Fourth of July weekend in Asheville is around the corner, with events to celebrate America’s 246 years as an independent country. Those celebrations include parades, ceremonies, family-friendly festivals + summertime soirees.

Here’s an overview for the upcoming weekend…

🌞 Weather

Sat: 85° | 🌧️ | 47% chance of rain
Sun: 83° | 🌦️ | 72% chance of rain
Mon: 85° | 🌦 | 43% chance of rain

🇺🇸 Independence Day

Ingles Independence Day Celebration | Mon., July 4 | 12-10 p.m. | Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plz. | Free | Ring in the holiday in downtown Asheville with food, beverages and fireworks. Then watch the Ultimate Air Dogs competition — where talented pups fly off the dock and compete for the farthest jump — cool off at Splashville Fountain, and enjoy live music from artists like local Hannah Kaminer + country rock musician Ricky Gunter.

Lake Julian Fireworks | Mon., July 4 | 8 a.m.-10 p.m. | Lake Julian Park, 37 Lake Julian Rd. | Free | Enjoy all that the park has to offer, including disc golf, cornhole, sand volleyball, picnic tables, grills, and fishing. Top it all off with one of the largest fireworks displays in the area.

🌊 Cool off

Splashville opened on Sat., June 4 and will remain open seven days a week throughout the summer, only closing for special events.The Asheville city pool at Recreation Park is also open for the season daily with varying times.

The beach at Lake James State Park — roughly 45 miles east of Asheville — is open everyday from May through September, including all of the Fourth of July weekend. Cool off with swimming + water activities like paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking. Then enjoy ice cream and popsicles at the concession stand.

For more ways to cool off, review our guide of 20+ swimming spots.