Photo by Lelia_milaya – stock.adobe.com
BY JANICE LEWINE
Salute the red, white and blue as Independence Day celebrations and fireworks light up the Triangle. Here’s our round-up of Fourth of July events listed alphabetically by town. Before you head out, be sure to check the websites for the events listed here to ensure they are still taking place.
Raleigh
July 1
Pets (and owners!) are invited to dress in their best patriotic finery and parade around the Raleigh Market in an old-fashioned Independence Day celebration at 11 a.m. Prizes will be awarded in categories such as Most Patriotic Costume, Most Creative Costume, Best Owner/Pet Twinning and more, with a Grand Prize of $100 cash. There is no cost to participate, but advanced registration is required online.
theraleighmarket.com
July 4
The Raleigh’s Fourth of July Fireworks takes place at Dorothea Dix Park from 4:30-10 p.m. Presented by the City of Raleigh and ABC11, the event showcases live music, food trucks, family-friendly activities and a grand fireworks display beginning at 9:30 p.m.
July 4
Brier Creek Commons’ Star-Spangled Block Party begins at 8 p.m. in the clock tower area and features activities and music before fireworks kick off at 9 p.m.
Apex
July 3-4
Fireworks Frenzy, Apex’s fireworks display July 3, features a larger footprint in downtown Apex. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. and feature music, food trucks and bounce houses. Fireworks kick off at 9:30 p.m. over Hunter Street Park at Ambergate Station. The fun continues July 4 with the town’s Olde Fashioned Fourth of July from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. along Salem Street. Enjoy a flag raising, carnival-style activities and the Parade of Wheels for kids at noon, followed by the Apex Fire Department’s splash down after the parade.
Carrboro
July 4
The town’s Independence Day Celebration hosts family-friendly activities, including a costume contest and People’s Parade, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the Weaver Street Market lawn, followed by live music from Stereo Doll, Mix Tape Grab Bag and Tre’ King Band from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Carrboro Town Hall. Afternoon activities include a pie-eating contest, face painting, a gaming truck and more. Don’t miss the fireworks show at 9 p.m. at Southern Community Park.
Cary
July 3-4
Join the Cary Town Band July 3 at 7:30 p.m. for the 34th annual Patriotic Celebration at the Cary Arts Center.
Cary’s Independence Day Celebration at Koka Booth Amphitheatre highlights patriotic performances by the Cary Town Band and the North Carolina Symphony. Fun activities for kids begin at 3:30 p.m. and a dazzling fireworks show over Symphony Lake at 9:25 p.m. rounds out the event.
Chapel Hill
June 30-July 2
Cuddle up with farm animals, enjoy games and mine for gems at Goatstravaganza June 30-July 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at Spring Haven Farm. Tickets cost $13.50 and must be purchased online. Party lovers ages 21 and older can enjoy live music, food trucks, exciting games, and the chance to mingle with baby goats and other farm animals beginning at 8 p.m. during Goats & Glory June 30-July 1. Tickets cost $25.50 and must be purchased online.
July 4
Gather at Southern Community Park in Chapel Hill for July Fourth Fireworks at 9 p.m. to celebrate the holiday.
Clayton
July 1
The town’s Independence Day Fireworks at Clayton High School features food trucks, games, inflatables and music beginning at 6 p.m. The event culminates with a fireworks show at 9:15 p.m.
Durham
July 4
Decorate your bike, trike, wagon or stroller for The Children’s Independence Day Parade at Durham Central Park from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The parade begins at 10:30 a.m., which features free popsicles, fire truck tours and music from DJ Pittipat.
Celebrate patriotism and civic pride at the July Fourth Celebration at Durham Bulls Athletic Park as the Durham Bulls take on the Norfolk Tides at 6:35 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:15 p.m. The baseball park opens to the general public after the end of the seventh inning for the fireworks display. Tickets are required for the baseball game.
July 4
Enjoy music from North Carolina bluegrass pickers, local beer and ciders, lawn games and farm animals at Old Mill Farm’s Pickin’ on the Pond. Purchase tickets online, which cost $12 for adults and are free for ages 2 and younger.
Fuquay-Varina
July 1
North Carolina’s own Spare Change performs at 6:30 p.m. as part of the town’s Independence Day Celebration at South Park. Food vendors will be onsite and the splash pad will be open from 6-8:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
Garner
July 3
Take the family for delicious food, kids activities, games and crafts at the Garner Independence Day Celebration at Lake Benson Park from 5-10 p.m. The CJ Baker Band performs at 5 p.m., followed by the North Carolina Symphony at 8:30 p.m. Top off your evening with a fireworks show at 9:30.
Holly Springs
July 5
Live entertainment, food trucks, games highlight A Second Day for the USA at Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park, 6-10 p.m. A grand fireworks display begins at 9:15 p.m.
Knightdale
July 4
The town’s Fourth on First Avenue at Knightdale Station Park features food trucks and family-friendly activities from 3-9 p.m., and a fireworks spectacular at 9:15 p.m.
Morrisville
July 3
Morrisville’s Family Fun Festival on Town Hall Drive with food trucks, roving entertainment, face painters, magic shows, games and prize giveaways from 4-9 p.m. Fireworks conclude the evening.
Rolesville
July 4
For the Rolesville Fourth, head to Redford Place Park at 5 p.m. for games, inflatables, food trucks and a concert by Liquid Pleasure. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
Selma
June 30
Selma’s All-American Festival is a long-standing town tradition that features live entertainment, children’s activities and food trucks from 6-9:30 p.m. at Ormond’s Plaza, followed by fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Smithfield
July 2
Smithfield’s annual Independence Day Celebration offers live entertainment, food and activities from 6-9:30 p.m. in the downtown district. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
Wake Forest
July 3
The Band of Oz warms up the crowd at 6:15 p.m. at Heritage High School before the Fireworks Spectacular, which begins at 9:30 p.m. Concessions will be available.
July 4
Kids are invited to hop on their bicycles or be pulled along in a wagon as part of the Children’s Parade. The lineup begins at 10 a.m. at the intersection of North Main Street and West Juniper Avenue; the parade begins at 10:30 a.m. along North Main Street. Art in the Park, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., welcomes children to create arts and crafts projects in the Wake Forest Community House.
Zebulon
July 4
Nothing is more American than baseball and fireworks! Come on out for the Mudcats for America Independence Day Fireworks at Five County Stadium as the Carolina Mudcats take on the Fayetteville Woodpeckers at 7 p.m. The game concludes with a firework display over the stadium. Purchase individual game tickets at milb.com.
