This is the updated version of a blog that appeared previously on our site | Last update June 4, 2025
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 3, 2025, | 4:00 PM to 9:45 PM | Coolidge Park
The 2025 Pops on the River celebration will return on Thursday, July 3, in Coolidge Park, thanks to the City of Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors, Chattanooga Presents, and several community sponsors.
This popular community event will kick off at 4:00 PM with a FREE outdoor concert featuring live music from Chattanooga Soul at 6:00 PM, followed by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera (CSO) performing a patriotic program at 7:20 PM, leading up to a large fireworks display scheduled to conclude the evening at approximately 9:45 PM.
The public is invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a picnic during the Pops on the River program. A variety of food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink concessions will be available for purchase on site. A Kids Zone will be open for families, and a free shuttle will run from 4:00–11:00 PM from the Unum lot on Lookout Street, courtesy of the Chattanooga Lookouts. You can find more info here.
Where else can I watch fireworks this year?
- Collegedale Freedom Festival | The Commons and Veterans Memorial Park | July 3, 2025 | Celebration begins at 4 P.M. and fireworks at 9:30 P.M.
- Chattanooga Lookouts Game: Fireworks Fridays | AT&T Stadium | June - September, 2025 | 7:15 P.M.
- Catoosa County Fireworks Fest | Ringgold, GA | July 5, 2025 | 3P.M. - 10 P.M. | Fireworks at 9:30.
- Soddy Daisy Independence Day Celebration | Soddy Lake recreation complex | July 5, 2025 | 10 A.M - 10P.M. | Fireworks at dark.
- Lakesite Freedom Celebration | Dallas Bay Church | July 6, 2025 | 6 P.M. to 10 P.M.
- Carnival Americana | McLemore Resort | July 5, 2025, | 6 P.M. to 10 P.M.
- Lake Winnepesauka | Lakeview, GA | July 4, 2025, | 10A.M.- 10P.M. | fireworks at 10 P.M.
- Homecoming day | Dunlap, TN | July 4, 2025, | 9 A.M. to 9:30 P.M. | Fireworks at dusk.
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.
Family Fun
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’s Bluegrass Bubble Bash on July 4 also brings all-ages fun with live music, MoonPie cake giveaways, food trucks, and a whimsical bubble-filled finale in Miller Plaza and Miller Park.
Markets, Music, and Food—Oh my!
Enjoy the Chattanooga Market's Red, White, and Blueberry-themed market on July 6th. Participate (or watch) the blueberry pie-eating contest and buy goodies from local artisans and craftsmen.
If you're looking for some live music, don't miss Chattanooga's favorite summer live music series, Nightfall every Friday night located in Miller Plaza and Miller Park. Their season finale on July 4 will feature a full evening of bluegrass performances, food vendors, Big Wheel Races, and a festive community sendoff—with no fireworks needed.
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.
