Help us celebrate 250 years of the greatest country on Earth. This post courtesy of Franklin’s official tourism website – ExperienceFranklinNC.com.
Planning a 4th of July weekend near Franklin, NC? This year, we’re celebrating in a big way.
As part of America’s 250th anniversary, Franklin’s America 250 Celebration turns the holiday into a full two-day weekend of family fun, live music, patriotic traditions, and fireworks. You’ll find sporting events and games at Parker Meadows on Friday, a free downtown concert Friday night, a classic small-town parade with family fun and games along Main St. on Saturday, and an evening finale at Macon County Recreation Park with Braden Rumfelt, more live music, and fireworks.
Activities planned include great contests, free inflatables for the kids, food trucks & vendors and more!
Here’s how to spend the weekend.
Friday, July 3
Start at Parker Meadows, Then Head Downtown for Live Music
Franklin’s holiday weekend begins Friday, July 3 with daytime activities at Parker Meadows Complex and an evening concert in downtown Franklin.
If you’re coming in for the weekend, Friday is the perfect time to settle in, stretch out, and start celebrating.
10 AM–3 PM: Games at Parker Meadows
Franklin’s America 250 Celebration kicks off with sporting games and family activities.
- Kickball
- Whiffle ball
- Float and run
- Watermelon eating contest
It’s a great first stop for families, especially if you want to spend part of the holiday weekend outdoors before heading into downtown later that evening.
6 PM: Head to Downtown Franklin for Jason Passmore
Friday evening, the celebration moves to downtown Franklin for a 6 p.m. concert by Jason Passmore.
It’s a good excuse to spend relax on Main Street. Grab dinner (at restaurants or food trucks), walk downtown, do a little shopping, and settle in for live music in the middle of Franklin’s holiday weekend atmosphere.
If you’re making a full getaway of it, Friday night is a great time to enjoy downtown before Saturday’s larger celebration.
Saturday, July 4
DOWNTOWN EVENTS
- Patriotic Parade (11:00 AM) You can be part of Franklin’s Annual Patriotic Parade. While you go most places to see a parade, we actually invite you to participate! Deck out in red, white and blue and walk or drive down Main Street. NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. To join in, just be in the lower level of Franklin Town Hall for lineup beginning at 10:30 a.m.
- Free Inflatables & Fun (10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) Your young ones can enjoy FREE inflatables and fun during Franklin’s 4th of July Celebration. The inflatables will be located on Town Square in downtown Franklin along Main Street.
- Little Mr. & Ms/ Firecracker Contest (11:30 a.m.) Be at the Gazebo on the Square in Downtown Franklin for the Little Mr. & Miss Firecracker Contest at 11:30am. This contest is open to ages 10 & under and is judged on patriotic costume and one question. No registration is required. Just come to the gazebo stage area to enter.
- Patriotic Pet Contest (11:45 a.m.) Following the Little Mr. & Miss Firecracker Contest (at approximately 11:45 am) is the Town of Franklin’s Annual Patriotic Pet Contest! Entries are judged on their patriotic attire and trophies are awarded for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place. No registration is required. Again, just be at the gazebo stage area to enter your pet.
- Franklin Fire & Rescue Water Feature (noon-ish) Make sure your young ones are dressed to play in water as Franklin Fire & Rescue opens up a water canon for young ones to enjoy and cool off! This feature will be available following the parade and contests. Located just of Town Square on Phillips Street.
FIREWORKS IN THE PARK
After the parade, head to the Macon County Recreation Park, 1288 Georgia Rd. for an afternoon/evening of live music, games, food and fireworks!
- Food Trucks: Wood Fired Grill, 828 Cafe, Ricco’s Tacos, Hotdog Cart, Red’s Lemonade, M’s Ice Cream, Slice Wrap and Roll, Blessed Soul, 6 Pigs BBQ, Franklin Fire Hotdogs, Sweet Caroline’s Ice Cream
- Special Activities: Face Painting, Inflatables (Bounce house, Slide & more!), Tie Dyeing, Fairy Hair, Re-enactors, LIVE MUSIC, Cornhole, Historical Games (Sack Races, Hoop & Stick, and more!)
- LIVE ENTERTAINMENT – Headlined by Braden Rumfelt of American Idol
- 4:00 p.m. – Blue Jazz
- 5:05 p.m. – Darren Nicholson
- 6:15 p.m. – Low Tide
- 7:30 p.m. – Carolina 441
- 8:30 p.m. – Braden Rumfelt from American Idol!!!
- 9:40 p.m. – Military Tribute
- 9:55 p.m. – National Anthem by Braden Rumfelt