Knoxville's free Festival on the 4th fills World's Fair Park, with fireworks from the Henley Bridge about 9:45 p.m. 2027 details are not out; this is 2026's plan.

Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. This page is updated each year. The 2027 details have not been announced; everything below is from the City of Knoxville’s Festival on the 4th page and its 2026 announcement. We will update it when the city posts next year’s plan.

Knoxville’s Fourth of July fireworks are the finale of Festival on the 4th, a free evening at World’s Fair Park produced by the City of Knoxville’s Office of Special Events. In 2026, America’s 250th birthday, the festival ran 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, rain or shine, and the fireworks launched from the Henley Bridge at about 9:45 p.m. The show is designed to be seen from the park and along the river downtown.

Who to call

  • Festival details: City of Knoxville Office of Special Events, 865-215-4248
  • Road closures and general questions: Knoxville 311, 865-215-4311
  • Fireworks complaints: Knoxville Police Department non-emergency line, 865-215-4010; for fire or injury, call 911

What happened in 2026

  • 5 p.m.: gates open on the Performance and Festival lawns. Live music, food vendors on both lawns, ax throwing, mini golf and paddle boats.
  • 8 p.m.: the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s 42nd annual Independence Day Concert, sponsored by the Lawson Family Foundation, on the Performance Lawn stage. Free, no ticket.
  • About 9:45 p.m.: fireworks from the Henley Bridge.
  • 10 p.m.: the festival ends.

Road closures (2026)

Street Closed
World’s Fair Park Drive, Clinch Avenue to Grande Drive 2 to 11 p.m.
Clinch Avenue, Henley Street to 11th Street 2 to 11 p.m.
Henley Street, including the Henley Bridge, Sevier Avenue to Hill Avenue 4 p.m. to midnight
Gay Street Bridge (all users) from 9:15 p.m. until after the fireworks

Detours: southbound drivers used Summit Hill Drive to Hill Avenue to James White Parkway, or Church Avenue to Howard Baker Drive. Northbound drivers on Chapman Highway used Moody Avenue to James White Parkway.

Parking

In 2026 the city made all on-street parking and parking in city-owned garages free on July 3 and 4, and parking was free at the World’s Fair and Blackstock lots next to the park. Arrive early; the lots near the park fill well before the concert. Expect slow traffic out of downtown for an hour after the show, and see our getting around guide for the downtown garages.

Where to watch

  • World’s Fair Park lawns: closest to the launch site, with the concert and food.
  • Along the river downtown: the bridge launch is visible from much of the riverfront. Bridges themselves are closed to traffic during the show.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair, water and a way to keep track of children; the crowd is large.

Fireworks at home

The city says setting off fireworks inside Knoxville city limits is illegal without a permit, under the city’s fire code, which leaves the professional show as the way to see fireworks in town. Rules in unincorporated Knox County and in neighboring counties differ; check with the county before you buy. Report illegal fireworks to the police non-emergency line and any fire to 911.

What this means for you

  • Plan for July 4, 2027, to look much the same: free festival from late afternoon, symphony concert at 8 p.m., fireworks near 9:45 p.m. We will confirm times here when the city announces them.
  • If you live near Henley Street or the Gay Street Bridge, expect closures from mid-afternoon to midnight.

Related: things to do this month and parks and trails.

Frequently asked questions

What time are the Knoxville fireworks on July 4?

In 2026 the fireworks launched from the Henley Bridge at about 9:45 p.m., at the end of the free Festival on the 4th at World’s Fair Park, which ran 5 to 10 p.m. The 2027 times have not been announced.

Is the Knoxville Fourth of July festival free?

Yes. Festival on the 4th and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s Independence Day concert are free, with no ticket needed, and the festival goes on rain or shine.

Where can I park for the Knoxville fireworks?

In 2026 the city made on-street parking and parking in city-owned garages free on July 3 and 4, and parking was free at the World’s Fair and Blackstock lots.

Can I shoot fireworks in Knoxville?

Not inside city limits without a permit. The city’s fire code bans fireworks in Knoxville outside permitted displays, so watch the professional show instead.