ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Independence Day celebrations in Western North Carolina may have a different vibe this year as the region continues to recover from Tropical Storm Helene.
Here are a few going on in Asheville and surrounding towns:
Downtown Asheville – Independence Day Block Party (South Slope) — 5-10 p.m. July 4, Asheville
Enjoy live performances by the 100th Army Band and the Mission Accomplished Band, cheer on the always-epic Ultimate Air Dogs and stick around for a fireworks show that will blow you away. Also enjoy food & beverage vendors.
Asheville Independence Day Races — Packet pickup: 7–8 a.m. July 4 at Pack Square, Asheville
Early morning 5K and 10K in downtown Asheville (also a kid-friendly “Firecracker Loop”).
Asheville Tourists Baseball + Fireworks — 6:35 p.m. July 4 at McCormick Field, Asheville
Head to McCormick Field to see the Tourists take on the Greenville Drive. Fireworks post-game show around 9:30 p.m.
Red, White & Brew Bar Crawl (Downtown AVL) — 4-10 p.m. July 4, Asheville
Festive pub crawl, great for adults looking to explore Asheville’s breweries.
The Roof at The Radical Hotel celebration — 3-10 p.m. July 4, Asheville
Celebrate the Fourth of July with cold drinks, hot dogs and good vibes. Guests can enjoy a $15 special “Red, White and Brew” combo, which includes a Chili Dog & Hi-Wire beer in a souvenir Hi-Wire pint glass to take home, plus great views of the sunset while a local DJ spins from 7-9 p.m.
Independence Day at Lake Julian — 8 a.m.-9:45 p.m. (fireworks start just after dark, around 9:15 p.m.) July 4, Lake Julian Park, Arden
Buncombe County Parks & Recreation’s annual Independence Day celebration is returning to Lake Julian Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets and come early to enjoy a full day of paddleboarding, boating, disc golf, fishing (free license day!), playgrounds and picnic areas. Food trucks will be on-site from 2–9 p.m. Live music by Fuzzy Peppers starts at 4 p.m. Complimentary shuttle runs from 10 a.m.10 p.m. between William W. Estes Elementary and the park (handicap & boat-launch vehicles excepted).
Lake Junaluska Independence Day Festivities — Fireworks on July 3, parade and live music on July 4, Lake Junaluska
Multi-day celebration including concerts, water sports, lakeside activities and family-friendly events.
Cherokee 4th of July Powwow: July 4–6 at Qualla Boundary
Traditional dances, storytelling, crafts.
Maggie Valley Backyard Fourth: 6-9 p.m. July 4 at Festival Grounds, Maggie Valley
Picnic-style, fireworks, alcohol-free event.
Cashiers Fireworks on The Green: July 3 evening
Live music, picnic vibe, fireworks.
Fireworks Extravaganza on The Green — July 3, Cashiers
The event will feature live music from the Caribbean Cowboys, local food and beverage vendors and an extraordinary fireworks show at dark!
4th of July Fireworks — Dusk July 4, Black Mountain
The Town of Black Mountain presents a free 4th of July fireworks display that will be visible from many areas in the downtown area. The fireworks will be launched from behind the former Bi-Lo Grocery Store at 205 NC 9 (behind Starbucks and The UPS Store).
Montreat Parade & Swannanoa Valley Festivities — 7 a.m.-10 p.m. July 4, Montreat
The Fourth of July celebration at Montreat, which kicks off with a 5K and finishes with a dance, has become a popular celebration for everyone in the area. There will be a parade at 10:30 a.m. and a variety of fun events for the whole family throughout the day This year’s theme is Montreat Super Strong.
Weaverville July 4th Celebration — July 4, downtown Weaverville
Streets intersecting Main Street will be closed to allow for plenty of room for folks to bring lawn chairs, blankets and dance the night away to live music from Breakfast for Dinner at 7:15 p.m. The fireworks display will follow about 9:15 p.m. Arrive early for family fun and claim your spot, get food and beverages from Main Street establishments and other local vendors.
Independence Day Celebration — July 2–5, Lake Junaluska. Fireworks set for 9:15 p.m. July 3.
Lake Junaluska’s annual Independence Day Celebration features a weekend of family-friendly fun, from concerts to fireworks to floating lanterns. The event will be full of activities and plenty of time to soak up summer enjoying the lakeside swimming pool, a round of golf or pickleball, a cruise on the Cherokee IV pontoon boat or a canoe, kayak or paddleboard rental.
Backyard Fourth — 6 p.m.–dark July 4, Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
Gates open at 6 pm; bring your chairs, blankets, yard games and picnic fixings. Free fireworks at dusk; BBQ plates available ($10), alcohol-free, no pets.
