Salty sweat melts off skin, scorching rays inflame the streets and the aroma of barbecue fills the air. It's officially summer, which means the Fourth of July is right around the corner.
Foam parties, food truck festivals and a kids' bicycle parade are some of the Independence Day events taking place in the Volunteer State.
From the most elaborate pyrotechnic firework arrangements in Nashville and Cookeville to close-knit community gatherings in Columbia and Jackson, here are the places to watch fireworks all across Tennessee.
Nashville: Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th
The extravagant all-day independence celebration returns to Music City on July 4. It will feature family-friendly activities and musical performances in the Amazon Family Fun Zone and Jack Daniel’s Broadway main stage performances, with multi-platinum artist Chris Young headlining.
Live music will commence at Music City Walk of Fame Park between 11 a.m. and 4:55 p.m., and the evening main show will continue from 4 p.m. to 9:20 p.m.
Festivities will continue at Ascend Amphitheater, where the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony will synchronize a live performance with the anticipated fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
“The fireworks show for Let Freedom Sing! Will be one of the largest in the country,” said Deana Ivey, president and CEO of Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp, in a written statement. “And for the first time this year will feature an accompanying drone show.”
The drones and fireworks will synchronize with a live musical performance by the Nashville Symphony.
Four hundred drones will soar 400 feet over downtown Nashville and eight-inch fireworks shells will skyrocket 800 feet in the sky. More than 1,000 flares will illuminate the Cumberland River, while ghost shells will appear in the sky “as if by magic,” according to Ivey.
Downtown Nashville locations to watch July 4th fireworks
Here are popular spots to view the groundbreaking drone and fireworks display:
- Lower Broadway
- Ascend Amphitheater
- Riverfront Park
- The Green at Riverfront Park
- Public Square Park
- Music City Walk of Fame Park
- Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge
- Gay Street Connector
- Exclusiveviewing area hotel packagesare available for purchase
- 4th of July celebration at Skydeck
- Ole Red, White and Blue's 4th of July Firework Viewing Party
- Adventure Science Center's Red, White and Boom celebration
Locations to watch July 4th fireworks in Tennessee
Chattanooga July 4th fireworks:
Pops on the Riverwill return to Coolidge Park on July 3 at 4:30 p.m. The free community event will consist of an outdoor concert by Love, Peace and Happiness, a 7:30 p.m. performance by the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera and a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
Chattanooga Lookouts fans can attend the July 4 home game against the Tennessee Smokies and enjoy an exclusive fireworks show in AT&T Stadium. The opening inning begins at 7:15 p.m.
Less than seven miles away from the heart of the city, Winnepesaukah Family Amusem*nt Park will end the day of thrilling attractions and water fun with an explosive Fourth of July fireworks show at 10 p.m.
Columbia July 4th fireworks:
Mt. Pleasant will celebrate Independence Day and the 200th anniversary of the city on July 4 at the public square.
Jerzee Dogs will be available at 5 p.m. — two hours before the show — for those who want to indulge in hot dogs and Dorito bowls or to secure an excellent spot to view the fireworks.
At 7 p.m., the live music and fireworks display will begin.
Cookeville July 4th fireworks:
The 10th annualRed, White and Boom Celebrationwill be an all-day affair with the Kids Bicycle Parade starting at 10 a.m.
Located on Putnam County Fairgrounds, the extensive Fourth of July event schedule includes a patriotic program with vendors, a live concert series lineup, many food truck options and a fireworks show.
The gates to the fairgrounds open at 3 p.m. and the fireworks show begins at 9:05 p.m.
Find information about Cookeville's Red, White and Boom Celebration on the event's website.
Franklin July 4th fireworks:
Friends of Franklin Parks, in partnership with the City of Franklin and the City of Franklin Parks Department, will host an Independence Day celebration at The Tractor Supply Co. Arena at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm.
The park opens at 5 p.m., and the fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. Organizers will provide live music, children’s games, food trucks and concessions open for beer and wine sales. A crowd of 8,000 to 10,000 people is expected to attend the event.
All information can be found on the City of Franklin'swebsite.
Gallatin July 4th fireworks:
The City of Gallatin will host its annual foam party at the Fourth of July Festival in Triple Creek Park.
The celebration will begin at 4 p.m. with various food trucks and a fireworks display after sundown.
Jackson July 4th fireworks:
Madison County Fire Rescue will host the 11th annual Firefighters Freedom Festival on July 4.
Gates to the McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport open at 4 p.m. The event includes a performance by the Kimberlie Helton Band and a fireworks display at dark.
Jackson Rockabillys baseball fans can watch a grand fireworks presentation on July 4 following the team's home game against the Missouri Cape Catfish.
Knoxville July 4th fireworks:
In the heart of the city, Knoxville’s Festival on the Fourth will commence at World’s Fair Park Performance and Festival Lawns. The festival's activities include water wars, axe-throwing, mini golf and paddle boats.
Live music will be played at the Festival Lawn Stage, Performance Lawn Stage and Tennessee Amphitheater.
The family-friendly event begins at 5 p.m. and ends with a firework show launching from Henley Bridge at around 9:45 p.m.
No pets, alcohol or personal tents are permitted. The celebration will continue rain or shine.
Learn more about Festival on the Fourth on thewebsite.
Memphis July 4th fireworks:
Graceland, Elvis Presley's home, is hosting its annual All-American Weekend from July 4 to July 6. The Fourth of July event will double as a celebration of 70 years of rock ‘n’ roll music as Graceland Mansion will radiate red, white and blue colors.
Some standout events include screening one of Presley’s celebrated films, “G.I. Blues,” the Salute to Memphis Music Concert, the All-American Party and Fireworks Extravaganza and an Elvis Presley tribute concert performed by Cote Deonath.
Learn more at theGraceland website.
For those who don’t want to pay for tickets in Memphis this Fourth of July, options include the Front Porch Fireworks and Festival and the Fireworks Extravaganza. Both events begin at 5 p.m. with fireworks shows beginning around 9 p.m.
The Front Porch Fireworks and Festival are at Hernando Civic Center Ball Fields and the Fireworks Extravaganza is at Snowden Grove Park. Both Locations will have live music from the 41st Army Brass Band as well as a kid zone and food vendors.
Mt. Juliet July 4th fireworks:
The city’s largest July Fourth celebration returns to Circle P Ranch, kicking off at 5 p.m.
The Two Rivers Ford Tailgate Party will feature food trucks, live music, a bubbly foam party and a fireworks show that begins at 9 p.m.
Murfreesboro July 4th fireworks:
The annual Fourth of July Celebration Under the Stars returns to The Fountains this year. Live entertainment by Craig Campbell will begin at 7:30 p.m. and the fireworks show will follow at 9 p.m.
Pets, alcoholic beverages, cooking grills and personal fireworks or sparklers are not allowed on the celebration site.
Smyrna July 4th fireworks:
Smyrna Parks and Recreation will kick off its Independence Day celebration early on July 3 at 5 p.m. The event will feature vendors, live music, inflatables, train rides and a fireworks show, which will begin at nightfall.
