What would the 4th of July be without a few fireworks?
Thankfully, many Blue Ridge Mountain towns in GA & NC are intent on making sure your Independence Day celebrations go off with a bang!
In addition to fantastic firework displays, some of these mountain towns go all out, offering enough family-friendly fun to fill an entire weekend getaway.
You’ll find all sorts of options, from 5K runs and patriotic parades to pool parties, food trucks, and games galore. And of course those fireworks displays make a grand finale, backed by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
You can start your day with sightseeing, hiking, or driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, then kick back on a lawn chair or picnic blanket and take in the pyrotechnic displays that will light up the whole region this July 4th!
Read on for our guide to some of the best places to celebrate Independence Day in the mountains of Western NC and North GA, including popular towns like Asheville NC, Boone NC, Blue Ridge GA, and Helen GA.
READ MORE: 10 Must-Visit Blue Ridge Mountain Resorts
4th of July Celebrations in NC & GA Guide
- Asheville NC
- Banner Elk NC
- Blowing Rock NC
- Boone NC
- Brevard NC
- Bryson City NC
- Cherokee NC
- Hendersonville NC
- Blairsville GA
- Blue Ridge GA
- Dahlonega GA
- Gainsville GA
- Helen GA
- Hiawasee GA
READ MORE: The 10 Best North Carolina Mountain Resorts to Visit
NC 4th of July Events
1. Downtown Asheville Independence Day Celebration 2024
Taking place at the intersection of Coxe Ave and Buxton Ave in Downtown Asheville, the Ingles Independence Day Block Party kicks off at noon and goes on until 10 PM.
The area will be buzzing with activity, including food vendors, arts and crafts stalls, and entertainment by The Rock Academy.
At 4:30 PM, the Main Stage opens with live music by DJ Badonkey Kong and The Legendary Tuesday Night Funk Jam House Band, and The Pink Stones.
To top off the evening, there will be a fireworks display at 9:30 PM, with an array of dazzling colors lighting up the sky above Asheville.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Hotels in Asheville NC to Visit
2. Star Spangled Banner Elk Fourth of July Party in the Park
The Banner Elk NC 4th of July celebration starts at 11AM with a beloved parade, with lines of star-spangled vehicles and folks marching down Main Street while being cheered on by a festive crowd.
This Independence Day parade starts at Lees-MaRae College and ends in Tate-Evans Town Park, where the celebrations continue with the Party In The Park and a Duck Race, both beginning at around noon.
Visitors will cheer on hundreds of rubber ducks floating toward the finish line, with local food vendors, bouncy castles, and old-fashioned games to entertain adults and kids alike.
READ MORE: Autumn at Land of Oz: Wizard of Oz Theme Park Near Banner Elk
3. Blowing Rock 4th of July Festival
One of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns, the High Country town of Blowing Rock will host a wonderful day-long celebration in honor of Independence Day.
Their 2024 Festival will actually be held on July 6th (the Saturday closest to July 4th), with a parade that will kick off at 10 AM and move down Main Street.
Following the parade, visitors are encouraged to head over to Memorial Park for more fun and festivities, with free games and live music all day long.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Blowing Rock Cabin Rentals (1 to 4+ Bedrooms)
4. Boone 4th of July Parade and Fireworks
Another beloved mountain town, Boone NC is ready to celebrate Independence Day with a patriotic parade that travels east along King Street.
It starts at 11 AM at the intersection with Poplar Grove Extention, and ends at Legends on Hardin Street, just around the corner from the Dan’l Boone Inn.
After the parade ends at noon, celebrations continue on the lawn of the Jones House Cultural Center.
Later in the evening, locals and visitors alike will gather to enjoy spectacular fireworks at Clawson-Burnley Park, which is located on Martin Luther King Jr Street.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Cabin Rentals in Boone NC
5. Brevard’s Shindig On Main
The 2024 edition of this community-focused Independence Day celebration will be held in the heart of Downtown Brevard NC on East Main Street, from 4-9:30 PM.
This jam-packed day of activities will begin with a patriotic flag-raising ceremony, followed by a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
The party-hearty portion of the programming starts at 5 PM, with live music from the Cody Hale Trio and Steve Simon & the Kings of Jazz, and dancing in the streets.
There will be an array of Brevard restaurants and shops open to visitors, and food trucks will include local favorites like Milk & Honey and Brevard Pizza Works.
The fireworks extravaganza starts after dark on July 4th. They’ll be launched from the Brevard College campus, and the best spots to view them include Jailhouse Hill.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Brevard NC
6. Bryson City Freedom Fest
The annual Fourth of July festivities begin early in Bryson City NC, starting with the Firecracker 5K in beautiful Riverfront Park at 8 AM.
