The Museum of Appalachia’s annual Independence Day Anvil Shoot Celebration returns July 3 and 4, 2026, as an expanded two-day event made possible in part by support from Tennessee America 250. This enhanced programming will highlight Tennessee’s role in the founding and development of the United States through living history, historical interpretation, and traditional Appalachian demonstrations.

At the center of the celebration is the Museum’s signature anvil shoot, a rare frontier tradition in which a 200-pound anvil is launched hundreds of feet into the air using gunpowder. Several anvil shoots will take place throughout both days (times TBA). Once used by pioneers to mark holidays, elections, and other special occasions, anvil shooting has become a nearly 30-year Independence Day tradition at the Museum of Appalachia

The two-day event will also feature a Revolutionary War encampment, militia drills, talks from historical figures including John Sevier, Henry Knox, David Hall, and Archibald Roane, and a wide range of demonstrations such as blacksmithing, basket making, broom making, quilting, spinning, weaving, candle dipping, coopering, wood carving, and more. Guests can also enjoy shape note singing, live music, Southern food, a flag procession, and a national bell-ringing ceremony.