Get out the face paint and fly those flags this Fourth of July weekend!
If you’re keen to venture away from the home grill this year, there are many great fireworks shows across the region. Last year, our agents weighed in on their favorite fireworks locations to help you narrow down your choices. 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.
Antique Car Show and Auction in Asheville
WHEN: Fri.–Sat., June 30–July 1, 8:00am–5:00pm
Bring your rat rod, drifter, or low rider to the 50th annual Mountaineer Antique Auto Car Show, Swap Meet, and Auction! Explore 18 acres of classic cars, trucks, and street rods at the Western North Carolina Agriculture Center near the Asheville Airport. $5/person aged 12+. Free spectator parking.
Buy your tickets: mountaineerantiqueautoclub.com
Independence Day at Omni Grove Park Inn
WHEN: Fri.–Tues., June 30–July 4
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.
Learn more: omnihotels.com
Graham County Heritage Festival
WHEN: Fri., June 30, 5:00–10:30pm and Sat., July 1, 9:00am–11:15pm
Join the festival on the Robbinsville Courthouse Square with crafters, food, country and bluegrass music, exhibits, contests, and so much more. Don’t miss the veterans’ parade at 1:00pm on Saturday. Fireworks will be on display at 10:00pm on Saturday.
Learn more: grahamcounty.net
Pow Wow at Cherokee
WHEN: Fri.–Sun., June 30– July 2, 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, July 2.
It’s a cash only event! Admission: $12/day.
Learn more: romanticasheville.com
4th of July Weekend at Chimney Rock
WHEN: Sat.–Tues., July 1–4, 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 different views on one of our many trails (pre-registration may be required), and even get up close to some of our wilder staff at the 2:00pm Family Animal Encounters program. Cost: Included with Park admission.
Learn more: chimneyrockpark.com
Tryon International Equestrian Center $86,000 Adequan® Grand Prix CSI2
WHEN: Sat., July 1, 6:00–10:00pm
Don’t miss the best night of the week at Tryon International Equestrian Center! This popular event showcases the largest equestrian show-jumping competition of the week taking place under the lights in the George H. Morris Arena. Families can also enjoy unlimited free rides on our Venetian carousel, as well as face painting, kids activities, and more before the show begins!
Gates at 6:00pm, Grand Prix at 8:00pm. Admission and parking are free.
Learn more: tryon.coth.com
51st Annual Shindig on the Green
WHEN: Sat., July 1, 7:00–10:00pm
Bring your instruments, families, friends, lawn chairs, and blankets for good times at Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville. Shindig on the Green, which features a stage show and informal jam sessions around the park, continues at its original location. Locals and visitors alike come together downtown “along about sundown” to experience the beautiful music and dance traditions of Southern Appalachia on a summer evening in the mountains.
Learn more: folkheritage.org
Steak ‘n Shake Firecracker 5K in Weaverville
WHEN: Tues., July 4, 8:00am Start
Race through the neighborhoods of downtown Weaverville for a good cause. The 24th 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 and 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: Tues., July 4, 10:00am–11:00pm
Bryson City’s annual Fourth of July celebration begins with the Rotary Club Firecracker 5K and then continues with local artisans and crafters, a full day of local entertainment, festival foods, and fun events like a watermelon eating contest, and a hula hoop-off. Explore Kids’ Street 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
Downtown Waynesville Stars & Stripes Celebration
WHEN: Tues., 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 Patriotic Kid’s Parade on Main Street 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: Tues., July 4, 11:00am and 7:00–9:00 pm
The 4th of July begins in downtown Hendersonville with the Independence Day Parade, running down Main Street from Five Points to Caswell Street. Later in the evening, festivities continue with the 4th of July Patriotic Tribute Concert and Fireworks. The event features a tribute to veterans and presentation of the colors by the Hendersonville Honor Guard. That is followed by the Music on Main Street concert and dance series. Ending the evening is a 4th of July fireworks show. 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: Tues., July 4, 2:00pm
The Brevard Music Center (BMC) Summer Institute & Festival is an all-summer event series, with several concerts during the week of July 4th. On July 4th at 2:00pm, the Transylvania Symphonic Band presents the Pendergrast Family Patriotic Pops Concert, one of BMC’s most popular events each season. The show features favorite marches and patriotic tunes, a live color guard, and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with live cannons. Families are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy a picnic on the lawn prior to the concert.
Learn more: brevardmusic.org
Asheville: Ingles Independence Day Celebration
WHEN: Tues., July 4, 2:00–10:00pm
This free event features family activities throughout the day, with a fireworks extravaganza capping off the event at 9:30pm. Enjoy the Ultimate Air Dogs, Splashville, bouncy houses and kids’ activities, food vendors, beer, and wine. Stage entertainment features local talent and headliner, the Mark O’Connor Band. Fireworks launch from the Buncombe County parking deck on College Street.
Learn more: ashevilledowntown.org
Independence Day Fireworks Hike
WHEN: Tues., July 4, 6:00pm
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 nonmembers
Learn more: history.swannanoavalleymuseum.org
3rd Annual Fireworks in Sylva
WHEN: Tues., July 4, 6:30–9:30pm
This year’s special 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 The Business, one of the area’s finest R&B/soul bands from 6:30pm until the fireworks display begins at dark. There will also be food, drinks, and children’s activities (starting at 5:00pm) at this family-friendly celebration.
Learn more: mountainlovers.com
Freedom Train to Bryson City
WHEN: Tues., 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: Tues., 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! Watch the Tourists take on regional opponents, the Charleston RiverDogs, then enjoy a big fireworks show after the Asheville Tourists game. Get tickets in advance since these games will sell out early.
Buy your tickets: milb.com
South Asheville Fireworks
WHEN: Tues., July 4, Dusk
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
Where will you be enjoying July 4th? Let us know in the comments.
