Independence Day, ironically if you consider its name, is an occasion that brings us together. In each corner of our sprawling country, families, friends, and neighbors join in celebrating America’s birthday.
Of course, the kind of “independence” the holiday recognizes is the United States’ national sovereignty, which is entirely different from self-autonomy. Still, in a time where Americans seem divided in so many ways, let this year’s celebration be a reminder that we’re best as a nation when we set aside our personal differences and unite around the common good with a higher purpose in mind and a nobler calling at heart.
So, on this Independence Day, head to your town’s Main Street and pack the sidewalks shoulder to shoulder alongside neighbors, acquaintances, and strangers to watch a parade as the local high school’s marching band plays patriotic tunes led by a string of red, white, and blue-bedecked classic cars and motorcycles. In the evening, pull your family’s pickup into the parking lot of a nearby grocery store or shopping mall, hop in the truck bed, and make conversation with whoever happens to be parked beside you in the collective anticipation of a fireworks display.
Mast General Store communities throughout our region are coming together to celebrate the upcoming, long-weekend holiday in such ways. Here, we’ve listed the events that are free to the public. Most festivities will take place on July 4, but some are held either before or after the day itself, so be sure to check the date and time of the events in your hometown.
Wherever you are and however you spend this Independence Day, do it alongside your fellow Americans in the spirit of common decency, respect, and kindness. You might just find yourself singing along with a chorus of, what President Lincoln might describe as, “the better angels of our nature.” That would make for a Happy Independence Day, indeed!
Greenville
Clemson MBA presents Fireworks on the Fourth!
July 2, 2026
Details: Celebrating a day early sets the tone for a long, patriotic weekend as Clemson MBA kicks off the festivities Thursday, July 2. Head to Greenville’s gorgeous, 60-acre Unity Park with a blanket and a picnic dinner at 6 p.m. Fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m.
For more information: Clemson MBA Fireworks
Roanoke
2025 Freedom Fest & Fireworks
July 3, 2026
Details: Celebrating a day early means 20 minutes more fireworks than in past years, according to event organizers! Join Play Roanoke for a family-fun day at River's Edge Park – North on July 3. Everything kicks off at 4 p.m. with live music starting featuring Bryan "Harvest Black" Hancock and two sets of jams with Empty Bottles and the Roanoke All-Stars. Also enjoy StoryWalks presented by the Roanoke Public Library, Glow-in-the-Dark Bracelets, photo booths, 5-minute portraits, and more. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. The kids will love the inflatables, and everyone will enjoy the live music.
More information: Freedom Fest & Fireworks
Waynesville
Stars and Stripes Celebration and Patriotic Kids’ Parade
July 4, 2026
Details: On Saturday, July 4, children and families dress in their loudest and proudest red, white, and blues for the Patriotic Kids’ Parade at 11 a.m. (Registration begins at 10 a.m.) Watch as a procession of flag-waving color guard and people-powered scooters, bikes, and wagons move up Main Street. Take a lunch and shopping break. Later in the evening, Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, a 10-minute drive from Waynesville, hosts a Backyard Fourth. Food trucks are available. Bring blankets, chairs, picnic baskets, and lawn games to keep the fun going until the fireworks spectacular begins at nightfall!
For more information: Backyard Fourth Fireworks
You might also want to catch a live reading of the Declaration of Independence followed by the Singing Soldiers at 7 p.m. on July 4th at the Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska.
Hendersonville
4th of July Celebration
July 4, 2026
Details: Hendersonville hosts a full day of patriotic events beginning at 10 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance at the Historic Courthouse. The parade steps off at 10:30 a.m. with more events including an ice cream social and reading of the Declaration of Independence, live music, and fireworks.
More information: Downtown Hendo Fireworks
Boone/Blowing Rock/Sugar Mountain
Fourth of July Parade & More
July 4, 2026
Boone Details: The parade steps off at 11 a.m. on King Street in Downtown Boone and features floats, marchers, and performers. Then enjoy free watermelon, cake, and lemonade on the Jones House Lawn located next to the Mast Store in Boone. The Town of Boone fireworks display launches from the Clawson-Burnley Park at the Boone Greenway around 9 p.m.-ish. Plan to arrive early with a picnic and look for parking in lots along MLK Jr. St. and at Appalachian State University’s State Farm lot.
More information: Town of Boone Fireworks
Blowing Rock Details: Blowing Rock puts on one of the best small town parades in the country. Local families, businesses, organizations and musicians come together to celebrate all things red, white, and blue. 10 a.m. is parade time. Following, enjoy live music in the park, food trucks, and games.
More information: Town of Blowing Rock 4th of July Celebration
Traditional Independence Day Celebration at Hickory Ridge History Museum: History comes to life at Hickory Ridge. Listen to patriotic music, cheer the reading of the Declaration of Independence, try your hand at colonial games, and more. 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
More information: Hickory Ridge Museum & Horn in the West
More events in Valle Crucis, Todd, Sugar Mountain, and Tweetsie
Banner Elk
Star-Spangled Celebration
July 4, 2026
Details: The Banner Elk parade begins at 11 a.m. and will be followed immediately by the Party in the Park at noon. This event includes food vendors, old-fashioned games, and inflatables. Don't forget to buy a duck in the Rubber Duck Race, which benefits the local Kiwanis Club.
More information: July 4th in the Park
Asheville
Independence Day Block Party Presented by Ingles
July 4, 2026
Details: Celebrate our nation’s independence in South Slope! Asheville’s South Slope Neighborhood hosts a family-friendly block party with live music, demonstrations by Ultimate Air Dogs, food vendors and kids' activities, with the headlining band - Empire Strikes Brass - on the Asheville Yards Stage at 7 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
More information: Block Party & Fireworks
Winston-Salem
Historical Independence Day at Old Salem
July 4, 2026 - All Day
Details: America's first documented Fourth of July celebration took place in Salem on July 4, 1783. North Carolina had declared July 4 a statewide day of thanksgiving. It was the only state known to do so that year, and the community of Salem was the only settlement to answer the call that first year. This year's semiquincentennial celebration will be reflective of that first ever with readings of the Declaration of Independence, an outdoor concert by the Salem Band, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
More information: Old Salem 4th of July
Baseball & Fireworks with the Winston-Salem Dash
July 4, 2026
Details: What's more American than baseball and fireworks? Cheer on the Winston-Salem Dash as they take on the Greenville Drive at Truist Stadium. First pitch is at 6:30 p.m. Winston-Salem's largest fireworks display follows the final out.
More information: Winston-Salem Dash Baseball
Columbia
Fort Jackson presents Independence Day Celebration
July 4, 2026
Details: The event runs 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. and includes kids' carnival rides, misting stations, a hot dog eating contest, car and Jeep show, and food trucks. Music begins at 6 p.m. with a lineup that includes Steve Ray Ladson and 282nd Army Band. Fireworks start around 9 p.m. Remember, cameras and video equipment are prohibited.
For more information: The 4th at Fort Jackson
Knoxville
City of Knoxville’s Festival on the 4th
July 4, 2026
Details: The event is from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. (or until the fireworks' finale) and is held at World’s Fair Park. Family-friendly events and activities include ax throwing, mini-golf, and paddle boats. There will be food vendors on both lawns. Music (5 p.m.-7:55 p.m.) headliner is Dirty Grass Soul (Festival Lawn Stage). The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra's 42nd Annual Free Lawson Family Independence Day Concert begins at 8 p.m. Fireworks launch from the Henley Bridge at approximately 9:45 p.m.
More information: Knoxville's 4th Festival