Check out these and other great events all across the Volunteer State.
Knoxville Events:
Festiville on the 4th:
Knoxville is hosting a July Fourth event called “Festival on the 4th” that will take place at the Worlds Fair Park. Families will get to enjoy miniature golf, music, games and fireworks. This event starts at 4 p.m. and goes till 10 p.m.
For more information go to visitiknoxville.com.
Farragut Independence Day Parade:
Families going to a parade on America’s birthday is an annual tradition. To continue this tradition, Knoxville locals can head over to Farragut High School for the “Town of Farragut Independence Day Parade.” Come celebrate America’s birthday by seeing floats, antiques, old cars and music. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. and goes to 12:30 p.m. Farragut’s July Fourth parade’s route will start on Stadium Drive and go to Boring Road.
A house built in 1858 is hosting an event to celebrate America’s 243rd birthday. The Mabry-Hazen House is putting on an event where can get tours of this Victorian-era home, food, beer, live music and a great lookout spot for fireworks. This event costs $12 and starts at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m.
The Declaration of Independence is an American founding document that makes this country great. However, many people forget to reflect on how much impact this founding document has on their daily lives. If you feel like celebrating the Declaration of Independence, you can head down to the “Celebration of the Declaration of Independence” at James White’s Fort.
“This annual observance of Independence Day is in cooperation with the Knoxville Chapter of The Sons of the American Revolution, The Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Children of the Revolution. Activities include a flag ceremony, reading of the Signers of the Declaration and a short speech.”
This event is free.
Nashville Events:
Music City July 4 Celebration “Let Freedom Sing!”:
Some of Nashville’s’ best musicians will perform this Fourth of July. Brett Eldridge, Jessy Wilson, Mac McNally, Dylan Scott and Nashville Symphony will be performing at the Music City July 4 Celebration “Let Freedom Sing!”
Nashville’s downtown will also feature a “Family Fun Zone” where people can climb walls, live music, inflatables and games. This area will be available on July 3 and 4.
End you July Fourth celebration with some of the best fireworks in America over the Cumberland River.
While the July 3 Gold Cup soccer matches are going on in Nashville, a free concert and firework show will be held simultaneously on Ascend Amphitheater. This event is coordination with the “Let Freedom Sing” festival the following day.
This free event starts at 12:30 p.m. and goes to 10:30 p.m.
Are you a local Nashvillian who wants to get a workout in before eating all those hot dogs and hamburgers? Well, you can participate in the Music City July 4th 5k or10k run. This event is family-friendly and all ages including our four-legged friends can participate in this event.
Runners will receive a commemorative medal and a t-shirt.
This event will feature a family-friend zone with inflatables, face paint, balloon twisters and a mechanical bull for attendees.
To run in this race, it costs $45.
Music City Hot Chicken Festival:
The 13th Annual Music City Hot Chicken Festival is taking place on America’s birthday where people can get chicken from Nashville’s best local vendors. The festival begins at 11:00 a.m. and goes to 3:00 p.m. with the first 500 people getting free chicken samples. Also, live music will be going on during this free event.
This event takes place at East Park at 700 Woodland Street.
See even more Independence Day events at http://visitmusiccity.com.
Andrew Jackson Heritage Event:
People who want to celebrate July 4th with Tennessee’s most famous president can go to Andrew Jackson’s home for “A Presidential Fourth.”
Attendees will go back in time to the 18th century to see the type of games people like Andrew Jackson grew up playing. Games like hoops and sticks, sack races, tossing graces and 3-legged racing will be available for kids and family to enjoy.
Also, people who go can make patriotic posters and design their own American flag.
The Declaration of Independence will be read and Happy Birthday sang to America during festivities.
2nd Annual Red, White, & Brew 4th of July Celebration:
In Gatlinburg, Tennessee at the Anakeesta will host their 2nd Annual Red, White, & Brew 4th of July Celebration. This event will feature kid games, live music and artisan demonstrations. The City of Gatlinburg parade takes place at 12:00 a.m. to celebrate Independence Day all day long. Live music from the Appalachian Mystics will ring throughout the town at 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. To finish off the day, fireworks will launch at 10:00 p.m.
Memphis Events:
Memphis Rivers Park Partnership:
Come down to the Memphis Rivers Park Partnership to watch the fireworks go over the water at night to end your Independence Day. As well as fireworks, people can listen to Ping Rose, Black Cream and Marcella & Her Lovers.
This free event starts at 6:00 p.m. and goes to 10 p.m. However, the fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.
Where: Mud Island Park, 125 N. Front St.
Graceland is putting on a show for Elvis lovers this Fourth of July.
People will be able to take a picture with Kyle Bush’s #18 M&M’S Toyota Camry NASCAR Show Car and experience the pit box. Also, movies “Top Gun” and “ET: The Extra-Terrestrial” will be shown at the Graceland’s theatres. Once you are done doing these festivities, you can wind down your night with Elvis-themed fireworks at Graceland.
This free event will be going on from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Participate in a 5k marathon run to raise money for American Red Cross. This race will have live music, food and a party after the raise for runners.
The event starts at 7:00 pm on July 3 with the kids’ race going an hour later.
Where: Memphis Botanic Gardens 750 Cherry Rd
Arlington Star-Spangled Banner:
If you are busy this upcoming Thursday, you can celebrate America this weekend at the Arlington Star-Spangled Spectacular event. This event will be on Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Attendees will be able to enjoy live music, food and a fireworks show. This is a free event.
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Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Battleground State News.
Photo “Nashville 4th of July” by Visit Music City.
