It’s Independence Day, and you know what that means!—Face paint, flags, and fried food!
Celebrate in style at one of the many great fireworks shows across the region. If you have trouble choosing, our agents weighed in on their favorite fireworks locations to help you find the right view. But don’t sit around all day waiting for the light show!
Whether you want to make freedom ring by learning about our local heritage, celebrating our veterans, or chilling by the lake, there are July 4th events across WNC that will entertain the whole family.
Pow Wow at Cherokee
WHEN: Friday, June 29–Sunday, July 1, times vary
Experience authentic Indian dancing, drumming, and tribal regalia at the Pow Wow at Cherokee. Dance competitions kick the excitement up even higher, with hundreds of world-champion dancers and drummers competing for thousands of dollars in prizes. Food and craft vendors from across the country will be on site and offer of a variety of items. Watch the fireworks on Saturday, June 30.
It’s a cash only event! Admission: $12/day.
Learn more: romanticasheville.com
4th of July Weekend at Chimney Rock
WHEN: Saturday, July 1–Wednesday, July 4, 11:00am–4:00pm
July 4th is the ultimate summer holiday to spend with family and friends, and Chimney Rock is the perfect place to do it. Challenge yourself on the 32-foot climbing tower, take in the views on one of the many trails (pre-registration may be required), and even get up close to some of the park’s wilder staff at the 2:00pm Family Animal Encounters program. Cost is included with park admission.
Learn more: chimneyrockpark.com
Independence Day at Omni Grove Park Inn
WHEN: Tuesday, July 3–Thursday, July 5
Celebrate our nation’s birthday in grand style at the Omni Grove Park Inn’s annual 4th of July Celebration. Enjoy fireworks at 9:30pm on July 3, live music all around the resort, and a multitude of activities designed for the whole family to enjoy. On the 4th, grab a seat on the terrace to see the city’s fireworks display.
Learn more: omnihotels.com
Kiwanis Firecracker 5K in Weaverville
WHEN: Wednesday, July 4, 8:00am Start
Race through the neighborhoods of downtown Weaverville for a good cause. The 25th Annual Firecracker 5k Run provides scholarships for North Buncombe High School students planning to attend a college or technical school. The course begins at PNC Bank on Weaverville Boulevard, turns right onto Main Street, continues through residential neighborhoods and parts of beautiful downtown Weaverville, and concludes back at PNC Bank. Entry fee is $30.
Register here: northbuncombekiwanis.com
Bryson City Freedom Fest
WHEN: Wednesday, July 4, 10:00am–10:30pm
Bryson City’s annual Fourth of July celebration begins with the Rotary Club Firecracker 5K and then continues with 60+ local artisans and crafters, a full day of local entertainment, festival foods, and fun events like a watermelon eating contest. Explore Kids Zone, where you’ll find a bouncy house and more. At 10:00pm, “The Star Spangled Banner” plays as you view one of the most spectacular fireworks shows in the Smokies!
Learn more: greatsmokies.com
Sandburg Summer Stage presents Rootabaga Express! and Spink, Skabootch, & Swipes
WHEN: Wednesday, July 4, 10:15–10:45am
Take a journey with Sandburg’s daughters, Spink, Skabootch, and Swipes (his loving nicknames for them) on a journey through Rootabaga Country. This 30-minute program feature the cast and directors from The Vagabond School of the Drama, an apprentice program of the Flat Rock Playhouse. Performances are held at the park amphitheatre adjacent to the historic Sandburg home, rain or shine.
Learn more: nps.gov/carl
Downtown Waynesville Stars & Stripes Celebration
WHEN: Wednesday, July 4, 11:00am–3:00pm
Enjoy downtown Waynesville at this family-friendly celebration. Waynesville shops and restaurants will be open all day, but don’t miss the “Kids on Main” Patriotic Parade at 11:00am. The Haywood Community Band performs a patriotic concert at 2:00pm in front of the Historic Courthouse.
Learn more: downtownwaynesville.com
Downtown Hendersonville 4th of July Celebrations
WHEN: Wednesday, July 4, 11:00am–9:30pm, various events
The 4th of July begins in downtown Hendersonville with the 4th of July Parade, held on Main Street. An ice cream social will be held at the Henderson County Heritage Museum following the parade. Later in the evening, festivities continue with the Music On Main Street Special Fireworks Celebration Concert. The event features a tribute to veterans and active service members, followed by a concert at the visitors center. Ending the evening is a 4th of July fireworks show at 9:30pm. Bring a chair and sit back, relax, and enjoy the music and fireworks!
Learn more: visithendersonvillenc.org
Brevard Music Center: Pendergrast Family Patriotic Pops
WHEN: Wednesday, July 4, 2:00pm
The Brevard Music Center (BMC) is offering an explosive afternoon of family fun to celebrate Independence Day. This will be a musical extravaganza featuring patriotic favorites, including the Tchaikovsky’s rousing 1812 Overture with live cannons. Families are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy a picnic on the lawn prior to the concert. Tickets start at $20.
