Written by Gabriella Bellot

Independence Day is right around the corner — fireworks, live music, BBQs, and all

Exploding with local events in and around Chattanooga, here’s your guide on how to have a lit holiday weekend.

🎆 July 1

Collegedale’s Freedom Celebration and Fireworks | Thurs., July 1 | 4 p.m. | The Collegedale Commons, 4950 Swinyar Dr. | Free + $5 parking | Celebrate Independence Day early this year with food trucks, live entertainment, local vendors, and fireworks.

🎆 July 2

NOOGA Splash 3-Day Celebration | Fri., July 2 - Sun., July 4 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. each day | Chester Frost Park | Ticket prices vary | Have fun in the sun any day this weekend by creating a splash off the floating aqua park, which will be decked out in patriotic decor.
Stars and Stripes 40 | Fri., July 2 | 3 p.m. | Boyd’s Speedway, 1481 Scruggs Rd, Ringgold, GA | Pit tickets: $40 adults, $15 kids + Grandstand tickets: $20 adults, $5 kids; Free for 5 and under | A 4th of July car race show featuring the Valvoline Iron Man Series + the Red Clay Series, plus a firework extravaganza.
Patriotism at the Post | Fri., July 2 | 7:30 p.m. | Polo Field (Sixth Cavalry Museum), 6 Barnhardt Cir, Fort Oglethorpe, GA | Free admission, $5 parking | This celebratory event features live music, a patriotic kid’s contest, and fireworks.

🎆 July 3

Independence Day Celebration | Sat., July 3 | 9 a.m. | Soddy Lake | Free entry | Enjoy a full day of food, live entertainment, crafts, and fireworks at dusk.
4th of July Parade | Sat., July 3 | 10 a.m. | St. Luke UMC, 3210 Social Cir | Free | Come to this parade dressed in your best patriotic gear for a chance to win a prize for most patriotic — donuts will be available too.
Catoosa County Fireworks Fest 2021 | Sat., July 3 | 4 p.m. | Northwest Georgia Amphitheater, 220 Catoosa Cir., Ringgold, GA | Free admission | With fireworks at 9:30 p.m., you can spend the afternoon enjoying live music, food, plenty of children’s activities, and a car show.
Willow Tree Farms Fourth of July Celebration + Battle of the Bands | Sat., July 3 | 5-10 p.m. | Willow Tree Farms, 609 Post Oak Rd., Ringgold, GA | $15 + $20 at gate | Watch a Battle of the Bands competition + a fireworks show, eat food from local vendors, and enter a raffle (proceeds will go to the Sexual Assault Victim's Advocacy Center).
Star Spangled Picnic + Fundraiser | Sat., July 3 | 5:30 p.m. | Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St | $50 admission, $10 for children under 12 | Without Pops on the River this year, the Chattanooga Theatre Centre is featuring its own outdoor celebration with BBQ + music — reservations can be made through the CTC Box Office.
Music & Movie on the Green | Sat., July 3 | 7 p.m. | The Chattanooga Green (near Ross’s Landing), 201 Riverfront Pkwy | Free | Bring your family + some blankets and enjoy a night of live music followed by a showing of "Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse" at 8:45.
Firework Blacklight Event | Sat., July 3 | 8-10 p.m. | Painting With a Twist, 1309 Panorama Dr #111 | $40-50 | If you prefer to stay inside this toasty weekend, this BYOB event features painting under a blacklight.
Lake Winnie Giant Fireworks Display | Sat., July 3 | 10 p.m. | Lake Winnepesaukah, 1730 Lakeview Dr. | $35.95 | After an afternoon at the park, enjoy a fireworks display before closing.
Independence Day Event | Sat., July 3 | 6 p.m.-3 a.m. | Bar Watson, 6925 Shallowford Rd Suite 202 | $5 Drink specials + more | Have yourself a patriotic night out complete with live music from DJ “O”, a drag show, and a most patriotic contest.

🎆 July 4

Chattanooga Market - Red, White, and Blueberries | Sun., July 4 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.| First Horizon Pavilion | Celebrate the holiday in the morning with live music, food vendors, and seasonal produce — the star of the show today is blueberries.
Red, White, and Blue Day | Sun., July 4 | 12-4 p.m. | Creative Discovery Museum | Active Military/Veterans free + admission fees vary | Children can enjoy 4th of July themed crafts + activities plus a party on the plaza.
4th of July Family Day | Sun., July 4 | 1-3 p.m. | Painting With a Twist, 1309 Panorama Dr #111 | $29 | Recreate a painting by a local artist at this family friendly event.
4th of July Backyard Bash | Sun., July 4 | 2-5 p.m. | Common House, 1517 Mitchell Ave | $20 | Have an afternoon of outdoor fun with lawn games, BBQ foods, cold beer, and a watermelon eating contest.
Independence Day Bash | Sun., July 4 | 6-10 p.m. | The Barn on Beaumont, 94 N Beaumont Rd, Ringgold, GA | Free | Enjoy live music from The HASBeens, fireworks, and cold drinks at the barn.
July 4th Fireworks Show | Sun., July 4 | 9:15-9:40 p.m. | Bradley Square Mall, 200 Paul Huff Pkwy, Cleveland, TN | Free | Listen to a bagpipe rendition of “Amazing Grace” as fireworks light up the sky.
Fun on the 4th | Sun., July 4 | 5-10 p.m. | Miller Plaza + Miller Park | Free | Try this new community celebration hosted by the Nightfall Music series with live music on two stages, art vendors, a vintage market, vintage cars, food trucks, and a closing laser show.