Stars & Stripes Celebration — 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 4, downtown Waynesville
Children and families are encouraged to 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, fire trucks and decorated vehicles move up Main Street. Jam to a live concert by the Haywood Community Band at 2 p.m., and then peruse nearby shops, galleries and restaurants open for the occasion.
July 4 Plus One — 6 p.m. July 5 at Sorrells Street Park, Canton
Food trucks, splash pad for kids, live DJ, free watermelon and fireworks at dusk.
Red, White, and Blue Ice Cream Social — 2-4 p.m. July 4, 24 Water St., Old Fort
Join Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center for its annual ice cream social! This year, it will be around the Morgan Cabin.
Old Fort Rodeo & Fireworks — Gates open at 5:30 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m., July 3-4, 189 Catawba River Road, Old Fort
Come see the most extreme sport on dirt! Pro Rodeo returns to Old Fort July 3rd & 4th! Stay to watch the fireworks put on by the Town of Old Fort after!
North Carolina’s Freedom Fest — 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. July 4, Bryson City
The fun begins at 8 a.m. with the Bryson City Rotary Club Firecracker 5K. The festival opens at 10 a.m., when visitors can enjoy all the arts, crafts, food and music along Everett Street. Visit restaurants or food trucks for great local dining. Or find food vendors with all your holiday favorites: funnel cakes, shaved ice, Philly cheesesteaks, BBQ, kettle corn and more. Live music runs from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. At 10 p.m., experience the best fireworks show in the Smokies!
Annual Marshall Rodeo & Fireworks — 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. July 3-4, Madison County Fairgrounds, Marshall
Gates open 5:30 p.m. Rodeo kicks off 8 p.m. July 3 is family night. Kids Dance Contest with a $50 cash prize to the winner! A professional fireworks show will follow the rodeo on July 4.
The Fabulous 4th of July Celebration — 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 4, downtown Columbus
The festival will be filled with live music, local vendors and crafts, delicious food, exhibits and a spectacular fireworks display. Festivities include an antique car show, dunking booth, water games, amusement rides and more. A special Veteran’s Hour will be held on the main stage at noon, featuring members of the American Legion and the VFW. The grand finale at 9:45 p.m. will feature the Silver Travis band performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” leading into a 20-minute fireworks display.
Independence Day Celebration — 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 4, Highlands
Begin the day at 10 a.m. at the Highlands ball field with bottle rockets, followed by a hot dog lunch and field games at 11 a.m. MAMA (Mountain Area Medical Airlift) will visit the field at noon before the ladder truck spraydown at 1 p.m. At 2 p.m., move to the bridge at Mill Creek for a duck derby. Diverse Groove headlines the Outdoor Concert Series from 6-8:30 p.m. at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. And a fantastic fireworks show rounds off the day at 9 p.m.
Pendergrast Family Patriotic Pops — 2 p.m. July 4, Brevard Music Center, Brevard
Celebrate Independence Day with Patriotic Pops at Brevard Music Center. Hear the Brevard Symphonic Winds, joined by members of the Janiec Opera Company and U.S. Airforce Band Singing Sergeants, as they perform an exhilarating concert of American classics and patriotic favorites. Enjoy rousing marches and inspiring tributes in honor of the birth of our country.
11th Annual July 4th Fireworks Festivities — 4 p.m. July 4, Bridge Park, Sylva
The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the band Gotcha Groove to the stage for a performance from 6:30-9:30 p.m. They are one of the Southeast’s finest bands, known for classic hits, pop favorites, R&B, Motown, soul and beach music. Children’s activities run from 4-8 p.m., and food trucks will be on site, as well. Fireworks should begin at dark immediately after the concert, approximately 9:30 p.m. The fireworks will be visible from various locations throughout downtown Sylva and the immediate surrounding areas.
Shindig on Main: 4th of July Celebration — 4-9:30 p.m. July 4, East Main Street, Brevard
East Main Street will be bustling with activities, entertainment and patriotic spirit, making it the perfect event for families and friends to come together. Among the events planned are a flag raising ceremony, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, live music and street dancing, and food trucks. Shops will be open, and the District will be open throughout the event. Fireworks will be launched from Brevard College’s campus after dark.
July 4th Celebration with Concert & Fireworks Display — 5-9 p.m. July 4, Main Street, Hendersonville
Head to Hendersonville on July 4th to celebrate our nation’s birthday! The day begins with a parade, which runs north along Main Street in the morning. Go downtown at 5 p.m. for a family-friendly festival with inflatables, kids’ games and activities, food trucks and two stages of live music. The evening will be capped off with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. that can be seen from either concert area.