Stepping off at 12:01 a.m. on July 4, the parade named as one of the “Top 10 Parades to see in the US” by National Geographic Traveler Magazine, will march through downtown Gatlinburg, beginning at the Baskins Creek Bypass located on East Parkway. FOURTH OF JULY PARADE: The annual ‘First Independence Day Celebration in the Nation’ Fourth of July parade begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 4. The parade begins at the intersection of U.S. Highway 321 (East Parkway) and Baskins Creek Bypass. Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade July 4. Gatlinburg will begin its Independence Day festivities with the 50th Annual Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade, beginning at 12:01 p.m. July 4. The parade route begins at the Baskins Creek Bypass and goes through downtown Gatlinburg to Traffic Light #10. Discover why Gatlinburg's 4th of July Parade was named one of the best celebrations in the country! Find details on the parade route and the fireworks show. Gatlinburgs Midnight Independence Day Parade Gatlinburg kicks off the Fourth of July in truly iconic fashion—with the first Independence Day parade in the nation, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on July 4. Visitors line the Parkway the night before, creating a high-energy celebration filled with patriotic floats, marching bands, and community spirit. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, Gatlinburg’s midnight spectacle is a must-see celebration of freedom and fun. Where to Watch: Parade Route, Viewing Tips, and Parking. The Gatlinburg 4th of July Parade takes place right in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, a charming mountain town that truly knows how to throw a party. The 50th Annual Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade through downtown will begin at 12:01 p.m. July 4. Clinton's free July 4th celebration at Lakefront Park will be 5-10 p.m. July 4 Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society, join the celebration in downtown Gatlinburg as the city lights up the mountain skyline with to mark our nation’s “Independence Day” with animated 200 drones show featuring patriotic themes launching from the top of the Convention Center and spectacular fireworks finale from the Gatlinburg Space Needle. You can even get a behind the The celebration follows Gatlinburg’s Parkway, from Baskins Creek Bypass to Traffic Light #10.. You can grab limited-edition parade t-shirts at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center for just $25.00 and Parade lineup begins at 11:59 PM on Wednesday, July 3. Make history by attending the 50th Annual Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade, one of the most iconic Fourth of July events in the country. Each year, people line up at 11:59 p.m. on July 3 in downtown Gatlinburg and prepare to ring in Independence Day. Gatlinburg’s Fourth of July celebrations will come to a close at 10:00 p.m. on July 4th when visitors will enjoy the spectacular 20-minute fireworks display in the heart of downtown, with the best viewing areas around traffic lights #3 and #5. Experience one of the top-rated 4th of July events in the Smoky Mountains as downtown Gatlinburg hosts a patriotic celebration recognized as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society. This unforgettable night features a high-tech animated drone show followed by a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the mountain skyline. The parade, stepping into the night right as July 4th begins, will snake through the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, starting from Baskins Creek Bypass on East Parkway. Witness the Parkway come alive with brightly lit floats, patriotic ensembles, and massive balloons, creating a memorable spectacle. Gatlinburg’s Annual Fourth of July Midnight Parade in 2025 will march through downtown Gatlinburg, beginning at 12:01 am on July 4th at the Baskins Creek Bypass located on East Parkway. Festive floats decorated in sparkling fashion will line the Parkway featuring patriotic marching bands, larger-than-life balloons, and more. 4th of July Celebrating a nearly half-century tradition, the 49th Annual Gatlinburg Fourth of July Midnight Parade will kick off at 12:01 a.m. on July 4th, ringing in the “First Independence Day Celebration in the Nation.” Join us for the 50th Annual Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade! Grand Marshal Sponsor: Jason Aldean's Kitchen & Rooftop Bar Lodging Sponsor: Historic Rocky Waters Inn, A Small Luxury Hotel Date & Time: Join us at 12:01 AM on Friday, July 4, for the first Independence Day celebration in the United States. Parade lineup begins at 11:59 PM on Thursday, July 3. Location: Downtown Don’t miss this unforgettable Fourth of July celebration in the Smoky Mountains. Experience breathtaking views, live entertainment, and a patriotic show like no other at Gatlinburg SkyPark. 👉 [BUY VIP TICKETS NOW] Learn more about Gatlinburg SkyPark – click here! Fourth of July festivities in East Tennessee are plentiful, particularly so in tourist-centric areas like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. July 4 will be marked with parades, fireworks and more as the Complete list of Independence Day celebrations across Tennessee in 2025. From Gatlinburg's midnight parade to Nashville's massive fireworks show, find all Fourth of July events, parades, and festivals.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() |