Independence Day is right around the corner, and there’s no better place to celebrate than right here in Raleigh! Whether you’re planning to watch fireworks light up the night sky, host a backyard cookout, or shop local sales to kick off your holiday weekend, we’ve got you covered. From family-friendly events and firework shows to local shops stocked with all your grilling essentials, plus special 4th of July promotions from your favorite small businesses—this guide will help you celebrate red, white, and local.
Local Celebrations
July 1st Celebrations:
Fuquay-Varina Independence Day Celebration
Live music, food trucks, splash pad, fireworks
July 1st
South Park
6:00 – 9:30 p.m.
More Information
July 2nd Celebrations:
Morrisville’s Red, White, & Boom!
Live music, food trucks, face painting, games, inflatables, fireworks
July 2nd Cedar Fork District Park 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. More Information
Wendell Fireworks Show
Fireworks, live music, golf cart and bike parade, food trucks
July 2nd Wendell Park 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. More Information
July 3rd Celebrations:
Cary’s July 3rd Celebration
Activities, food trucks, and a screening of “Independence Day”
July 3rd Downtown Cary Park 4:00 – 10:00 p.m. More Information
Apex Fireworks Frenzy
Parade of Wheels, Apex Fire Department Splash Down, inflatables, games, food trucks, drone show, fireworks
July 3rd Hunter Street Park 4:30 – 10:00 p.m. More Information
Garner Independence Day Celebration
Music by the North Carolina Symphony, food trucks, kids’ zone, fireworks
July 3rd Hunter Street Park 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. More Information
Clayton’s Independence Day Fireworks
Note: This year’s event will be fireworks only. There will be no additional activities at the fireworks site.
July 3rd Clayton Middle School Fireworks around 9:15 am More Information
Wake Forest Fireworks Spectacular
Live music, magic shows, food trucks, fireworks
July 3rd Clayton Middle School 5:30 – 10:00 pm More Information
July 4th Celebrations:
First in Freedom Parade – Raleigh
Celebrate the nation’s birthday in downtown Raleigh as the First in Freedom Parade honors North Carolina’s role in American history.
July 4th Downtown Raleigh 9:30 a.m.
👉 More Information
NC Freedom Fest at the State Capitol
Following the parade, continue the celebration downtown with live music, historical demonstrations, food vendors, local artisans, and family-friendly activities celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
July 4th State Capitol – Downtown Raleigh 10:00 am -4:00pm
👉 More Information
Raleigh Fourth of July Fireworks at Dix Park
July 4th Dix Park – Downtown Raleigh 6:00-10:00pm
👉 More Information
Cary Independence Day Celebration
July 4th Koka Booth Amphitheater – Cary Gates Open at 3:30 pm
👉 More Information
Bull City Boom & Bash
July 3rd & 4th Durham Central Park 3:00 – 9:00 pm
👉 More Information
Knightdale Fourth on First
July 4th Knightdale Station Park 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
👉 More Information
Rolesville Fourth of July Celebration
July 4th Redford Place Park 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
👉 More Information
Wake Forest Children’s Parade & Art in the Park
July 4th North Main Street & West Juniper Avenue 10:00 am
👉 More Information
Brier Creek Independence Celebration
July 4th North Main Street & West Juniper Avenue 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
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Holly Springs Independence Day Celebration
July 5th Jefferson L. Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
👉 More Information
Grillmaster Essentials
Get your grill on and shop local! From farm-fresh meats and small-batch sauces to handcrafted BBQ must-haves, Raleigh’s local businesses have everything you need to serve up serious flavor this Fourth of July. Ditch the big box stores—your ideal cookout lineup is waiting just down the street!
4th of July Sales and Summer Promotions
- Joint Venture Jewelry is celebrating with 15% OFF nearly everything online! From now through Tuesday, July 7, discover heirloom-quality treasures at exceptional prices.
- Celebrate National Hot Dog Month all July long with Snoopy’s Hot Dogs—buy one hot dog and get one free throughout the entire month, making it the perfect time to grab a friend and enjoy this local favorite!
- Try catering from Sam Jones BBQ! Order some classic chopped pork, slow-cooked chicken, homemade sides, desserts, and more. Or, stop in one of their locations for some summertime slushies!
- Looking for the perfect 4th of July outfits? Check out Lulu’s Boutique 4th of July Edit!
- Don’t forget to keep your pets safe this 4th of July! Stop in your closest Unleashed location for thundercoats, pet CBD, and other calming products that can help your pets stay calm through fireworks and summer storms.
- Stock up on your favorite Raleigh and NC themed t-shirts from House of Swank with their Buy 2 Get 1 Free sale! Ends July 4th. Use code “BUY2” at checkout.
- BOGO free hotdogs at Snoopy’s all month long using this coupon!
- Riparian Provision Co. has special 4th of July hours from 12-6pm on the 4th!
- Sleep better and save this holiday weekend! Celebrate the Fourth of July with The Organic Bedroom’s Independence Day Sale, where you can save up to 20% on organic mattresses and accessories.
