July is filled with Semiquincentennial celebrations. From historic battles to waterfront fireworks, celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday at a variety of patriotic events across the Southeast.
Carolina Days Celebration
June 27–July 5, 2026
Georgetown, South Carolina
Georgetown County kicks off this week-long commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary and the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island. Events and attractions include patriotic ceremonies, colonial-themed markets, kids’ activities with scavenger hunts, museum explorations with discounted admission, grave site honors for Revolutionary veterans, and educational programs about local patriots. Highlights feature a Carolina Day procession, time capsule opening, Independence Day concert and fireworks, and the Great Georgetown Cookout.
America 250 High Tea Cruise
Various dates throughout July
Sanford, Florida
Step aboard the historic Barbara Lee paddlewheeler for an America 250 High Tea Cruise. This elegant two-hour luncheon voyage boards at 11:30 a.m. and sails from noon to 2 p.m. Glide along the scenic St. Johns River while enjoying a traditional British-style high tea with a patriotic twist that includes unlimited hot tea selections, savory finger sandwiches, fresh scones with jelly, and bite-sized sweets. Guests are encouraged to wear festive or patriotic attire.
Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival
July 2-4, 2026
Smithville, Tennessee
This official Tennessee state festival fills downtown Smithville with old-time fiddling, music competitions, dancing, food vendors, and handcrafted artisan booths. A longstanding rural tradition since 1972, the event offers free performances across multiple stages amid authentic Appalachian heritage.
Monticello Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony
July 4, 2026
Charlottesville, Virginia
Experience Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello during its 64th annual Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony on America’s 250th anniversary. Dozens of new citizens will take the Oath of Allegiance on the West Lawn. Enjoy patriotic music by Dom Flemons, the Virginia Children’s Chorus, and the Lewis and Clark Fife and Drum Corps, plus children’s activities, concessions, root beer floats, and wine and beer tastings. The event is free, but reservations are required.
Waterfront Independence Day Celebration
July 4, 2026
Charleston, South Carolina
This free Independence Day celebration starts at 4 p.m. at Waterfront Park, featuring patriotic programming, live concerts, and the “largest fireworks display in the Southeast.” Enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with music, food, and community pride as the city commemorates 250 years of American independence.
Independence Day Celebration at Historic Halifax
July 4, 2026
Halifax, North Carolina
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a patriotic Independence Day event from 1 to 4 p.m. at the birthplace of the Halifax Resolves, the first official call for independence by any colony. This free event features musket firing demos, living-history interpreters, colonial crafts and trades, and a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Explore the restored 18th-century buildings and grounds where North Carolina’s revolutionary spirit was ignited. Later that night, watch a fireworks show on the Halifax County Courthouse lawn.
Revolutionary Soldiers of Marietta National Cemetery
July 6, 2026
Marietta, Georgia
Enjoy a free presentation by Marietta National Cemetery historian Brad Quinlin from 6 to 7 p.m. in Switzer Library’s Community Room as he explores the stories of two American Revolutionary War veterans: John Hames and John Clark. Discover how these soldiers came to be laid to rest at Marietta National Cemetery and learn about their lives, military service, and legacy.
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
Linville, North Carolina
July 9-12, 2026
One of the premier Scottish Highland games in the U.S., this multi-day event on MacRae Meadows transforms the dramatic slopes of Grandfather Mountain into a celebration of Celtic heritage. Enjoy athletic events like the caber toss and stone put, bagpipes, Highland dancing, clan gatherings, sheepdog demos, whisky tastings, and traditional music surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Nicholas County Fair
July 22-25, 2026
Summersville, West Virginia
Celebrate West Virginia’s agricultural roots and Summersville’s small-town charm at the 101st annual Nicholas County Fair at Veterans Memorial Park. Enjoy amusement rides, livestock shows, homemade exhibits, live music, pageants, and community competitions at this annual event that has been going strong since 1924.
Green Bean Festival
Blairsville, Georgia
July 25-26, 2026
This celebration in the Appalachian foothills honors the humble green bean, a mountain staple. Held around Blairsville’s historic courthouse square, it features arts and crafts vendors, local food and produce (including fresh green beans, of course), music, pizza-eating and canning contests, a 5K, tractor shows, quilt displays, and family activities. It blends rural farming heritage with community fun to offer authentic slice of Georgia high-country culture.
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