Independence Day is coming up, and we’re ready to celebrate our country at July 4th events 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. 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 Western North Carolina that will entertain the whole family. Find the best one (or two, or three) for you below.
Lake Junaluska Independence Day Celebrations
June 29–July 6, 2025 | Lake Junaluska
Lake Junaluska’s Independence Day Celebrations will be full of family-friendly fun with fireworks, floating lanterns, and concerts. It’s also a great time to soak up summer while lounging at the lakeside swimming pool, playing a round of golf, chilling on a pontoon boat, or enjoying a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard rental. Many events are free, and lodging is available at Lake Junaluska’s hotels for guests who want to spend the entire holiday week at the lake. The fireworks display will be on July 3rd. Stay through July 4th for a family-friendly parade and live music.
Learn more: lakejunaluska.com
Fireworks Extravaganza on The Green
July 3, 2025 | The Village Green Commons, Cashiers
Come one, come all to The Village Green for an evening of live music by the Caribbean Cowboys, family fun, and of course, fireworks! Bring your own picnics, coolers, lawn chairs, and blankets—but leave personal tents or awnings and dogs at home. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to help keep this beloved tradition thriving for years to come.
Learn more: villagegreencashiersnc.com
4th of July Weekend Celebration
July 3–5, 2025 | Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure, 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 Thursday with a beachside cookout, a scavenger hunt, and movie night on the beach. At 9:30 PM on Friday, 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
4th of July Powwow
July 4–6, 2025 | Cherokee
With its lively atmosphere and deep-rooted significance, the annual 4th of July Powwow offers a memorable glimpse into the enduring spirit of the Cherokee people. Hosted within the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, this event honors Indigenous heritage with captivating dance performances and colorful regalia. Join in the festivities as dancers showcase their skills in traditional competitions, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of ceremonial drums. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Cherokee culture through storytelling, craft demonstrations, and authentic cuisine. Admission $15.
Learn more: visitcherokeenc.com
North Carolina’s Freedom Fest
July 4, 2025 @ 8:00 AM–10:30 PM | Bryson City
Have a big vacation in a small town! The fun begins at 8:00 AM with the Bryson City Rotary Club Firecracker 5K. The festival opens at 10:00 AM, 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 cheesesteaks, BBQ, kettle corn, and more. Live music runs from 11:00 AM–10:00 PM. At 10:00 PM, experience the best fireworks show in the Smokies!
Learn more: greatsmokies.com
July 4th Stars & Stripes Celebration
July 4, 2025 @ 10:00 AM–3:00 PM | Downtown Waynesville
Head to Downtown Waynesville for the annual Stars and Stripes Celebration on July 4th! Children and families are encouraged to dress in their loudest red, white, and blues for the Patriotic Kids’ Parade at 11:00 AM (registration begins at 10:00 AM). Watch as a procession of flag-waving color guard, fire trucks, and decorated vehicles move up Main Street. Jam to a live concert by the Haywood Community Band at 2:00 PM, and then peruse nearby shops, galleries, and restaurants open for the occasion.
Learn more: downtownwaynesville.com
The Fabulous 4th of July Celebration
July 4, 2025 @ 10:00 AM–10:00 PM | Downtown Columbus
Come join the crowd for this family-oriented event and add to the tradition of honoring those who fought and continue to fight for our freedom and independence. The star-spangled festival is filled with live music, local vendors and crafts, delicious food, exhibits, and a spectacular fireworks display. Festivities include an antique car show, dunking booth, water games, amusement rides, and more. A special Veteran’s Hour will be held on the main stage at noon, featuring members of the American Legion and the VFW. The grand finale at 9:45 PM features the Silver Travis band performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” leading into a spectacular 20-minute fireworks display.
Learn more: firstpeaknc.com
Independence Day Celebration
July 4, 2025 @ 10:00 AM–10:00 PM | Highlands
The town ball field is the place to be for a fun Independence Day in Highlands, NC! Begin the day at 10:00 AM with bottle rockets, followed by a hot dog lunch and field games at 11:00 AM. MAMA (Mountain Area Medical Airlift) visits the field at noon before the ladder truck spraydown at 1:00 PM. At 2:00 PM, move down to the bridge at Mill Creek for a duck derby. Diverse Groove headlines the Outdoor Concert Series from 6:00–8:30 PM at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. And a fantastic fireworks show rounds off the day at 9:00 PM.
