How to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary around East Tennessee

Being 250 years old is really something to celebrate! The 250^th anniversary of the United States – the country’s Semiquincentennial – will be celebrated on July 4, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Beyond the usual Fourth of July celebrations, special events specifically honoring America’s 250th anniversary are happening in Knoxville and around East Tennessee all year long. Bring your family and friends to theses festivities happening in our community around Independence Day and throughout 2026.

Happy birthday, America!

If you would like your event celebrating America’s 250 anniversary added to this list, email hayley.choy@knox.news.com.

Museum of Appalachia’s TN 250 Museum Trail 

Now through Dec. 31

• The Museum of Appalachia is joining the statewide Tennessee America 250 celebration by highlighting the people, objects and stories that connect Tennessee to the broader American story.
• The TN 250 Museum Trail is a curated, self-guided experience woven throughout the museum. It highlights a selection of artifacts across the grounds and exhibit buildings that reflect Tennessee’s role in shaping the country—through innovation, conflict, craftsmanship, and everyday life.
• The trail will continue to grow throughout the year, with new stops and stories added over time.
• Information: museumofappalachia.org

Marble Springs State Historic Site Statehood Day

May 29-30

• In commemoration of America’s 250^th and the 230^th anniversary of Tennessee Statehood, Marble Springs is celebrating with two fun-filled days.
• On May 29, Tennessee Field Day noon-5 p.m. will give children a chance to explore state history. Partners include Ijams Nature Center, the Museum of Cherokee People, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, the National Park Service, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and more.
• May 30 will be filled with demonstrations, guest lectures, music, dancing, food and more 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in celebration of Statehood Day.
• Both events are free. Information: marblesprings.net

Farragut’s Red, White and Bluegrass Concert

June 13

• Celebrate one of America’s oldest musical genres with live music and food trucks 6-9 p.m. June 13 at Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza.
• Information: visitfarragut.org

Farragut’s The First Six Presidents History Hour

June 23

• Farragut Museum History Hour features renowned author/speaker/podcaster Dr. Tim Holder at 11 a.m. June 23 at Farragut Town Hall.
• Information: visitfarragut.org

Sevier County Celebrates America 250

June 29

• Celebrate America’s 250 with the Sevier County community through this free family-friendly event. Guests can enjoy an evening of community, celebration, and activities for all ages 6-9 p.m. in the heart of downtown Sevierville at the Sevier County Courthouse.
• The evening will conclude with a fireworks show at dusk.

Knoxville Festival on the 4th

July 4

• Festival on the 4th at World’s Fair Park in downtown Knoxville will have music, food and fireworks. Games and activities will start at 5 p.m., including axe throwing, mini golf, and paddle boats. Fireworks from the Henley Street Bridge will begin at 9:45 p.m.
• Leading up to the main event, Dirty Grass Soul will perform on the festival lawn at 5:45 p.m. The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will present its 42nd annual Independence Day Concert at 8 p.m.
• Attendance is free and the event will take place rain or shine. There will be free parking at the World’s Fair and Blackstock parking lots, 11th Street, Locust Street, Walnut Street, State Street and Market Square garages.
• Pets, alcohol, personal tents and personal canopies are prohibited. Information: knoxvilletn.gov.

Mabry’s Hill at the Mabry-Hazen House

July 4

• Spend the evening of July 4 on the seven acres of Mabry-Hazen House to enjoy live music, food trucks, local beer, games and tours of the historic house. With downtown Knoxville to the west, and the Great Smoky Mountains to the south, Mabry’s Hill offers great views of the fireworks around the region.
• Join in three-legged races, watermelon seed-spitting contests, cornhole, croquet games and a cake walk. Activities will be 5-10 p.m.
• Admission is $5 for children and $20 for adults. Purchase tickets online at mabryhazen.com/fourthofjuly.

Farragut Independence Day Parade

July 4

• The America 250 theme for this year’s parade is “Americana.”
• The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. in front of Farragut High School on Kingston Pike.
• Information: visitfarragut.org

Museum of Appalachia’s Independence Day Anvil Shoot Celebration

July 3-4

• The Museum of Appalachia will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an expanded two-day Independence Day Anvil Shoot Celebration. Thanks to a grant from the Tennessee State Museum, the event will span two days this year.
• At the center of the celebration is the museum’s signature anvil shoot, a rare frontier tradition in which an anvil is launched high into the sky using gunpowder. Once used by pioneers to celebrate holidays, elections, military victories, and other major occasions, anvil shooting has become one of the museum’s most anticipated annual traditions.
• Anvil shoots are scheduled for 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. each day.
• The expanded celebration will feature a Revolutionary War encampment, militia drills and historical presentations from reenactors portraying figures such as John Sevier, Henry Knox, and David Hall. Guests can experience colonial and pioneer life through demonstrations and hands-on activities including blacksmithing, basket making, broom making, leatherworking, quilting, rug hooking, coopering, wood carving, lye soap making, candle dipping, pioneer cooking, wash tub canning, flintknapping, powder horn demonstrations, storytelling, crosscut sawing, shape note singing, sassafras tea demonstrations, and more.
• Additional highlights will include a liberty pole raising, colonial seamstress demonstrations, live music, Southern food, a flag procession, and a national bell ringing ceremony commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.
• Advance tickets are available at museumofappalachia.org. The event is free for museum members.

Farragut’s Admiral Farragut Birthday Party

July 8

• Celebrate Farragut’s favorite admiral and listen to the national reading of the Declaration of Independence at 6 p.m. July 8 at Farragut Town Hall.
• Information: visitfarragut.org

Knox County’s America’s 250th Celebration and Expo

July 11

• Knox County will host a free community celebration designed to be a “living history” experience, blending a classic summer park outing with a showcase of local history, community organizations, and family-friendly activities right on the water. Event will conclude with a firework display.
• Events at the Cove at Concord Park will include an expo and community activation 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and the Concert at the Cove 7–9 p.m.
• Information: visitknoxville.com

East Tennessee History Center’s East Tennessee History Fair

Aug. 15

• Join the East Tennessee History Center’s return of the East Tennessee History Fair to celebrate the Semiquincentennial. This day-long celebration will take place in and around the East Tennessee History Center in downtown Knoxville and will include living history demonstrations, live music, crafts, film screenings, children’s activities and more.
• Event details can be found at easttnhistory.org

Farragut History Tour

Aug. 20

• Local historians will offer perspectives on historic Farragut sites 9 a.m.-1 p.m. This event includes a light lunch.
• Pre-registration is required at visitfarragut.org

Our American Stories: Voices from Tennessee

Sept. 9-Oct. 16

• The Farragut Museum will feature this traveling exhibit from the Tennessee State Museum sharing the stories of remarkable Tennesseans from throughout the state’s history
• The exhibit will be open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
• Information: visitfarragut.org

Farragut’s Art Fest

Sept. 12

• Families can enjoy outdoor art activities with an America 250 theme of “A Tribute to America” 9-11 a.m. Sept 12 at Farragut Community Center.
• Information: visitfarragut.org