4th of July Events

Fourth of July events in the Smokies are truly something to experience.  The crowds are plentiful, so you’ll want to go early to find the best spot to watch the Fireworks.

Pigeon Forge’s Patriot Festival in Patriot Park (located in the Old Mill District) has events and activities all day on July 4. 

The Patriot Festival is free and includes kid’s games, food vendors and live music.  The fun activities and music continue until around 9:45 pm, when the festivities concluded with a marvelous fireworks display, celebrating America’s birthday.

Parking is available in the LeConte Center/Teaster Lane Municipal Parking Lot.  Free Shuttles will run all day to take you to Patriot Park.

Umbrellas and coolers are not permitted during the Patriot Festival, so please do not bring those items to the festival grounds.

Best Places to Watch the Pigeon Forge Fireworks

1.  Patriot Park!

Don’t miss out on all the fun!  Bring a lawn chair and a blanket, pick a spot in the Patriot Park grassy area, and enjoy a day of fun festivities.

Patriot Festival Schedule of Events

2.  Pigeon Forge Parkway

The Patriot Festival’s fireworks display is massive.  It will be easily seen throughout Pigeon Forge.

Park just about anywhere along the Pigeon Forge Parkway and you’ll be able to watch the fireworks. 

The best spots along the Parkway will be on the South-bound side of Route 441 (The Parkway), near Traffic Light #7.

3.  Teaster Lane

Teaster Lane is the road to the North East of Route 441 (The Parkway).  Teaster Lane runs parallel to the Parkway, but it is at a slightly higher elevation.

The higher elevation will allow for a nice view of the fireworks display at Patriot Park, even though it is a little further away than The Parkway. 

There are several strip malls along Teaster Lane to park and watch the display.  There is also a large parking lot near Old Time Pottery/Burke’s Outlet that would be a good spot.

Gatlinburg 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

If you want to start celebrating early, Gatlinburg is the place to be!  For decades, Gatlinburg has hosted a 4th of July Midnight Parade at 12:01 am July 4. 

The parade route stretches over a mile though downtown Gatlinburg.

Gatlinburg also hosts a fantastic Fireworks display at 10:00 pm on July 4.  Spend the day strolling through town and then watch the light show to celebrate America’s birthday.