Where do you plan to watch fireworks this Fourth of July? If you’re interested in checking out a new spot with your family and perhaps even go on a small road trip, there are some awesome Independence Day celebrations and fireworks shows close to Williamson County.
1Nashville
We can’t write about great fireworks shows without mentioning the downtown Nashville show. Nashville’s fireworks show has always been one of the best and is nationally recognized. Before the fireworks kick off at 9pm, you and your family can enjoy live music and activities which starts at 12pm. This year’s lineup includes Chris Janson, Lucie Silvas, Shannon Sanders, Andrew Combs, Kid Politics, Jason Eskridge, and Katie Schecter with a final performance by Lady Antebellum before the fireworks show kicks off with The Nashville Symphony! The festivities include climbing walls, water slides, games and so much more. If you want to stay close to home, Nashville is your spot. Learn more about Nashville’s Fourth of July festivities here.
2Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg’s July 4th festivities is one of the best and greatest in the south with a unique twist on the July 4th festivities. They kick off Independence Day with their parade celebrating the day beginning at midnight on July 4. Festivities then continue throughout the entire day while hosting 100,000 spectators and featuring a special tribute to military personnel. The parade is more than a mile in length through the heart of the city and showcases elaborately decorated floats, helium balloons, marching bands, equestrian entries and a large contingent of armed services men and women. Families can make a long weekend out of the parade and partake in additional patriotic activities, including free admission concerts by the Dixieland Band, Brass Quintet, Jazz Ensemble, Rock Band and the entire 100th Army Concert Band, plus a Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta unmanned floatable race and a spectacular fireworks display. This event is one that you should enjoy at least once in your lifetime. Learn more here.
3Louisville
The Louisville 4th of July Celebration is a Kentucky favorite for fireworks. Like many, they include food, music, fireworks, and many activities for the whole family. Their event kicks off at 12pm the day of with an installation of 15,000 flags honoring veterans and continues at 5pm with free concerts by Pimps of Joytime, Carly Johnson, RMLLW2LLZ, and the Spinsters Union of Louisville.
The Catfish Louie Kids’ Area (5-9pm) features pony rides, a petting farm, putt putt golf, science, music, art, and other activities throughout the evening. The festivities end with the 10pm fireworks show. Learn more here.
4Atlanta
Atlanta has a history of spectacular fireworks shows split between Lenox Mall and Olympic Park, but a few years ago they joined forces for one great show. This year, due to construction and renovations on the park, it’s being moved to International Plaza, the green space and surrounding areas between the Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Philips Arena. The gates will open at 6pm with entertainment beginning at 7 pm and fireworks starting at 9:45 pm. Some of their music includes: Keisha Jackson, Christian Jones, Kayte Burgess, Von Grey, Hamilton Park, Dionne Farris, Cody Matlock, Klymaxx, Melvin Miller, JessLove, The Van Lears, Charlie Singleton from Cameo, and Griots String Ensemble. Headlining the event is chart-topping R&B quartet After 7 performing with JFly and Friends. Other events on the day include food and fun at the Centennial Olympic park, Braves game at SunTrust Park, or the 10km road race at Peachtree. Learn more here.
5Birmingham
One of the largest Independence Day traditions in Alabama, Birmingham hosts what they call Thunder on the Mountain, their decades long Indepence Day fireworks show. The fireworks kick off at 9pm and will last approximately 20 minutes. The show is free and includes a choreographed display to a musical soundtrack of patriotic favorites and popular music. Preceding the fireworks, the Downtown Homewood is having their own festival with rides, attractions, food, music, and other activities beginning at 5pm for the whole family. While entering the event is free, to take part in the rides and attractions, you must purchase a $10 unlimited pass. Learn more here.
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