4th of July Fireworks and Events in the NC Mountains

 NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:     Ingles 4th of July Celebration in Pack Square  Enjoy live music from some of Asheville's most popular bands along with a variety of family activities. The event begins at 4 PM and concludes with an amazing fireworks display at 9:30 PM.  Get a link for more event details...

 
NC City:  BLOWING ROCK
Event:     Fireworks Extravaganza at Tweetsie Railroad   The Park stays open until 9 PM for one of the most popular annual events in the High Country. Enjoy all the usual Tweetsie fun and a fireworks extravaganza under the stars after the Park closes. An optional dinner and fireworks at the Hacienda is available including a special chick and BBQ buffet with all the Trimmings.  Get a link for more event details...

Date:      July 4 
NC City:  BEECH MOUNTAIN
Event:    Independence Day Picnic  Celebrate our Nation with a good ole’ fashioned family picnic and games. With a bounce house, relay races, yummy food and national pride, there is sure to be something for everyone in your family.  Get a link for more event details...

 
NC City:  BRYSON CITY
Event:    Freedom Train - The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad   Celebrate Independence Day on the Freedom Train at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Ride the Fireworks Freedom Train and view one of the largest and most spectacular fireworks displays in Western North Carolina.  Get a link for more event details...

 
NC City:  RUTHERFORDTON
Event:    An Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration   The fun begins at noon with a walking parade and continues throughout the day with a car/bike show, soap box derby, dunking booth, watermelon eating contest, cornhole, kids area, games, lots of food and more. The fireworks display begins at dark. Get a link for more event details...

 
NC City:  BREVARD
Event:     Patriot Pops Concert   Performed by the Brevard Community Band with Transylvania Symphonic Band at the Brevard Music Center at 2 PM.   Get a link for more event details...

 
NC City:  HENDERSONVILLE
Event:     Music on Main Street   The 14th annual Music On Main Street concert series special 4th of July concert.  Music On Main Street showcases a diverse lineup of musical talents, from jazz, pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music. Bring a chair and enjoy the music from 7 PM - 9 PM. Admission is FREE.   Get a link for more event details...

 
NC City:  DILLSBORO
Event:     Dillsboro 4th of July Celebration   1 PM - until dark.   Opening Ceremony and Carnival Rides begin at 1 PM. Pie & Cake Bakeoff at 3 PM, Water Balloon Contest 2 - 3:30 PM, Horseshoe Challenge & Cornhole Challenge 5 PM. Music and entertainment begins at 4 PM on the main stage at the intersection of Church Street & Front Street. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the show. Fireworks will begin at dark from Harrison Quarry.   Get a link for more event details...
The second annual Tuck River Derby and Tube Race, where tubes and homemade rafts drift down the Tuckasegee River, will be held in the afternoon. Registration ends at 3:30 PM with the Tube Race beginning at 4:00 and the Raft Race at 4:30. Launch at Webster Street.  

NC City:  MURPHY
Event:     4th of July Hometown Celebration   Celebrate our nation’s birthday with a good old-fashioned hometown celebration!  Great food, music, crafters, kids’ games and more events than you can shake a stick at. It all starts at 10 am and ends with a spectacular fireworks display at dark. The event is held in the Konehete Park in downtown Murphy.  Get a link for more event details...

NC City:  JEFFERSON
Event:     4th of July Celebration   A celebration of 4th of July held in Ashe County Park beginning at sunset. 336-982-6185

NC City:  Wilkesboro
Event:     Fireworks in Wilkes County   Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy this American tradition. The whole family will get excited about the Emergency Vehicle Parade that begins one hour before the fireworks begin at dusk.  Get a link for more event details...

4th of July Event: Independence Day Festival and Parade in Blowing Rock NC

June 30    Independence Day Festival and Parade   Downtown games, music and the Grandaddy of all small-town parades. FREE event held in Memorial Park and Main Street.

The event kicks off with a horseshoe tournament offering cash prizes. The day continues with games in the Park, live music, the Country Magic Cloggers, the parade, bluegrass gospel music from the Cockman Family and more. The event ends with a fireworks display on the grounds of the Blowing Rock Country Club.

