Going to Raleigh’s 4th of July fireworks at Dix Park? What to know before you go.
Ready for fireworks?
Several towns and cities across the Triangle will host Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks this holiday, but the city of Raleigh’s event — to be held at Dorothea Dix Park for the first time this year — may be one of the biggest and most popular.
The annual event is free and will feature fireworks, music, games and activities.
What else should you know about the event?
To help make your Fourth of July outing a bit easier, we’ve compiled this guide to the event, answering several common questions you may have.
Here’s what you need to know before you go to the city of Raleigh’s Fourth of July fireworks at Dix Park.
When is Raleigh’s Fourth of July fireworks event?
The city of Raleigh’s Fourth of July fireworks event will be held on Monday, July 4.
▪ Gates to the event will open and shuttles will begin running at 6 p.m.
▪ Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.
▪ The event will end at 11 p.m.
Where is Raleigh’s Fourth of July fireworks event?
Raleigh’s Fourth of July fireworks event will be held at the Big Field at Dix Park (101 Blair Drive, Raleigh).
Note: Dix Park, including the dog park, will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 9 a.m. on July 4. There will be no parking allowed at Dix Park for the event. Find more information about parking below.
An event map is available at raleighnc.gov/fireworks.
What will the event include?
▪ In addition to a fireworks show, Raleigh’s Fourth of July event at Dix Park will include music (plus dancing, if you’d like), field games like cornhole and Connect 4, and informational booths.
▪ Water bottle filling stations will be available.
▪ Portable restrooms will be available. ADA accessible facilities will be included.
▪ There will not be food trucks or other concessions at the event.
Do I need a ticket for Raleigh’s Fourth of July fireworks?
You do not need a ticket for the event. The event is free, and no sign-up or registration is required to attend.
Where can I park for Raleigh’s Fourth of July fireworks?
There will be no parking allowed at Dix Park for the event, but there will be shuttles available to take you to the event from other designated parking locations in Raleigh.
▪ Free event parking will be available in designated lots on N.C. State University’s Centennial Campus, including in lots along Centennial Parkway, Varsity Drive and Main Campus Drive. When you arrive to Centennial Campus, follow signage and instructions from parking attendants. (These lots may be walking distance to the event, if you’re not interested in taking a shuttle.)
▪ Free event parking will also be available in parking decks in downtown Raleigh, near Moore Square. Event organizers list the following downtown decks as event parking: Moore Square Parking Deck (223 S. Wilmington St.) and Red Hat/City Center Parking Deck (429 S. Wilmington St.).
Free shuttles will run from both Centennial Campus and Moore Square to take attendees to the event.
▪ Shuttles will run beginning at 6 p.m. The last shuttles will leave Dix Park at 11 p.m.
▪ Event organizers recommend arriving early and ask attendees to “please pack your patience.”
▪ If you’d like to get some steps in, some parking on Centennial Campus may be walking distance to the event. (Budget about 15-20 minutes for the walk, depending on your speed.)
An event map is available at raleighnc.gov/fireworks.
Is there accessible parking at the event? What about shuttles?
The designated lots for event parking have ADA-compliant parking, and shuttles are also accessible — but you should note that “the Dix Park event site and viewing area are not fully accessible for all mobility needs.”
Event organizers have designated an Accessible Park & View Area for the fireworks, located at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral (715 Nazareth St.).
“This area provides a good view of the fireworks,” the city’s event website says. “Attendees can park here and watch from in or next to their vehicles.”
Learn more about accessibility at Dix Park at dixpark.org/accessibility.
What if I want to ride my bike or walk to the event?
If you’d rather walk or bike to the event, pedestrian and bike entrances to the event are available.
Depending on which side of the Big Field you’d like to enter from, use these entrances:
▪ Use the Rocky Branch Greenway to enter at Hunt Drive and Western Boulevard.
▪ Use the Centennial Bikeway Connector to enter at Blair Drive and Centennial Parkway.
Bike parking with volunteer attendants will be available at each of these entrances.
An event map is available at raleighnc.gov/fireworks.
Can I use a rideshare to get to the event? Is there a drop-off location?
If you want to skip the hassle of driving yourself to the event, you may decide to take a rideshare service, such as Uber or Lyft, or have a family member or friend drop you off.
A dedicated rideshare drop-off and pick-up lot will be available on the Dix Park campus using the S. Boylan Avenue entrance to Dix Park off of Western Blvd. Follow signs for the Rideshare Lot off of Western Blvd.
This lot is about a 3-5 minute walk from the event. The lot can also be used as a pick-up location after the event ends.
What should I bring? What is allowed at the event?
The fireworks viewing area is a grass-covered field with uneven surfaces. You should plan to bring a blanket or lawn chairs to make your viewing experience more comfortable.
Other items allowed and suggested at the event include:
Small cooler with food and non-alcoholic beverages. (Note: There will not be food trucks at the event, so it’s a good idea to pack your own food.)
Refillable water bottles. (Water bottle filling stations will be available.)
Comfortable, close-toed shoes
Sunscreen and bug spray
Flashlights
What is not allowed at the event?
The following items and actions are prohibited from the event:
Weapons of any kind
Alcohol
Smoking and vaping
Drug use
Open flames and grilling
Personal fireworks
Drones
Off-leash dogs and not properly disposing of dog waste
Littering
More information about Raleigh’s Fourth of July fireworks
Have more questions about the event? You can find more information about Raleigh’s Fourth of July fireworks at Dix Park at:
