Happy Fourth of July, Raleigh! This year we’re going all out in celebrating. From fireworks displays to a watermelon seed spitting contest, this is about as American as gets! So get ready to cookout and crack open a cold one because here are a few of our favorite 4th of July events in Raleigh!
Don’t forget to tag us in your holiday pics on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for a chance to be featured on our social pages.
Events:
1. Independence Day Celebration
A Town of Cary favorite is back! Celebrate the Fourth of July all day long at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. With lots of family friendly activities, magic shows, an ice cream eating contest, a performance from the Cary Town Band and NC Symphony, and a fireworks display, what more could you want!? This event is perfect for the entire family (and all your friends)! Throw on your most patriotic outfit and get ready to celebrate!
Event Details
🗓 JULY 04 | 3PM–10PM
📍 8003 Regency Pkwy
2. Olde Fashioned Fourth of July
Throw it back to the good ole days with this nostalgic Fourth of July celebration! Join the town in shutting down Salem Street for a decorated car processional AND, for the kiddos, a parade of wheels! Decorate your wheels (bike, wagon, tricycle, or other non-motorized vehicle) in patriotic colors and get ready to ride. Following the parade, cool off with the Apex Fire Department under the spray of the fire hose in The Depot parking lot. Don’t forget to grab a drink and a snack from your fave downtown resto to make the party last all day long!
Event Details
🗓 JULY 03 | 10AM–11AM
📍 Downtown Apex
3. July 4th Weekend Laser Light Show
Who doesn’t love a laser show? Drive in or walk up to celebrate the holiday with a patriotic laser show. This rain or shine event is the perfect way to end your evening of celebrating! Gates open at 8 so arrive early to claim your spot! Admission is free, BUT preregistration is required.
Event Details
🗓 JULY 03 | 9PM–9:30PM
📍 750 Stadium Dr
4. Morrisville Family Fun Festival
In Morrisville, the party doesn’t wait until July 4th to kick-off! This event is jam-packed with fun, family-friendly activities like games, magic shows, face painters, and live entertainment. And don’t worry about dinner, because this festival is complete with food trucks! Try meatballs from Barone Meatball or a hotcake from Hot Chix. And to end the evening, grab a spot to view the laser light show. This is definitely the perfect way to make the Fourth of July in Raleigh celebrations last all weekend long!
Event Details
🗓 JULY 03 | 4PM–9PM
📍 Town Hall Dr
Take a Day Trip:
These drivable destinations are perfect for a little escape from home to celebrate the holiday! Pack a cooler and explore all the NC has to offer.
Jordan Lake | 30 Minutes
Asheboro | 1.5 Hours
Lake Gaston | 1.5 Hours
Wilmington | 2 Hours
Blue Ridge Parkway | 3 Hours
Linville Gorge & Falls | 3.5 Hours
Grandfather Mountain | 3.5 Hours
Outer Banks | 3.5 Hours
Get Outside:
Raleigh is home to amazing green spaces! Spend this Fourth of July soaking up some sun at one of these beautiful parks.
Dorthea Dix Park | 2105 Umstead Dr., Raleigh, NC 27603
Umstead State Park | 8801 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, 27617
Lake Crabtree | 1400 Aviation Parkway Morrisville, NC 27560
Shelley Lake | 1400 West Millbrook Rd. Raleigh, NC 27614
Also be sure to check out these 5 Beautiful Raleigh Parks To Take a Stroll Through!
Watch Fireworks:
No Fourth of July celebration is complete without a fireworks show! Here are a few of our favorite fireworks displays across the Triangle.
Town of Cary Independence Day Celebration
Fourth of July Fireworks – Chapel Hill
Don’t forget to tag us in your holiday pics on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for a chance to be featured on our social pages. We wish you a safe and happy 4th of July in Raleigh!
Looking for more things to do in Raleigh? Stay up to date with things to do in Raleigh this weekend by downloading our app and make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and TikTok.
Locally curated guides
Here are some awesome guides, from us to you.
Anna Brescia