Get a link for the Independence Day Festival and local information on the Blowing Rock NC Visitor Guide

Mountain Stores have more to offer

Should anyone doubt the value of locally owned and operated stores and shops, just take a few minutes to visit City Lights Bookstore in Sylva or The Compleat Naturalist in Asheville. Yes, they both have "stuff" for sale and you can probably even find some the same stuff at chain stores or online dealers. But, like most of the mountain shops,  you'll also find unique products by, about and for the local community. And even more important, you'll find local folks who truly know their "stuff" and share their expertise with both neighbors and visitors on a regular basis. They are making sure the good old days are still with us and the small mountain towns remain an oasis to think, commune and learn.

The Complete Naturalist is hosting a FREE party, Friday July 15, 6:30-8:00 PM. Celebrate the end of the week with drinks and snacks. This week the Naturalist Meetup welcomes Dr. Tim Spira, author of the new book, Wildflowers & Plant Communities of the Southern Appalachian Mountains & Piedmont. This book was the Naturalist's top seller at the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Smokies. Come and meet Tim and mingle with other naturalists - a fun way to kick off a summer weekend! Join the new Compleat Naturalist Meetup Group to be notified of upcoming events. Meet other nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, naturalists, and similarly inquisitive minds.

Stop by and stay for the whole time or leave when you wish. Please RSVP if you plan to attend so that the refreshments can be planned: Laura@compleatnaturalist.com. A portion of our proceeds goes to support the non-profit group, Discover Life in America (DLIA), which oversees the project that is helping the Great Smoky Mountains National Park manage its resources and tell its story through science. The Compleat Naturalist is located at 2 Brook Street in Historic Biltmore Village, Asheville NC.

         

City Lights Bookstore is hosting Hillbilly Tales from the Smoky Mountains on July 15th at 7:00 PM. Whittier resident and author, Patricia Graham, will be at City Lights to read from her book, Hillbilly Tales from the Smoky Mountains. The book includes several short stories based on the folklore of the Appalachian mountains.

Before the time of cell-phones, computers and television, family members would gather on the front porch and conjure stories through oral traditions. This endearing book offers hillbilly sayings and proverbs that go hand-in-hand with mountain medicine. Part two includes The Return to Green Cove, a short but dramatic story written by one of the original descendants of the Crowe family, Ms. Verna Humphrey. Facing the end of the Civil War, poverty and death take their toll on Charlotte, a young girl struggling to regain her birthright. When a young lawyer enters upon the scene, Charlotte's interpretation of heritage takes on a brand new meaning.

And just for FUN - stop by on Game Night, held every third Monday at 6 PM.   Bring the whole family for brainy games at the bookstore and less brainy games, such as Cornhole, Washers and more at the Cafe. Look for food specials and Kid's meals as well!

City Lights stated mission is: "to share the literature of the Southern Appalachian region with the world, and the world of books with our community." City Lights Bookstore is located at 3 East Jackson St. in Sylva NC.

Fireworks Display at Lake Lure

4th of July Events: Picnics and Parades on the 4th of July

SPRUCE PINE   Annual 4th of July Picnic and Covered Dish Dinner  at the Historic Orchard at Alta Pass. Free music from 11:00-4:30. Admission for the meal is a dish to share, large enough for your party with some extra for the musicians who will be entertaining all day. In place of the covered dish, guests may pay $12 per meal. The Orchard provides fresh barbecue, water, iced tea, and paper goods.

CHIMNEY ROCK  4th of July Independence Day Events at Chimney Rock Park   July 2-4, 11-4pm, bring your kids for a free climb on the climbing tower in the Meadows. $5 Hot Dog Meal Special from the "Rolling Rock". 

OLD FORT   Old Fort Independence Day  The Town of Old Fort celebrates Independence Day with a Community Picnic on the grounds of Mountain Gateway Museum between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Bring your food, drinks, chairs, blankets and the family to enjoy the shaded landscape bordering picturesque Mill Creek. Afterwards watch the Independence Day Parade that begins at 4:00 p.m.

BLACK MOUNTAIN   July 4th Celebration Events Montreat Parade 10:30am Free to the Public.

