News Summary
Residents of the Tennessee Valley can look forward to a weekend full of July 4th celebrations, featuring fireworks, live music, and various community events from July 3 to July 5. Cities like Chattanooga and Fort Payne will host exciting festivities, including food vendors, outdoor concerts, and kid-friendly activities. Safety reminders will be in place to ensure a fun experience for all participants while honoring the spirit of independence.
Events Planned Across the Tennessee Valley for July 4th Celebrations
This year, July 4th falls on a Friday, leading to an extended three-day celebration from July 3 to July 5, 2025. Families and friends throughout the Tennessee Valley are invited to participate in numerous events featuring fireworks, music, and various community activities.
Chattanooga Festivities
Chattanooga will kick off the holiday with Pops on the River on Thursday, July 3, starting at 4 p.m. at Coolidge Park. Attendees can enjoy a variety of food vendors, arts and crafts, and a designated kids zone. Live music will feature local talent, including the Chattanooga Soul, with a performance by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera scheduled for 7 p.m. The festivities will culminate in a free fireworks display at 9:45 p.m. Free parking will be available in the Unum lots.
Collegedale Freedom Festival
Simultaneously, the Freedom Festival will begin at 4 p.m. at Collegedale Commons on July 3. This free event will feature performances by the Get Happy Jazz Band, Chattanooga Horn Authority, and the East Tennessee Symphony Orchestra, with fireworks set to light up the sky at 9:30 p.m. Donations will be accepted for parking.
Fort Payne Independence Celebration
Over in Fort Payne, Alabama, the Independence Celebration will take place at the Fort Payne Sports Complex. Gates open at 5 p.m., featuring music from DJ Snake and The Locals starting at 6:45 p.m., leading up to a fireworks display at 8:45 p.m. CDT.
Dunlap and Sewanee Events
Dunlap will host a Freedom Street Dance at 6 p.m. on July 3, followed by a parade and a music festival on July 4. Headliners John Schneider and Cody McCarver will perform at 7 p.m., with fireworks scheduled for 9 p.m. Meanwhile, Sewanee will also have its own celebrations, starting with a street dance on July 3, and a larger event featuring a parade and fireworks on July 4.
July 4th Highlights Across the Region
On the day itself, July 4, various activities will take place in multiple locations:
- Athens, TN: Fireworks Celebration at Athens Regional Park, starting at 6 p.m.
- Calhoun, GA: Star-Spangled Celebration at Northwest Georgia Regional Fairgrounds from 5-10 p.m.
- Chattanooga: Multiple events including Red, White & Blue Day at Creative Discovery Museum from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and a Jewish Federation BBQ picnic at noon. The Nightfall concert series will conclude with performances beginning at 5 p.m.
- Cleveland, TN: Fireworks synchronized to music starting at 9:15 p.m.
- Dalton, GA: The 67th annual 4th of July Celebration will include various activities leading up to fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
- Guntersville, AL: Music and fireworks display at 9 p.m.
- Lakesite: Freedom Celebration at Dallas Bay Church from 6-10 p.m.
July 5th Concluding Events
The celebrations will continue on Saturday, July 5, with a Big Boom Celebration in Jasper, TN, starting at 4 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. Additionally, Ringgold, GA, will offer festivities that include crafts, food vendors, and a fireworks display beginning at 9:30 p.m.
Safety Reminder
As always, attendees are reminded to observe designated viewing areas for fireworks and to follow safety precautions while handling fireworks, ensuring a safe and enjoyable holiday for everyone.
Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to partake in these community-rich celebrations, honoring the spirit of independence together as a region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga Embraces New Resident with Community Focus
Chattanooga Celebrates Independence Day with Indoor Picnic
Chattanooga Hosts Week of Festivals and Events
Chattanooga Proposes New 6,000 Capacity Amphitheater
Chattanooga Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival Returns
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Where to Have Fun & See Fireworks Over the Fourth
- Local 3 News: Chattanooga Fire Dept Encourages Safe Practices with July 4th Fireworks
- Vending Market Watch: Chattanooga Bakery MoonPie Honors Troops with Patriotic Pies Donation Match This Fourth of July
- Nooga Today: 2025 Must-Attend Events in Chattanooga, TN
- Chattanooga Moms: Chattanooga Independence Day Events
- Wikipedia: Fourth of July
- Google Search: July 4th Celebrations 2025
- Google Scholar: July 4th Fireworks Celebrations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Independence Day
- Google News: July 4th Events
