4th of July Midnight Parade

Share this page:

For More Information

Web: Gatlinburg.com

Email: Events Department

Mail: Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 527, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Phone: 865-436-0521

If you're interested in entering your band in the Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade, please contact the Events Department at the contact info above or click here to access the online application request.

View more Marching.com Featured Events

The Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade has a long tradition as the "First July Fourth Parade in the Nation." Units assemble on the evening of July 3rd and the parade steps off at the stroke of midnight to begin a full day of Independence Day festivities. Floats, balloons, military units and high school marching bands are part of the procession which pays tribute to our country and salutes the valiant men and women of our military services

The scenic 2-mile parade route travels along the Parkway in Downtown Gatlinburg, which is nestled in the foothills and surrounded on three sides by the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Approximately 80,000 visitors attend the parade which has been listed as a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event.

Participating marching bands typically light their lead banner with battery-powered lights or spotlights. Some bands even maximize the nighttime setting by incorporating lighting effects on each performer.

The parade is organized by the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau Events Department, which is available to assist with lodging and suggested activities. Lodging is extremely limited during the event so it's best to make arrangements well in advance.

The entry period is now open for 2024 bands. Selections will be posted here when entries are finalized.

Marching bands that have participated in the Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade in recent years include:

• 100th Army Band, Fort Knox, Kentucky
• 129th Army Band, Nashville, Tennessee
• Alexandria Marching Band, Alexandria, Minnesota
• Azalea Trail Maids, Mobile, Alabama
• "The Band" Marching Unit, Baltimore, Maryland
• Baltimore Entertainers Marching Band, Baltimore, Maryland
• Baltimore Twilighters Marching Band, Baltimore, Maryland
• Chapparells Baton & Drum Corps, Akron, Ohio
• Cotter High School Marching Band, Winona, Minnesota
• Lake City Tiger Marching Band, Lake City, Minnesota
• Litchfield High School Marching Band, Litchfield, Minnesota
• Mankato Area 77 Lancers Marching Band, Mankato, Minnesota
• New Edition Legacy Marching Band, Maryland
• USAF Honor Guard Marching Military Unit, Washington, D.C.

Bands traveling to Gatlinburg for the 4th of July Midnight Parade can take advantage of educational and entertaining opportunities including:

• Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
• Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
• Dozens of family-friendly attractions including water parks, mini golf, ziplines and museums

Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Friday, July 3, 2026

Web: Gatlinburg.com

Email: Events Department
Mail: Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 527, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone: 865-436-0521

If you're interested in entering your band in the Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade, please contact the Events Department at the contact info above or click here to access the online application request.