Looking for the ultimate Independence Day experience? Look no further than Haywood County! Join us for three whole days of fireworks, and four full days of celebrations, in three of our mountain towns. Starting on July 2nd & 3rd, the celebrations kick off at Lake Junaluska, followed by Maggie Valley and Waynesville on July 4th, and ending with a grand finale in Canton on July 5th. From parades to picnics, each town has its own unique charm and festivities, ensuring a memorable experience for the whole family. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to celebrate with us in Haywood County.
Continue scrolling to discover all the festivities happening throughout Haywood County and start planning your summer holiday today!
Day 1, July 2nd:
Get the ball rolling on your Independence Day celebration with some good-natured competitiveness. Show off your swing in the Closest to the Pin Golf Competition at scenic Lake Junaluska.
Day 2, July 3rd:
Step into your creative side with the morning Flotilla Contest at Lake Junaluska, where you can either compete with your unique floating design or enjoy an array of innovative water-crafts on display. During the afternoon, rent a kayak from Lake Junaluska Outfitters to cool off on the water, or enjoy the temperature drops at some of Haywood’s high-elevation summer hiking spots. As the day descends into the evening, sway to the rhythm of the Blue Ridge Big Band concert by the Lake. Wrap up your night with Fireworks over Lake Junaluksa, which lights up both sky and water as their magnificent display of light scatters across the lake.
Day 3, July 4th:
Don your snazziest reds, whites, and blues for the lively Stars & Stripes Celebration in Downtown Waynesville, which is complete with a Kid’s Parade on Main Street. In the afternoon, treat your taste buds at Lake Junaluska’s Cookout Buffet Picnic, packed with potluck classics and coupled with traditional square dancing and other fun activities. As the day turns night, join in with the locals at Maggie Valley’s Backyard 4th Celebration, capped off with a massive fireworks display over the mountaintops. Make sure to bring your blankets, chairs, picnics, bubbles, hula hoops, and yard games to enjoy at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds!
Day 4, July 5th:
Begin the final day of Haywood County’s Independence Day extravaganza with a Family Games Tournament at Lake Junaluska, where your crew can battle it out in everything from corn hole to bocci ball. Later in the day, make a detour to the vibrant town of Canton to explore food trucks, cool down in the splash pad, and feast on the fun-filled features of inflatables for the kids.
Round out the joyous festivities with the spectacular July 4th Plus One Celebration and Fireworks in Canton. As the sun goes down, head to a toe-tapping concert by Balsam Range, our very own internationally acclaimed bluegrass band, at Lake Junaluska’s Stuart Auditorium.
For more information about all the events please visit: Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley, Canton
Need a place to stay? We’ve got a place for you! From cabins and cottages to hotels and bed and breakfasts, there’s plenty of lodging options to choose from in Haywood County, NC.
