Pepsi Independence Day Fireworks Schedule
WXBQ cordially invites you to join us to the 40th Annual Pepsi Independence Day Fireworks presented by Food City July 4, 2026
In partnership with WXBQ, PepsiCo is proud to open the music acts with returning artist – Noah Spencer (“Used To”), followed by Carson Peters & Iron Mountain (“Gotta Love Lonesome”), and headlining the event – Shenandoah (“2 Dozen Roses” / “Next To You, Next To Me”)!
PepsiCo is proud to bring you a day full of fun activities, amazing musical acts, and a pyro-musical production honoring the history that makes America the great nation it is today. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the USA, PepsiCo will have a Rolling Remembrance tribute to all servicemembers who have fought so valiantly to keep America safe. An area will be set up to honor those with the PepsiCo Rolling Remembrance trailer, a war monument, and an Honor Book for spectators to leave a small tribute. The Mountain Dew car driven by Darrell Waltrip in his back-to-back NASCAR Winston Cup Championships in 1981 & 1982 will be onsite as well for spectators to grab an amazing photo opportunity.
There are many activities being held throughout the day, beginning offsite at 1:00pm with the 2nd annual Little Miss Pepsi Firework Pageant, held in partnership with Miss Johnson City/Miss Historic Jonesborough Scholarship Organization.
The main event of the night will be the amazing pyro musical experience, “Declaration In The Sky”, presented by Pyro Nova, Inc. Spectators will enjoy an original cinematic score and narrated story, taking them on a powerful journey through the history of America – from the founding of a nation to the innovations that define its spirit today – via fireworks, light show, and video storytelling. The best way to enjoy the entirety of the show is with your family and friends on the grounds of Freedom Hall.
Freedom Hall Civic Center / City of Johnson City
July 4, 2026 (Saturday)
1:00 am – 3:00 pm: Little Miss Pepsi Firecracker Pageant (offsite at the Langston Center)
3:00 pm: Food Trucks Open
4:00 pm: Kids Activities and Touch-A-Truck Opens
5:00 – 7:00 pm: On-site registration for a chance to win prizes
- GRAND PRIZE – 1 year supply of groceries ($10,000 value)
- FIRST PRIZE – 1 year supply of gas ($3,000 value)
- SECOND PRIZE – 1 year supply of Pepsi ($1,000 value)
5:30-6:00 pm: WXBQ DJs / Announcements / Military / Pledge
6:00 pm: Music by Noah Spencer (“Used To”)
7:10 pm: Music by Carson Peters & Iron Mountain (“Gotta Love Lonesome”)
8:25 pm: Music by Shenandoah (“2 Dozen Roses” / “Next To You, Next To Me”)
9:40 pm: Great American Giveaway Grand Prize Drawing
10:00 pm: Fireworks Introduction by Johnson City Mayor Greg Cox
10:05 pm: Pyro Nova of North Carolina presents “Declaration In The Sky” (Live remote of event by WJHL-TV Channel 11 with WXBQ 96.9 broadcasting of fireworks music).
PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED PATRONS
Handicapped parking passes and instructions may be obtained by calling (423-461-4884) or visiting Freedom Hall no later than Friday June 28th (open weekdays from 10:00 am-4:00 pm).
Portable restroom facilities for the physically challenged will be located on-site
DEAF & HARD OF HEARING PATRONS
An interpreter will be available throughout the evening for all events.
PERSONAL VEHICLES AND PROPERTY
Patrons driving personal vehicles to Freedom Hall are encourages to remember to leave all valuables
(cell phones, laptop computers, money, jewelry, purses, wallets, CD’s, shopping bags, etc.) at home.
Any valuables left in personal vehicles should not be leave in plain sight and vehicles should remain locked at all times.
