A girl is holding an American flag and running in a field in Knoxville on the Fourth of July.

How to Spend the Fourth of July in Knoxville

  • Enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing at nearby Cherokee Lake during the Fourth of July weekend.
  • Catch parades, festivals, and Independence Day Celebrations in the city.
  • End your Fourth of July in Knoxville by watching fireworks.

Independence Day marks the momentous occasion when we became America. It also means the summer is half over, and we need to celebrate by doing everything Americans enjoy! This year the Fourth of July is on a Friday, and we have the freedom to party all weekend long. We’ve put together a list of some of the best things to do in Knoxville, TN this Fourth of July. Make your Knoxville experience one to remember!

Go Fishing

One of the most popular fishing spots near Knoxville is Cherokee Lake. The massive lake spans over 28,000 square acres and reaches depths of about 175 feet at the deepest point. The lake is home to freshwater game fish such as a variety of bass, walleye, crappie, and channel catfish. You could book with a fishing charter company or you could rent a boat and become captain for a day!

World’s Fair Park Festival & Fireworks

This Fourth of July, Knoxville is hosting a festival that will be held in the World’s Fair Park. The festival will run from 5 pm to 10 pm on Friday, July 4th. Highlights include lots of family fun, live entertainment, activities, and special treats. The festival will end with a dazzling fireworks show. The festival will be held rain or shine.

Knoxville Smokies Fireworks Display

Head on down to Covenant Health Park, the new multi-use stadium in Knoxville’s Old City, on the Fourth of July for the largest fireworks show of the year. The Independence Day celebration will feature the Knoxville Smokies team adorned in patriotic jerseys that will later be auctioned off to the public.

Go Boating & Swimming

A man is using a wakeboard while being towed by a boat.

The best way to enjoy private time with family and friends near Knoxville this Fourth of July is to rent a pontoon or tritoon for a day on Cherokee Lake. Roscoe & Hooch watercraft rentals makes it easy to pull right out of Black Oak Marina and get your day started. You can explore the vast lake for good swimming spots or rent optional tow-behinds like tubes and wakeboards to make your trip extra exciting. Roscoe & Hooch also rent WaveRunners and jet skis that will get your adrenaline pumping.

Off the Hook Lakeside Bar & Grille

When you’re done with a fun day on Cherokee Lake, head to Off the Hook Lakeside Bar & Grille located beside Black Oak Marina. It’s a great place to hear live music, grab some delicious dishes and drinks, and soak in some beautiful views of the lake.

James White’s Fort

For a truly patriotic celebration in Knoxville this Fourth of July, you’ll want to visit the historic James White’s Fort. The local chapters of the Children of the Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, and the Daughters of the American Revolution typically hold celebrations to honor the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Mabry-Hazen House Fourth of July Celebration

Looking for things to do in Knoxville this Fourth of July weekend with the kiddos? Every year, this historic house museum hosts family fun and celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. You can tour the house, enjoy great views, good food and beer, live entertainment, and games. There will be plenty of activities for kids like sack races, three-legged races, tug-of-war, watermelon seed spitting, and more. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to spread out on the 7-acre lawn where you can view fireworks happening around the city.

Sunsphere Event Venue

If you want to get out of the Knoxville heat this Fourth of July, then count on the iconic Sunsphere to hold its Fourth annual Independence Day celebration. The sunsphere will open up the 6th floor of the event venue to host live music, drinks, and catering. Ticket prices include a private viewing of Knoxville’s fireworks show.

Town of Farragut Independence Day Parade

The Knoxville area’s Fourth of July wouldn’t be complete without a parade to celebrate! The Town of Farragut will be hosting its annual Independence Day Parade, which starts at 9:30 am at Kingston Pike at Stadium Drive and continues to Boring Road. You’ll see floats, dancers, bands, antique cars, and more!

The Fourth of July in Knoxville is filled with fun activities for people from all walks of life. From singles and couples seeking the exciting nightlife, to families with young children, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Knoxville this Fourth of July weekend. For more events happening soon, a list of amazing restaurants, and great places to stay when you visit, go to Visit Knoxville Tennessee’s website. Make your reservations now and let the memory-making begin!

Daniel Tarr

Daniel Tarr is a local to Jefferson County Tennessee with over ten years' experience in the world of recreational boating. His marina dreams started as a young man on Cherokee Lake in the summer of 2012 when he became an assistant scout master with the Boy Scouts of America and taught sailing and watersports safety classes. Using his experience and knowledge, he takes pride in providing a safe and best of class rental fleet. It brings him joy to help others have a fun and safe day on the water.