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.
Independence Day Celebration @ Lake Julian Park
June 29, 2024 @ 12–10:00 PM | Lake Julian Park, Arden
Kick off your holiday celebrations early, and enjoy the day of fun in the park! View fireworks after dark. The park will be closed to vehicles; parking will be available at Estes Elementary School and a shuttle will take people over.
Learn more: buncombecounty.org
Lake Junaluska Independence Day Celebrations
July 2–5, 2024 | Lake Junaluska
Lake Junaluska’s Independence Day Celebration will be full of family-friendly fun with fireworks, floating lanterns, morning devotions, a parade, family square dance, and concerts. 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 relaxing and enjoying the festivities. The fireworks display will be on July 3rd. Stay through July 4th for a family-friendly parade and storytelling and music around the campfire.
Learn more: lakejunaluska.com
Fireworks Extravaganza on The Green
July 3, 2024 @ 6:00–10:00 PM | The Village Green Commons, Cashiers
Come one, come all to The Village Green Commons for an evening of music, family fun, and of course, fireworks! The event will feature live music, an interactive line dance tutorial, and conga line. Elevated Kitchen Food Truck, Crossroads Custard, and Innovation Brewing will be at the event serving delicious food and beverages. Entertainment will be provided by the Cashiers Community Chorus, Caribbean Cowboys Band, and the Cashiers School of the Arts. The evening is capped by an extraordinary fireworks show at dark featuring thousands of colorful bursts! Bring lawn chairs, picnics, and coolers. Dogs and personal tents are not allowed. Donations welcome.
Learn more: villagegreencashiersnc.com
4th of July Weekend Celebration
July 4–6, 2024 | 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, fire truck rides, and a golf cart parade. At 9:30 PM 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
North Carolina’s Freedom Fest
July 4, 2024 @ 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 31st Annual 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 4–10:00 PM. At 10:00 PM, experience the best fireworks show in the Smokies!
Learn more: greatsmokies.com
Independence Day Celebration
July 4, 2024 @ 9:00 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 9:00 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. The Business 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
The Fabulous 4th of July Celebration
July 4–5, 2024 @ 10:00 AM | Downtown Columbus
The Town of Columbus is celebrating its 61st Fourth of July Celebration this year! 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 day is filled with family fun, food, crafters and vendors, and entertainment, ending with spectacular fireworks. Festivities include a drive-in car show, kids games, music, amusement rides, and more. The Tryon Rotary Club is also sponsoring a bike ride starting from Harmon Field. The short loop is 33 miles, while the long loop is 65 miles. Pre-registration for the bike ride is required.
Learn more: firstpeaknc.com
July 4th Celebration with Concert & Fireworks Display
July 4, 2024 @ 10:30 AM–9:30 PM | Main Street, Hendersonville
Come out to Hendersonville on July 4th to celebrate our nation’s birthday! The day begins with a parade at 10:30 AM, 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. Look for the big red balloon the morning of July 4th—if you can see it, you will be able to see fireworks.
Learn more: visithendersonvillenc.org
July 4th Stars & Stripes Celebration
July 4, 2024 @ 11:00 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
Ingles Independence Day Block Party
July 4, 2024 @ 12:00–10:00 PM | Downtown Asheville
This Fourth of July, the Ingles Independence Day event is moving to the vibrant South Slope area, specifically on Coxe Avenue and Buxton Avenue in Downtown Asheville. Festivities kick off at noon with the Ultimate Airdogs, local food and beverage vendors, local marketplace vendors, kids’ activities, live music, and engaging activities for all ages. At 4:30 PM, the main stage opens with Asheville’s very own Secret Agent 23 Skidoo as the emcee, followed by performances from DJ Badonkey Kong and The Legendary Tuesday Night Funk Jam House Band. The night will feature a headline performance by The Pink Stones. Don’t miss the grand finale: dazzling fireworks at 9:30 PM.
Learn more: ashevilledowntown.org
Pendergrast Family Patriotic Pops!
July 4, 2024 @ 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, as they 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
10th Annual July 4th Fireworks Festivities
July 4, 2024 @ 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, 2024 @ 4:00–9:30 PM | Main Street, Brevard
Heart of Brevard and the City of Brevard bring you the upcoming July 4th Celebration, a community event held on Main Street. 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
Backyard 4th in Maggie Valley
July 4, 2024 @ 6:00 PM | Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, Maggie Valley
Celebrate Independence Day at Maggie Valley Festival Grounds! Gates open at 6:00 PM. Bring your blanket, chairs, picnic basket, bubbles, hula hoops, balls, and yard games! Cookout snacks and water will be available for purchase. This is an alcohol-free, pet-free event. Enjoy great fireworks after dark!
Learn more: maggievalleync.gov
Independence Day Celebration
July 4, 2024 @ 6:00–10:00 PM | Marion
Head to Downtown Marion for their Independence Day Celebration! The parade starts at 6:00 PM, led by McDowell County Veterans. All veterans are encouraged to participate. At 6:30 PM, the band will take the stage on Main Street. Along with live music and street dancing, you can enjoy a variety of fun foods, beverages, and free inflatables for the kiddos. Festivities will conclude with fireworks at 9:45 PM.
Learn more: marionnc.org
4th of July Pow Wow
July 5–7, 2024 | Cherokee
With its lively atmosphere and deep-rooted significance, the annual 4th of July Pow Wow 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, rhythmic drum circles, 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.
Learn more: visitcherokeenc.com
Fireworks Fundraiser at Orchard Lake Campground
July 5, 2024 @ 9:00–10:30 PM | Orchard Lake Campground, Saluda
Come experience fireworks and support the Saluda Volunteer Fire Department! Visitors are welcome to arrive before 7:00 PM and register for $8 day passes at the campground office. Day passes allow guests access to all campground activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, zip-line, soccer, volleyball, shuffleboard, badminton, basketball, skate ramps, horseshoes, pool, carpet ball, foosball, ping-ping, and disc golf. Visitors arriving after 7:00 PM are not required to pay for a day pass, but are encouraged to make a donation to the Saluda Volunteer Fire Department in support of the event.
Learn more: firstpeaknc.com
July 4th Plus One
July 5, 2024 @ 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 6:00 PM with food trucks, a splash pad for the kids to enjoy, free inflatables, and watermelon. A spectacular fireworks display sponsored by Champion Credit Union begins at dusk. Bring a chair or blanket and come enjoy this family-friendly community event.
Learn more: cantonnc.com
