Independence Day Celebrations and Firework Shows

After a year without festivals due to the pandemic, the City of Asheville will put on a fireworks display downtown for the Fourth of July.

There will be no accompanying festival activities or invited food or drink vendors at the park. People are welcome to bring their own picnic or order take-out from a favorite restaurant.

Portable bathrooms, water bottle filling stations, and first aid will be available in the Pack Square Park area.

In accordance with Parks Department policy, no tents, cooking, or alcoholic beverages will be allowed. Dogs should be leashed, but please be aware that fireworks frighten many dogs, so the City urges residents to consider leaving your pet at home.

For additional family fun, it is anticipated that the Splasheville play fountain for children will be repaired and reopened by July 4, 2021 as well.

DJ Nex Millen will supply music on the Park Square Park stage on Sunday, July 4, 2021 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., before the fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Additional Celebrations

Cherokee: Pow Wow on July 2-4 with authentic Indian dancing, drumming, and tribal regalia. Fireworks July 3rd at 10 p.m. The Powwow is held at the Acquoni Expo Center, 1501 Acquoni Road.

Hendersonville: Special concert on July 4 beginning at 6 p.m. at 201 South Main (Visitor’s Center). Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. and launch from South Grove Street. Look for the giant red balloon to signify the visibility of the fireworks show. If you can see the balloon, you can see the fireworks from your location. Bring chairs and blankets.

Lake Julian: Fireworks begin at dark (9-9:30 p.m.) on the 4th. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and find a spot along the lake. Park at Estes Elementary School on Long Shoals Road across from the lake. No pets please due to crowds. No alcohol or tobacco products. From Asheville take I-26 East to Exit #37. Turn left at the light onto Long Shoals Road. Address: 406 Overlook Extension Arden.

Lake Junaluska’s Independence Day Celebration features music, barbecue, and fun. Live music begins at 8 p.m. on July 4th; fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. Additional details and concert tickets available at www.lakejunaluska.com.

Montreat will host their all-American small-town parade on Saturday, July 3 at 10:30 a.m.

Lake Lure: Fireworks at dusk on July 4th. Bring your picnic and chairs. No alcoholic beverages allowed. Also watch from the beach, opening at 8 p.m.. Just over the lake from Morse Park, 2948 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure.

Waynesville: The Stars and Stripes celebration runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. along Main Street with music and sidewalk sales. Children’s parade begins at 11 a.m.

Maggie Valley: Backyard Fourth, gates open on July 4 at 6 p.m. with fireworks at dark. Free admission. Alcohol-free. Festival Grounds, 3374 Soco Road in Maggie Valley.