Note: Most events take place on July 4th, however some events take place on other days throughout the July 4th holiday weekend. Before making your final plans, visit the official web sites to confirm dates and times.
Tennessee - July 4th Highlights
- 4th of July Midnight Parade - Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg kicks off America’s Fourth of July celebration, attracting up to 100,000 spectators for the nation’s first Independence Day Parade, which steps off at the stroke of midnight as July 3rd ends and July 4th begins. The parade features giant helium balloons, patriotic floats and more. During the day on July 4th, the festivities continue with the annual River Raft Regatta beginning promptly at noon, following registration starting at 11 a.m.
- Independence Day Celebrations - Memphis, Tennessee
About.com's City Guide to Memphis provides a round-up of popular Memphis area events.
- Let Freedom Sing! - Nashville, Tennessee
Head to Riverfront Park for Nashville's annual Fourth of July celebration, which features a day of entertainment and family fun, plus an evening of incredible fireworks synchronized to the rhythm of the Nashville Symphony. One of the best fireworks displays in the nation, this annual celebration attracts more than 100,000 spectators each year. During the day festivities include a Free Family Fun Zone and food vendors with a sampling of everything from All-American favorites to Southern specialties. Also, find out about other Nashville area Fourth of July celebrations from About.com's City Guide to Nashville
- Pops on the River - Chattanooga, Tennessee
Head to Coolidge Park, lawn chairs and picnic blankets in hand, for this free patriotic concert and fireworks display over the Tennessee River. On-site vendors will sell food, beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Annual Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival - Smithville, Tennessee
The Tennessee and National Official Jamboree and Crafts Festival, this popular annual event attracts well over 100,000 visitors from all 50 states and many foreign countries to enjoy a weekend of Appalachian music and fun.
- Jonesborough Days - Jonesborough, Tennessee
Tennessee's oldest town celebrates the area's agricultural heritage with BBQ, parades, traditional crafts, regional music, fireworks and more.
- Tennessee Tourism Web Site
For information about many more events, visit the special Summer Fireworks announcement at the Tennessee Tourism Web Site.
Virginia - July 4th Highlights
- An American Celebration at Mount Vernon - Alexandria, Virginia
The home of our first commander-in-chief will celebrate George Washington's contribution to America's independence and freedom on the July 4th with its annual Red, White and Blue Celebration from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. The day will feature musical performances, a special wreath laying ceremony, free birthday cake for all (while supplies last), spectacular smoke fireworks in patriotic colors, an inspirational naturalization ceremony for 100 new citizens and a visit by General and Mrs. Washington. All events are included in regular Estate admission.
- USA and Alexandria Birthday Celebration - Alexandria, Virginia
Saturday July 11, 2009 - Extend your celebrations to the Saturday after July 4th in Alexandria, when the 260th birthday of Alexandria and the 233rd birthday of the United States will be observed with a performance by the acclaimed Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, followed by a grand finale of fireworks. For additional information call the Events Hotline at 703-883-4686 or the Special Events office at 703-838-4844.
- Watch the Washington, D.C. Fireworks from Virginia - Arlington, Virginia
A few of the most popular spots for viewing the spectacular Washington, D.C. July 4th fireworks are actually located in Arlington, Virginia. The fireworks, presented by the National Park Service as the finale to A Capitol Fourth and America's Biggest Birthday Party, begin at 9:10 p.m. and finish at 9:30 p.m.
- Norfolk Harborfest - Norfolk, Virginia
Three days of festivities in downtown Norfolk, extending from the Waterside Festival Marketplace to the Historic Freemason Harbor, include nautical and maritime events, visiting vessels, a Parade of sail, family friendly activities, entertainment, pirates and the Annual 4th of July Great American Picnic and Fireworks.
- Festival of the Arts at Dogwood Dell - July 4th - Richmond, Virginia
This free July 4th celebration features patriotic and popular music performed by the Richmond Concert Band, complete with carillon bells, canons and fireworks at the 2,400 seat Dogwood Dell amphitheater located in Byrd Park.
- Independence Day at Kings Dominion - Doswell, Virginia (near Richmond)
Celebrate America's birthday in a big way with the area's largest fireworks display.
- Celebration 2009 at the Martinsville Speedway - Ridgeway, Virginia
Enjoy music, carnival rides for kids and more at this annual celebration.
- Stars and Stripes Explosion - Virginia Beach, Virginia
This annual Hampton Roads family-friendly, star-spangled celebration features an array of concerts from the Symphony Orchestra of Virginia Beach to a Beatles Tribute and more, followed by an oceanfront fireworks extravaganza, launched from a barge off of 20th Street at about 9:30 p.m.
- Busch Gardens Fireworks Extravaganza - Williamsburg, Virginia
Four nights of patriotic fireworks shows and more.
- The Yorktown Fourth of July Celebration - Yorktown, Virginia
Celebrate Independence Day in Yorktown, where the British were defeated in the last major battle of the American Revolution. Family oriented events throughout the day include a foot race, parade, activities for children, musical entertainment and fireworks over the York River.
- The Virginia Tourism Web Site
Visit the Official Virginia Tourism Corporation Web Site for more information about many other Fourth of July events and celebrations taking place this year throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
West Virginia - July 4th Highlights
- Snowshoe Mtn Independence Day / Community Day - Snowshoe, West Virginia
Enjoy music on the Village Stage all weekend and a spectacular mountaintop fireworks display on July 4th.
July 4th fun in the Southeast:
GA - KY - FL | NC | SC | TN - VA - WV
