May 29, 2026
Downtown Brevard will come alive with a two-day America 250 celebration July 3 and 4 featuring live music, a street festival, family activities, patriotic programming and an evening fireworks show hosted by the Heart of Brevard downtown business district.
Heart of Brevard / Submitted photo
Downtown Brevard will come alive with a two-day America 250 celebration on July 3 and 4 featuring live music, a street festival, family activities, patriotic programming and an evening fireworks show.
Hosted by Heart of Brevard downtown business district, this special, one-time festival is designed to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary that is free and open to the public.
“We hope this celebration gives people another reason to come downtown, support local businesses and experience everything that makes Brevard special,” said Heart of Brevard Executive Director Nicole Bentley in a news release. “Events like this create energy for our small businesses, bring people together and help keep downtown thriving. Whether you’re here for the music, the fireworks, the square dance or simply spending time with friends and family, we invite everyone to be part of this special community celebration.”
America 250 in Brevard festivities will begin Friday, July 3 at 5 p.m. with an evening street festival along East Main Street including live music from Red Clay Revival and The Empire Strikes Brass on the main stage as well as food trucks, local vendors and a beer garden.
The celebration continues at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4 with a full downtown street festival featuring craft and retail vendors, nonprofit organizations and local businesses. Family-friendly activities including interactive games, a foam party and activities for children and families will be offered throughout the day,
A patriotic program including a flag-raising ceremony, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and a community recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary will take place on the main stage at 11 a.m.
Additional highlights Saturday include a youth bike parade, hot dog eating contest, classic car show hosted by the Transylvania Cruisers and live music throughout the day. On Saturday evening, Whitewater Bluegrass Company will take the main stage for a traditional square dance celebration before the night concludes with a fireworks show after dark.
“This celebration is about more than honoring our nation’s history,” said Mayor Maureen Copelof. “It is an opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate the spirit of Brevard and recognize the people, traditions and sense of connection that make this town such a special place to call home.”
As part of the festivities, downtown businesses are invited to participate in a community-wide window decorating competition inspired by the America 250 celebration.
“This is a chance for our entire downtown to be part of the celebration,” Bentley said. “From our businesses to our volunteers, it takes a community to bring something like this to life.”
The event is made possible through partnerships with the City of Brevard, Transylvania County and local sponsors, along with the support of more than 300 volunteers who help produce Heart of Brevard’s annual events.
For more information, including a full schedule of events and ways to get involved, visit HeartofBrevard.org.