Learn more: highlandschamber.org
Pendergrast Family Patriotic Pops
July 4, 2025 @ 2:00 PM | Brevard Music Center, Brevard
Celebrate Independence Day with Patriotic Pops at Brevard Music Center. Hear the Brevard Symphonic Winds, joined by members of the Janiec Opera Company and U.S. Airforce Band Singing Sergeants, as they perform an exhilarating concert of American classics and patriotic favorites. Enjoy rousing marches and inspiring tributes in honor of the birth of our country.
Learn more: brevardmusic.org
11th Annual July 4th Fireworks Festivities
July 4, 2025 @ 4:00 PM | Bridge Park, Sylva
The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the band Gotcha Groove to the stage for a performance from 6:30–9:30 PM. They are one of the Southeast’s finest bands, known for classic hits, pop favorites, R&B, Motown, soul, and beach music. Children’s activities run from 4:00–8:00 PM, and food trucks will be on site, as well. Fireworks should begin at dark immediately after the concert, approximately 9:30 PM. The fireworks are visible from various locations throughout downtown Sylva and the immediate surrounding areas.
Learn more: mountainlovers.com
Shindig on Main: 4th of July Celebration
July 4, 2025 @ 4:00–9:30 PM | East Main Street, Brevard
Heart of Brevard and the City of Brevard bring you the upcoming July 4th Celebration. East Main Street will be bustling with activities, entertainment, and patriotic spirit, making it the perfect event for families and friends to come together. Among the events planned are a flag raising ceremony, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, live music and street dancing, and food trucks. Shops will be open, and the District will be open throughout the event. Fireworks will be launched from Brevard College’s campus after dark.
Learn more: brevardnc.org/july4th
July 4th Celebration with Concert & Fireworks Display
July 4, 2025 @ 5:00–9:00 PM | Main Street, Hendersonville
Come out to Hendersonville on July 4th to celebrate our nation’s birthday! The day begins with a parade, which runs north along Main Street in the morning. Come downtown at 5:00 PM for a family-friendly festival with inflatables, kid’s games and activities, food trucks, and two stages of live music. The evening will be capped-off with a fireworks display at 9:00 PM that can be seen from either concert area.
Learn more: visithendersonvillenc.org
Ingles Independence Day Block Party
July 4, 2025 @ 5:00–10:00 PM | Downtown Asheville
Dust off your red, white, and blue, and get ready to party on the Slope! This Fourth of July, the Ingles Independence Day event is back in the vibrant South Slope area of Downtown Asheville—and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever! Enjoy live performances by the 100th Army Band and the Mission Accomplished Band. Cheer on the always-epic Ultimate Air Dogs. And stick around for a fireworks show that will blow you away.
Learn more: ashevilledowntown.org
Backyard 4th in Maggie Valley
July 4, 2025 @ 6:00–9:00 PM | Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, Maggie Valley
Celebrate Independence Day at Maggie Valley’s Backyard Fourth! Bring your blankets, chairs, picnic baskets, and yard games for a festive evening. Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display at dark. This is an alcohol-free event.
Learn more: maggievalleync.gov
Baseball with the Asheville Tourists
July 4, 2025 @ 6:35 PM | McCormick Field, Asheville
The Asheville Tourists have been deeply engrained in the Asheville community for over 100 years. Although the stadium is under construction in 2025, the Tourists will still continue to play their home games at McCormick Field. Get tickets early for the July 4th game against the Greenville Drive, and enjoy Independence Day fireworks after the game.
Learn more: milb.com/asheville
July 4th Plus One
July 5, 2025 @ 6:00 PM | Sorrells Street Park, Canton
Come and celebrate Independence Day in Downtown Canton on July 5th. Bring your chairs and blankets. The Canton Splash Pad will be open for the kids. There will be a music DJ. And free watermelon will be provided by Crawford Ray Funeral Home. Fireworks, sponsored by Champion Credit Union, will start at dusk.
Learn more: cantonnc.com
Helpful post, thanks for writing!