Asheville Kicks Off 4th of July Weekend with Music, Fireworks, and Free Fishing

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Thursday, July 3rd, 2025.

As Asheville gears up for a festive Fourth of July weekend, the city is buzzing with energy and anticipation. If you are looking for something big to kick off your holiday, tomorrow’s Independence Day Block Party is set to take over the South Slope neighborhood downtown. The action starts at 5 p.m. with live music, delicious food and drinks, a classic car show, and the always-popular high-flying dog performances. Look for fireworks lighting up the sky at 9:30, and the best part, admission is free, so bring your friends and family and soak up the atmosphere.

If you want to enjoy the outdoors, Lake Julian Park is rolling out its annual Independence Day celebration, opening bright and early at 8 a.m. Food trucks start serving at 2, so bring your lawn chairs and blankets, get comfy by the water, and stick around for a spectacular fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. This is a local favorite, so parking fills up quickly; plan to arrive early and maybe take advantage of shuttle options.

A special note for fishing enthusiasts and families: Tomorrow is North Carolina’s annual free fishing day. Residents and visitors alike can fish on all public waters without a license, perfect for introducing kids to one of Asheville’s favorite pastimes or just relaxing by your favorite creek or pond. All standard fishing rules apply, so check those regulations and enjoy the day.

Beyond the holiday events, Buncombe County offices will be closed on the Fourth, so take care of any county business today. For the younger crowd, Asheville Junior Theater is in full swing with its summer camps, welcoming aspiring actors and singers to explore the stage in a supportive, creative environment.

On the neighborhood improvement front, construction is moving forward on the New Haw Creek Road sidewalk, part of Asheville’s ongoing effort to improve safety and walkability. Residents in the Haw Creek area will soon have about a mile of new sidewalk connecting more of the neighborhood to local schools and parks.

In community news, downtown’s Grovewood Gallery is hosting artist demonstrations and special events this weekend for anyone looking to enjoy a little culture. Meanwhile, local wildlife officers are stepping up patrols to keep the area’s lakes and rivers safe, especially targeting intoxicated boating during the holiday. If you’re heading out on the water, stay safe and respect the rules.

Finally, Asheville is earning national praise again, landing a spot on CNN’s list of America’s best towns to visit this year. With celebrations like these and a vibrant downtown, it’s no wonder the secret is out.

This has been Asheville Local Frequency. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.