Need July 4th plans? Here’s a list of free fireworks celebrations in the Triangle
Independence Day is almost here, and that means many across the nation are taking off work, having barbecues and popping fireworks (keep ‘em legal).
Most towns in the Triangle are joining the fun by holding their own celebrations starting this weekend (the official holiday is Tuesday, July 4).
We’ve compiled a guide to safe and professional fireworks shows and celebrations across the Triangle, listed chronologically.
Selma’s All-American Festival
The town of Selma is kicking off Independence Day weekend will an All-American Festival. There will be live entertainment, food trucks, and the national anthem will be sung by Chad Thompson
Date & Time: June 30, 6-9:30 p.m.
Location: Ormond’s Plaza, 1124 S. Pollock St.
Website: selma-nc.com
Clayton’s Independence Day Fireworks
The town of Clayton will be hosting a Friends and Family Independence Day celebration on July 1 with food trucks, games and free watermelon.
Date & Time: July 1, doors open at 6 p.m. and fireworks begin when dark
Location: Clayton High School, 600 S. Fayetteville St.
Website: townofclaytonnc.org
Other Information: Alcohol, smoking, pets, personal fireworks, tents, bikes and skateboards are not allowed.
Fuquay-Varina’s Independence Day Celebration
The town of Fuquay-Varina will be hosting an Independence Day Celebration at South Park with food and drink vendors.
Date & Time: July 1, gates open at 6 p.m. and fireworks will begin at sunset (usually around 9:15 p.m.)
Location: South Park, 900 S. Main St.
Website: fuquay-varina.org
Other Information: The band Spare Change will be playing at 6:30 p.m. The Splash Pad will be open from 6-8 p.m. Coolers are allowed but the event is alcohol-free.
Wendell’s Fireworks Show
The town of Wendell will be having a fireworks show with Americana music and food trucks.
Date & Time: July 2, the park opens at 6 p.m. and the firework show starts at 9 p.m.
Location: Wendell Community Park, 601 W. 3rd St.
Website: townofwendell.com
Other Information: The park’s parking lot has a capacity of 500 cars. When the lot is at capacity, additional parking is available downtown. There will be five shuttles running from the Park and Ride lot to Wendell Park.
Apex’s Fireworks Frenzy
The town of Apex will be putting on 4th of July events throughout the weekend starting with a Firework Frenzy on July 3.
Date & Time: On July 3, the festivities will start at 5 and the firework show begins tentatively at 9:30 p.m.
Location: Hunter Street Park, 1250 Ambergate Station
Website: apexnc.org
Other Information: Apex will also be holding its annual “Old Fashioned Fourth of July” on July 4 in Downtown Apex. Kids are invited to decorate bikes, scooters, and wagons to participate in the “Parade of Wheels.”
Garner’s Independence Day Celebration
The town of Garner will be hosting an Independence Day Celebration with kids games, live music and fireworks on July 3.
Date & Time: July 3, gates open at 5 p.m. and fireworks will begin approximately at 9:30 p.m.
Location: Lake Benson Park, 921 Buffaloe Road
Website: garnernc.gov
Morrisville’s Family Fun Festival
The town of Morrisville is putting together a “Family Fun Festival” with live music, entertainment and giveaways on July 3.
Date & Time: July 3, from 4-9 p.m.
Location: Morrisville Town Hall, 100 Town Hall Drive
Website: townofmorrisville.org
Wake Forest’s Fireworks Spectacular
The town of Wake Forest put together a “Fireworks Spectacular” on July 3 and a parade on July 4.
Date & Time: July 3, gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.
Location: Heritage High School, 1150 Forestville Rd
Website: wakeforestnc.gov
Other Information: The Band of Oz will begin their set at 6:15 p.m. Wake Forest will be hosting a Children’s Parade on July 4 at 10:30 p.m. After the parade, there will be Art & More in The Park from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cary’s Independence Day Celebration
The town of Cary will be putting on its Independence Celebration on July 4 at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre.
Date & Time: July 4, 3:30 p.m.- 10:15 p.m.
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway
Website: carync.gov
Other Information: General admission to the lawn is free, but there are limited reserved table seats.
Durham’s July 4th Celebration
The town of Durham and Durham Parks & Recreation have created a 4th of July Celebration on July 4.
Date & Time: July 4. The game begins at 6:45 p.m. and fireworks will begin at 9:45 p.m.
Location: Durham Bulls Athletic Park, 409 Blackwell St.
Website: dprplaymore.org
Other Information: The gates will open after the 7th inning for the public, but buying a ticket to the game is recommended.
Chapel Hill’s fireworks
The town will celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks.
Date & Time: July 4. The park opens at 7 p.m. Fireworks expected about 9:20 p.m.
Location: Southern Community Park. 1000 Sumac Road. Enter Southern Village via Market Street. The best viewing is from the town’s ballfields and around the Southern Village Green
Website: chapelhillarts.org/fireworks
Other information: People may bring blankets, chairs and food. Pets, alcohol, tents and tailgates not permitted. There is limited parking at the park, the Southern Village Park & Ride Lot and around Southern Village. A free shuttle goes from the Jackson Parking Deck at UNC Hospitals to the park from 6 to 8:15 p.m. and after the show.
Knightdale’s Fourth On First Ave.
The town of Knightdale will put on its annual “Fourth On First Ave” on July 4.
Date & Time: On July 4, the festival begins at 4 p.m. and fireworks will begin at 9 p.m.
Location: The Pavilion On First Avenue, 810 N. First Ave.
Website: knightdalenc.gov
Raleigh’s Fireworks Celebration at Dix Park
The free July 4th Celebration at Dix Park is one of the Triangle’s biggest fireworks shows with food trucks, family activities and a foam party pit.
Date & Time: July 4 event starts at 5 p.m. and fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.
Location: Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Drive.
Website: raleighnc.gov
Other information: There will be shuttles from Moore Square Park starting at 4:30 p.m.
Heading to Raleigh’s Dix Park for July 4th fireworks? What to know before you go
Rolesville’s 4th of July Celebration
The town of Rolesville’s 4th of July Celebration will have live music, food trucks and activities for kids and adults.
Date & Time: July 4, the park opens at 5 and fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
Location: Redford Place Park, 121 Redford Place Drive
Website: rolesvillenc.gov
Other Information: The band Liquid Pleasure will start performing at 6 p.m.
Holly Springs 4th of July celebration on July 5
The Town of Holly Springs believes Independence Day celebrations don’t need to end on July Fourth. The town hosts fireworks on Wednesday, July 5, as well as food trucks, games and live music.
Date & Time: July 5, 6 p.m. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Location: Sugg Farm at Bass Lake, 2401 Grigsby Ave.
Website: hollyspringsnc.us/358/July-5th
Other information: There will be over 25 food trucks and music from Groove 5 along with kids activities.
Ask the N&O
Have a question you’d like answered? Or maybe a tip or story idea you’d like to share? The News & Observer’s Service Journalism team wants to hear from you. For useful and practical information from our staff, reach us by submitting questions to our form or sending an email to ask@newsobserver.com.
