Looking for the ultimate Independence Day experience? Look no further than Haywood County! Join us for three whole days of fireworks, and four full days of celebrations, in three of our mountain towns. Starting on July 2nd & 3rd, the celebrations kick off at Lake Junaluska, followed by Maggie Valley and Waynesville on July 4th, and ending with a grand finale in Canton on July 5th. From parades to picnics, each town has its own unique charm and festivities, ensuring a memorable experience for the whole family. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to celebrate with us in Haywood County.
Continue scrolling to discover all the festivities happening throughout Haywood County and start planning your summer holiday today!
Day 1, July 2nd:
Kick off your Independence Day celebration with a morning filled with exhilarating thrills. Tap into your sporty side during the Round Robin Tennis Tournament at scenic Lake Junaluska. Unwind in the evening under the star-lit sky while you sway to the rhythmic tunes of Haywood County’s internationally acclaimed bluegrass group, Balsam Range, live in concert at Stuart Auditorium.
Day 2, July 3rd:
Step into your creative side with the morning Flotilla Contest at Lake Junaluska, where you can either compete with your unique floating design or enjoy an array of innovative water-crafts on display. During the afternoon, venture out on the water by renting a kayak at Lake Junaluska Outfitters or checking out one of our local mountain swimming holes. As the day descends into the evening, allow your spirits to soar high at the enchanting Jason Crabb Concert at Lake Junaluska. The night concludes with the magnificent Fireworks over Lake Junaluska, a sight that will fill your heart with awe and wonder.
Day 3, July 4th:
Embrace the patriotic fervor and start your day with the lively Stars & Stripes Celebration that is complete with a Kid’s Parade on Main Street in Downtown Waynesville. In the afternoon, treat your taste buds at Lake Junaluska’s Cookout Buffet Picnic, packed with mouth-watering dishes and coupled with exciting square dancing and other fun activities. As the day turns into night, join in with the locals at Maggie Valley’s Backyard 4th Celebration, capped off with a mesmerizing fireworks display. Make sure to bring your blankets, chairs, picnics, bubbles, hula hoops, and yard games to enjoy at the festival grounds!
Day 4, July 5th:
Begin the final day of our Independence Day extravaganza with the melodious Blue Ridge Big Band Concert at Lake Junaluska. Later in the day, make a detour to the vibrant town of Canton to explore food trucks, cool down in the splash pad, and feast on the fun-filled features of inflatables for the kids.
Culminate the joyous festivities with the spectacular July 4th Plus One Celebration and Fireworks in Canton. As the sun goes down, join us in releasing floating lanterns at Lake Junaluska, a surreal experience guaranteed to make you want to come back next year.
For more information about all the events please visit: Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley, Canton
