From small-town parades and watermelon contests to live music and fireworks lighting up the mountains, Independence Day brings neighbors together in the best possible way.

This year is especially meaningful as our country celebrates its 250th birthday! Here are several local events happening on and around Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Abingdon July 4th Bash

Abingdon’s community celebration begins at the Meadows Sports Complex, with fireworks returning to Veterans Memorial Park.

Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. and include carnival games, a dunking booth, races, a foam pit and Uncle Sam on stilts. A patriotic bike parade begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by a watermelon-eating contest at 7:00 p.m.

The Tams will provide live music and beach-party favorites from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., with a patriotic performance and fireworks scheduled for approximately 9:30 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for an evening of family fun.

Fourth of July at The Martha

The Martha Washington Inn & Spa will host its annual Fourth of July celebration on its beautiful front lawn from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Guests can enjoy food, outdoor fun and a wonderful view of the Independence Day festivities in downtown Abingdon. Additional event details are expected to be announced closer to the holiday.

Honaker Independence Day Festival

The Honaker Independence Day Festival will be held on Saturday, June 27, be-ginning at 4:00 p.m.

Fireworks are scheduled to light up the sky beginning at 10:00 p.m.

Craft vendors, food vendors and plenty of entertainment will be available.

This year’s celebration offers something new for the children in attendance. The town’s new splash pad will open throughout the event.

Holly Ann and Dirt Road Rising will be headlining the town’s stage. Based out of East Tennessee, Holly Ann and Dirt Road Rising is a country band with a blend of classic and southern rock.



Jonesborough Days

Historic Jonesborough will celebrate America’s birthday with two full days of activities on July 3 and 4.

The festival begins with a patriotic parade at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 3, followed by an American-made classic car show, local artisans, storytellers, live music and the annual MoonPie-eating contest.

Saturday’s events include a free watermelon social at 2:00 p.m., family activities throughout downtown and an Eagles tribute performance by On The Border at 8:00 p.m. The festival concludes with fireworks at 10:00 p.m. on July 4. Visitors should plan for limited parking and traffic delays following the fireworks.

Johnson City Pepsi Independence Day Celebration

Johnson City is planning a major celebration at Freedom Hall Civic Center to commemorate both Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary.

Food trucks open at 3:00 p.m., followed by a children’s area, touch-a-truck activities and vendor booths beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Live entertainment begins at 6:00 p.m. and includes Noah Spencer, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain and country group Shenandoah. The evening concludes with “Declaration in the Sky,” an immersive presentation featuring fireworks, laser lights and video beginning at approximately 10:05 p.m.

Free transportation will be offered from the Target parking lot on North Roan Street. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, but pets, tents and outside alcohol are not permitted.

Celebrate Close to Home

Whether you spend the day watching a parade, listening to live music, enjoying a backyard cookout or gathering with neighbors beneath the fireworks, the Fourth of July is a wonderful reminder of what makes our communities so special.

Living in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee means enjoying beautiful scenery, welcoming neighbors and hometown traditions that bring generations together. These celebrations are just one more reason we are proud to call this area home.

From all of us at Uptown Properties, we wish you a safe, happy and memorable Fourth of July!

Please remember that schedules may change because of weather or other circumstances. Check the event organizer’s official page before leaving home.

 America is turning 250—and our local communities are ready to celebrate!

We’ve rounded up several Fourth of July events happening around Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee, including fireworks, parades, live music, children’s activities and plenty of hometown fun.

Read our latest blog and start planning your Independence Day celebration! ❤️🤍💙

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