If you’re looking for a soaring grand finale to your Independence Day celebration, East Tennessee has you covered for fireworks this July 4.
Here’s where and when to find the best July 4th fireworks shows this summer.
Fireworks are best left to the professionals, and in the city of Knoxville and Knox County, only those with a permit from the state fire marshal and approval from the city and county fire marshals may set off fireworks.
- Don’t bring dogs or other pets, which are easily frightened by fireworks and can cause hazards.
- Many venues do not allow alcohol to be brought onto festival grounds.
- Tents and canopies can block views of fireworks and should be left at home.
Festival on the 4th at World’s Fair Park in Knoxville
Beginning at 9:35 p.m. July 4 at the World’s Fair Park festival and performance lawns, enjoy the city’s premier fireworks show at the free Festival on the 4th.
This rain-or-shine event begins at 5 p.m. and will feature music from the Mikki Norwood Band and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, paddle boarding and mini golf. The City of Knoxville prohibits alcohol, personal tents and canopies and, yes, furry friends as well.
Free parking will be available at World’s Fair and Blackstock parking lots, as well as the 11th Street, Locust Street, Walnut Street, State Street and Market Square garages. For more information on the festival, visit knoxvilletn.gov.
2nd Annual Sunsphere Events July 4th Celebration
Boasting “fireworks so close you may need sunscreen,” this unique VIP event allows attendees to view the fireworks at World’s Fair Park from the sixth and eighth floors of the iconic Sunsphere.
Sunsphere Events will host the celebration 7-10 p.m. July 4 with its sister company, Rosa’s Catering. Tickets are $95 at sunsphereevents.com. The event sold out last year.
Oak Ridge Independence Day concert and fireworks
At 9:45 p.m. July 4 in A. K. Bissell Park on the Oak Ridge Turnpike, guests to the annual Independence Day Concert and Fireworks Display can enjoy the pyrotechnics with music from the Oak Ridge Community Band. Though the concert is free, the band will accept donations.
The Oak Ridge Fire Department recommends that attendees take along lawn chairs or blankets for the outdoor event, which will have designated seating areas. Parking is prohibited along the right of way on the Oak Ridge Turnpike, and parking on private property is permitted only with permission from the owner. For more information, visit exploreoakridge.com/event.
Smokin’ the Water in Kingston
Fireworks at dark will be the finale to this July 4 event, hosted by Kingston Parks and Recreation. Starting at 5 p.m. at the Southwest Point Amphitheatre, where the Clinch River meets Watts Bar Lake, the celebration will feature food, crafts and a free concert from artists After Sundown, The Last Band and Aaron Carter. Find more information at parks.kingstontn.gov.
Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival
Fireworks over Pigeon Forge are set to begin around 9:50 p.m. July 4 at Patriot Park, 186 Old Mill Ave.
While blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged, umbrellas and coolers are not permitted on festival grounds. Free parking will be available at the city parking area on Teaster Lane between The Island and the LeConte Center. A shuttle will take guests from the parking area to the festival every 20 minutes. More information can be found at pigeonforgepatriotfestival.com.
Gatlinburg July 4th fireworks and midnight parade
Gatlinburg’s fireworks, free and open to the public, will begin at 11 p.m. July 4. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure parking. Festivities will start almost 24 hours earlier with the the annual midnight parade, led this year by the Harlem Globetrotters.
More information on the day’s events can be found at gatlinburg.com.
Loudon Independence Day Celebration
Around 9:30 p.m. on July 3 at the Loudon Municipal Park, the city of Loudon will celebrate Independence Day with its large annual firework show. Gates to the park will close at 8 p.m.
Rockin’ the Docks in Lenoir City
If you’re looking for some weekend fireworks ahead of July 4, which lands on a Tuesday this year, Lenoir City’s 23rd Annual Rockin’ the Docks festival will conclude with a fireworks show at 10 p.m. July 1 at Fort Loudon Lake.
The all-afternoon event begins with food vendors at 1 p.m. and includes an Independence Day tribute at 8 p.m. Boats are welcome, For more information, go to visitloudoncounty.com.
Clinton Fireworks and 4th of July Events
If you want to see fireworks over water, the annual Clinton Fireworks and 4th of July Event will end with a bang at 10 p.m. July 4 at Lakefront Park near Riverside Drive. For more information, visit adventureanderson.com.
Daniel Dassow is a reporting intern focusing on trending and business news. Phone 423-637-0878. Email [email protected].
