Get your red, white, and blue ready as communities across the Triangle and central North Carolina prepare for Fourth of July festivities. From fireworks to concerts to family fun, here’s your guide to celebrating Independence Day in the area.
Thursday, July 3 Celebrations
- Garner Independence Celebration
- Location: Lake Benson Park, 921 Buffaloe Road
- Time: Gates open at 5 p.m.
- Details: Food vendors, children’s activities, live music by The Embers and the North Carolina Symphony, fireworks show
- Parking: Free shuttle service from South Garner High School
- Morrisville Red, White & BOOM
- Location: Cedar Fork District Park, 228 Aviation Parkway
- Time: 5 to 9 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
- Details: Live music, food trucks, games, fireworks
- Parking: Off-site with shuttles from 808 and 909 Aviation Parkway
- Smithfield Independence Day Celebration
- Location: Downtown Smithfield and Neuse River Amphitheater
- Time: Festivities begin at 5 p.m., fireworks at dusk
- Details: Watermelon social, live music, food trucks, local vendors, family activities
Thursday, July 4 Celebrations
- Raleigh Fireworks Show
- Location: Lenovo Center and Carter-Finley Stadium
- Time: Gates open at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
- Details: Fireworks-focused show, no stage, vendors, or festival activities
- Additional: Broadcast live on ABC11.com and streaming platforms
- Stars, Stripes and Bites Food Truck Rodeo
- Location: State Farmers Market
- Time: 4 to 9 p.m.
- Details: Music, face painting, inflatables, line dancing
- Admission: Free, bring blankets and lawn chairs
- Fayetteville Independence Day Concert & Fireworks
- Location: Festival Park, 335 Ray Ave.
- Time: Gates open at 6 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m., fireworks after concert
- Details: Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, food trucks, free children’s area
- Restrictions: Clear bags only, no skateboards, bikes, tents, pets (service animals permitted)
- Chapel Hill Fireworks Show
- Location: Southern Community Park
- Time: Event starts at 7 p.m., fireworks from 9:20 to 9:45 p.m.
- Details: Picnic supplies encouraged, coolers, blankets, chairs allowed on shuttles
- Restrictions: No tents, pets, alcohol, or glass
- Sanford Freedom Fest
- Location: Kiwanis Family Park
- Time: Event begins at 5 p.m., fireworks shortly after 9 p.m., ends at 10 p.m.
- Details: Live music, food vendors, family fun, splash pad open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Parking: Free trolley from Depot Park downtown to festival site
- Wendell Independence Day Celebration
- Location: Wendell Park
- Time: Park opens at 6 p.m., fireworks around 9 p.m.
- Details: Fireworks, food trucks, music
- Parking: Access via Landing View Drive, shuttle available from 7 N. Oakwood Ave., downtown parking also available
- Restrictions: No sparklers, coolers, or animals; chairs, blankets, and family activities welcome
Enjoy the festivities and celebrate safely with family and friends.
