Made possible by the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial
July 03, 2026 and July 04, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tickets discounted for a limited time! FREE for Museum Members
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. 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.
