Here’s What’s Happening Locally to Celebrate Independence Day

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Cashiers: Live music and dancing on the Village Green, 6:30-10 p.m.

Lake Junaluska: Enjoy music and fireworks. Live music starts at 6 p.m. with a ticketed concert at Historic Stuart Auditorium. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Omni Grove Park Inn Fireworks: Celebrate the holiday a day early on July 3 by heading to the Great Hall from 3-6 p.m. for free live music before the fireworks commence at 9 p.m.

Asheville Tourists Baseball Game + Fireworks: Catch the Tourists game on July 3rd and stick around for the post-game Independence Day fireworks show.

A free Block Party on the South Slope between Coxe and Buxton Avenue starts with The Ultimate Air Dogs from 12-5 p.m.—cute puppies compete to see who can jump the furthest. Music will also begin at 1 p.m. at the Funkatorium outdoor stage and go until 9 p.m. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 4, 2024

Downtown Asheville: Independence Day Block Party on the South Slope between Coxe and Buxton Avenue. The festivities kick off at noon with the Ultimate Airdogs, alongside a variety of local food and beverage vendors. Local marketplace vendors will offer unique goods and crafts. Music begins at 1 p.m. at the Funkatorium outdoor stage and go until 9 p.m. Performances by DJ Badonkey Kong, the Tuesday Night Funk Jam House Band, and The Pink Stones. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

South Asheville Fireworks: Food trucks and live music throughout the afternoon and into the evening. At Lake Julian, the fireworks show starts at dark (9-9:30 p.m.). Park at William W. Estes Elementary School across from the lake at 275 Overlook Road. Free. No pets, alcohol, or tobacco products.

Brevard: The fun kicks off at 2 p.m. with live music at the Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium; Duck Race at 4 p.m.; the reading of the Declaration on WSQL at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks between 9:20-9:40 p.m. from Brevard College’s campus.

Hendersonville: Concert at 6 p.m. at 201 South Main St. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. and launch from South Grove Street. Look for the giant red balloon. If you can see the balloon, you can see the fireworks from your location. Bring chairs and blankets.

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

Marion: Parade at 6 p.m. downtown on Main Street. Live music at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:45 p.m.

Mars Hill: Celebration Festival featuring food trucks, games, inflatables, and music. Fireworks at dark. 100 Athletic St., Mars Hill, NC.

Sylva: Live music starting at 6:30 p.m. at Bridge Park. Fireworks at dark, around 9:45 p.m.

July 4th Dinner in the Park: Make your reservation at Twisted Laurel’s downtown location and secure your spot to enjoy dinner on the patio across from Pack Square Park, host to a day full of activities, including live music on their stage from 4-9 p.m. followed by the annual Ingles Independence Day Celebration fireworks. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. to the public for lunch, dinner, and drinks, reserving the patio for ticketed diners only starting at 7 p.m. Call 828-331-1818 to reserve your patio seats.

Independence Day Fireworks Hike: This easy-to-moderate 1.5-mile hike is a perennial favorite for families and visiting friends! Celebrate the 4th of July with a moderate hike and then view the sunset and Black Mountain’s fireworks display from the peak of Sunset Mountain. Bring a picnic, water, folding chairs, cameras, and flashlights. Dress for inclement and chilly weather. The museum will provide watermelon and transport cargo to the summit. The cost is $35 for members and $50 for non-members.

Lake Julian Fireworks: Spend the day enjoying fishing, picnic areas, disc golf, outdoor games and more before the free fireworks show begins at 9:15 p.m. Reminder: cars aren’t allowed in the park, but there will be shuttles available from Estes Elementary School to the park.

Tweestsie Railroad 4th of July Extravaganza: The park will open with extended hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. for fun and festivities, ending the night with the biggest fireworks display in the region at 9:30 p.m. Visitors to Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock enjoy a variety of interactive experiences including an unforgettable and exciting three-mile trip into the Old West on a train pulled by historic narrow-gauge steam locomotives. Other attractions include live shows, classic amusement rides, the Deer Park Zoo, gem mining, and more. Prices for the evening range from $40 to $60.

Friday-Sunday, July 5-7

Cherokee: Qualla Reservation Pow-wow Friday, July 5 to Sunday, July 7 with Native American Tribal dancing, drumming, and ceremonial tribal regalia. Fireworks July 6th.

Friday, July 5

Marshall: Food trucks, classic cars, and live music. Fireworks at 9 p.m. at Blannahassett Island.

Saturday, July 6

Hot Springs: 15′ waterslide and a Dinosaur Bouncy House in the afternoon on the lawn of the Alpine Court. Giant Jenga game, basketball toss, and a super soaker zone. Fireworks at dark thirty. View them from downtown and the Hot Springs Elementary grounds.

Lake Lure: Watch fireworks at dusk from Lake Lure Beach, 2724 Memorial Hwy. Enjoy live music and a Southern cook-out banquet with a cash bar.