Fireworks, Parades and Laughs

Seven things to do on the Fourth of July in East Tennessee

Tuesdays are usually set aside for complaining that it’s not even Hump Day yet. Not Tuesday, July 4! Get ready for fun and fireworks around East Tennessee. Here are seven great options. 

1. Head to World’s Fair Park for Festival on the 4th, starting at 5 pm. Until 8 pm families can enjoy activities like miniature golf, paddle boats in the lake, live music on the festival lawn and a variety of food options. Beginning at 8 pm the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will perform its 39th annual Independence Day Concert on the performance lawn. Fireworks begin at 9:35 pm. The festival is free. 
   
   
2. Also from 5 to 10 pm, Mabry-Hazen House will host an old-fashioned celebration that includes local fare and brews, live music, tours of the historic home, kids’ games and activities, and a view of the downtown fireworks. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for kids. More info here. 
   
   
3. Speaking of old-fashioned, the Museum of Appalachia in Norris will celebrate the day with its annual anvil shoot. Every 4th of July, the museum uses gunpowder to launch a 200-pound anvil into the air, just like the pioneers used to do. Anvil shoots will be held on the hour beginning at 10 am and ending at 2 pm. But the festivities will continue. There’ll also be a bell-ringing ceremony, flag procession, music, food, crafts demonstrations and more. Find out about tickets here. 
   
   
4. The City of Oak Ridge will hold its annual fireworks show at A.K. Bissell Park. The Oak Ridge Community Band will perform at 7:30 pm followed by fireworks around 9:45 pm. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. More info here.
   
   
5. The Town of Farragut will celebrate with its annual Independence Day Parade at 9:30 am. It begins on Kingston Pike at Stadium Drive and continues to Boring Road. Call 865-218-3376 for more info. 
   
   
6. And the Powell Community Parade will begin at 11 am at Powell Middle School and follow Emory Road to Powell High School. There’ll also be a party in the park at Powell Station Park’s Splash Pad, with free food, drinks, games, and a petting zoo. 
   
   
7. If you hate loud noises, crowds and mosquito bites, consider instead Central Cinema’s 4th of July Summer of Laughs. The free show will feature local comedians doing their thing. Doors open at 7; the show begins at 7:30.