It’s Independence Day, and we’re ready to celebrate our country and enjoy all the highlights of the occasion—Face paint, flags, and fried food!
This year, celebrate in style at a variety of fireworks shows and other events 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. Find the best one (or two, or three) for you below.
Know of other local July 4th events? Let us know and we’ll keep this list up to date!
47th Annual 4th of July Powwow and Fireworks
July 1–3, 2022 | Acquoni Expo Center, Cherokee
This event features fireworks of another kind—a three-day explosion of authentic Native American music, dancing, food, and festivities. Come join the fun as the ground erupts in a sea of twirling color. This action-packed weekend includes colorful regalia, jaw-dropping dances, and music made to move you. Dance competitions kick off the excitement with over $150,000 in prize money. Experience authentic tribal foods, browse traditional crafts, and get an insider’s look at a rich, ancient culture. Spectators travel cross-country to see a powwow as spectacular as this! Admission is $15 daily. Children 6 and under are free. This event is cash only.
Learn more: visitcherokeenc.com
4th of July Independence Day Weekend Celebration
July 1–4, 2022 | Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure
Enjoy the peak of summer vacation in the Blue Ridge Mountains during Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure’s annual 4th of July Independence Day Celebration. Events begin on Friday with a beachside cookout and marshmallow roast. On Saturday, there will be a foam party at the pavilion and a trout stream pool party. But Monday is the big day, with events ranging from fire truck rides and a golf cart parade to bingo and a buffet-style dinner on the Lakeview Terrace. At 9:30PM that evening, the national anthem will play before the fireworks show. Only members and registered guests will be allowed on the Rumbling Bald property. And only those with a wristband will be allowed on the beach.
Learn more: rumblingbald.com
Freedom Days at the Farm
July 2–4, 2022 @ 9:00AM–5:00PM | Mountain Fresh Orchards, Hendersonville
Come join the party! Mountain Fresh Orchards will be open this 4th of July weekend. Stop by for apple cider donuts, fried apple pies, fried peach pies, apple fritters, and more from the bakery. They’ll also have fresh picked peaches and berries, as well as other fruits and vegetables. Take a train ride through the orchard on The Apple Express. It’s fun for the whole family!
Learn more: mtnfreshorchards.com
Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks
July 2, 2022 @ 6:00–10:00PM | Marion
Head to Downtown Marion on July 2nd for their Independence Day Celebration! The parade starts at 6:00PM; Gotcha Groove hits the stage at 7:00PM; and fireworks begin at 9:45PM. Plus, there will be free inflatables for the kids.
Learn more: marionnc.org
2022 Fourth of July Celebration
July 4, 2022 @ 7:00AM–9:30PM | Montreat Conference Center, Montreat
Montreat Conference Center welcomes you to their annual July 4th Celebration! Traditionally a homecoming holiday that brings extended Montreat families together from all over the country, the Fourth of July celebration at Montreat captures the essence of American life and has become a popular celebration for everyone in the area. Come out for a parade and a variety of fun events for the whole family, including a flag raising, silent auction, old timers’ softball game, and free boats on Lake Susan. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Ring”.
Learn more: montreat.org
Fourth of July Celebration @ Lake Julian Park
July 4, 2022 @ 8:00AM–10:00PM | Lake Julian Park, Arden
Enjoy the day in the park. View fireworks after dark. Cars are not allowed in the park; parking will be available at Estes Elementary School or Koontz Intermediate.
Learn more: buncombecounty.org
Bryson City’s Freedom Fest
July 4, 2022 @ 8:00AM–10:30PM | Bryson City
Have a big vacation in a small town! The fun begins at 8:00AM with the 31st Annual Bryson City Rotary Club Firecracker 5K. The festival opens at 10:00AM, when visitors can enjoy all the arts, crafts, food, and music along Everett Street. Visit restaurants or food trucks for great local dining. Or find food vendors with all your holiday favorites: funnel cakes, shaved ice, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, BBQ, kettle corn, and more. Beginning at 6:00PM, Jack Marion and The Pearl Snap Prophets will perform country rock, followed by Kevin Daniels performing Southern rock and blues at 8:00PM. At 10:00PM, experience the best fireworks show in the Smokies!
Learn more: greatsmokies.com
Fabulous 4th of July Celebration
July 4, 2022 @ 10:00AM–10:00PM | Columbus
The Town of Columbus is celebrating its 59th Fourth of July Celebration this year! Come join the crowd for this family-oriented event. The day is filled with family fun, food, and entertainment, ending with spectacular fireworks.
