Bryson City, North Carolina’s Freedom Fest
Friday, July 4, 2025

8:00 am – 10:30 pm

The fun begins at 8 am with the Annual Bryson City Rotary Club Firecracker 5K, leaving from Riverfront Park downtown and traveling through the Deep Creek area and return. Race details

At 10 am the Festival opens. Everett Street will be closed for our favorite arts, crafts, food and music festival followed by a super fireworks show at 10 pm. Visit our restaurants, sweet shops or food trucks for dining indoors or on a patio, or at shady picnic tables or pavilions. And you’ll find food vendors with all your holiday favorites – funnel cakes, shave ice, meals, snacks, BBQ, kettle corn and more.

Kids can enjoy two Free Kids Fun Zones of inflatable play areas with bouncy houses, slides, inflatable axe throwing, football and soccer kicking. 

Browse our downtown shops and galleries and discover unique crafts and gifts. Crafts vendors include pottery, wood-working, photography and art, jewelry, stained glass and more. (10 am – 6 pm). Vendor application.

We’re pleased to have four music acts playing throughout the festival!
Granny’s Mason Jar – 11am to 1pm, near the Historic Swain County Courthouse and Visitors Center.
Shane Meade – 1pm to 3pm, on the Everett Street Bridge.
Corey Stevenson Band – 4pm to 6 pm, at the Main Stage in Railroad Square.
Pleasantly Wild! – 7pm to 10pm, at the Main Stage in Railroad Square.

At 10 pm, experience the best fireworks show in the Smokies! There are plenty of good viewing locations throughout town. Where to view fireworks.

Leashed dogs are welcome at this event, however please be mindful of the hot pavement, which could be as hot as 120 degrees. Do not leave dogs in your car; and if you are coming for the fireworks make sure your dog is comfortable with loud sounds. Please bring water for your dog.

Order a free Visitor Guide featuring Bryson City and the North Carolina Smokies