Fireworks Fly in the Smoky Mountains this Fourth of July

Celebrate a sparkling Smoky Mountain Fourth of July with music, food, family fun, and most of all, fireworks galore! Festivities for the Fourth are popular here, so don’t miss out—reserve your family’s rental cabin early for your Independence Day getaway!

1. Magical Midnight Parade

Patriotic floats, peppy bands, giant balloons, and more take over Gatlinburg at midnight—as July 3 turns into Independence Day—for the earliest Fourth of July parade in the country. Let the kids stay up for this glittering late-night treat, then sleep in, and get pancakes on the Fourth! You’ll want to fuel up for the July 4 fun still ahead.

2. Fireworks at the Space Needle

Watch fireworks light the sky, shot from the top of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle downtown. When fireworks start off this high in the sky, they can only fly higher! You can see this free, dazzling display from all over the area, so it’s easy to spread out, distance from others, and still enjoy the blossoms of light. The Space Needle fireworks start at 11 p.m. on the Fourth.

3. Viewing Party at the SkyLift Park

For a unique view of the fireworks, watch them from above! Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is directly across from and 100 feet above the Space Needle, so its annual viewing party gives you a spectacular overhead view of fireworks over the Smoky Mountains. Stroll over the SkyBridge and look at the town and valley below your feet, then gasp at the exploding colors in the sky. SkyLift Park’s viewing party often sells out, so snag your tickets soon.

4. Red, White and Brew (With a View)

Mountaintop theme park Anakeesta is another great vantage point for seeing Gatlinburg’s fireworks. Watching the display is part of the Red, White, and Brew celebration on July 4 weekend. Family fun includes kids’ movies and activities, live entertainment, food and drink specials, and much more.

5. Pigeon Forge Patriot Fesival

Pigeon Forge’s July 4 Patriot Festival features music, food, family games and concludes with more fantastic fireworks. Bring a picnic blanket and lawn chairs so you can relax.

6. Celebrate at a Comfy Cabin

You’ll need to recharge after all this celebrating. A cabin is the ideal home base for your family. Plan ahead to spend your Fourth of July in the Smoky Mountains. Book a private, convenient, fully equipped cabin today!