Fourth of July in the Smokies
Jackson County Tourism Development Authority photo
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. Thursday, July 4, in downtown. The 31st annual Bryson City Rotary Club “Firecracker 5k” will kick off at 8 a.m. Everett Street will be closed for arts/crafts vendors, food trucks, restaurants and more. Live music provided by Shane Meade & The Sound (indie/soul) from 8-10 p.m. The free “Kids Fun Zone” (bounce houses, slide, etc.) will be located at the corner of Main Street and Veterans Boulevard (wristband available all day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Fireworks will be launched at 10 p.m. Free and open to the public.
For more information, go to greatsmokies.com/freedom-fest.
Canton
• The “July 4th +1” Independence Day celebration will be held on Friday, 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.
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For more information, go to cantonnc.com/july-4-plus-1.
Cashiers's fireworks display is known as one of the region's best. JCTDA photo
Cashiers
• “Fireworks Extravaganza on The Green” will be held from 6-10 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, at The Village Green at the crossroads. The evening features a festival, food trucks and vendors, conga line, live music by the Cashiers Community Chorus and 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, go to villagegreencashiersnc.com/event/fireworks-extravaganza-on-the-green.
JCTDA photo
Cherokee
• The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians annual “4th of July Powwow” will be held July 5-7 at the Acquoni Expo Center. The event features a three-day explosion of authentic Indian music, dancing, food and festivities.
For more information, go to visitcherokeenc.com/culture/cherokee-annual-powwow.
• “4th of July Fireworks” will be held at 10 p.m. Saturday, July 6, 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, go to visitcherokeenc.com/event/4th-of-july-fireworks.
Fontana Village
• The “Fourth of July at Fontana Village” will be held July 4-7. Fireworks on Thursday and Saturday evening. Live music, food, games, parades, contests and more. Free and open to the public.
For more information, go to fontanavillage.com/north-carolina-events.
Franklin
• Independence Day Parade & Celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, 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.
For more information, go to townoffranklinnc.com/july-4-parade-franklin-nc.html.
• “Fireworks Over Franklin” will be held at 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 5, in downtown. Events begin at 5 p.m. Live music at the Gazebo on the Square from 5-9 p.m. with Mission Accomplished and Intermission. Food vendors will be onsite. Main Street will be closed to traffic beginning at 8 p.m. This will allow for great viewing from the east end of Main Street. Tune your radios to 104.9 FM WFSC for the fireworks display soundtrack featuring patriotic and Americana Music.
For more information, go to townoffranklinnc.com/july-4-fireworks-franklin-nc.html.
Hayesville
• The “4th of July Parade & Freedom Festival” will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 4, in downtown. Parade begins at 10 a.m.
For more information, go to business.claychambernc.com/calendar.
Highlands
• Independence Day Celebration will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 4, in downtown. There will be an array of community events throughout the day at the Town Ball Field. A “Duck Derby” will also take place at 2 p.m. at the Bridge at Mill Creek. Live music by The Business 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, go to highlandschamber.org.
Lake Glenville
• The 27th annual Friends of Lake Glenville “Fireworks Over The Lake” will be held at 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 5, as seen from any vantage point on the water. As well, there will be the 3rd annual “4th of July Gala Boat Parade” starting at 8 p.m.
For more information, go to friendsoflakeglenville.com/events.
Lake Junaluska
• The “Independence Day Celebration” will be held July 2-5 at the Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center. 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, go to lakejunaluska.com/july4th.
Maggie Valley
• The “Backyard Fourth” will be held on Thursday, 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, go to maggievalleync.gov/events/backyard-fourth-independence-day-2024.
Murphy
• The Murphy Independence Day Fireworks will be held at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4, at Konehete-Veterans Park. Free and open to the public.
For more information, go to townofmurphync.com.
JCTDA photo
Sylva
• The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce will host the “July 4 Fireworks & Festivities” from 4-10 p.m. Thursday, 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, go to discoverjacksonnc.com/event/sylva-fourth-of-july-fireworks.
JCTDA photos
Waynesville
• The “Stars & Stripes Celebration” will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, 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, go to downtownwaynesville.com.
