Bryson City, North Carolina’s Freedom Fest
Saturday, July 4, 2026
8:00 am – 10:30 pm
The fun begins at 8 am with the Annual Bryson City Rotary Club Firecracker 5K and New 10K Races, leaving from Riverfront Park downtown and traveling through the Deep Creek area and returning. 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 inflatables, inflatable axe-throwing, football, and soccer kicking. Everyone can enjoy the free music around town and at Railroad Square. And have fun knocking local celebrities into the dunk tank, with proceeds going to Swain County Cancer Support. You might spot a stilt walker, some jugglers, and a living Statue of Liberty in honor of America 250. Cool off at misting stations throughout the day.
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).
We’re pleased to have five music acts playing throughout the festival!
Granny’s Mason Jar – 10 am – 11:30 am
The Asheville Mountain Boys – 12 pm – 2 pm
Jaded – 3 pm – 4:30 pm
Shane Meade and The Sound– 5 pm – 7 pm, on the Everett Street Bridge.
The Lands Creek Band – 7 pm – 10 pm
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.
The Asheville Mountain Boys – traditional acoustic bluegrass group blends hard-driving original compositions with classic, stripped-down bluegrass covers.
Chosen one of America’s 15 Best Small-Town Fourth of July Celebrations! Fodor’s Travel
Sponsors of Bryson City / Swain County Chamber of Commerce Events
Bryson City - Swain County
Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 509
1191 Main Street
Bryson City, NC 28713
Hours 10am – 2pm
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri
Ricky Sanford
Administrative Coordinator
828-488-3681
Order a free Visitor Guide featuring Bryson City and the North Carolina Smokies
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