The HOT, summer weather is officially here which means July 4th is right around the corner! Why settle for just one round of fireworks shows when you can pack in multiple events for 4th of July this summer? We'll add events to this list as they are confirmed!

Pops on The River

July 2, 2026 | 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM | Coolidge Park

The 2026 Pops on the River celebration will return on Thursday, July 2, in Coolidge Park, thanks to the City of Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors, Chattanooga Presents, and several community sponsors.

Chattanooga’s riverfront celebration for over 30 years, traditionally held on the Thursday prior to July 4th, is a large-scale community event featuring an evening of live music, fireworks, food, and family-friendly activities. It includes a Homegrown Vendor Market, food trucks, the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, and Kids Zone activities, culminating in a large-scale fireworks display. This Tennessee America 250 Program is supported in part by the Tennessee Commission for the United States.

United 250 Mayors' Finale Celebration

July 4, 2026 | 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM | Chattanooga Riverfront (201 Riverfront Pkwy)

The unifying finale event for the entire celebration series. This free downtown celebration, produced in partnership with Hamilton County, will feature a world-class 500-drone show above the Tennessee River in a choreographed patriotic performance, along with a dramatic 1,000-foot pyro waterfall cascading from the Market Street Bridge.

This Tennessee America 250 Program is supported in part by the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial.

Where else can I watch fireworks this year? 

Adventures

Nothing says the 4th of July like a day (or evening) out on the water. Book a sightseeing tour with Southern Belle Riverboat or rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard with L2 Outside! You can also book a family-friendly train ride with Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. For something a little different, explore Rock City after dark—open the evening of July 4th for a magical nighttime experience. Wander the illuminated trails and take in panoramic views of fireworks lighting up the skyline from the bluff.

Markets, Music, and Food—Oh my!

Join the Creative Discovery Museum in celebrating 4th of July on their Red, White, and Blue Day. Have a blast with Independence Day-themed activities and dress up in your favorite Fourth of July attire! Nightfall will be having an early show on July 3 also brings all-ages fun with live music in Miller Plaza and Miller Park. Riverfront Nights will be having Johnny Folsom 4: A Johnny Cash Tribute on July 4th. Riverdance Restaurant in Guild, TN will celebrating July 4th with a Southern BBQ buffet and a live performance from the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera. A portion of their ticket sales benefits the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. Downtown McCaysville & Copperhill will be hosting Red, White, & Bluegrass On the Bridge on the iconic steel bridge spanning the state line between McCaysville and Copperhill. 

Can't get enough soccer this World Cup season? Check out Chattanooga Football Club's match against Inter Miami CF II at Erlanger Park on July 4th at 7:30 PM. 

Enjoy the Chattanooga Market's Red, White, and Blueberry-themed market on July 5th. Participate (or watch) the blueberry pie-eating contest and buy goodies from local artisans and craftsmen.

If local markets and train rides aren't your thing, maybe a nice meal out on your favorite restaurant's patio with a drink in your hand is. Check out 15 of the best restaurants in Chattanooga with outdoor seating.