Independence Day preparations are in full swing, and this year, you can find celebrations all across the Chattanooga area. Whether you want to jam out to live music, ogle impressive fireworks displays, or have your fill of blueberry pie, the Scenic City offers the perfect Fourth of July event for you.
Thursday, July 1
Collegedale Freedom Celebration
Collegedale Commons
4 to 10 p.m.
Celebrate Independence Day with the City of Collegedale and the Collegedale Market. This free event features shopping with local vendors, food trucks, and live music from Nashville’s Monday Night Social and the East Tennessee Symphony Orchestra. A fireworks show will begin at dusk. Parking is limited, so plan to arrive early to get in on the action.
Saturday, July 3
Catoosa County Run, White, & Blue 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run
The Colonnade, Ringgold, GA
8 a.m.
Join the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce and Catoosa County Government for the First Annual Catoosa County Run, White, & Blue 5K Road Race and 1-Mile Fun Run. The 5K’s flat and fast course takes participants around The Colonnade and through Benton Place Campus. All participants will receive a t-shirt in their packets, and medals will be presented to the winners at 9 a.m. Be sure to stick around for the Catoosa County Fireworks Festival later that evening!
Independence Day Celebration at Soddy Lake
Soddy Lake, Soddy-Daisy
9 a.m.
From chainsaw carvings and a car show to live entertainment, kids’ games, crafts, and food vendors, this all-day patriotic celebration – presented by the City of Soddy-Daisy – has something for everyone. Enjoy music by Barefoot Nellie & Co., Roberts & Sims, and Tyson Leamon beginning at noon, and stick around for the fireworks show, which starts at dark.
Independence Day Celebration
Chattanooga North/Cleveland KOA Journey
10 a.m.
The Chattanooga North/Cleveland KOA Journey, located in McDonald, is hosting an Independence Day Celebration perfect for families large and small. Activities include a pool party, scavenger hunt, crafts, and games such as Singo (like Bingo, but with songs). Guests can pick up their scavenger hunt list in front of the office beginning at 10 a.m.
Willow Tree Farms Fourth of July Bash
Willow Tree Farms Event Venue, Ringgold, GA
5 to 10 p.m.
This community event boasts a fireworks display, live music, limited edition t-shirts, and local food vendors. Six up-and-coming local bands will be competing in a Battle of the Bands for a cash prize, with the winner decided by the crowd. A raffle will also take place to benefit victims of sexual assault and their families through The Sexual Assault Center. Tickets for the bash are $15 in advance, or $20 at the gate.
Southern Belle Fireworks Cruise
Southern Belle Riverboat, Riverfront Parkway
8 p.m. and 9 p.m.
What better way to view fireworks than from the water? During these special sightseeing cruises, guests can enjoy local fireworks displays in addition to scenic views of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River. A smaller vessel sets sail at 8 p.m., while the 9 p.m. cruise offers a deluxe cheese and charcuterie board as well as concessions.
Fireworks at Lake Winnie
Lake Winnepesaukah
10 p.m.
Cap off a Saturday full of bumper cars, roller coasters, paddle boats, and water park fun with a stunning fireworks display at Lake Winnepesaukah. Park guests are encouraged to grab dinner (pizza, burgers, and hotdogs are all on the menu) and hang around until dark to catch the show.
Sunday, July 4
Red, White & Blueberries
Chattanooga Market, First Horizon Pavilion
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This isn’t your typical Sunday at the Chattanooga Market. The themed event not only celebrates our nation’s birthday, it also pays homage to one of summer’s favorite fruits: blueberries! Expect to see lots of these tiny berries – not to mention blueberry pie – in addition to the market’s regular offerings. Plus, musical ensemble Sweet Georgia Sound will be performing on the Cast Iron Stage.
Red, White, and Blue Day
Creative Discovery Museum
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Celebrate America’s birthday with the Creative Discovery Museum at their annual Red, White, and Blue Day! Guests can participate in all kinds of patriotic-themed crafts and activities that are not only buckets of fun, but educate children about the history of the holiday. Don’t miss out on the “21-Diet-Coke” geyser salute at 3 p.m., which will be accompanied by cake and ice cream.
4th of July Family Day
Painting with a Twist, 1309 Panorama Dr. #111
1 to 3 p.m.
Reserve your spot at Painting with a Twist’s 4th of July Family Day. Instructor Katie Ott will help participants create Independence Day-themed artwork during this two-hour event. Cost is $29 per person.
Southern Belle Fireworks Cruise
Southern Belle Riverboat, Riverfront Parkway
8 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The Southern Belle presents a second night of fireworks cruises. Two time options, 8 and 9 p.m., are available rain or shine!
Monday, July 5
Signal Mountain 4th of July Parade + Lions Club BBQ
Old Town
9 a.m.
The town of Signal Mountain invites residents and visitors alike to its annual patriotic parade, which will celebrate both local citizens and the United States of America. The parade route begins at Alexian Village and will finish up at Althaus Park, where the traditional Lions Club BBQ is set to take place beginning at 11 a.m. Stop by for some famous slow-cooked pork, beans, slaw, and other goodies before they sell out!
