4th Fest (Photo: Courtesy Alyssa Sandvig)

For families looking to celebrate Independence Day without battling the summer heat, 4th Fest offers a unique way to enjoy the holiday. Returning to the Renasant Convention Center on Saturday, July 4th, the free community event combines indoor family entertainment with a prime view of Downtown Memphisโ€™ annual fireworks display.

Now in its second year, 4th Fest was created as a way for the convention center to connect with the local community while showcasing its Downtown space. โ€œWe love when the Memphis community comes together,โ€ says Alyssa Sandvig, director of marketing and in-house promotional events. โ€œWeโ€™re really trying to utilize our building for Memphis and Memphians whenever possible.โ€

From 5 to 10 p.m., guests can enjoy an array of family-friendly activities, all included with free admission. The event will feature eight bounce houses, yard games, face painting, balloon animals, and a photo booth. Sandvig says the inflatable attractions are consistently among the biggest crowd-pleasers, including a towering 24-foot slide that delighted her own son at last yearโ€™s event.

โ€œItโ€™s all free and open to the public,โ€ she says. โ€œYouโ€™ll see kids making friends, parents connecting with each other, and families creating memories together.โ€

The indoor setting offers several conveniences that set 4th Fest apart from many outdoor July Fourth celebrations. Families will have access to air conditioning, on-site restrooms with changing stations, a nursing room for mothers, and a connected parking garage. With all activities located in one large space, parents can keep an eye on children while enjoying the festivities.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase from RK Bluff City Catering, with a menu featuring classic Fourth of July favorites including hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue nachos, and fresh watermelon. Adult beverages and kid-friendly drinks will also be available, with all menu items priced at $10 or less.

As evening falls, attendees can settle in for one of the eventโ€™s biggest attractions: indoor and outdoor views of the Downtown Memphis fireworks display. Whether guests stay for the entire celebration or simply stop by for the show, 4th Fest promises a comfortable, family-focused way to celebrate the holiday. 

4TH FEST, RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER, 255 N. MAIN ST., SATURDAY, JULY 4, 5-10 P.M.