Learn more: brevardmusic.org
Asheville: Ingles Independence Day Celebration
WHEN: Wednesday, July 4, 2:00–10:00pm
This free event features family activities throughout the day, with a fireworks extravaganza capping off the event. Enjoy the Ultimate Air Dogs, Splashville, bouncy houses and kids’ activities, food vendors, beer, and wine. Stage entertainment features local talent and will be headlined by The Larry Keel Experience. Asheville’s own Kat Williams will sing the national anthem just before the fireworks show at 9:30pm.
Learn more: ashevilledowntown.org
Independence Day Fireworks Hike
WHEN: Wednesday, July 4, 6:00–11:00pm
This hike is a perennial favorite for families and visiting friends! Celebrate the 4th of July with a moderate, 1.5-mile hike, then sit back to watch the sunset and Black Mountain’s fireworks display from the peak of Sunset Mountain. Bring a picnic, water, folding chairs, cameras, and flashlights. Hike leaders will share the history and vintage photographs of the area over dinner. The Swannanoa Valley Museum will provide watermelon and transport cargo to the summit. $35 for members, $50 for non-members.
Learn more: history.swannanoavalleymuseum.org
Sylva: 4th Annual July 4 Festivities and Concerts on the Creek
WHEN: Wednesday, July 4, 6:30–9:30pm
This year’s event will feature a spectacular fireworks show from property in the Sunrise Park district when the sun goes down. The event will feature a performance by Crocodile Smile, one of the area’s most versatile bands, from 6:30pm until the fireworks display begins at dark. There will also be food, drinks, and children’s activities at this family-friendly celebration.
Learn more: mountainlovers.com
Freedom Train to Bryson City
WHEN: Wednesday, July 4, 7:00pm
The Freedom Train will depart from the Bryson City Depot on July 4 at 7:00pm and follow the Nantahala Gorge Excursion route to the Fontana Trestle. Once at the trestle, the train will pause for some remarkable lake views and then will make its way back to Bryson City, just in time to enjoy Bryson City’s Freedom Fest (above) for a fantastic fireworks show! No rushing and no traffic worries—just the enjoyment of this patriotic celebration. Seating is limited; ticket prices vary.
Buy your tickets: gsmr.com
Asheville Tourist Baseball Game Fireworks
WHEN: Wednesday, July 4, 7:05pm
Take me out to the ball game! Bring the family out to historic McCormick Field just outside of downtown Asheville to cheer on the Asheville Tourists, the Class “A” affiliate of the Colorado Rockies! The Tourists will take on regional opponents, the Rome (GA) Braves, before a big fireworks show on the field after the game. Get tickets in advance since this game will sell out early.
Buy your tickets: milb.com
Lake Julian Fireworks Display
WHEN: Wednesday, July 4, 8:00–10:00pm
Pack your picnic basket, grab your fishing pole, and meet at Lake Julian Park in Arden for a day at the lake and fabulous fireworks at dark. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and come early find a spot along the lake to build your picnic. The park offers boat rental, picnic tables, grills, a sand volleyball court, two horseshoe pits, and a playground. Park at Estes Elementary School on Long Shoals Road across from the lake and take the shuttle over to the park.
Learn more: buncombecounty.org
Marshall: 4th of July Fireworks
WHEN: Wednesday, July 4, 9:00–11:00pm
Bring your family and friends and a comfortable chair. The Marshall Volunteer Fire Department presents GREAT fireworks in Downtown Marshall, starting shortly after dark. Get there early, grab a good spot, and enjoy a snack and nice cold drink from their concessions. Enjoy this tradition that has been missed for so many years.
Learn more: thisweekinmarshall.com
Burnsville: Fourth of July on Town Square
WHEN: Wednesday, July 4
Yancey County celebrates July 4th with festivities and fireworks at Burnsville’s Town Square. Enjoy live music on stage and activities for kids. If the skies are clear, the Blue Ridge Astronomy Group will bring telescopes. It’s a fun way to spend a summer evening in the mountains!
Learn more: yanceychamber.com
Canton: July 4th Plus 1
WHEN: Thursday, July 5, 6:00pm
The Town of Canton, in partnership with Champion Credit Union, presents July 4th plus 1 on July 5 in Sorrell’s Street Park. The event starts at 6:00pm with music, food vendors, free watermelon, and free inflatables. The evening ends with a spectacular fireworks display provided by Champion Credit Union. Bring a chair or blanket and come enjoy this family-friendly community event.
Learn more: cantonnc.com
Where will you be enjoying July 4th? Let us know in the comments.
