Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade 2026: What to Know Before You Go
Gatlinburg rings in the Fourth of July at 12:01 a.m. — making it the first Independence Day parade in the nation, a tradition that draws 80,000 people to the Parkway every year. In 2026, the midnight parade is just the beginning: the River Raft Regatta, a 200-drone light show, and fireworks from the Space Needle round out a full day of celebrating. Here's how to plan it right.