At 10 AM, the Bryson City Freedom Fest begins. There will be arts and crafts stalls, food vendors, and live music all along Everett Street, with local restaurants and shops happy to welcome visitors.
Families with youngsters will enjoy the Kids’ Fun Zone, which is located at the corner of Main St and Veterans Blvd. There, kids can play on bouncy castles and slides 10 AM-6 PM.
But don’t let them wear themselves out too early: They’ll need to stay up until 10 PM if they want to enjoy the Fourth of July fireworks finale!
READ MORE: The 15 Best Cabin Rentals in Bryson City NC
7. Cherokee 4th of July Powwow
Hosted by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the Cherokee 4th of July Powwow is a wonderfully lively celebration of Cherokee culture.
This ever-popular event offers traditional music, dance, food, craft demonstrations, and community spirit. There will also be dance competitions with cash prizes, which thousands of spectators come to enjoy.
The event takes place in downtown Cherokee NC, close to the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and the Oconaluftee Indian Village.
Note that nearby hotels tend to fill up quickly, but there are also numerous Cherokee NC campgrounds for those seeking more budget-friendly options.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Cabins in Cherokee NC for Rent
8. Hendersonville July 4th Celebration
If you want to celebrate the nation’s birthday in Hendersonville NC, 4th of July festivities kick off with a morning parade down Main St.
By evening, the entire Downtown Hendersonville area will be transformed into a hub of fun activities!
There will be inflatables for kids to bounce on, lots of games, food and beverage trucks, and two stages hosting live music. The requisite fireworks display will be staged from Jackson Park, which will be closed off.
These fireworks can be viewed from the two stages, or anywhere where you can see the “big red balloon.”
READ MORE: The 12 Best Hendersonville Apple Orchards for Apple Picking
GA 4th of July Events
Blairsville GA Events
9. Independence Day at Vogel State Park
Exploring Vogel State Park is one of our favorite things to do in North Georgia, and it’s also one of the nation’s oldest state parks.
The Independence Day celebration in Blairsville GA begins at 8 AM with a flag-raising ceremony at the park’s Visitor Center. After that, the real fun begins!
There will be a whole day of festivities, including family-friendly games, a bicycle parade, pedal boat races, a sandcastle-building competition, a watermelon-eating competition, and greased-pole climbing, to name a few.
Unlike most of the 4th of July festivities covered here, this celebration ends at 4 PM, and the whole day costs just $5 (for parking).
READ MORE: The 10 Best Mountain Resorts in GA to Visit
10. 4th of July Concert
Paradise Hills is an ever-popular winery, resort, and spa located in Blairsville GA.
This 4th of July, you’re invited to join their celebrations, which benefit the Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) Georgia Chapter- Rebuilding Shattered Lives of Survivors and Co-Workers Affected by Line-of-Duty Deaths.
Visitors will have a chance to taste great North Georgia wines and take in the amazing Blue Ridge Mountain views that surround the property.
There will also be live music by banjo artist Michelle Phillips, a popular musician who will help make the evening a memorable one.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Blairsville GA & Union County
11. Red, White, and Blairsville 4th of July Fireworks
The Red, White, and Blairsville 4th of July Celebration is a fireworks extravaganza not to be missed.
Not only are the pyrotechnics a sight to behold in themselves, but the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains makes for an unforgettable experience.
Head to Meeks Park at 7:30 PM on the 4th of July to enjoy a family-friendly event with bouncy castles, cornhole, food trucks, and cotton candy.
This community-focused event is completely free, including free parking. But remember to bring blankets and lawn chairs so you can enjoy the event in comfort!
READ MORE: The 10 Best Restaurants in Blairsville GA for Foodies
Blue Ridge GA 4th of July Events
12. Blue Ridge Freedom 5K
Want to start your 4th of July celebrations off in a healthy way? Check out this scenic 5K run through the stunning (and historic) downtown Blue Ridge GA.
Those wishing to participate in the Blue Ridge Freedom 5K race can register online until 7:15 AM the morning of the event. It costs $30 to enter, and the run starts at 7:30 AM.
If you aren’t into running, but still want to participate, just hang at the back and take a leisurely 5K stroll instead! And leashed dogs are welcome at the back, too.
The run starts and ends at Blue Ridge Sip & Play (342 E Main St), and there will be awards given for the most creative red, white, and blue attire.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Pet Friendly Cabins in Blue Ridge GA
13. Old Timers’ Parade
The 2024 edition of the annual Old Timers’ Parade takes place in Downtown Blue Ridge at 10-11 AM on July 4th.
