Independence Day traditions in North Carolina are all about parades, fireworks, and great barbecues. Celebrations start in late June culminating on July 4th. Check the dates and times for each event on the official websites.
The areas around Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill offer some of the most lively celebrations in the state with street fairs, festivals, and baseball games.
4th of July in Raleigh (July 4)
Raleigh, North Carolina's capital, is often called the City of Oaks due to its streets shaded with large oaks. It hosts a massive celebration at the PNC Arena and the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. The festivities start at 6 pm and end with the fireworks at 9:30 pm. There is also the 4th of July Celebration at the State Capitol grounds and a street party in downtown Raleigh.
4th of July Fireworks in Durham (July 4, 2024)
Durham celebrates Independence Day with baseball and live music. Watch the Durham Bulls play their holiday game at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The game ends with a spectacular fireworks show.
4th of July in Chapel Hill (July 4, 2024)
Chapel Hill is home to the University of North Carolina, and the Fourth of July is always quite vivid here despite the summer vacations. The city hosts the annual 4th of July Celebration at Southern Community Park, which starts at 7 pm. The fireworks display starts at 9 pm. The best viewing spots include Southern Community Park ball fields and the Southern Village Green.
Enofest (July 4 & 6, 2024)
Festival for the Eno is another Durham event focused on art and music. Held in West Point on the Eno, the four-day festival features over 70 bands and performers, a craft fair, beer garden, and lots of other entertainment. Over 60 bands play on four stages. The festival runs from 10 am to 6 pm. Parking and shuttles are provided from Durham County Stadium, at 750 Stadium Dr, Durham, NC 27704. Admission starts at $25 for one day, $40 for two days.
4th of July in Cary (July 4)
Cary boasts a very traditional celebration of America's birthday. Olde Time Celebration at Bond Park starts at 8 am with the fishing tournament, followed by the annual parade at 10:30 am, games and competitions in donut eating, watermelon eating, seed spitting, and sidewalk decorating. In the afternoon, there is July Fourth Celebration at Koka Booth Amphitheatre with a Ferris wheel, Berry-Go-Round, scavenger hunt, and other entertainment. The celebration in Cary also includes a free North Carolina Symphony concert followed by a fireworks display over Symphony Lake.
Downtown Greensboro Fun Fourth Festival (July 4)
Greensboro hosts one of the best and largest celebrations in the state—Fun Fourth Festival. The festival runs from 1 pm to 8 pm in Downtown Greensboro. It features five areas with live performances, interactive games, and lots of vendors. There are a fun run and a block party that brings the community together to celebrate the history of the Piedmont Triad. After the block party, there are fireworks at First National Bank Stadium.
July 4th Fireworks in Wilmington (July 4, 2024)
Wilmington celebrates 4th of July with Independence Day Fireworks and live entertainment, food vendors, and kids activities in historic downtown. Family-friendly entertainment is available at Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park. The performance by the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra is followed by spectacular fireworks, which can be viewed along the two-mile-long Riverwalk. Free entertainment starts at 5 pm, fireworks run from 9:05 pm to 9:25 pm. Food and drinks are available for purchase. The Waterfront Park is the perfect spot to relax with the whole family!
Southport and Oak Island NC 4th of July Festival & Fireworks (July 1–4, 2024)
Historic Southport and Oak Island have been showing their patriotic spirit celebrating America's Independence for over 200 years. The first “Festival of Free Men” was held here in 1792. Since then, the program of the holiday hasn't changed much: the reading of the Declaration of Independence, a military band concert, a veterans’ honoring ceremony, a firefighters’ competition, and a naturalization ceremony. Visitors can also see educational exhibits, shop among 100 of arts & crafts vendors, watch a parade, and enjoy live stage entertainment. A four-day festival running over a few days around July 4th also includes an art show, a vintage car show, a sailing regatta, and historic tours in downtown Southport.
On Saturday, July 1, gates open at 8 am, and visitors can enjoy a day full of games, entertainment and food, hosted by the Town of Oak Island. Carlton New Review band will keep the crowds entertained until the annual Beach Day & Oak Island Fireworks Show, which is launched from the Oak Island Pier at 9 pm. The main highlights of the festival take place on July 4th: the parade at 11 am and fireworks over the waterfront at 9 pm.
4th of July in Charlotte (July 2024)
In July, the whole city of Charlotte covers itself in stars and stripes as well as red, white, and blue to celebrate America's freedom. The city has an array of activities and events to celebrate the Fourth of July. Festivities begin with the long-awaited Independence Day Parade. Charlotte Symphony Concert dedicated to the holiday is held at SouthPark, ending with fireworks. Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular is also held at Charlotte Motor Speedway. US National Whitewater Center hosts the 4th of July Festival that features live music and a fireworks display during two nights. SkyShow at BB&T Ballpark is another extravaganza after a baseball game of the Charlotte Knights. An excellent place to see the fireworks is Romare Bearden Park.
4th of July in Asheville, Western NC (July 2024)
Asheville in Western North Carolina is a great place to spend the holiday. Downtown Asheville Independence Day Celebration takes place in Pack Square Park at 2 pm. It features Ultimate Air Dogs jumping event, live music, and entertainment, kids' activities like Splashville and bouncy houses, about a dozen food trucks, beer, and wine. Fireworks kick off at 9:30 pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to the park to watch. At the same time, South Asheville Fireworks are launched at Lake Julian.