LAKE LURE   Lake Lure 4th of July Celebration  Enjoy a variety of activities all day including arts and crafts show and sale, carnival games, free truck rides, kids zone at the beach, kids games, lakeside bingo and  beach cookout ( 11 AM - 3:30 PM)
FRANKLIN   4th of July Parade    in Historic Downtown Franklin the Parade begins at  10:00 AM and continues until 1 PM

BEECH MOUNTAIN   Independence Day Picnic   Celebrate with a picnic, bounce house for the kids, music, traditional family games and fun.  There is something for everyone with potato sack races, hula hoop contest, corn hole, three-legged race, and much more
HENDERSONVILLE   Independence Day Parade    4th of July Parade in Historic downtown Hendersonville.
FRANKLIN   4th of July Parade   Parade in historic downtown Franklin 9:30am - 1pm. Parade begins at 10am.
HIGHLANDS    Highlands Fireworks   Annual Children's games at the Community Center, Rotary BBQ, and much more throughout the day.  Festive Fireworks at 9:15 PM.

4th of July Weekend Event: Celebrate with Music in the Mountains

June 29 - July 3   Betwen  LITTLE SWITZERLAND and SPRUCE PINE -  Live Music and More - the Historic  Orchard at Altapass  Live music and dancing, hayrides, storytelling, nature walks and lots of fun every Wed - Sun in season.

July 1   HENDERSONVILLE -  Music on Main Street Concert Series  Every Friday evening from June - August . The event feature " oldies rock, beach music, variety and top 40 music. Bring a chair and enjoy the FREE  music.

July 1    NEWLAND   The Newland River Walk Concert Series   6 PM - 9 PM   A variety of music and entertainment in a family atmosphere. Bring your blanket, pop-up tent, table, chairs, cooler or whatever, for a family picnic while enjoying the summer long series.  Located at the Newland River Walk Band shell (adjacent to Lowes parking lot).
July 1 - 4   BRYSON CITY   Inspirations "Singing in the Smokies"   Southern Gospel singing with The Inspirations and more at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

July 2   BRYSON CITY  - Music in the Mountains - Free Concerts   The Grove Band   Every Saturday night from June through Oct, enjoy a FREE concert in Bryson City at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Train Depot from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Sit in one of the old church pews on the covered depot deck or bring a lawn chair to enjoy the show.

July 2   ASHEVILLE   Shindig on the Green   A joyously spontaneous celebration of traditional and old-time string bands, ballad singers, storytellers, big circle mountain dancers and cloggers.  Stage show and informal jam sessions.
July 2 - 3   CASHIERS   3rd Annual "Cashiers Mountain Music Festival"   Hear Doc Watson & David Holt, Balsam Range, Rye Holler Boys and some of the most talented bluegrass musicians around! This is an event for the entire family with arts & crafts and a fun zone for the kids, concluding with a spectacular display of fireworks. Tickets must be purchased.

July 3 - 5   FLAT ROCK   Flat Rock Playhouse Music on the Rock  The Music of Motown.   Summer Music on the Rock Concerts offer audiences a variety of music of well-known artists performed by exceptional singers and musicians.

 

4th of July Weekend Event: Independence Day Events at Chimney Rock Park

July 1 - 4    4th of July Independence Day Events at Chimney Rock Park   July 2-4, 11-4pm, bring your kids for a free climb on the climbing tower in the Meadows. $5 Hot Dog Meal Special from the "Rolling Rock". Appalachian Mountains native and craft artist Nora Mosrie will be giving demonstrations on corn husk, paper and natural materials crafting. Picnic, hike, rock climb, or check out Grady (the resident groundhog) and his live friends at Grady’s Discovery Den.
CHIMNEY ROCK PARK is named for the Chimney Rock, a 500 million-year-old giant granite monolith overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge. Visitors are awed by the breathtaking view that spreads 1200 vertical feet beneath them and 75 miles across the Carolinas. The state- owned park, located in Chimney Rock North Carolina, encompasses 1,000 acres, including the Chimney itself and Hickory Nut Falls. Chimney Rock Park is the natural fulfillment of your trip to the mountains. The Park, located 25 miles southeast of Asheville North Carolina, offers the best of the mountains in one place: spectacular long range mountain views, hiking trails for all ages, a 404-foot waterfall, and variety of special events throughout the year.

4th of July Event: Fireworks Extravaganza at Tweetsie Railroad

July 4  Fireworks Extravaganza at Tweetsie Railroad.  Celebrate Independence Day - and Tweetsie’s 54th birthday! - with family-friendly fun and engine #12 at Tweetsie Railroad Theme Park.  Watch as the High Country sky is illuminated with a dazzling fireworks display, and this year promises to be better than ever.

