If you and your family love celebrating Independence Day, Tennessee is the place to go as there is tons to see and do. Activities range from indulging in live country music in downtown Nashville to running a 5K race through a small town, as well as a friendly squirt water gun battle. Book a stay at one of many Tennessee vacation rentals today. That said, here are the top family-friendly spots in Tennessee to enjoy fireworks and exciting festivals this Fourth of July.
1. Franklin
Head over to downtown Franklin at 10 AM on July 4, 2017, to hear live bluegrass music, see antique cars, and enjoy food such as corn dogs and nachos from a variety of food vendors. The kid’s area includes a petting zoo, pony rides, and inflatables. There is also a kid’s parade at 5 PM and fireworks begin at 9 PM.
2. Nashville
If you’re lucky enough to have a vacation rental in Nashville during the fourth of July, take advantage of being in the Music City. Free live music during the day and night includes artists such as Chris Young and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Watch the huge fireworks display from downtown that night, which is set to the live music of the Nashville Symphony.
3. Smyrna
Smyrna’s annual celebration is being held on July 1st, 2017 in the Lee Victory Recreation Park. Although the fireworks show doesn’t start until 9 PM, there is games and music in the park beginning at 5 PM.
4. Hendersonville
This year’s Freedom Festival in Hendersonville, Tennessee is being held on Monday, July 3rd from 5 PM to 10 PM in Drakes Creek Park. The Freedom Festival is a great place to spend the Fourth with your family since there is live music, a kids zone, and a multitude of food vendors at the event.
5. Goodlettsville
If your vacation rental is in Goodlettsville, head over to Moss-Wright Park on Tuesday, July 4th. Goodlettsville’s celebration includes a lot of activities, including a rock climbing wall, face painting, baseball, inflatables, and pony rides. There are also food vendors and live patriotic music. This year’s event begins at 4 PM and ends after the fireworks, which start at 9 PM.
6. Fairview
Fairview’s Independence Day Celebration is being held on Monday, July 3rd, 2017. The gates to the event open at 4 PM and the live music starts at 5 PM. Make sure to bring a chair or blanket to sit on for the fireworks show, which begins at 8:30 PM!
7. Nolensville
Nolensville hosts an annual Independence Day celebration in Nolensville Park. Several local restaurants will be serving food in the Fourth of July Food Court. This year the event begins at 5 PM and concludes with a 20-minute firework show when it gets dark.
8. Watertown
If you’re looking for an exciting and competitive Fourth of July celebration and you aren’t afraid to get wet, check out Watertown’s “Stars, Stripes and Squirtguns” celebration. The celebration begins with the annual parade, which follows a route from Watertown Elementary to East Main Street. At the end of the parade, there is a squirt gun battle. Note that there is also a no-squirt zone if you don’t want to get wet!
9. Portland
Portland, Tennessee has an annual 4th of July Extravaganza that is fun for the whole family. The event is held at 215 Highland Circle Drive and is typically on the Fourth. There is live music, concessions, and a fireworks display so make sure to bring a chair or blanket.
10. White House
If you’re looking to do something other than watch fireworks this Fourth of July, consider running in White House’s 17th Annual Independence Day 5K. It’s a great excuse to show off your patriotic spirit since American-themed workout clothing is strongly encouraged. You can register in advance or the day of the race.