Exciting 4th of July events are gearing up all across the WNC Smokies with parades, live music, delicious summer foods, and eye-popping firework displays. We’ve gathered a list of where you can celebrate the good ol’ U.S. of A. in Maggie Valley and beyond in 2022!
Events and schedules are subject to change. So, please check with each venue before visiting to get the latest details about opening times, closures and any Covid related safety requirements.
Backyard Fourth in Maggie Valley, NC
Right here in Maggie Valley, you can join in the town’s annual Backyard Fourth celebration. Hosted at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, the gates open on the 4th of July at 6:00 pm, and admission is free. Bring your picnic blankets, chairs, food, bubbles, hula hoops, and games! (Just FYI, this is an alcohol-free event.) Enjoy an evening of picnics and fun before the exciting fireworks show starts at dark.
Freedom Fest in Bryson City
The 4th of July celebration kicks off in Bryson City, NC at 8 am with the 31st Annual Bryson City Rotary Club Firecracker 5K. The race leaves from Riverfront Park downtown and goes through the Deep Creek area before returning to the starting point. Then at 10 am, the festival officially opens along Everett Street. Enjoy a day filled with patriotic arts, crafts, music and classic Smoky Mountain food – like hickory smoked BBQ, funnel cakes, shaved ice, Philly cheese-steak sandwiches, kettle corn, and more! Or if you’re looking for a little adventure, there’s incredible whitewater rafting nearby. As the sun sets and darkness falls over the mountains, grab a picnic blanket or lawn chair, sit back, relax, and get ready to take in the epic fireworks show that starts at 10:00 pm.
Classic 4th of July Weekend on Lake Junaluska
Lake Junaluska hosts a special patriotic weekend with plenty of family-friendly events to keep you busy from Friday, July 1 through Monday, July 4th. Enjoy live bluegrass music with Balsam Range, finger licking BBQ, floating wish lanterns, fishing, bird watching, golf, boat rides, and lakeside summer fun! And don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display at 9:30 pm on July 3rd.
Stars and Stripes in Waynesville
The Stars and Stripes daytime celebration in Waynesville runs from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Wander down the charming small town Main Street and browse through sidewalk sales as festive music and live entertainment is performed in the background. There aren’t any fireworks in Waynesville, but you can head over to Maggie Valley for the big light show at the Fairgrounds.
Festive Music in Brevard
Brevard kicks off their Independence Day celebrations a couple days early this year. On Saturday, July 2nd at 8:00 am they host the annual 5k Firecracker Run. Lace up your sneakers or cheer on the runners to get the celebratory juices flowing. Then on the actual 4th of July, head to the streets downtown for the Fine Arts & Craft Festival that goes from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Don’t miss the Classic Auto Show that stretches on for blocks, then mosey over to the Courthouse Gazebo for various live music shows that last all day.
If more music is what you’re looking for, the Brevard Music Center Festival hosts the Patriotic Pops Concert at 2:00 pm, complete with color guard and live cannons. There’s so much to enjoy before the big fireworks show at Brevard College at 9:30 pm.
Downtown Asheville Independence Day Celebration
Head to Pack Square Park in Downtown Asheville, NC at 6:30 pm and grab your spot for the big fireworks display. While there is no accompanying festival this year, feel free to bring a picnic basket or order delicious takeout from one of the amazing downtown restaurants. DJ Nex Millen will be playing tunes from the Pack Square stage from 6:30–9:30 pm. Then the fantastic fireworks display begins at 9:30.
If you need a home base for your 4th of July weekend in the Smokies, the Meadowlark Motel offers rooms and cabins with a relaxing Appalachian chic style and amenities like fun games and live musical performances on our BackPorch Pavilion.
Reminder: Fireworks are illegal in National Forests
Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are prohibited on all national grassland and national forest lands year-round, regardless of weather conditions or holidays. Regulations are enforced, and violation is punishable as a misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment of not more than six months, or both.
