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 245th 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. Most of these celebrations were canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19—it's great to have them back!
Heads up: A few events listed below don't include fireworks but are early in the day—hit those early then head to more celebrations with fireworks later in the day!
Sat., July 3
Check out the town of Apex's Olde Fashioned Fourth of July from 10am-noon on Independence Day, where carnival games, live music from band Bach to Rock, roaming street performers, a red, white and blue vehicle procession and more are sure to entertain. Kids 12 and under can also participate in Uncle Sam's Parade of Wheels down Salem St.—decorate your bikes, wagons, tricycles or other non-motorized vehicles in patriotic colors. After the Parade of Wheels, the Fire Department Splash Down invites attendees to cool off under the spray of the fire hose!
Garner July 3 Independence Day Celebration
Sat., 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.
Sat., July 3 (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.
Sat., July 3
In downtown Morrisville, this year's modified event—from 4-9pm—will feature more extensive family-oriented programming than in previous years, including live entertainment, food trucks, family-friendly games, prize giveaways, small business representation and a laser-light show concluding the evening in place of fireworks.
Wake Forest Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular
Sat., July 3 (includes fireworks)
Free and open to the public, this popular community event will take 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.
Sun., July 4 (includes fireworks)
Relax under the pines at Koka Booth Amphitheatre for the Town of Cary's July 4th 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 (table seating has sold out). Food vendors will be available outside of the venue gates.
Sun., July 4 (includes fireworks)
After a year away, we're thrilled to have fireworks back in the City of Oaks! The City of Raleigh's annual July Fourth fireworks will be held around the Stadium and Arena Complex (Carter-Finley Stadium and PNC Arena area). Free parking to view the fireworks will be available within the PNC Arena and Carter-Finley Stadium. Lots open at 6pm, with fireworks launch at 9:30pm. Restrooms will be available and guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks!
Sun., July 4
In place of the town's usual parade, the Town of Wendell's Independence Day event for 2021 will be a community gathering for Picnic at the Park, featuring lawn games, food trucks, bounce houses and more at Wendell Park from 11am-2pm—don't forget your sunscreen!
Star Spangled Block Party at Brier Creek Commons
Sun., July 4 (includes fireworks)
An evening full of festivities and fun at Brier Creek Commons, the Star Spangled Block party kicks off at 8pm with DJ Mark McNally. Settle in for one of this area’s largest fireworks shows that begins after dark. A fireworks soundtrack will be broadcast on Kix 102.9 radio—tune in after dark and listen to the choreographed show live.
Holly Springs July 5th Celebration
Mon., July 5 (includes fireworks)
A second day for the USA! Celebrate Independence Day on July 5 with food, live entertainment and fireworks in Holly Springs—the celebration kicks off at 6pm at Sugg Farm at Bass Lake. Hotdogs, ice cream, tacos, BBQ, funnel cakes and more will be available from 20 various food trucks and concessionaires. Dance along to live music from Irresistible Groove 5, and of course end the night with one of the area's best fireworks shows beginning at approximately 9:15pm.
Other major upcoming events and festivals in Raleigh, N.C.
- Capital City Juneteenth Celebration, June 19
- Tacos 'N Taps Festival, June 26
- Peak City Pig Fest, July 23-24
- GalaxyCon Raleigh, July 29-Aug. 1
- Sir Walter Miler, Aug. 6
- Raleigh's International Food Festival, Aug. 28
- Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, Aug. 28-29
- Hopscotch Music Festival, Sept. 9-11
- Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival, Sept. 10-11
- Raleigh Greek Festival, Sept. 10-12
- Brewgaloo, Sept. 17-18
- IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC, Oct. 1-2
- Triangle Oktoberfest, Oct. 1-2
- Artsplosure, Oct. 9-10
- North Carolina State Fair, Oct. 14-24
- Raleigh Christmas Parade, Nov. 20
