In honor of America’s 250th birthday, all sorts of 4th of July celebrations are taking place throughout the Tar Heel state.
The Fourth of July is always a cause for celebration, and the fact that the country is turning 250 this year makes it even more noteworthy. Celebrations throughout the Tar Heel state will mark the 250th—or semiquincentennial, for you logophiles—anniversary of the signing of the US Declaration of Independence.
While there is no shortage of summer concerts and festivals in North Carolina, its plans to celebrate July 4th are even bigger and more dazzling than usual. From the mountains to the coast, there are ample fun opportunities to enjoy this momentous occasion.
Raleigh
Capitol 250: North Carolina Freedom Fest
When: July 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: State Capitol, 1 East Edenton St., Raleigh
Celebrate both America’s birthday and the Tar Heel state’s arts, culture, history, and nature at the North Carolina Freedom Fest. Festivities for this free event include live music throughout the day from multiple musicians, ranging from the NC Governor’s School Choir to the 82nd Airborne All-American Brass Quintet. There will also be plenty of family-friendly fun on offer, including a kids’ play area, an Independence Day ceremony, and 50+ food trucks and vendors.
Greensboro
Fun Fourth Festival
When: July 4, 1-6 p.m.
Where: 532 South Elm St., downtown Greensboro
NC’s third-largest city’s free patriotic party, Fun Fourth Festival, kicks off with the Fun Fourth Freedom Run’s 10K at 7:30 a.m., 1 Mile Fun Run at 7:35 a.m., and 5K at 8 a.m. At 1 p.m., downtown Greensboro erupts with live music, strolling performers, water slides, local vendors, food trucks, and, of course, fireworks. While they’re shot off in the Grasshoppers stadium at nightfall after a concert, many locals simply watch from the street or atop a downtown parking garage.
Winston-Salem
Independence Day Celebration at Old Salem
When: July 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: 900 Old Salem Rd., Winston-Salem
It’s common knowledge that Camel City has a rich cultural history, but it’s less widely known that it’s also the site of the nation’s—and North Carolina’s—first official Fourth of July celebration in 1783. This year’s Independence Day Celebration at Old Salem will include music, history, and immersive experiences, such as authentic period music, historic ice cream-making, and firearms demos. Readings of the Declaration of Independence will take place throughout the day. The event is included in the admission price.
Asheville
Independence Day Block Party
When: July 4, 12-10 p.m.
Where: South Slope Brewing District, Asheville
Asheville’s South Slope neighborhood becomes even more vibrant when its annual Independence Day Block Party takes place. This energetic, free, all-day celebration features live music, local food vendors, an Ultimate Air Dogs dock-diving competition, and a classic car show, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
Bryson City
Bryson City Freedom Fest
When: July 4, 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Where: Everett St., Bryson City
One of North Carolina’s most scenic mountain towns hosts Freedom Fest, one of the state’s most classic Fourth of July celebrations. It kicks off at 8 a.m. at Riverfront Park downtown with the Firecracker 5K and 10K races. The festival officially opens to the community at 10 a.m. and runs until 10:30 p.m. During that time, there will be vendors aplenty, five live musical acts, two free Kids Fun Zones teeming with inflatables, and misting stations throughout. Local eateries and food trucks will also be on hand, offering classic festival food like funnel cakes and kettle corn alongside heartier options like NC BBQ. Fireworks will explode against the glorious Smoky Mountain night sky at 10 p.m.
Blowing Rock
Fireworks Extravaganza at Tweetsie
When: July 4, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Tweetsie Railroad, 300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln., Blowing Rock
Looking for small-town charm alongside big city fireworks? Hightail it to Blowing Rock’s annual Fireworks Extravaganza at Tweetsie. The iconic amusement park offers extended hours on July 4th so guests can enjoy the Wild West-themed activities like rides, arcade games, trains, petting zoo, and more all day. The High Country’s biggest display of fireworks begins at 9:30 p.m. and can be viewed from the parking lot. Note: The fireworks show is free and does not require any tickets.
New Bern
4th of July Celebration
When: July 4, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: 1309 Country Club Rd., New Bern
As the site of the state’s first recorded Independence Day celebration in 1778, New Bern commemorates the nation’s birth with an unforgettable evening at Lawson Creek Park. The free festivities, including games, magic shows, libations, and food trucks, kick off at 5:30 p.m. Live music will kick off at 6:30 p.m. and elevate the patriotic party vibes. Fireworks will light up the sky around 9:15 p.m. and can be seen from behind Tryon Palace, along the Riverwalk, and Union Point Park.
Wilmington
4th of July Celebration
When: July 4, 5-9 p.m.
Where: 10 Cowan St., Wilmington
The Port City sets the tone for a special Independence Day with its annual 4th of July Celebration. This free celebration of America’s 250th birthday takes place at Riverfront Park and features music from the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, kids’ activities, food, and more. Best of all? The evening ends at 9 p.m. with not one, but two, simultaneous fireworks shows. One will be launched across from the park, and the other will launch from a barge by the Battleship.
