You can be part of Franklin's Annual Patriotic Parade at 11:00 a.m. 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.
Independence Day Parade & Celebration!
2026 Independence Day Parade & Celebration
Saturday, July 4th, 2026 • 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
in Downtown Franklin, NC
The Town of Franklin, North Carolina invites you to join with us as we celebrate America's 250th Anniversary during our Independence Day Parade & Celebration on Saturday, July 4th beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Franklin hosts one of the few July 4th parades that visitors and locals alike can actually participate in!
If you would like to be part of the parade, be in the lower parking lot of Town Hall at 10:30am for lineup. Entrants can walk, drive or ride and are encouraged to don red, white, and blue. The same applies for pets. THERE IS NO ENTRY FEE! Just come join in the fun!
The Parade will travel down Main Street, turning up Macon Avenue, travel along Church Street and disband behind First Baptist Church & Main Street businesses.
PARKING:
Please note that Main Street will be closed to parking at 8:00 a.m. Please do not park on Main Street unless you plan to stay until the event is over at 2:00 p.m.
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Following the parade, the Town of Franklin we will be serving FREE cold watermelon as long as it lasts!
Plus there will be FREE inflatables for kids, a water feature from Franklin Fire & Rescue and lots of great food and more!
Food Court featuring - Ben's Backdraft BBQ, Blessed Soul, Red's Lemonade, M's Ice Cream, Franklin Fire Hotdogs, Kona Ice and Sweet Caroline's Ice Cream!
All Events Presented by the Macon County 250th Committee in partnership with the Town of Franklin, Macon County, Macon County Fair Association and the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce. Financial support from the Franklin & Nantahala TDC.
2026 INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION • Friday, July 4th
11:00 a.m. Patriotic Parade
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm • FREE Inflatables & Fun!
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.
Free Watermelon & Bottled Water as long as it lasts!
Following Franklin's Independence Day Parade, you can enjoy FREE slices of watermelon and FREE bottled water. This is annual tradition during our 4th of July festivities.Come and enjoy the free goodies as long as they last!
11:30 AM • Little Mr. & Miss Firecracker Contest
PLEASE NOTE ENTRY AGE CHANGE
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.
11:45 AM • Patriotic Pet Contest
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.
12 Noonish • Franklin Fire & Rescue water Feature
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.