July 3–5in & around the Chattanooga metro area

The city's signature Independence Day night, and it's free. Gates at 4 on the riverfront lawn, the Chattanooga Symphony takes the stage around 8, and fireworks close it out after dark. Bring a blanket and stake out the grass early -- this is the one everyone shows up for.

The free downtown Friday tradition, with an early start this week. Three bands, food vendors, and the plaza filling up as the evening cools off. Grab a chair and a friend -- it's the easiest hang of the weekend.

Collegedale runs its full festival-and-fireworks night a day ahead of the Fourth, so you can stack it with Saturday's shows. Food, music, and a fireworks finale at dark out east of town.

Theater in the round under the open sky at Renaissance Park, with the downtown skyline across the river. A different speed for Friday night if you've had enough fireworks for one weekend.

Standup at the Choo Choo's comedy room. A good indoor, air-conditioned counter-program to all the outdoor heat -- go for the late set if you want it rowdier.

This is the big one. A 500-drone show and a 1,000-foot pyro waterfall off the Market Street Bridge, free, on the riverfront. Find a spot with a clear view of the water and the bridge -- both banks work.

The Saturday makers-and-produce market on the aquarium plaza, river right there. A good first stop on the Fourth before the day heats up and the crowds roll in for the night shows.

If you're north of the city, Soddy-Daisy makes a full day of it -- all-day celebration with fireworks at dark. The neighborly, smaller-town version of the Fourth, no downtown parking to fight.