The City of Raleigh will host fireworks (plus games, food and music) at Dix Park on July 4, with gates opening at 6pm. Read about that event plus other fireworks displays in the Raleigh area below!
Ready to celebrate Independence Day in a big way for 2026? Fireworks displays, bounce houses, live music and other patriotic celebrations are lined up all across the Raleigh area to celebrate America's 250th birthday—don't miss out!
The big news is that the City of Raleigh is bringing the party back to Dix Park for July 4 this year, but here's your rundown on all of the biggest and best family-friendly Fourth of July events in Raleigh and its 11 surrounding towns.
Wed., July 1
Fuquay-Varina will host its Independence Day Celebration on July 1, featuring fireworks, food trucks and fun at South Park. The park's splash pad will also be open for kids during the event. The celebration starts at 6pm.
900 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
Thurs., July 2
You don't have to wait until July 4 for fireworks in Morrisville! The annual Morrisville Independence Day fireworks display will be held at Cedar Fork District Park, with music from local bands, giveaways and inflatables/games for children kicking things off at 6pm, and fireworks blasting off at dusk. Bring a chair and cash for a tasty treat from a local food truck.
228 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560
Thurs., July 2
Taking the spotlight on July 2, this event at Wendell Park kicks off at 6pm with food trucks, music (from The Main Event Band) and more to enjoy before a fireworks display at 9pm. Note that parking will be available on site, but free shuttle buses will also move between downtown Wendell and the park.
601 W. Third St., Wendell, NC 27591
Fri., July 3
Food trucks, inflatables, a drone show and a spectacular fireworks display—the Town of Apex's Fireworks Frenzy will feature entertainment for the whole family beginning at 4pm (drone show at 8:45pm; fireworks grand finale at 9:30pm) at Hunter Street Park on July 3.
1250 Ambergate Sta., Apex, NC 27502
Fri., July 3
Grab a blanket and head to Garner's Lake Benson Park for an evening of patriotic entertainment. The Independence Day Celebration starts at 5pm with food vendors, kids' crafts and more. The beloved performance from the North Carolina Symphony will top it all off, followed immediately by fireworks.
921 Buffaloe Rd., Garner, NC 27529
Fri., July 3 (fireworks), and Sat., July 4 (parade and art market)
Celebrating 53 years of events in 2026, the Town of Wake Forest's annual Independence Day event is free and open to the public, with July 3 fireworks taking place inside Husky Stadium on the campus of Heritage High School in Wake Forest. Gates will open at 5:30pm, local music group The Swingin' Medallions will headline the music stage and the fireworks show will begin at approximately 9:30pm.
The following day (July 4), a children's parade will make its way through downtown Wake Forest, and an art market will take place from 11am-1pm at the Wake Forest Community House, 133 W. Owen Ave.
1150 Forestville Rd., Wake Forest, NC 27587
Sat., July 4
Relax under the pines at Koka Booth Amphitheatre for the Town of Cary Independence Day Celebration. With gates opening at 3:30pm, the Cary Town Band will kick off the entertainment at 4:15pm, followed by a patriotic performance by the North Carolina Symphony and fireworks over beautiful Symphony Lake to cap the evening.
Related: Downtown Cary Park is hosting a July 3rd celebration, featuring a showing of "Independence Day" (1996) on the lawn, food trucks and other entertainment (note: no fireworks).
8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary, NC 27518
Sat., July 4
Raleigh's biggest fireworks display returns to Dix Park with a bang this year, bring out music, games, food and fireworks to celebrate America's 250th.
See the City of Raleigh's FAQ page about this event, including parking information, here. Text RALEIGH250 to 888777 to get real-time updates on traffic, weather and safety for public events in Raleigh July 4th weekend.
Related: First in Freedom Parade (July 4, 9:30am in downtown Raleigh; North Carolina Freedom Fest (July 4, 10am-4pm at North Carolina State Capitol); and America's Cookout (July 5, noon-2pm at Abbott's Creek Community Center).
2105 Umstead Dr., Raleigh, NC 27603 (parking is elsewhere, see website above)
