North Carolina's Freedom Fest

The fun begins at 8 am with the 31st Annual Bryson City Rotary Club Firecracker 5K, leaving from Riverfront Park downtown and traveling through the Deep Creek area and return. Race details

At 10 am the Festival opens. Everett Street will be closed for our favorite arts, crafts, food and music festival followed by a super fireworks show at 10 pm. Visit our restaurants, sweet shops or food trucks for dining indoors or on a patio, or at shady picnic tables or pavilions. And you’ll find food vendors with all your holiday favorites – funnel cakes, shave ice, Philly cheese-steak sandwiches, BBQ, kettle corn and more.

Free Kids Fun Zone located at the corner of Main and Veterans Blvd. Bounce houses and a slide. Wristbands for all-day play (10 am – 6 pm).

Enjoy Elite Action Gaming Mobile GellyBall and Tactical Laser Tag Experience.

Browse our downtown shops and galleries and discover unique crafts and gifts. Crafts vendors include pottery, wood-working, photography and art, jewelry, stained glass and more. (10 am – 6 pm). Vendor application.

dog paw print symbol Leashed dogs are welcome at this event, however please be mindful of the hot pavement, which could be as hot as 120 degrees. Do not leave dogs in your car; and if you are coming for the fireworks make sure your dog is comfortable with loud sounds. Please bring water for your dog.

The live music stage will be on the Everett Street bridge in the center of the action near the food vendors and picnic tables. All vendors in this area – including food – will be open until 10 pm.

Music begins at 4 pm and runs until 10 pm.

At 10 pm, experience the best fireworks show in the Smokies! There are plenty of good viewing locations throughout town. Where to view fireworks.