The park will remain open until 9:00 p.m. with an optional Chuck Wagon Dinner in the Hacienda from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm and fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m.

Parking is $5 per vehicle. Golden Rail Season Pass holders park for free!  This is typically the most well-attended and most spectacular fireworks display in the High Country.  Tweetsie Railroad is located at 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane in Blowing Rock NC.

4th of July Event: Watch FIreworks from a boat on Lake Lure

Get the "best seat in the house" for this year's spectacular Lake Lure Fireworks Display. Lake Lure Tours, Inc. is taking reservations for seating on their tour boats to watch the fireworks on the lake Monday, July 4th. Boats will depart at 8pm on Monday, July 4th and will return to the Marina around 10:30pm. Each seat is $25.00 and we will accept reservations up until 6:00pm on the day of the fireworks event.

The Beach at Lake Lure will close at 6:00pm, but will reopen for fireworks at 8:00pm. There will be no swimming once the beach reopens, but there will be concessions available. To make your reservation or get additional information, call (877) 386-4255 or (828) 625-1373.

4th of July Weekend Event: Freedom Festival Arts & Crafts Show

July 2 - 3   Freedom Festival Arts & Crafts Show   The Blue Ridge Artists and Crafters Association, a local nonprofit crafters group located in Haywood County, is sponsoring the Freedom Festival Arts & Crafts Show.  9 AM - 5 PM  Saturday and Sunday.  One of the longest-running shows in the area, the Freedom Festival is an indoor show with approximately 50 crafters, free parking, free admission, and food available.The Festival is held on the Haywood County Fairgrounds, 758 Crabtree Road in Waynesville NC.

4th of July Getaway in Sapphire Valley-Cashiers area

Welcome to the Hampton Inn and Suites - Your Private Mountain Retreat where you will enjoy beautiful and comfortable rooms and suites with modern convenience in a quaint mountain setting. Amenities include: Choice of (as available at time of booking) Standard king or queen rooms, as well as king and queen studios and suites with microwave and mini-fridge. 

All rooms have free wireless Internet access, coffeemaker, hairdryer, iron and ironing board. Complimentary hot breakfast and beverages; indoor pool; fitness room; Business Center and meeting facilities; mountain views! Activity Packages available.

Hike the area's many trails and see incredible views and wondrous waterfalls throughout "The Land of Waterfalls".  Go gem-mining, horseback riding or simply visit one of our fine antique or art dealers, or any of the other businesses in the charming area towns. The Ski Sapphire snow ski resort is also nearby.  10% discount for AARP and AAA!
Hampton Inn and Suites- Sapphire Valley

NC 4th of July Event: the Legend of Tom Dooley live Performance

June 30 - July 3   Tom Dooley: A Wilkes County Legend   The Wilkes Playmakers puts on "Tom Dooley: A Wilkes County Legend" each year to commemorate the local folk legend. Tom "Dooley" Dula was a former confederate soldier imprisoned as authorities searched for the truth. Dula was later tried, convicted, and hanged for the murder. Years later, he still is getting recognition with The Kingston Trio song "Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley"  and interest from history buffs. Ticket sales begin May 1st. Wilkesboro NC

NC 4th of July Event: Maggie Valley's Annual Red, White and Boom

July 1 - 4   Red, White and Boom in Maggie Valley NC.  Grab the  blankets and chairs and head to the Maggie Valley Fairgrounds for this annual celebration! Enjoy a weekend of family fun, games, food and live entertainment with a dazzling display of fireworks launched over the festival grounds.

Buy tickets online HERE.  Find a Full Assortment of Amusement Rides including 14 Mechanical rides, Fun House, 30ft Caged Ferris Wheel, 100ft 3 Lane Hard Slide, Rio Grande Train Ride,  Zamperlla Hot Air Balloon Ride. 3 Inflatable Attractions:  30ft Tree House Slide, Toddler Town and Extreme Obstacle Course.

The Event includes Live Music & Entertainment Daily; MC/DJ Provided by Sound Entertainment; Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase; Craft and Food Vendors; Kids Toys and Novelty Vendors.

Fireworks displays at 9:45 PM on both Sunday, July3rd and Monday, July 4th.

