at 9:30 p.m. 

Pickwick Landing State Park - Counce

Visit Pickwick Landing State Park July 4, 2022 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. Additionally, the town of Saltillo will also have a fireworks show at the Tennessee River bank on July 4, 2022 at dark.

Blue Bank Resort - Hornbeak

Book a stay at Blue Bank Resort to take part in the West Tennessee Independence Day Celebration July 1-4, 2022. Enjoy the beautiful views of Reelfoot Lake while a fireworks show takes place. During your stay, take some time to relax in the butterfly garden, dine lakeside and take a swim in the pool or sink with a contented 'ahh' into the hot tub.

Lexington, Tennessee

Festival of the Lakes celebrates July 4 with fireworks, music entertainment, water activities and food. Be there for the free event July 4, 2022 at Beech Lake. Music from local artists like the Will Burton Band; Hunt Pearson & the South'rn Sounds Band; and headliner Colton Flanagan will get the party started. At 9 p.m. a stunning, 30-minute fireworks show will take place, viewable from around town.

Elvis Presley's Graceland - Memphis

Head to the King of Rock n' Roll's palace, Elvis Presley's Graceland, for an All-American Elvis-inspired fireworks extravaganza July 2-3, 2022. Celebrate our nation's independence with rock n' roll, barbecue, Elvis and fireworks. July 2 will include an Elvis Tribute Concert performed by the 2021 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner Pat Dunn then on July 3, get your tickets for the Great American Gospel Brunch featuring a performance by The Blackwood Brothers Quartet at The Guest House at Graceland Ballroom. Festivities continue with a "Elvis and the USS Arizona" PBS documentary screening, a private barbecue dinner and reception and the free All-American Party & Elvis Fireworks Extravaganza featuring an Elvis-themed fireworks show. 

Discovery Park of America - Union City

Step back in time at Discovery Park of America on July 2, 2022 to interact with historians like James Madison, John Stowe, Samuel Adams and more. Several activities will be held in different areas of the park. See a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party and the ringing of the bells ceremony at the Chapel. The Declaration of Independence and the ringing of the Liberty Bell replica will also take place.