The Smoky Mountains are known for their Independence Day celebrations. From huge parades to fireworks displays, the city of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee knows how to do it right! Located only a short drive from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you can take advantage of both city’s Independence Day activities if you are visiting this 4th of July holiday.
Kick things off this Independence Day by attending the very first 4th of July Parade in the whole United States! The Gatlinburg Midnight July 4th Parade starts promptly at 12:01AM on the Parkway of downtown Gatlinburg. The celebration is one of the city’s largest, with more than 100,000 people lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the action!
Set up your chairs early to save your spot and get ready for a fantastic display of floats, marching bands, balloons and more. The Gatlinburg Midnight July 4th Parade is definitely an event you won’t want to miss…the kids will love staying up past their bed time to catch this famous parade!
The afternoon of July 4th is a wet and wild time on River Road! Attend (or participate!) in the River Raft Regatta in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where unmanned rafts will brave the river and compete for prizes. There are two categories to enter in – trash (not handmade) and treasure (handmade). Prizes will be awarded and great fun will be had – grab some lunch and head to the Christ in the Smokies Bridge to arrive at the event, which starts promptly at noon.
Pigeon Forge’s Patriot Festival will be celebrating its 23rd year this July 4th! With free admission, free parking and free shuttle service, there’s no excuse not to enjoy the live music and fireworks at Patriot Park. The event kicks off at noon, while the live music will begin about 1:30PM.
An Eagles tribute band will be putting on a great show throughout the afternoon, while the games and activities will keep the kids entertained until the fireworks begin. The fireworks show in Pigeon Forge will begin about 9:30PM and is a fantastic display! The fireworks are synchronized to music and will “wow” you and your family with their beautiful colors.
We hope that you’re joining us this Independence Day holiday in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee!
