Thousands of people braved temperatures in the 90s to flood the streets of Downtown Nashville in celebration of America’s 249th birthday.
The “Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th” event is produced by Music City Inc. and has provided fireworks and fun to the Middle Tennessee community for more than 40 years. The fireworks spectacular has regularly drawn more than 200,000 attendees with a record-breaking 355,000 in 2024.
“Welcome to Independence Day in Music City USA, where we let Freedom Sing,” Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell said. “We’re going to have a great show tonight!”
Fans make their way down Lower Broadway during the Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th event in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, July 4, 2025.
The 2025 celebration featured an instrument petting zoo, food trucks and an array of interactive displays. In addition to the variety of activities offered to all ages, the event also featured a Sober Space. Unveiled at the 2024 New Year’s Eve concert, the Sober Space offers a welcoming environment for individuals, families and allies of those in recovery from addiction and alcoholism.
Prior to the fireworks, guests were able to enjoy a free concert from artists including award-winning guitarist, songwriter and bandleader Grace Bowers and The Hodge Podge and a headlining set from 14-time Grammy nominee Dierks Bentley.
The fireworks show is set to start at 9:30 p.m. and plans call for it to feature eight pyrotechnicians firing close to 40,000 pounds of explosives. Accompanying the fireworks will be the Grammy Award-winning Nashville Symphony along with a special drone show presented by Crav’n Flavor.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell speaks during the Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th event in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, July 4, 2025.
Viewing for the fireworks is set along the Cumberland River with an additional viewing on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge.
“Everybody who’s here, you have one year to learn an important word,” O’Connell said. “The word is ‘semiquincentennial’ because next year is 250 years of America, and it’ll be back bigger and better than ever here in Nashville.”
In anticipation of next year’s celebration, Music City Inc. has announced that Let Freedom Sing! 2026 will be a two-day event, with festivities on July 3 and 4.
Additional information about Music City Inc.’s various events and the 2026 celebration can be found at www.visitmusiccity.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville celebrates 4th of July with ‘Let Freedom Sing’ celebration