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Planning to Set Off Fireworks? Here’s What’s Legal (and What’s Not) in Tennessee

Issue #476

June 24, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Partly cloudy w/ high of 92 & low of 76

🎆 Planning to Set Off Fireworks? Here’s What’s Legal (and What’s Not) in Tennessee

📰 City of Columbia Releases Proposed FY 2026-2030 Capital Improvements Program

👉 6/23 - 6/25: Cooling Station at Riverwalk Park Shelter

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 Today’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Planning to Set Off Fireworks? Here’s What’s Legal (and What’s Not) in Tennessee

With Independence Day celebrations around the corner, Tennessee officials are urging residents to be mindful of fireworks laws and safety measures. While each city or town may have its own ordinances on when and where consumer fireworks can be used, there are also statewide rules designed to reduce the risk of fire and injury.

Tennessee state law prohibits anyone under the age of 16 from purchasing fireworks. Teenagers who are 16 or 17 must show a valid photo ID at the time of purchase. Additionally, setting off fireworks near certain public facilities is not allowed. This includes lighting fireworks within 600 feet of churches, hospitals, public schools, or asylums, as well as within 200 feet of any location that sells or stores fireworks.

Drones and unmanned aircraft systems are also restricted during firework events. Flying one over a gathering of more than 100 people or near a fireworks display is not permitted unless the event operator has granted permission.

Sky lanterns, often seen floating in the night sky, are considered high risk and are illegal to use in Tennessee without a professional license. These floating devices, which rely on an open flame to rise, have been known to cause property damage and fires.

Homeowners should be aware that using fireworks in areas where they are prohibited may void insurance coverage in the event of a fire. If damages occur due to fireworks in a city that has banned them, an insurance claim may be denied.

Officials emphasize the importance of attending public fireworks shows conducted by licensed professionals. These events are generally safer and more controlled. For those who choose to use consumer fireworks at home, safety should remain the top priority.

Here are some basic safety recommendations:

  • Never allow children to ignite or handle fireworks.

  • Carefully read and follow all instructions on the packaging.

  • Set up fireworks on a flat, outdoor surface away from homes, trees, or dry brush.

  • Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of emergency.

  • Wear eye protection and never place your body over a firework while lighting it.

  • After lighting, move back quickly to a safe distance.

Celebrating responsibly ensures a fun and incident-free Fourth of July for families across the state.

For more detailed guidance, residents are encouraged to check local regulations and visit the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office website.

City of Columbia Releases Proposed FY 2026-2030 Capital Improvements Program

From the City of Columbia, TN - Government’s post…

As part of the recently approved FY 2025–2026 budget, the City of Columbia has released the proposed FY 2026–2030 Capital Improvements Program (CIP), outlining $124.6 million in planned infrastructure investments over a five-year period.

For FY 2026 alone, approximately $52.7 million is allocated for key projects, including:

$4,500,000 for a citywide street paving project.

$35,000,000 in funding toward the new wastewater treatment facility.

$6,750,000 for improvements at the Nashville Highway and Bear Creek Pike intersection.

$3,000,000 for construction of a new public works storage and fuel facility.

$2,000,000 for improvements to the Columbia Aquatics and Recreation Center.

$2,001,885 for Mt. Olivet Bridge repairs and Iron Bridge replacement.

$1,568,800 for capital and vehicle equipment replacements.

These investments reflect the City’s ongoing commitment to enhancing quality of life and ensuring critical infrastructure keeps pace with Columbia’s future needs.

6/23 - 6/25: Cooling Station at Riverwalk Park Shelter

Maury Regional Mobile Health is hosting a Cooling Station at Riverwalk Park Shelter to help our community stay safe and cool during the summer heat. Stop by for shade, water, snacks, cooling fans and lunch this week! Everyone is welcome.

Where: Riverwalk Park Shelter
When: Monday - Wednesday, June 23-25, 12:00 - 4:30 PM

Note: We recommend bringing a folding chair

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Tuesday, June 24th

Wednesday, June 25th

Thursday, June 26th

Friday, June 27th

Saturday, June 28th

More events coming soon!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, June 24th

Justen Harden, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Songwriters Open Mic, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Wednesday, June 25th

Oliver Pigott, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Thursday, June 26th

Brian Ashley Jones, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Mary Lou, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00-9:00 PM

Friday, June 27th

TBA, The Spot, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Rob Harris, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Open Mic, Grinder’s Switch, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Ben Cannon, Whiskey Alley, 6:00 - 7:45 PM
Brian and Melanie, Buck & Board, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Rett Stocstill, Grazie! Italian Eatery, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
The Tim Turner Band, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wynn Varble, Gordon Kennedy, & Gary Chapman, The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
Karli & James, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM 
Broken by Monday, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Saturday, June 28th

Grasskickers, Keg Springs Winery, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Crossbridgers, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Lydia Rae, Buck & Board, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Beyond the Grove, Grazie! Italian Eatery, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Lisa Law & The Fab 3, Puckett’s, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Powerplay, The Boondox, 8pm
South Bound Crows, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Sunday, June 29th

The Sins, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
CJ Conklin, Fizzy’s Bar & Grill, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

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