You’ve heard the old joke about whether or not they have the Fourth of July in England–of course, they do. It’s just not something they celebrate (for obvious reasons). But in the Southeast, there is no shortage of Independence Day events and fun-filled family activities. To help you get the biggest bang out of your Fourth, we’ve put together a list of a few of the numerous firework shows, parades, concerts and other festivities in the region to help ring in the height of summer and celebrate freedom.
If your summer vacation plans include travels in these areas, be sure to soak up the brightly lit night sky from festive fireworks at any one of these locations. Or if you don’t have anything planned, rent a car, find a nearby cheap hotel and have a blast with a last-minute road trip.
Asheville: It’s sold out this year, but plan ahead by making reservations for next year’s Winemaker’s Oyster Roast and BBQ hosted at the Biltmore Estate Inn for a most unique Fourth of July celebration. You’ll enjoy dinner, Biltmore wines and live entertainment, followed by a big serving of pyrotechnics in the night sky.
Atlanta: In addition to all the fun stuff that Stone Mountain Park has to offer, its 42nd Annual Fantastic Fourth Celebration showcases a special Lasershow Spectacular and an accompanying fireworks display that lets freedom ring with an incredible display of sights and sounds on the park’s Memorial Lawn.
Charleston: From the flight deck of the USS Yorktown, fireworks are launched high into the sky overlooking Charleston Harbor at the Patriots Point 4th of July Blast. There’s also live music, food and drinks, a Kids Zone play area and a 40-foot Ferris Wheel. One of the coolest parts is the opportunity to hear war stories of courage and victory from brave veterans of four different wars.
Cumming, Ga.: If you happen to be on an Atlanta vacation, just up the road is one of the most picturesque Fourth of July weekend celebrations you’ll find. The former small town (now one of the nation’s fastest growing counties) hosts a celebration involving various vendors, food, drinks, live music and inflatable jumpies for the kids at its fairgrounds that culminates with a huge fireworks show on July 3rd, followed by a fun steam engine parade (bring your earplugs) the next morning. It’s small town Americana at its best. Plus it’s all free!
Daytona Beach: Primarily known for fast races and weeks involving bikers, Dayton slows down the pace each summer with an eight-block stretch of gridlocked fun. The Main Street July 4th Block Party and Barbecue starts at 6 p.m. and includes a cook-off competition with a fireworks show at dark. So after hitting the beach, cruise over to Main Street and the Boardwalk for a night of bright festivities and food.
Nashville: Let Freedom Sing is in its 25th year, where a cacophony of booming fireworks are choreographed to live music by the Nashville Symphony along the banks of the Cumberland River. Other live bands will sing out as well, including country favorite Wynonna Judd. Hosted at Riverfront Park, there’s also a Free Family Fun Zone and food and beverage vendors. But show up early to get a good seat–more than 100,000 attenders come here each year.
North Carolina Waters: So maybe fireworks aren’t your thing, and you just want to fish all day. Then go get Carolina on your mind, because in honor of celebrating our freedom you can fish for free. From 12:01 a.m. until 11:59, residents and non-residents alike can fish any water in North Carolina–including coastal waters–without having a valid fishing license.
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