Fourth of July in the Smokies

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Fourth of July in the Smokies

Nothing says summer more than the Fourth of July with friends and family.

And in Western North Carolina, we celebrate Independence Day with gusto. Between majestic fireworks, sizzling hot dogs and hamburgers, cotton candy, games, live music and craft demonstrations, there’s a little bit of everything for any and all.

So, grab your lawn chair, cooler, sunglasses, sunscreen, adventurous spirit and enjoy this special day and weekend — it’s all here and yours, for the taking.

Bryson City

• “Freedom Fest” will take place from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, July 4, in downtown.

The 32nd annual Bryson City Rotary Club “Firecracker 5k” will kick off at 8 a.m. The festival itself will open at 10 a.m. on Everett Street. There will also be two “Kids Fun Zones” with inflatables and fun sports. Fireworks at 10 p.m.

Live music will be presented by Granny’s Mason Jar from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (near the courthouse and visitor center), Shane Meade 1-3 p.m. (Everett Street Bridge), Corey Stevenson Band 4-6 p.m. (Railroad Square) and Pleasantly Wild 7-10 p.m. (Railroad Square).

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For more information, visit greatsmokies.com/freedom-fest.

Canton

• The “July 4th +1” Independence Day celebration will be held on Saturday, July 5, in Sorrells Street Park in downtown.

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. Food trucks and vendors will be onsite. The Canton Splash Pad will also be open for the kids. Live DJ music. Free watermelons, provided by Crawford Ray Funeral Home. Fireworks at dusk, provided by Champion Credit Union. Free and open to the public.

For more information, visit cantonnc.com.

Cashiers

• “Fireworks Extravaganza on The Green” will be held from 6:30-10 p.m. Thursday, July 3, at The Village Green at the crossroads.

The evening features a festival, food trucks and vendors, conga line, live music by the Caribbean Cowboys (beach/oldies), dancing and more. The highlight will be a firework display at dusk. Rain or shine. Free and open to the public. Donations will be collected for a community fireworks fund to preserve the legacy of this cherished community celebration.

For more information, visit villagegreencashiersnc.com.

Cherokee

• The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians annual “4th of July Powwow” will be held July 4-6 at the Acquoni Expo Center. The event features a three-day explosion of authentic Indian music, dancing, food and festivities.

• “4th of July Fireworks” will be held at 10 p.m. Saturday, July 5, at 1501 Acquoni Road. Join the community for an unforgettable evening of patriotic festivities as vibrant bursts of color dance overhead, illuminating the surrounding mountains. Free and open to the public.

For more information, visitcherokeenc.com/events.

Fontana Village

• “Freedom Fest at Fontana” will be held July 1-6.

Live music, food, games, parades, contests and more. Fireworks will be held at 10 p.m. Friday, July 4. Free and open to the public.

For more information, visit fontanavillage.com/north-carolina-events.

Franklin

• “Independence Day Parade & Celebration” will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 4, in downtown.

The parade will travel down Main Street and disband at First Citizens Bank. Following the parade, the Town of Franklin will be serving free cold watermelon as long as it lasts. As well, there will be free inflatables for kids, a water feature from Franklin Fire & Rescue and lots of great food and snacks. There will also be a “Little Mr. & Miss Firecracker” contest and “Patriotic Pet” contest.

• “Fireworks in the Park” will be held at 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 4, in the Macon County Rec Park. Community activities behind at 4 p.m. Food trucks onsite

For more information, visit townoffranklinnc.com/july-4-parade-franklin-nc.

Hayesville

• “July 4th Parade & Freedom Festival” will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown. Parade at 10 a.m.

For more information, visit business.claychambernc.com/calendar.

Highlands

• “Independence Day Celebration” will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, July 4, in downtown.

There will be an array of community events throughout the day at the Town Ball Field start ing at 9 a.m. A “Duck Derby” will also take place at 2 p.m. at the Bridge at Mill Creek. Live music by Diverse Groove from 6-8:30 p.m. at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. Fireworks at 9 p.m. in downtown. Free and open to the public.

For more information, visit highlandschamber.org.

Lake Glenville

• “Fireworks Over the Lake” will be held at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 5, as seen from any vantage point on the water. As well, there will be the annual “4th of July Gala Boat Parade” starting at 8 p.m.

For more information, go to friendsoflakeglenville.com/events.

Lake Junaluska

• “Independence Day Celebration” will be held June 29 through July 6.

The annual celebration features a weekend of family-friendly fun — from concerts to fireworks to floating wish lanterns.

The holiday weekend will be full of activities, as well as time to soak up summer enjoying the lakeside swimming pool, a round of golf or mini golf , a cruise on the Cherokee IV pontoon boat or a canoe, kayak or paddleboard rental .

For more information, visit lakejunaluska.com/july4th.

Maggie Valley

• “Backyard Fourth” will be held on Friday, July 4, at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds.

Gates open at 6 p.m. Bring your blanket, chairs, picnic basket, bubbles, hula hoops, balls and yard games. Fireworks at dusk. Free and open to the public.

For more information, visit maggievalleync.gov/events/backyard-fourth-independence-day-2025.

Murphy

• “Hometown Celebration & Fireworks” will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Konehete Veterans Park.

Fishing derby, horseshoe tournament, peanut drop, field events, arts/crafts vendors, food trucks and more. Fireworks at dusk. Free and open to the public.

For more information, visit townofmurphync.com

Sylva

• “July 4 Fireworks & Festivities” will be held from 4-10 p.m. Friday, July 4, in downtown.

Live music and other family-friendly activities. A performance by Gotcha Groove (classic rock/oldies) will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Bridge Park Pavilion. Fireworks show will begin at 9:45 p.m. The fireworks will be visible from all over downtown Sylva. Free and open to the public.

For more information, visit discoverjacksonnc.com.

Waynesville

• The “Stars & Stripes Celebration” will be held on Friday, July 4, in downtown.

Restaurants, breweries, shopping, galleries and cafes. Children’s patriotic parade at 11 a.m. Live music with the Haywood Community Band at the Historic Haywood County Courthouse at 2 p.m. Free and open to the public.

For more information, visit downtownwaynesville.com.

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