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 3, 2025
Details: Celebrating a day early sets the tone for a long, patriotic weekend as Clemson MBA kicks off the festivities Thursday, July 3. 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 Festival and Fireworks
July 3, 2025
Details: Celebrating a day early means 20 minutes more fireworks than in past years, according to event organizers! Join Play Roanoke, Carilion Clinic, and VA250 for a family-fun day at the Freedom Festival’s NEW location of River's Edge Park – North on July 3. Live music kicks off at 4:45 p.m. with Troublesome Blues Band and continues with two sets from Roanoke’s hottest yacht rock band Empty Bottles, who will feature a talented roster of Roanoke All-Stars making guest appearances throughout their show. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. The kids will love the trampolines and inflatables, and everyone will enjoy the live music.
More information: Freedom Fest Fireworks
Waynesville
Stars and Stripes Celebration and Patriotic Kids’ Parade
July 4, 2025
Details: On Friday, 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 colorguard, fire trucks, and decorated vehicles move up Main Street. Take a lunch and shopping break, but stick around to jam to the grooves of the Haywood Community Band at 2 p.m. Later in the evening, Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, a 10-minute drive from Waynesville, hosts a Backyard Fourth. 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
Hendersonville
4th of July Celebration
July 4, 2025
Details: Henderson County Parks and Recreation and The Arts Council of Henderson County host a Fourth of July concert from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Bring your family to Main Street between 3rd Avenue and Caswell Street for live music on two stages. There will be a Kids' Zone and food trucks as well. Fireworks start a little after 9 p.m. and are visible from both stages, but the best position is at the south end of Main Street towards the Visitors Center.
More information: Downtown Hendo Fireworks
Boone
Fourth of July Parade & More
July 4, 2025
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
Banner Elk
Star-Spangled Celebration
July 4, 2025
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, 2025
Details: Celebrate our nation’s independence on the Slope! From 5 - 10 p.m. Asheville’s South Slope Neighborhood, between Coxe and Buxton Avenues, hosts performances by the 100th Army Band, the Mission Accomplished Band, and Ultimate Air Dogs along with kids' activities, local food, beverages, and craft vendors. Fireworks go off at 9:30 p.m.
More information: Block Party & Fireworks
Winston-Salem
Bolt, White & Blue Stadium Party presented by Blaze Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Plumbing
July 4, 2025
Details: The Winston-Salem Dash baseball team may be on the road for the holiday, but that won’t keep their mascot, Bolt, from throwing its own patriotic party! Winston-Salem’s Truist Stadium hosts this non-baseball event* from 6 – 10 p.m. on Friday, July 4. The evening will feature live music, games for the entire family, and a fireworks show as impressive as the ones that follow Dash games.
*This is paid, ticketed event. Visit the website below to learn more.
More information: Fourth with the Dash
Columbia
Fort Jackson presents Independence Day Celebration
July 4, 2025
Details: The event runs 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. and includes kids' carnival rides, misting stations, and food and beer trucks. Music begins at 6 p.m. with a lineup that includes Syr, Aden Webb, 282D Army Band, and DJ B-SAM. 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, 2025
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 water wars, ax throwing, mini-golf, and paddle boats. There will be food vendors on both lawns. Music (6 p.m.-7:45 p.m.) headliners include Matt Stillwell (Festival Lawn Stage) and 12Eleven Band (Performance Lawn Stage). The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra's 41st 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
Blowing Rock
Fourth of July Parade & Festival
July 5, 2025
Details: Blowing Rock’s 4th of July Parade holds off for what hopes to be a splendid Saturday morning, July 5. The parade steps off at 10 a.m. on Main Street and should last 40 minutes to an hour. Be sure to enjoy local dining and visit Shoppes on the Parkway after the patriotic procession makes its way through town.
More information: Celebrate Independence in Blowing Rock