Nashville 4th of July Celebrations and Patriotic Events in Middle Tennessee

Growing up in Nashville, my family always loved to celebrate the 4th of July, from cookouts and watermelon during the day to fireworks at night. As young children, our grandparents took us to the old Perks Fireworks stand out on Murfreesboro Road where we could choose our own Whistling Jupiters, Roman Candles and Parachutes, but as we got older, we wanted to go to the bigger celebrations around town. Fortunately, there are many 4th of July celebrations and patriotic events to chose from around Nashville!

Let Freedom Sing Spectacular - Nashville, TN

Said to be the third largest 4th of July display in the country, the annual Let Freedom Sing Spectacular at Riverfront Park is Middle Tennessee's largest 4th of July celebration. Nashville has celebrated Independence Day at Riverfront Park on the Cumberland River for over 20 years. With a variety of musical entertainment from country music to music performed by the Nashville Symphony, the 2009 Let Freedom Sing features country music superstar Wynonna. 4th of July festivities downtown start at noon and continue all day, with the annual fireworks display starting at dark, usually around 9:00pm. I have gone to Nashville's Let Freedom Sing Spectacular several times with friends, and it is spectacular! (Click here for info on Let Freedom Sing 2010)

4th of July Block Party - Nashville, TN

One way to see the Let Freedom Sing Spectacular at Riverfront Park without getting stuck in the thick of the downtown crowds is to enjoy the festivities across the river at First Church of the Nazarene. First Church of the Nazarene holds their own 4th of July Block Party every year, and you can see the downtown fireworks spectacular easily from the church parking lot while enjoying the games, beverages and entertainment at the Block Party. I've done this twice and it was a nice 4th of July alternative.

Fireworks Extravaganza at Nashville Shores - Hermitage, TN

The annual Shores & Stripes event at Nashville Shores usually runs the entire 4th of July weekend. Over the weekend there are several events including the Annual Boat Parade and a beach concert, culminating in the annual Fireworks Extravaganza. There is a cost to visit Nashville Shores and attend Shores & Stripes, but after 5:00 pm on Friday, July 3, families can enjoy two hours of the water park, a beach concert, the fireworks display, and an after-hours Freedom Party for just $20 a car.

Brentwood 4th of July Celebration - Brentwood, TN

The Brentwood 4th of July Celebration with The Kadillacs is a family favorite. I should know -- my family went to this every year when we lived in Brentwood. The free celebration takes place at the Eddy Arnold Amphitheater in Brentwood's Crockett Park from 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM. The Firework Show begins at 9:15 pm.

Franklin on the 4th Celebration - Frankin, TN

The Annual Franklin on the 4th celebration is a patriotic celebration featuring antique cars, a children's parade and interactive area, and live music from local artists. . 2009 marks the 14th Annual Franklin on the 4th celebration held in Franklin's Historic Downtown. I have been to this family-friendly event twice and highly recommend it.

Pegram 4th of July Celebration - Pegram, TN

Another annual Nashville 4th of July tradition is to drive over the county line into Pegram, TN for the free Pegram 4th of July Celebration at Pegram Park! The day kicks off at 6am with a Pancake Breakfast at the United Methodist Church. At 8:30am, the Parade Line-upstarts and at 10am, antique cars, tractors, fire engines, horses and floats parade down the middle of Pegram. Games, rides, and food are available throughout the day and at 6:30pm visitors can enjoy Music in the Outfield. Then at 9:30pm, Pagram's fireworks display lights up the sky. My brother and I have done this off and on for the past 20 years and we love it!

Bluegrass Underground 4th of July Celebration - McMinnville, TN

Cumberland Caverns in McMinnville opened over 50 years ago on July 4th. The unique Bluegrass Underground 4th of July Celebration lets visitors spend a day filled with bluegrass music at Cumberland Caverns while they explore the caves.

Also see:
Wynonna to perform at 2009-Nashville-Let-Freedom-Sing-Spectacular-July-4
Three-day Let Freedom Sing 2010 to feature Jaci Velasquez, Julianne Hough, Trace Adkins, more

If you know of other 4th of July events taking place in Middle Tennessee, please leave a comment below with details.