The 4th of July is full of celebrations and fun events! But sometimes, it can be hard to find what to do! Here some ideas on how you can spend your 4th!
1. Enjoy live music with Sara Evans and fireworks at Patriot Park!
Proudly presented by the City of Pigeon Forge, Patriot Festival returns once again in 2023.
This year’s Patriot Festival will be headlined by Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum entertainer Sara Evans, as part of SARA EVANS: LIVE ON TOUR!
Sara’s the fifth most-played female artist on country radio in nearly the last two decades — with five No. 1 singles including “No Place That Far,” “Suds In The Bucket, “A Real Fine Place To Start,” “Born to Fly,” and “A Little Bit Stronger,” She’s earned the prestigious Academy of Country Music Top Female vocalist accolade as well as numerous American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Country Music Association, CMT and Grammy Awards nominations.
Also appearing this year will be the On The Border – The Ultimate Eagles Tribute! This band pulls it off as well as ANY great Tribute can, treating our Patriot Festival attendees to an authentic concert experience. They perform every big hit, from ballads such as “Desperado” and “Lyin’ Eyes” to classics such as “Life in the Fast Lane” and “Heartache Tonight”.
As always, we’re brining this HUGE concert to you for FREE.
Pigeon Forge will mark Independence Day with the city’s annual fireworks on Tuesday, July 4th, capping the holiday weekend.
Patriot Festival guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Umbrellas, tents, and coolers are not permitted. Food vendors will be available. Free parking is provided at the Teaster Lane Municipal parking lot, and a free shuttle operates every 20 minutes between the lot and festival site.
Information provided by mypigeonforge.com/event/patriot-festival
2. Watch Fireworks at the Gatlinburg Space Needle
Join the celebration in downtown Gatlinburg to mark our nation’s “Independence Day” with a spectacular 20-minute firework show starting at 11:00 p.m. from the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Spectators can view the fireworks from any vantage point in Gatlinburg. This event is designated as a Top 20 event by the Southeast Tourism Society.
Information provided by gatlinburg.com/event/gatlinburgs-fireworks-finale
3. Attend FIRST 4th of July Parade in the Nation
Exciting News! Ringing in the first Independence Day celebration in the nation, members of the legendary Harlem Globetrotters will lead the 48th Annual Gatlinburg Fourth of July Midnight Parade. The newly announced Grand Marshals will kick off a spectacular line-up of red, white, and blue ushering in the patriotic holiday.
Changing the scope of the All-American sport for nearly a century, the Harlem Globetrotters have been influential in challenging and breaking barriers in the sport of basketball as well as setting record-breaking feats. The team is famous for astounding displays of athleticism, including the legendary Harlem Globetrotters 4 Points Shot. Today, the team holds 21 world records relating to the sport. The team has received praise from world leaders for their charitable efforts and worldwide presence of goodwill. The Harlem Globetrotters entertain millions with top-tier family entertainment and continue to influence and advocate for social change, equality, and community involvement.
EVENT DETAILS:
Stepping off at 12:01 a.m. on July 4, the parade named as one of the “Top 10 Parades to see in the US” by National Geographic Traveler Magazine, will march through downtown Gatlinburg, beginning at the Baskins Creek Bypass located on East Parkway. Festive floats decorated in sparkling fashion will line the Parkway featuring patriotic marching bands, larger-than-life balloons, and more.
Don’t miss the Meet and Greet opportunity with the Harlem Globetrotters on July 3 from 2 – 4 PM.
The festivities continue on the 4th with the River Raft Regatta, a holiday tradition for many, beginning at 11 a.m. at the former Christ in the Smokies Museum parking area. Visitors can decorate their boats in whimsical or traditional décor, before setting sail along the Pigeon River. The race will begin at 1 p.m. and will end when all floatables have crossed the finish line at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Event goers can also purchase a rubber duck to participate in the competition for $2 or 3 for $5 at event registration.
The First Independence Day Parade in the Nation has garnered national attention and award recognition for excellence in entertainment. The parade has been named by National Geographic Traveler Magazine as a “Top Ten Parade to see in the US” and recognized by Livability.com as one of the “Five Best Fourth of July Celebrations in Smaller Cities.” Additionally, the event has earned multiple Grand Pinnacle Awards by the International Festivals and Events Association.
Information provided by gatlinburg.com/event/gatlinburgs-annual-fourth-of-july-midnight-parade
4. Celebrate with America’s Favorite Pastime at Smokies Stadium!
Grab your cracker jacks and cheer on your Tennessee Smokies as they face the Birmingham Barons! We are celebrating America’s independence at Smokies Stadium presented by Folds of Honor! We will have the best and brightest firework show in East Tennessee at the conclusion of our game. There will be Independence Day themed jerseys that will be available for auction benefitting Folds of Honor. In addition, we are welcoming home John Shoffner, our local astronaut who is scheduled to go to space this year! | Presented By Folds of Honor
Game Highlight: Kids Run the Bases
Kids 12 and under are invited to run the bases after the game! The line will start at the top of Section 104. Children cannot be wearing flip flops if they wish to participate. | Presented By Shoney’s
Game Highlight: Summer Fireworks Series
The Summer Fireworks Series takes place on most Fridays and Saturdays. The fireworks will begin immediately following the end of the game! | Presented By Pepsi, Coors Light, and Remote Area Medical
Information provided by milb.com/tennessee/tickets/single-game-tickets
5. Visit Dollywood for their Summer Celebration!
Summer’s best moments come alive in the Smokies. Here, days are brighter and nights sparkle during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration. Surprises await around every sun-kissed corner, including refreshing ways to play, inspiring bursts of summer color and returning family-favorite shows like Gazillion Bubble Show: Aurora. As the sun starts to set, ride into the night on NEW Big Bear Mountain, join a high-energy dance party beneath the Wildwood Grove tree and watch hundreds of drones dance across the night sky during the dazzling Sweet Summer Nights drone & fireworks show!
Information provided by dollywood.com/themepark/festivals/summer
6. Shop till you drop with 4th of July sales!
Tanger Outlets of Sevierville is the shopping destination of the Smoky Mountains and is full of your favorite stores with amazing holiday deals! Participating stores are Columbia, Sketchers, Eddie Bauer, and more! Tanger Outlets is open from 10 AM – 9 PM.
Information provided by tanger.com/sevierville/deals
7. Experience the sight of breathtaking fireworks from above!
The Island is in a prime spot for restaurants, drinks, shopping, and fun! Including the iconic towering 200-feet tall, The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel sits at the foothills of the most visited National Park in the United States – The Great Smoky Mountains. As the centerpiece to The Island in Pigeon Forge, it stands as one of the tallest attractions in the Southeast. Making its maiden turn on June 21, 2013, The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island in Pigeon Forge provides riders an unparalleled view of the world-famous Smoky Mountains in comfortable, all-glass gondolas that seat up to 8 guests.
Click Here for Tickets and More Information!
Information provided by islandinpigeonforge.com