Nantahala Cabin Available 4th of July Weekend

Nantahala cabin "The Sassafras Breeze" is still available for the fourth of July weekend. Regular rates apply with , no minimum stay required. This contemporary log cabin is only minutes away from Nantahala River Rafting and walking distance to trout fishing.

Enjoy on site hiking trails and the spacious, covered, elevated rear porch with a long range mountain view. Central H&A, locally crafted furnishings, full kitchen, W&D, flat screen satellite TV+DVD. Sleeps 6. $150 per night, $750 per week. Visit THE CABINS AT LONG BRANCH more details and photos. 

Summer Days and Summer Nights Events at Tweetsie Railroad

Enjoy a visit from Dora the Explorer™ and her cousin Go, Diego, Go!™ June 24-26, and don’t miss Tweetsie at twilight with the theme park's new event, Cool Summer Nights, July 2, 9 and 16. The park will stay open until 9:00 PM and feature rides, live music, a chuck wagon dinner and even a special train show.

Tweetsie Railroad's  July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza will bring people from near and far to celebrate Independence Day, and  families are invited to join Barney™ as he sings and dances to his favorite songs July 15-17. Guests can truly experience the ‘dog days of summer’ when the amazing, gravity-defying K-9s in Flight Frisbee® Dogs jump, flip, catch and dive July 23-31.

Visit Tweetsie.com to purchase tickets and for more information on these and other great events this season.


June 18: March of Dimes Day at Tweetsie.  North Carolina’s first theme park and the March of Dimes are teaming up this Saturday, June 18 for a special day at Tweetsie in support of healthier lives for babies and their families. One dollar from each paid admission that day will be donated to the March of Dimes.  Direct donations can be made through the March of Dimes/Tweetsie Railroad partner web site at marchforbabies.org/tweetsie.


Download Tweetsie’s Frontier Outpost. Ready for a new addition to our 3-D paper train series? Well…this time it’s not a train! Get started today and visit Tweetsie.com to download the Frontier Outpost along with a few of Tweetsie’s famed cowboys and Indians.

TWEETSIE RAILROAD was North Carolina's first theme park and today still manages to blend fantasy, nature technology into a fun and educational experience for kids of ALL ages. Hop aboard the train and let good ol' number 12 take you on an unforgettable three-mile journey through the scenic mountains. You'll arrive transported back into the days of the Old West. The Park is located in Blowing Rock NC

4th of July in the Mountains: Lake Lure Events

1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa celebrates Independence Day with an All-you-can-eat-Barbeque Buffet at The Veranda Restaurant from 5PM - 9PM on July 4th. The buffet includes pulled pork, smoked chicken and all the fixins. If an outdoor picnic is more your style head for The Beachcomber next to the Beachside Grill for burgers, dogs and live music. Music begins at 2PM and the fun and fireworks continue until 11PM. The 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa is located at 2771 Memorial Highway, Lake LureNorth Carolina   http://www.lakelure.com/

4th of July in the NC Mountains: Bryson City Barbeque

 Independence Day Weekend BBQ  at Thirteen Moons  at The Nantahala Village Resort, Bryson City North Carolina.  The fun starts at 6PM July 3rd on the deck with live music, full bar and an All-American Menu. Only $9.95!

Cold Station

Carolina Cole Slaw
Garden Green Salad
Italian and Bleu Cheese Dressing
Charcoal Grill Station
Hickory Grilled Chicken
All American Hamburgers and Hot Dogs
Butter Basted Corn on the Cobb
Homemade Dessert
Homemade Apple Pie with Sugar Crust
Cherry Crumble Pie Original Recipe Cookies

4th of July in the Mountains: Chimney Rock Park Special Events

Chimney Rock Park is kicking off the summer with a 4th of July celebration including a cookout on the Sky Lounge patio, music with  hammered dulcimer player John Mason and a meet and greet with some of the Park's critters. Grab a hot dog, chips and a drink on the patio Saturday, July 3rd through Monday the 5th for just $5 (tax included). On Saturday, stop by Grady's Discovery Den between noon and 2pm to get an up-close-and-personal look at native snakes, turtles and even an opossum.

On July 4th after your day at the Park, head over to Morse Park Meadows at Lake Lure  for fireworks, food and fun.