Celebrate all week long with events across town. Pick one or pack your calendar.
Red, White & BOOM
July 2, 6–9:30 p.m.
Cedar Fork District Park, Morrisville
A LED hoop performer, balloon twister, juggler, stilt walker, face painter, and more family-friendly fun open the event, followed by live music from The Amazing Lounge Lizards and a fireworks show.
Fireworks Spectacular
July 3, 5:30-10 p.m.
Heritage High School, 1150 Forestville Road, Wake Forest
The Swingin’ Medallions present their timeless music that blends sounds of yesterday and today beginning at 6:20. At intermission, veterans from all branches of the military will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Fireworks start poppin’ around 9:30.
July 3rd Celebration
July 3, 4–10 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park
Enjoy free games, a scavenger hunt, a mist zone, USA trivia, a liberty lift contest, stilt walkers, activities, and a screening of Independence Day. Fuel up at onsite food trucks, and grab drinks from the Bark Bar.
First in Freedom Parade
July 4, 9:30 a.m.
Downtown Raleigh
1.4 miles of patriotic celebration! Beginning on Salisbury Street, passing the state capitol, proceeding through Morgan and Fayetteville streets, then ending at Lenoir Street.
Fireworks Frenzy
July 3, 4:30–10 p.m.
Hunter Street Park, Apex
Kick off the evening with a Parade of Wheels, where kids are invited to decorate bikes, wagons, tricycles, and other nonmotorized vehicles in red, white, and blue. Cool down at the Splashdown, then enjoy food, inflatables, and more fun before a drone light show and fireworks.
Capitol 250 NC Freedom Fest
July 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
State Capitol, Raleigh
History is in focus with special exhibits and trolley tours of downtown Raleigh. Performances throughout the day include Tift Merritt, Rissi Palmer, the 82nd Airborne All-American Brass Quintet, poet Zach Zachary, and more. Visit the Carolina Hurricanes KidZone, plus more than 50 vendors and food trucks. Shuttles to Dix Park for fireworks start at 5:30 p.m.
Fireworks Celebration
July 4, 6-10 p.m.
Dix Park, Raleigh
Fuel up at onsite food trucks, play lawn games, enjoy craft stations and inflatables, and settle in for fireworks starting at 9:30.
Independence Day Blowout and Hot Dog Showdown
July 4, noon to 10 p.m.
Tap Yard, Raleigh
Stop in for some beers and eats from the Happy Belly food truck, plus the main event: the fourth annual Hot Dog Showdown at 2 p.m.
Independence Day Celebration
July 4, 3:30-10 p.m.
Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary
The Cary Town Band kicks off the afternoon, followed by a free concert with patriotic music from the North Carolina Symphony and a fireworks display over Symphony Lake. The day also includes a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a DJ dance party, a raffle drawing, and more! No tickets required for lawn seating.
July 5 Celebration
July 5, 6-9:30 p.m.
Sugg Farm, Holly Springs
A second day for the USA! This event also kicks off the 150th anniversary festivities for the Town of Holly Springs. Enjoy live music, giveaways, games, and food trucks. Bring chairs and blankets to settle in for fireworks at 9:15.