This parade started way back in the 1950s, and is still going strong today. It will include end-to-end vintage/antique cars, with folks dressed up in fun (and equally vintage) attire.
For the first time ever, they’ll be adding a sensory-sensitive block to the parade for those attendees who cannot manage all the usual hullabaloo of a noisy spectacle. This section will be quieter, and less stimulating.
Without compromising on the festive atmosphere and family fun vibe, this year’s Old Timers’ Parade aims to lower the noise and promote a more relaxed pace to the parade.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Blue Ridge GA Hotels (Including Pet Friendly Options)
14. Lake Blue Ridge Fireworks
The fireworks display at Lake Blue Ridge has been ranked in the Top 3 Best Places to See Fireworks in the South by AAA Living, and in the Top 20 Best Places to Watch 4th of July Fireworks by Popular Mechanics.
To add to that, the official State of Georgia Travel Guide dubs this a “Don’t Miss Event” in Georgia.
With all those superlatives and accolades, you’ll definitely want to be at the lake before dusk, when the show begins.
There are several great viewing spots, including Morganton Point Recreation Area, the Lake Blue Ridge Marina, the Lake Blue Ridge Dam, as well as adjacent areas by the “tower in the lake.”
READ MORE: The 10 Best Waterfalls Near Blue Ridge GA
15. Dahlonega 4th of July Parade and Celebration
Get your lawn chairs and blankets ready for a full day of 4th of July activities for the whole family in Dahlonega GA.
This annual celebration kicks off with the 8 AM Firecracker 5K run, followed at 10 AM by the classic Car Show.
Noon is when the local food trucks get fired up, and at 2:35 PM the Declaration of Independence will be read on the balcony of the Dahlonega Gold Museum.
The Patriotic Parade begins at 3 PM, and the Kids’ Adventure Zone opens at 4 PM. There’s a concert at 6:30 PM, and a fireworks display on the UNG Drill Field at dark.
Best of all, it’s all free!
READ MORE: The 20 Best Cabin Rentals in Dahlonega GA
16. Gainesville Patriotic Pops’ Concert
Held at the Smithgall Arts Center in Gainesville GA, the Patriotic Pops Concert by the Northwinds Symphonic Band will be held come rain or come shine.
This annual concert will take place on the lawn at 8 PM on July 3. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets, or you can reserve a table up front.
The music will be a selection of patriotic tunes dedicated to independence, freedom, and the Armed Forces.
Reserved tickets are $25 or $35 for tables of up to 8 people.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Lake Houses in Georgia to Rent
17. Helen 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks
Head to Helen GA before dusk (around 9 PM) if you want to catch their annual 4th of July celebration and firework display.
This annual event will happen directly behind the Alpine Village Shoppes and the Helen Welcome Center.
Helen is a very unique mountain town, with its vineyards and Bavarian-style buildings.
Come for the fireworks, but you may want to stay for everything else Helen GA has to offer.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Pet Friendly Cabin Rentals in Helen GA
18. Valhalla Resort Pool Party & Fireworks in Helen
The Valhalla Resort in Helen GA, is always a beautiful place to enjoy a spa day, a round of golf, or a fancy dinner.
But on the 4th of July, it’s also a fantastic place for food, fireworks, and fun!
The popular mountain resort is hosting a pool party, with special food events and a firework display.
To continue the festivities, on Friday, July 5 guests can enjoy a celebratory dinner. Tickets include tapas at 6 PM, as well as a live jazz performance by Michael Bethea.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Helen GA Hotels, Motels & Inns to Visit
Hiawassee GA 4th of July Events
19. July 4th Fireworks at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Celebrate the USA’s birthday at Hiawassee‘s ever-popular Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds!
This free, family-friendly event takes place on the 4th of July, and offers something for every visitor to enjoy.
There will be fun games (including cornhole) and a bouncy castle for the kids, and a live performance by the Vintage Vixens from 6:30 PM to 9 PM.
Stick around after the concert to see the sky all lit up by some of the most spectacular fireworks in North Georgia!
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Hiawassee GA & Young Harris GA
20. Independence Day at Brasstown Valley Resort
Just a 12-minute drive north of Blairsville in Young Harris GA, the critically-acclaimed Brasstown Valley Resort offers an array of July 4th festivities.
There are events to suit almost everyone, from volleyball games and horseshoe tossing to hayrides and s’mores. You could even play a round of Independence Day golf.
Their annual 4th of July buffet is served in the dining room from 5-9 PM, while the Cookout (at the Sunset Pavillion, open 6:30-9:30) offers delicious food and a great view of the fireworks display.
Fireworks begin at dark over the golf course, and guests are advised to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs. -by Emma Gallagher, featured image courtesy of Canva
