For many Americans, the 4th of July evokes familiar sights and sounds—sparklers in hand, country music blaring from backyard speakers, the boom of fireworks echoing across lakes and small towns. But for country artists, who spend much of the year on the road, this holiday carries a deeper resonance: it’s a time to pause, reconnect, and remember what it means to live in a free country, and to build a life around music, community, and family.

We asked some of country music’s rising stars and seasoned storytellers to share what this iconic summer holiday means to them. From lakeside cookouts and childhood traditions to once-in-a-lifetime performances for U.S. troops, their answers painted a vivid picture of celebration, gratitude, and Americana at its finest.

Honoring Heroes: Patriotic Performances That Moved the Soul

For country artist Becca Bowen, one of her most meaningful 4th of July experiences didn’t involve fireworks at all—it involved honoring those who make our freedom possible.

“One of my best memories of July 4th was singing the National Anthem at Fort Jackson for their celebration,” she recalls. “Seeing the soldiers who fight for our country was something I will always remember. Speaking with them and hearing the sacrifices that they have made to serve was a humbling experience.”

 

 

 

 

 

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Veteran singer-songwriter Skip Ewing shared a memory that felt ripped from the pages of a Hollywood script. 

“One of the most powerful patriotic moments I’ve experienced was in Aviano, Italy during a U.S.O. tour,” he shares. “I sang the National Anthem on July 4 before our concert for the troops, and six fighter jets buzzed the venue we were in so close that the entire building shook. We felt overwhelming camaraderie, gratitude, and respect.”

For Sam Stoane, whose partner serves in the military, the holiday isn’t just symbolic—it’s personal.

“I’m married to a Marine, so it’s a holiday we’re passionate about and we take a lot of pride in,” she explains. “The Fourth of July is a chance for us to reflect on that service. This year, we’ll be celebrating by playing an acoustic show at Starstruck Farms in Nashville, which feels like the perfect way to honor that connection.”

From Lake Days to Backyard BBQs: The Magic of Tradition

While some artists spend the 4th on stage, others use it as a rare moment to recharge and soak in the summertime spirit. McCoy Moore, for example, knows exactly where he’ll be this year—and it sounds like a dream. 

“You can find me anchored down at the sandbar in Florida with my friends and a bunch of cold drinks,” he says. “Nothing hits quite as hard as Fourth of July weekend back home in Florida. Cheers y’all!”

Sister duo Tigirlily Gold are also soaking up the sunshine this year in their adopted hometown of Nashville. “This year we are spending our 4th of July in Nashville hanging by the pool, eating Krista’s famous monster cookies and fruit pizza, grilling out with our family that evening, and ending the night with some fireworks!” they share. “The next morning we will be hopping on a bus to Missouri to open up for Gabby Barrett at Freedom Fest!”

Singer-songwriter Karley Scott Collins, currently on tour with Keith Urban, is ready to unwind in her home state, too. 

“I’ve got the Fourth of July weekend off from touring, so I’m really looking forward to spending it back home in Florida with my family by the pool,” she says. “And trying not to set the dock on fire with fireworks like we did last year!"

@karleyscottcollins A perfect love song for your 4th of July playlist 🇺🇸 Send this to your American Boy! ❤️ #4thofjuly #usa ♬ original sound - Karley Scott Collins

Madison Olivia keeps things simple and sentimental. “Growing up in Michigan, the 4th was all about lake days, BBQs, and being with family,” she says. “Not much has changed… I’m usually spending it with my family and my goldendoodle Presley, watching fireworks, eating too much, and soaking in the moment. Now that I’m chasing this music dream, the day always reminds me how lucky I am to do what I love.”

Hayden Coffman echoes that sentiment, but with his signature rowdy edge. “For the 4th, it’s a must to be near water. Pool, lake, doesn’t matter—just sunshine, grilling out, and being with your people,” he says. “Then obviously, you have to end the day with fireworks, because it’s not the 4th if you’re not blowing stuff up! This year, I’ll be on stage in Barbourville, KY and I have a feeling it’s gonna be rowdy. It’s my favorite time of the year!”

