Ready to celebrate Independence Day in a big way this year? Fireworks displays, bounce houses, live music and other patriotic celebrations are lined up all across the Raleigh area to celebrate America's 246th 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.
Fuquay-Varina Independence Day Celebration
Fri., July 1 (includes fireworks)
Fuquay-Varina will host its Independence Day Celebration July 3, featuring food vendors, live music from local band Spare Change 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.
Carolina Mudcats for America Fireworks Series
Fri., July 1 through Sun., July 3 (includes fireworks)
Three nights of baseball and post-game fireworks? Count us in! The first-place Carolina Mudcats—taking to the diamond at Five County Stadium in Zebulon—will take on the Fayetteville Woodpeckers in this homestand that is sure to be light up the scoreboard (and the sky!).
Apex Fireworks Frenzy and Olde Fashioned Fourth of July
Sun., July 3 (includes fireworks) and Mon., July 4 (children's parade and more)
This first-ever Independence Day fireworks display in the Town of Apex will feature music, food trucks and the big show starting 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 that are always entertaining for the entire family.
Garner July 3rd Independence Day Celebration
Sun., July 3 (includes fireworks)
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. Picnics, coolers and beach umbrellas are welcome! Admission and parking are free.
Morrisville July 3rd Family Fun Festival
Sun., July 3 (includes fireworks)
You don't have to wait until July 4 for fireworks in Morrisville! The annual Morrisville July 3rd Fireworks display will be held on Town Hall Dr., with music from local band Trial By Fire and food trucks 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.
Wake Forest Fireworks Spectacular and Independence Day Celebration
Sun., July 3 (includes fireworks), and Mon., July 4 (parade and art market)
Now in its 49th year, the Town of Wake Forest's annual Independence is free and open to the public, with July 3 fireworks taking place inside Husky Stadium on the campus of Heritage High School (150 Forestville Rd.) in Wake Forest. Gates will open at 7:30pm, 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.
Town of Cary Independence Day Celebration
Mon., July 4 (includes fireworks)
Relax under the pines at Koka Booth Amphitheatre for the Town of Cary Independence Day Celebration. With doors opening at 3:30pm, the Cary Town Band kicks off music at 5:30pm, followed by a patriotic performance by the North Carolina Symphony and fireworks over beautiful Symphony Lake to cap the evening. General admission seating is available free to the public on a first-come basis, and a limited number of table reservations are available for purchase. Food vendors will be available outside of the venue gates.
City of Raleigh July 4th Celebration at Dix Park
Mon., July 4 (includes fireworks)
A new location for the City of Oaks' biggest July 4th event—Dorothea Dix Park! Pack a picnic and head to Dix Park to enjoy music the DJ stage and field games like cornhole and giant Connect 4 before the fireworks begin. Parking will be off site for this event—on North Carolina State University Centennial Campus and at downtown Raleigh parking decks—with free shuttles running between Centennial Campus and Moore Square to Dix Park from 6-11:30pm. The event area is a large grassy surface—bring bug spray, blankets, chairs and coolers!
