Chattanooga Plans Festive Independence Day Celebrations

News Summary

Chattanooga is gearing up for a vibrant Independence Day celebration with fireworks, live music, and family-friendly activities. Kicking off on June 28, events will span until July 5, featuring outdoor performances by local musicians, parades, mechanical bull rides, and more. The festivities also include exciting options from nearby Collegedale and Lakesite, along with sports activities from the Chattanooga Lookouts. With various food vendors and free parking, there’s plenty for residents and visitors to enjoy throughout the holiday weekend.

Chattanooga will host a series of exciting events to celebrate Independence Day 2023, featuring fireworks shows, live music, and various family-friendly activities. Festivities will kick off with early events on June 28, with the main celebrations continuing through July 5, ensuring residents and visitors have ample opportunity to partake in the holiday spirit.

The celebrations officially begin on Saturday, June 28, from 4 to 10 p.m., where attendees can enjoy activities such as a mechanical bull, a rock-climbing wall, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display to cap off the evening.

On Thursday, July 3, starting at 6 p.m., the city’s festivities continue with free outdoor music performances featuring Chattanooga Soul and local musicians. The evening will culminate with a performance by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera followed by a dazzling fireworks display scheduled for 9:45 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on-site, and free parking is offered at the Unum parking lot. A shuttle will also be in operation from 4 to 11 p.m. to facilitate travel to and from the events.

Meanwhile, the City of Collegedale will also join in the festivities on July 3, beginning at 4 p.m. This celebration will feature live music, various food vendors, activities like pie tastings, and a fireworks show planned for 9:30 p.m.

On Friday, July 4, the day will begin with the annual Fourth of July Parade set for 9 a.m., followed by ongoing festivities and live music in Harris Park, concluding with fireworks at 9 p.m. Lakesite will also offer its own celebration on July 4 from 6 to 10 p.m., featuring free entry, kids’ activities, food for purchase, and a grand finale fireworks show.

For sports fans, the Chattanooga Lookouts will host postgame fireworks shows on July 4 and July 5, with ticket prices starting at $12. Additionally, Saturday, July 5, will be packed with events beginning at 10 a.m., including food trucks, games for children, a petting zoo, and a nighttime fireworks show—all with free admission.

Also on July 5, another annual celebration will commence at 3 p.m. featuring a makers market, a kids’ zone, and a variety of food trucks, closing with a nighttime fireworks display. Admission for this event is free as well. Additionally, at the McLemore Resort, festivities will include live music and activities starting at 6 p.m., ending with a fireworks show; tickets for this event begin at $25.

Chattanooga has gained recognition from BoatBooker, ranking No. 2 among the best U.S. cities to celebrate Independence Day by boat, due to its calm waters and picturesque views for fireworks watching. One notable event is the Pops on The River, taking place on July 3 from 4 to 9:45 p.m. at Coolidge Park, which will feature live music and fireworks.

Fireworks will also be part of the Lookouts’ game on July 4, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:15 p.m. Families can enjoy additional themed activities at the Chickamauga Dam Reservation from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the Fourth of July celebrations. Meanwhile, the Lakesite Freedom Celebration on July 4 will include food trucks and kids’ activities from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with free entry.

Other events in the area will include the Bluegrass Bubble Bash at Nightfall and the annual Dade County Fair, both held on the Fourth of July. With so many diverse activities planned, Chattanooga is poised to offer an unforgettable Independence Day experience for all.