Learn more: firstpeaknc.com
July 4th Celebration – Heart of Brevard
July 4, 2022 @ 10:00AM–5:00PM | Brevard
It’s a red, white squirrel, and blue Independence Day Celebration in downtown Brevard! Festivities kick off at 10:00AM, and the fun continues throughout the day with the Sycamore Cycles Patriotic Bike Parade, Transylvania Community Arts Council Arts Showcase, Transylvania Cruisers Classic Car Show, local food vendors, and children’s activities. Join elected officials for the Memorial Flag Raising ceremony and reading of the Declaration of Independence. After dark, the fireworks extravaganza will begin at approximately 9:30PM.
Learn more: brevardnc.org/july4th
Downtown Hendersonville Independence Day Parade
July 4, 2022 @ 10:30–11:00AM | Main Street, Hendersonville
Enjoy a festive parade of local organizations, classic cars, veterans, and more at the annual 4th of July Parade in Hendersonville! The parade route is on Main Street, from Caswell Street to 6th Avenue.
Learn more: visithendersonvillenc.org
Stars and Stripes Celebration
July 4, 2022 @ 11:00AM–3:00PM | Waynesville
Enjoy live music and entertainment in Downtown Waynesville at this family-friendly celebration. This annual event features a Children’s Patriotic Parade. Waynesville shops and restaurants will be open all day.
Learn more: downtownwaynesville.com
Ingles Independence Day Celebration
July 4, 2022 @ 12:00–10:00PM | Pack Square Park, Asheville
The Ingles Independence Day Celebration returns to Downtown Asheville’s Pack Square Park on Monday, July 4. The free event features The Ultimate Air Dogs, live music, local food and craft beverages, and a fireworks extravaganza. Live music will be performed by Asheville’s own Hannah Kaminer, country rock musician Ricky Gunter, and Lyric, who will also perform our National Anthem just before the fireworks extravaganza at 9:30PM. Food and beverage sales open at 5:00PM.
Learn more: ashevilledowntown.org
Pendergrast Family Patriotic Pops!
July 4, 2022 @ 2:00–4:00PM | Brevard Music Center
Celebrate Independence Day with Patriotic Pops at Brevard Music Center. Hear the BMC Orchestra and Concert Band perform inspirational American music, traditional Sousa marches, and Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture”, complete with the sounds of live cannon! Auditorium seating is reserved; lawn seating is general admission.
Learn more: brevardmusic.org
Downtown Hendersonville 4th of July Concert & Fireworks
July 4, 2022 @ 5:00–10:00PM | Main Street, Hendersonville
The Hendersonville Visitor Center and Henderson County Parks and Recreation are teaming up to offer a family-friendly 4th of July Celebration. The evening’s activities will include inflatables, kids games and activities, food trucks, and two stages featuring live music. The evening will be capped off with the annual fireworks display between 9:15–9:30PM. A large balloon will be launched the morning of the 4th to signify the visibility of the fireworks show—if you can see the “Big Balloon”, you can see the fireworks from your location.
Learn more: visithendersonvillenc.org
8th Annual July 4 Fireworks Festivities
July 4, 2022 @ 6:30–10:00PM | Bridge Park, Sylva
The Crocodile Smile Band will take the stage twice for performances from 6:30–7:45PM and 8:15–9:30PM. One of the Southeast’s finest bands, they’ll be performing classic hits, pop favorites, R&B, and beach music. Fireworks should begin at dark immediately after the concert, approximately 9:30PM, and will be visible from various locations throughout downtown Sylva and the immediate surrounding areas. In addition to music and fireworks, enjoy children’s activities from 5:30–8:30M, including an inflatable bounce house, 38-foot obstacle course, inflatable basketball shooting challenge, and a mini all-star shooting challenge. A number of food trucks will also be on site.
Learn more: mountainlovers.com
Independence Day Sunset Fireworks Hike
July 4, 2022 @ 7:00–11:00PM | Black Mountain
Celebrate the 4th of July with a moderate, 1.5-mile hike to the peak of Sunset Mountain. Enjoy an old-fashioned watermelon cutting. Then, sit back to watch the sunset and Black Mountain’s fireworks display. Hike leaders will share the history and vintage photographs of this most historic place over dinner. The Swannanoa Valley Museum will provide watermelon and transport cargo to the summit. Ages 10+. $50 for members, $65 for nonmembers, $35 under 18.
Learn more: history.swannanoavalleymuseum.org
July 4th Plus One
July 5, 2022 @ 6:00PM | Sorrells Street Park, Canton
The Town of Canton, in partnership with Champion Credit Union, presents “July 4th Plus One” on July 5 in Sorrells Street Park. The event starts at 6:00PM with food trucks, a new splash pad for the kids to enjoy, free inflatables, and watermelon. A spectacular fireworks display provided by Champion Credit Union begins at dusk. Bring a chair or blanket and come enjoy this family-friendly community event. All are welcome.
Learn more: cantonnc.com
Lake Junaluska fireworks.