Ashland Craft brings back memories of camping trips and country tunes. “Growing up, we always packed up the coolers, tents, and lots of bug spray to camp at the lake,” she shares. “Now it’s still about getting cold drinks on ice, grabbing the basics, and posting up by a body of water. Nothing says ‘freedom’ like good music and good company.”

Rooted in Family: Small-Town America Comes to Life

Some of the most vivid memories shared by artists weren’t glamorous, but they were meaningful—reminders that the most American moments often come wrapped in simplicity.

Peech., who grew up in Utah, recalls the way her entire town came together each year to celebrate. 

“Growing up in Park City, the 4th of July was always one of my favorite days—our whole town came together for a massive parade, sports, music, and food,” he shares. “It always felt like home.”

Jordana Bryant remembers Fourth of July evenings spent barefoot on the beach in Fort Lauderdale. “We spent every summer living with my grandparents down there, and those nights felt like magic—wrapped in beach towels, watching fireworks, surrounded by the people I loved most,” she says. “It was simple, but so full of love—and those are the moments that stay with you.”

Cyndi Thomson calls the holiday a “homecoming.” “Every year, I head back to Georgia to be with my family at the lake,” she says. “It’s become our tradition—good food, laughter, cousins running wild, and fireworks lighting up the sky. It’s a day to slow down, to breathe, and to remember what matters.”

Trent Harmon paints a Norman Rockwell-esque picture. “The Fourth of July means more than fireworks and freedom—it’s movies under the stars on a projector screen, homemade ice cream, apple pie, and sharing it all with the ones I love most.”

And Ashley Ryan remembers her neighborhood turning into a block party every year. “My dad would hook up a trailer with karaoke gear and we’d set it up right in the cul-de-sac,” she says. “The whole neighborhood would grill, light fireworks, and the kids would scooter around or toss water balloons. It made us feel like one big family.”

 

 

 

 

 

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Kyle Kelly has upheld a 4th of July tradition with his college roommates-turned-family for years. “We’ve all gone back to Lake Norman every 4th since college. Now we’ve got wives, kids, and even a tradition where we all wear matching bathing suits all week,” he shares. “It’s wild to look back and see how much has changed—and how much hasn’t.”

A Time to Celebrate and Reflect

While some will be onstage or in the crowd, others are choosing to spend the day off the grid this year.

Mason Ramsey keeps the spirit of the holiday simple but deeply meaningful. “The 4th of July to me means family, lake, and fireworks,” he says. “But most importantly, it reminds me that we live in a free country, and I’m grateful for the ones that made this possible.”

Tyler Booth, usually touring during the 4th, is excited for a quieter version of the holiday. “I’m spending it in Leipers Fork with friends,” he says. “Some of my favorite memories are grilling out, watching fireworks, and just being together. That’s what it’s all about.”

Lucas Hoge is skipping his usual festival performance to mark a special milestone. “It’s my mom and dad’s 55th wedding anniversary, so I’ll be back in Nebraska with the whole family,” he says. “We’re going to a small-town flea market and fireworks show like we used to do as kids. It’ll be the first time in years we’ve all done that together.”

 

 

 

 

 

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Timothy Howls has his own reason to celebrate—ten years of marriage. “I love my country, but I love my wife more!” he says. “This Independence Day we celebrate 10 years of marriage, and every firework will paint the sky in honor of our milestone.”

Joey Myron is celebrating across the pond but keeping the patriotic spirit alive. “I’ll be in Scotland for my sister’s graduation, belting ‘Free Bird,’ downing some brews, and waving the American flag from abroad!”

And finally, Sammy Arriaga sums it up perfectly! “Growing up in Miami, the 4th was all about family, food, and water. Now I bring that same energy to the stage—celebrating with fans. It’s one of my favorite holidays because it reminds me how lucky we are to chase dreams in a country that lets us.”

No Matter Where You Are, It's About Who You're With

For country artists, the Fourth of July is more than a celebration of independence. It's about honoring service, remembering where you came from, and soaking up time with the people who make it all worthwhile. Whether they’re strumming guitars on stage, floating on sandbars, or watching fireworks light up a small-town sky, these artists remind us of what the holiday is really about: love, freedom, and the moments that tie us all together.