Ready to celebrate Independence Day in a big way for 2025? Fireworks displays, bounce houses, live music and other patriotic celebrations are lined up all across the Raleigh area to celebrate America's 249th birthday—don't miss out! Here's your rundown on the biggest and best family-friendly Fourth of July events in Raleigh and its 11 surrounding towns.
Tues., July 1
Fuquay-Varina will host its Independence Day Celebration on July 1, featuring food trucks, live music from local band Heads Up Penny and a fireworks display at South Park. The park's splash pad will also be open for kids during the event. The celebration starts at 6pm.
Wed., July 2
Taking the spotlight on July 2, this event at Wendell Community Park kicks off at 6pm with food trucks, music and more to enjoy before a fireworks display at 9pm. Note that parking will be available on site, but free shuttle buses will move between downtown Wendell (7 N. Oakwood) and the park.
Thurs., July 3 (fireworks), and Fri., July 4 (children's parade and more)
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 5pm (drone show at 9pm; fireworks grand finale at 9:30pm) at Hunter Street Park on July 3, followed by a long-standing traditional July 4 day of carnival games, ice cream vendors, roaming street performers, a children's bike/wagon/scooter parade and more activities that are always fun for all ages.
Thurs., 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, tours of the Garner Veterans Memorial and more. The North Carolina Symphony will put on a patriotic program at 8:30pm, followed immediately by fireworks.
Thurs., July 3
You don't have to wait until July 4 for fireworks in Morrisville! The annual Morrisville July 3rd fireworks display will be held at Cedar Fork District Park, with music from local bands, giveaways and inflatables/games for children (purchase of wristband required) kicking things off at 5pm, and fireworks blasting off at dusk. Bring a chair and cash for a tasty treat from a local food truck.
Thurs., July 3 (fireworks), and Fri., July 4 (parade and art market)
Celebrating 52 years of events in 2025, 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 (1150 Forestville Rd.) in Wake Forest. Gates will open at 5:30pm, local music group The Ray Band 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.
Thurs., July 3
An evening of baseball, peanuts and post-game fireworks? Count us in! The Carolina Mudcats—taking to the diamond at Five County Stadium in Zebulon—will take on the Fayetteville Woodpeckers in this Thursday night game that is sure to be light up the scoreboard (and the sky!).
Note: The Mudcats have fireworks after each Friday night home game, including July 11 and 25.
Fri., 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. The concession stands will be open, but guests are welcome to bring a picnic (alcohol allowed; beer and wine only).
Related: Downtown Cary Park is hosting a July 3rd celebration, featuring a showing of "Top Gun" (1986) on the lawn, food trucks and other entertainment (note: no fireworks).
Fri., July 4
It's a return to the stadium complex at Lenovo Center and Carter-Finley Stadium for the City of Oaks' July 4th fireworks display in 2025. This free event will have parking lots open at 6pm. Tailgating is encouraged, so bring your chairs, grills, coolers, sunscreen and blankets (full regulations here).
See the City of Raleigh's FAQ page about this event here.
